Hi Bluejayer,Welcome to Lymenet. We're very glad to help you.
So sorry you're in pain. Facial pain can be the worst because there are so many nerves in the mouth.
There are many folks here with vast experience on Doxycycline. I'm sure they will come by shortly & provide much better answers for you.
In the meantime, I can share what I've used for nerve pain.
Low dose prescription Elavil 10 mg. (get generic) & then combine it with 600 mg of Motrin.
The Motrin will take down the inflammation.
The Elavil works directly on the nerve to turn off that abnormal pain signal, if it's nerve pain.
(Elavil is contraindicated in heart patients & should not be combined with thyroid medication.) It will make you sleepy.
Try to treat pain early on, don't wait until it's unbearable & you're crying with it.
Also, I've gone through many a hot gel pack for pain. My best friend------probably.
Be sure & get a microwaveable kind. Read the labels closely becaue some gel packs can only be placed in hot water; way too much trouble.
Mine is called: Reusable/Multi-Purpose ICE/HEAT by Trufit; blue label & blue gel pack. I found this at the drug store.
Because your pain goes from side-to-side it sounds like die-off. Doxycycline does pass the blood brain barrier, so it does affect nerves.
Lyme disease is a disease of the nerves and it will let you know when those spirochetes get stirred up.
This will sound rather lame, but I used Clove oil by NOW from the health food store (it didn't have to be diluted) directly on upper & lower gums.
Somehow this diffuses throughout that entire area. It may not work for your particular pain------it's hard to know.
Everyone's symptoms are unique & so treatment will vary from person to person.
You may not feel like doing any research at the moment, but Tincup has compiled this list of links which make it really easy to learn about Lyme.
Here's the link:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/009342.html
Sorry, I was unable to answer your questions directly, but others will know exactly how to help.
We are just happy that you at least received prompt treatment which is cricitcal in gaining advantage over this clever bug.
Hope this helps.
Take Care,
Jan