Absorption symptoms and conditions

The weight gain is horrible and the headaches are happening daily. I feel really tired and achy all day and restless during sleep. I have Lyme disease and not sure if these symptoms are from the drug or from the disease itself but I'm pretty sure the weight gain is from water retention caused by the Doxycycline. I hope this will go away after my 21 days is up.

I had Mirena put in 2 days ago for post menopausal progesterone to balance the estrogen. My gynecologist said that absorption of progesterone into the systemic circulation was minimal, but when I read the pamphlet that came with it, it was clear that there are many possible side effects, but I'd already paid for the thing in advance, so I went ahead. I've had bloating, nausea, can't hardly eat, fever, feel sick all over since then. On top of this I'm being treated for chronic Lyme, and the treatment for that can cause you to feel like crap. I'm thinking about having it taken out right away not that I've read what you ladies are writing.

Was prescribed Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 3 days ago for a bacterial skin infection. At the same time, I also had an apparent allergic reaction going on (unknown source, had never had one before) where my arms were both covered with hives/welts. So my skin was peeling and hive covered BEFORE even starting the meds, which is making the evaluating of the drug side effects a bit trickier. So far, the skin seems to be improving but the hives/rash has not improved, despite taking prescribed allergy meds during the same time. So this could be the current source of the rash, but I can't tell.
On the plus side, have not had any stomach upset (I took all doses w/ food) or other GI symptoms other than increased frequency in BMs. I only seemed to get a headache after not drinking water for a couple of hours. If online sources are to be believed, the "sulfa" portion of this is the culprit behind the worst side effects, AND food may interfere with absorption/effectiveness. Based on that, I'm planning on taking my remaining doses w/ food since the skin infection is already clearing up after 2 days and I've got 10 days to go. Hoping to avoid the reactions folks described here where they starting rashes late in the treatment cycle.

I had horrible side effects (body aches, joint and muscle pain, headaches, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, etc.). I did some research and I am currently trying to detox using calcium (tums or vitamins), magnesium (liquid antacids or vitamins), orange juice, apple juice, and grapefruit juice which all limit the absorption of the drug. A high protein and high fiber diet with no refined sugars is suppose to help. Drink plenty of water and add a B-Complex to help with Anemia (another side effect). Apparently, it takes three weeks to eliminate from your system. Good Luck and God Bless.

My derm prescribed Doxycycline to me yesterday but after reading all the comments i am afraid to take it. I'm 23 years old and my acne is looking worse and worse as i get older and need to do something about it but do i put myself through this? Can anyone help me make up my mind?

I was prescribed Loestrin FE 1/20 TAB for clotting and having menstruation more often than I should (once every two weeks or so). My first experience resulted in leg pain, after six days. This ended with a Doppler scan to check for blood clots. Well, that was cleared so back on to Loestrin I went. When I picked up my prescription I asked the pharmacist (yes I had already asked my doctor) during consultation about interactions with the other medications I take on a daily basis. Prednisone 10mg tablet and Armour Thyroid 240mg. I was told, not to worry, no issues. Eleven days after starting Loestrin again, I called my doctor because of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, indigestion (like I've never had before) and feeling "foggy." I was told these were "not typical complaints" that they heard. I then checked for interactions on line and found that both the prednisone and Armour Thyroid have interactions. With Prednisone it's side effects can be made more severe than they would be without the Loestrin (never had a side effect in the eight months I was on it, until the Loestrin). I experienced With the Armour Thyroid Loestrin binds to it, preventing the absorption of the thyroid medication. This explains all of the symptoms I was having. Please, beware that you must check on interactions yourself, do not rely on your pharmacist or physician to be aware of these.

Boy, this could take a while. Have been on generic Levoxyl for more than 7 yrs(can't say exactly how long since I stay "fuzzy headed" all the time). Anyway, about a yr ago I became so depressed I went off all my meds -- I'm a diabetic on insulin and also have high blood pressure. I felt good!To try and make this story a little shorter, I went on a diet and lost 70 lbs -- went from 310 down to 240. Then I went back on meds. In less than a yr, have regained all the weight I lost. Also, my legs swell and ache so badly it makes walking painful. Hands, wrists and knees throb constantly. Intermittent headaches so bad I have to wear sunglasses just to tolerate indoor lighting. Hair loss is so severe I'm considering a wig. Skin is dry and itchy and lotions help not at all. Any work I have to do I must accomplish before noon because by early afternoon the fatigue is debilitating. I'm currently on 300mcg of Levothyroxine (up from 250mcg 2 months ago) and doctor wants to increase dosage even more. Had no idea there were other people suffering the same problems until I stumbled upon this site. I take the medication as prescribed (with perhaps less than the recommended full glass of water) but plenty of coffee. Discovered on another site that the coffee may be inhibiting the drug's absorption. I feel so helpless/hopeless. Am considering going back off the Levothyroxine but am seriously worried about high T3/T4 levels. Thanks for listening; guess I just needed to vent.

I was put on Yasmin not for birth control but for the beginning of fertility treatments. I was on Yasmin only 1 months. After about 2 days I started getting symptoms. I called the Pharmacist and my fertility doctor and they both told me the pill wasn't the culprit. But after the 20th day I just couldn't take it anymore I went off of it. After starting Yasmin I had TERRIBLE Panic attacks, Anxiety ( still have to this day two months later), Heart Palpitations, leg cramps, boobs hurt, breathing trouble ( still to this day), HORRIBLE thoughts, adrenaline rushes all hours of the day, tingling in my hands and feet, my mind feels fuzzy, no appetite, no sex drive, depression, crying fits for hours, I felt like i was going insane.... You name it I had it. I stopped the pill two months ago and I still have the horrible anxiety/attacks, feel like i cant breath properly, OCD about my breathing.

I went to the hospital and got checked for blood clots in my lungs, legs, Asthma test, EKG, blood tested, was put on heart monitor all came back normal. I have started seeing a therapist, on depression meds and none of it is working. I feel like this pill has ruined my life and i wasn't even trying to stop life i was trying to help create it.

Here i am two months after stopping the pill and yes some of the stuff has went away but i still suffer with Anxiety from the time i wake up in the morning till the time I go to bed at night. And sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. My head is getting a little clearer and I am not as depressed as before. But I am just praying that this anxiety goes away. I have NEVER been a person who can't handle stress or gets anxiety/panic attacks and since it started it hasn't stopped. I am so very weak, muscles ache so much which i think is from the anxiety attacks and the muscles tightening.

So if you have this... you are not alone! I am suffering with it everyday. It is so debilitating I cant do much. Has anyone else had this months after stopping Yasmin?

I don't believe you are experiencing side effects due to Synthroid - I have similar symptoms and just a couple of days ago my doctor and I have discovered that my symptoms may have to do with my PARAthyroid gland. I also have Chronic Kidney disease which also has a correlation to both the Thyroid and Parathyroid.

Ask your doctor to check your Ionized Calcium, PTH (parathyroid hormone), and your Vitamin D-25 - also your cholesterol levels. Also - check out GOITROGENS - certain foods and drugs, including SOY and Milk may affect your body's absorption of your levothyroxine dose (you may not be getting enough)

Lisinopril robs the body of Zinc. I have been viciously researching this med and I found that a lot of symptoms posted here are zinc deficiency symptoms. Maybe a zinc supplement will help especially with the hair loss.
Signs of Zinc Deficiency
• behavioral and sleep disturbances

• dandruff

• delay in wound healing

• diarrhea

• different kinds of skin lesions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne

• growth retardation

• hair loss

• hang nails

• hyperactivity

• increased allergic sensitivity

• inflammation of your nail cuticles

• inflammatory bowel disease

• loss of appetite

• loss of senses of taste or smell

• loss of sex drive

• mild anemia

• pre-eclampsia (toxaemia) in pregnancy and post-natal depression

• pre-menstrual syndrome, disturbance in your menstrual cycle

• reduced fertility

• skin dryness and rashes

• white spots on fingernails, transverse lines and poor nail growth

I just started using Yasmin 15 days ago and in the second week of taking it, I started experiencing leg cramps. I was just laying in bed and my leg started feeling really weird... I just thought it was because I hadn't done any yoga for a few days. So I did yoga and walked for a while to see if I could loosen it up and nothing. It continued for the whole week so I started taking baths to soften the muscle, thinking that it had to do with lack of exercise, still nothing. I even had my massage therapist husband try and massage it out and still nothing. So I thought it may be early pregnancy symptoms, but the test was neg. I've been researching my symptoms for a week now, and I stumble across this sight. Thank you I will stop taking it NOW so that I don't become as ill as most of you, though I will still have the leg cramps checked out asap. Again thank you.

I have been on Levoxyl for about 9 years and have felt awful. I have had weight loss, dry hair, thinning hair,dry skin, muscle aches, migraines and the list goes on. I just got out of the hospital Monday after 4 days of testing of my heart and lungs. I was admitted for racing heart. The doctor's conclusion was anxiety! They said that Levoxyl has nothing to do with my rapid heart rate. The endocrinologist prescribed taking levoxyl .050 on day and .075 the next also a beta blocker, Xanax and Zoloft. I can not take any of these meds b/c they make it almost worse. I KNOW it is not Anxiety and it from the Levoxyl but what do I do?? I am a mess right now can not be in this condition with four young kids and a husband. None of the doctors would say it was the Levoxyl and instead prescribed more and told me to check up with blood work in 6 weeks. I took the .050 yesterday around noon and by 7:30pm my heart rate picked up again and continued until 4:30 this morning. I can not sleep more then 2 hours at a time and wakeup feeling like I am crawling out of my skin. PLEASE let me know of any solutions.

decomposition of lisinopril in acidic medium so narrow absorption window.

Ok ladies...day two since removal. Still no major relief of symptoms...but I did start a period...pretty moderate flow. I'm exhausted and my emotions are all over the place. (I have cried about 4 different times today...and yes I've been at work for most of it. Nice.)

I found a posting on here earlier...can't remember whose it was (Sorry!) about checking out a site from "nerdnuggets" where it posted a product monograph which is the informative packet released by Bayer Corp. in Canada. If you can find that posting, do it! Pull it up and print it out...it's a 46 page description of the medication. Page 10 specifies all of these side effects...even the tendinitis I've been treated for! Page 33 lists the absorption and distribution of the medicine into our bodies and specifically discusses how the medicine becomes systemic in our bloodstream within 15 minutes of insertion! So what I did was printed out several copies, attached letters, and sent it out to all my doctors and specialists, including my EX-gynecologist asking him to use the information to educate not only himself, but his staff as well so they do not grossly discount another patient's side-effects they way they did mine. Keep in mind that this information is not readily available to us here in the US...this is a Canadian report.

Hence my other phone call made today to attorney Justin Wikin (out of Florida I believe...thank you, Amayaa, for this info) at 850-916-7450 regarding a possible class action suit. They took my story down and recorded names of all my physicians and told me I should hear back from them within 7-10 days.

In the report, I also found how it is excreted form your body once removed. It has a half life of about 20 hours. Layman's terms: After 20 hours, or approximately one day, only about 50% remains in your body. The next day, 50% of that is removed, leaving about 25% in your system. (So: Day 3, you should only have about 12% left, Day 4 = 6%, Day 5 = 3%, Day 6 = 1%.) Realistically, every day should get better and better...and I should start feeling some major relief when, after about 1 week, all this is out of my system.

Good luck to us all and for those of you who are having the same problems with their doctors as I have been...print out that report! (Plus, it's fun to see the look on their faces when you show them a medical report that they cannot dispute!)

Thanks for the update Davenport 4! Today is day 3 following removal for me, and I have a few things to report. First, the morning after removal, I swear it felt like my back "unlocked." Felt good to be able to stretch again. I still have back pain, but have begun to stretch my back to help strengthen the muscles, and today, the pain is almost gone. I'm also still experiencing swelling, but it seems to be improving little by little. I continued spotting, but I would likely have had more spotting anyway since I was at day five of my period when it was removed. And I also have flu-like (well, more like hay fever) symptoms and constant headaches, still a bit fuzzy and lethargic, but definitely more energy. I've begun running up the hill with my dog every day. Still need the occasional nap, but have slept soundly throughout the nights. I've continued to do more research, and was frustrated when I kept reading about the benefits of progestin treatment...I hate being one of those who it doesn't seem to help. The synthetic progestin used in the Mirena is Levonorgestrel. All synthetic progestins produce side effects, including weight gain, headaches, and there's some concern about it's effect on bone density loss. Even Mirena acknowledges that they're not sure how or why it works. I feel like a lab rat. There are natural progesterone treatments available, and micronization (crystalizing progesterone) appears to help absorption; however, even natural progesterone has side effects. These are hormones...not nutritional supplements. From what I understand, some of us are more sensitive to hormonal imbalances by introduction of external hormones, and it's just a matter of finding a doctor who's willing to work through natural options. Think I'm going to try a diet high in natural progesterone (broccholi, for example) and exercise to combat this crazy time of life. Will keep checking back.

My Mirena Removal....
So i posted here a few weeks ago after I found this site. I had EVERY side effect listed and was so freaked out that i immediately made an appointment for removal.
For those of you reading and wondering what the removal is like..
Well, NOTHING like the insertion. I was so so nervous and it was over before we actually started. The DR was surprised that i was back in his office to have this removed. He then proceeded to do an ultrasound to be sure it was placed properly before removal. And yes, all was OK on the position of it. I explained to him my reasons and he looked at me like he had never heard this before. I honestly can not imagine with all the women he sees that NONE of them have complained. But...as I was getting dressed afterwards, I took a good look in his office. There was Mirena literature ALL over the place. In fact, that was the ONLY thing he was advertising. Not to mention...they made me pay up front with the insertion back in Nivember...billed my insurance and I still have yet to receive my reimbursement. Oh yeah, and that...they charge more than the actual Mirena costs, then they bill your insurance for the price they know they will pay and the DR then makes about $150 profit. Nice.
Ok, back to my side effects post Mirena. The removal was not painful at all. I did spot for about a week- nothing too heavy but it was clotty and def there.
A couple of days after the removal it felt like I was coming out of my skin something terrible. I figured this was my body adjusting to the lack of hormones. I also had some headaches.
It has now been 2 weeks and the spotting has disappeared. I also can see the bloating of my stomach is starting to go away. It looked like I was about 4 mos preggo while I was on it. I also have an increased sex drive. And sleep-- well let me tell you, I have not slept this good in a very long time. I am actually sleeping more than 6 hours now and the night sweats have also discontinued.
I can't believe EVERY time I come to this site and look up Mirena ALL the people that have posted their experience as being negative. Yet, the DR looks at me like I am crazy! I have been seeing him for years and I have never complained about something like this. I really am so happy that I have it out and wish I would have done my research on this prior to insertion (which was one of the most painful things ever!)
So..for those of you out there that are either contemplating having it inserted...I say NO WAY. And for those of you out there that are nervous about the removal or not sure..I SAY YES, DO IT! For our bodies to be reacting this way, it is clear to me that it should not be inside of us. Listen to your bodies...they really do speak to you and let you know when something is not right. Forget about the DR saying it is safe or he has not heard of any of these side effects...YOU be the judge.
Good luck! And I promise it gets better once you get that lil' demon out!
Mona

I am 30 and just prescribed this med for high blood pressure 160/115 sometimes worse. I haven't filled my script because I usually handle all my problems completely natural with the occasional ibuprofen. I do have a balance though and don't want to explode and leave my family behind. I have no weight issues and know the whole kidneys regulate potassium and salt and with HBP you generally need more potassium, magnesium is an import as well as upping the vitamin C but taking that at a different time than the others as it could block some absorption. Thanks for all of your inputs and appreciate anymore.

I was diagnosed with strep throat about 1 week ago and at first the doctors tried to kill me! They had prescribed amoxicillin--I am allergic to anything with "cillin" in it, and before heading home, I caught the mistake. The doctor apologized profusely, and then prescribed me erythromycin. Upon taking this drug, my face became swollen, and my eyes were itchy and red and my throat stung and my ears burned like fire! I returned to the doctor's office, and he was like, "oh, well, you're allergic to this, too! I'll give you some Bactrim. It helps for UTI's". I don't have an UTI, but I was desperate for anything to stop the burning pain. After taking Bactrim(sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim) for two days, my throat felt much better and the ear pain was gone, but I had a horrible rash on my chest, arms, back, and face. My eyes became itchy and puffy, and after day six of the treatment, I stopped taking my medicine. I couldn't take the rash or the itchy eyes anymore. Something strange happened: I felt just great! My skin had cleared, and no more itchy, puffy eyes! Now, two days later, I wake up to another sore throat AND itchy, puffy eyes. I do not have insurance, and any treatment I receive comes straight from out my own pocket. Could this stuff be silently killing me? Please someone help me with this strange dilemma

O an by the way woman who thinks im insensitive, how da ya feel now?.... ya thats what i thought,,,you rellly shouldnt talk when u dont know. i learned that when i was 4, i guess ur just a lil slow

I had the mirena put in after my fouth child in December 2004. I continued to have my period like normal for about 6-9 months, then my period stopped. I began to have problems with anxiety, and they seemed to be worse when I was suppose to get my period. I am a registered nurse, and I thought with the stress of working, and four kids I am suppose to have anxiety. As time progressed my anxiety got worse, and I was curious if maybe Mirena was linked. I found in the pamphlet that it may cause mood changes. Well the more I investigated I found I was not the only one experiencing this extreme anxiety. I had my Mirena IUD remove 7/20/07, and right away I could feel the difference. It was like my body knew something foreign was in it and reacted. I also talked with a doctor at the hospital who said because Mirena is inserted in the uterus, the progesterone is absorbed right away. Birth control pills are taking orally and not directly absorbed. Some women may not be able to handle direct absorption of the hormone progesterone. I was one of them. If you have side effects that coinside with the insertion of your Mirena IUD, talk to your doctor, and have it removed.

I just recently found this site and am very thankful I did. Has anyone ever even heard of someone being prescribed 1000mg oral prednisone for 7 days, followed by 500 mg oral prednisone for 7 days for a one day occurance of optic neuritis. It happened to my father and he died 3 weeks later. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who can help me make sense of this dosage.

I started having problems with my voice cracking and throat aching after singing or talking alot. Went to Dr. and he said he thought it was reflux (of which I had no symptoms). Wtihin days I started experiencing fatique, headache, depression, dizziness, ringing in my ears, and my right leg went numb about 3 weeks into taking it. Then about 2 months into taking, my entire right side went numb (thought I was having a stroke). Since that time I have been through CAT scans, MRI's, lumbar punctures. Been to 2 Neurologists, a Neurosurgeon, Cardiologist, Endocrinologist. 3 different Doctors thought I had Multiple Sclerosis or a stroke. All tests negative for both. After researching Prilosec on my own I found that Prilosec and all like meds block the absorption of and strip vitamins out of your body. 2 1/2 months after stoppping it I had B-12 level checked and it was almost non-existent. Started taking B Complex and B-12 shots. Symptoms have tremendously improved but haven't completely left. I still have numbness even 14 months later. The problem is that B-12 deficiency can cause the numbness and if not treated quickly enough the problems can become permanent. IF YOU TAKE any acid reflux medicine have your vitamin levels checked ... especially B-12.

Hello Gang,

I have never felt so sick in my entire life. I started taking Yasmin two months ago (I only went through two packs of pills). I have felt like I am going to die every day of this last month. I have had severe migraine headaches, body aches, chest tightness, dizziness, SEVERE anxiety and EXTREME fatigue. My sex drive has packed up and gone, I have terrible vaginal dryness and I am never hungry. I used to work out every day but now find that the very thought of lifting weights puts me to sleep. The strangest part is how the "illness" kind of comes in waves, I'll be fine all morning and then I'm freaking out/sick all night. I have panic attacks and I'll start crying for no reason. Sometimes I lay in bed and worry that I have cancer or a tumor or all types of various diseases. My boyfriend has been extremely patient throughout the whole thing but I feel terrible because we hardly have a chance to get romantic because I'm constantly sick or simply worrying that I might get sick later on. I actually just had four vials of blood taken yesterday to make sure that I'm doing okay. They also gave me chest xrays due to the chest tightness. The thing that really bugs me is that aside from being frustrating, confusing and scary, it is proving to be quite costly since I now have to pay for my doctor's visits and doctor's expenses. I just switched over to Loestrin two days ago so I'm hoping that will help get me back on track. Until then, I'm just gonna have to hope that this stuff gets out of my body and that the feeling of looming death vanishes. I'm all for going to the news or Oprah or maybe dateline nbc. Women should know what they're getting themselves into because it seems obvious that if doctor's are prescribing this to us, they must have no idea what they're doing. And that thought is equally as terrifying as the constant sickness.

Hi Eryka,
I cut and paste this from a message board for you:
Hi There - always make sure you take your vitamins with food - it is the B's and the zinc that can contribute the most to nausea. Take the vitmains at the beginning of the meal and you may want to add in a digestive enzyme to help with absorption of your nutrients and supplements. If you still get nausea - I am sure it is dose dependent so try taking the multi vitamins 1/2 at the beginning of each meal. Hope this helps.
Dixie

I was just given a prescripition for LEVAQUIN for a urinary track infection from kidney stones. I took 1 500mg tablet today. I hooked up to the net to read about this medication and dont like what I am reading at all. You people really got me scared so I will not take anymore. So after reading prescription information I read that Many antacids and multivitamins may interfere with the absorption of LEVAQUIN and may bind and preventing full absorptionand you should take LEVAQUIN either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking LEVAQUIN. So after 1/2 hour of taking LEVAQUIN I took 1 Centrum high potency multivitmin/multimineral supplement. I am hoping this prevents this shit from entering my system.