Empty stomach symptoms and conditions

Just took the first dose of the Z-pack (the two pills) on a full stomach and I feel like I'm going to die. I've been through the pain of childbirth and this can almost compare...the stomach cramping is severe and the diarrhea is immediate (you know, the "peeing your poop" kind of thing). When the cramping began, I got cold sweats...I'm still up, unable to sleep, because the stomach pains are SO bad. I know you're supposed to keep taking the pack but I am so ill I can't even imagine doing so right now. I had a similar reaction to Z-pack in 2004 but thought it was because I took a dose on an empty stomach. This confirms that it can happen anytime.

I'm taking the Z-pack to get rid of a sore throat. This is terrible. I'm almost in tears. :( I wish I could just throw up but my throat hurts too bad. I'm allergic to penicillin, so this was what the doctor prescribed. :(

this is my second week of this drug and my joints hurts, feel dizzy and weak, Im taking after breakfast and after dinner, I think it's better this way, don't take with an empty stomach.
the doctor said I have lyme disease but he said i have only 1 positive band normally needs 2 to be positive... does anyone knows this?

Thanks guys ... keep strong

I've been prescribed 100 mg. of Doxycycline Hyclate twice a day for 21 days for Lyme Disease. I was tested to rule that and rheumatoid arthritis out because of hand pain - and I don't know who was more surprised when I tested positive - my doctor or me. Any symptoms I had, including the hand pain, I attributed to the aging process (51/female).

Took the first pill in the later evening on a Friday and waited the 30 minutes before going to bed (instructions said not to lay down for 30 min.). I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible acid reflux, which I've never had. I found it difficult to time taking pill after not eating for 2 hours and waiting 1 hour afterward - never realized how often I ate small snacks. Same thing the next two nights - I also had heartburn, which is rare for me.

I realized it would be far easier if I took the pill immediately after rising and as soon as I came home from work. That has greatly reduced the heartburn and eliminated the acid reflux.

I am fully committed to taking the pill to have the best results in eliminating the bacteria from Lyme Disease, so I'm taking it exactly as prescribed on an empty stomach. This is causing some stomach upset and nausea, which is the worst in the hour after I take the pill while I wait until I can eat - especially in the last 15 minutes, when I feel on the verge of vomiting. I try to keep myself busy, but even without looking a clock, I can tell where I am in the hour. I am hopeful that by taking the meds on an empty stomach, I'll get maximum absorption - but it's been a struggle for me.

One other discovery I've made is that the nausea is less the rest of the day if I eat - and carbs seem to be what is most appealing. I'm far more easily nauseated during the entire day, some days more than others. I feel some fatigue, but nothing that is so severe I'm not able to function and go to work. I feel bloated and my stomach just vaguely hurts, so I'm trying to wear loose clothing.

I'm finding this drug therapy a bit difficult, as I felt pretty well beforehand. My doctor has recommended I give this my best effort, as it is the "go to" drug for Lyme Disease, but has said if I can't handle it, she will give me an alternative. I am trying to stick this out, partly out of determination and silly pride, but also because I am allergic to a lot of drugs and since I seem to be able to tolerate it, albeit with some discomfort, I figure I should suck it up. I have a little bit of the tingling, am occasionally feeling a little flushed - usually when I'm highly nauseated (which is a typical reaction for me), but nothing horribly bothersome.

I'm hoping I don't develop the sleeplessness, anxiety or depression that many of you have reported, as I feel terrible for you. That would become a deal breaker for me.

Unless it's my imagination, my hand pain is reducing and some achiness I just figured was normal has been lessening. If this was the result of Lyme Disease and I can get rid of that, this (hopefully) temporary discomfort will be worth it. Good luck to all.

So glad I found this web page! I just finished a 10-day course of Doxycycline 100 mg. twice a day, prescribed by my oral surgeon after a tooth extraction. Around Day 5 or 6 I started getting heartburn that was not easy to get rid of. At the time I did not suspect the Doxy, because I was also taking pain medication, and thought that was the cause. It just occurred to me yesterday that the Doxy might be the problem. I looked on Drugs.com and read up on it, but nowhere in the listed side effects does it mention heartburn, or any of the mood disorders that other people here have experienced. Luckily I finished the pills earlier today, but I have had the heartburn non-stop ever since. So this time I Googled "Doxycycline heartburn", and I got plenty of results. So, it's not an isolated case. The instructions on my pill bottle were to "take it on an empty stomach", and to "not take any antacids, dairy products or iron within 2 hours of taking this drug". It makes me angry that this possibility of severe heartburn is not listed as a possible side effect of this drug. I'm glad I didn't get any mood disorder problems from it, I already take medication for anxiety/depression. Thanks for letting me vent! I'll be telling my pharmacist about this not-uncommon problem.

I took one 100 mg tablet one night just before bedtime with a little water for my acne, bad idea! I should have taken it with a lot of water and should not have lain down for at least 30 minutes after.
I felt as if something was stuck in the middle of my chest and wouldn't go down no matter how much water,or ginger ale I drank. I could not go to sleep that night, and the feeling of having something stuck in my chest lasted for about 2 days, although to a lesser degree than the first night.
I took pepcid the next day because I thought I had acid reflux or heartburn even though I have never had this feeling before. Doxy makes me dizzy if taken on an empty stomach or not enough liquid. Always take with lots of fluids and make sure you do not take it on an empty stomach.

Lots of gloom and doom here. Three years ago I took a generic form of Doxycycline for 4 weeks to treat bacterial prostatitis. I experienced no side affects except for a little mild nausea if taken on a totally empty stomach... I'm about to take it for an extended time as a Malarial Prophylaxis. 100 mg a day for 4 months. My doctor's say it shouldn't be a problem... I take no other medications..

Taking Lipitor for about 8 months. A pattern of vomiting attacks every two to four weeks emerged. Usually dizziness and clammy cold sweats precede the attack. Feel perfectly fine again immediately after that vomiting session. Can happen on full or empty stomach. Also usually feel less active and less inclined to initiate tasks at all times, don't seem to be able to think as clearly as I used to. Male aged 67 and generally fit and active. Stopping Lipitor today.

I always had breakouts, but nothing too severe that a face wash and makeup couldn't handle. Then, about 2 months ago, it started to get really bad! I started breaking out along my jaw line, and neck. It slowly started to spread its way up my face. It was large, red, and very painful. My boyfriend notice that I wasn't my happy go lucky self anymore, due to the acne, and suggested I go to the Derm, his treat, since Im a waitress, with no insurance.
The Derm said I have a severe form of cystic acne, and prescribed me Doxycycline. I was so excited that I was gonna have my skin back, although not perfect, but better. I had formed what looked like bloodclots underneathe my skin, where Im guessing the cysts broken up. (pretty awful, right!)
First day I took it, no problem. I had picked it up after work, so its was later in the day, after of course, I ate. So, I figured the next morning, I would follow the directions to a "T" because I needed to have my skin back. BIG mistake!! DO NOT TAKE THIS ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! Wow!! What an awful feeling! I threw up for about 15 minutes. (not sure why they recommend you to do that anyway, your not supposed to take Tylenol on an empty stomach) But I felt much better, and continued my day.
Yesterday was my 5th day on the medicine, and I noticed that I was very "bitchy" ( my boyfriends exact words ) felt very irritated and moody. But, I can deal with it, its not that bad. Also, had a lump in my throat, but that went away in about 20 minutes. But, we went to the grocery store, and I noticed that my eyes were very dry, and would burn as if you were having a staring contest and would leave your eyes open without blinking. I also noticed that I felt a little dizzy, and my boyfriend said that I felt shaky. I have hypoglycemia, so I figured I was just hungry. But, Im pretty sure that its the medicine now, from those before me listed similar side effects.
Im hoping that I don't get other side effects like other people listed. That would make me stop taking it all together, and would send me marching back to the Derm, for another treatment.
I have noticed that in about a week, my cysts have reduced in size pretty good, and are healing pretty well. My bloodclots are all gone, and Im starting to feel like the beautiful woman I once was! It seems very promising, and I look forward to continuing my Doxycycline!

I have been taking Levoxyl for six months since a thyroidectomy in December 2008. Started on 137mcg, reduced to 125mcg, reduced to 100mcg, and now on 88mcg. I take it every morning on an empty stomach with plenty of water. I feel great and have not gained weight. I continue to eat healthy but probably don't exercise as much as I should. I consider myself a very lucky 54 year old woman.

WOW!!! I'm like a lost of words after reading all of this. I'm 31yrs old, Hispanic Femal and I was prescribed this Doxycycline Hyclate and Benzoyl Peroxide for my mild acne/breakout. I've been taking Benzoyl Peroxide for about 2wks now and TODAY 07-06-09 is my first time taking Doxycycline Hyclate; and OMG I felt so nauseated. I felt TERRIBLE! That feeling lasted for about 35min and I still dont feel right and its now 2hrs since I've taken it.

Someone posted that it cleared up their acne but the side affects are just SCARY! I really want to clear up my acne/breakouts so I'm going to try and take them for about a week or 2 or defending if I even get any side affects. I am afraid BUT I am also more aware in what to look out for since I've read everyone's comments. The minute I get a symptom other then this nauseated feeling I will STOP taking it! NO DOUBT!

The reason why I said I will try to take this for a week is because reading the paper work on it ... it said NOT to eat anything for about an hour or 2 when taking or if I ate wait about an hour or 2 then I can take it... so I took this on an empty stomach and I think that REALLY messed me up!

BUT I will keep you guys posted on my symptoms and I will let you all know if I even strived a week or 2.

If this doesnt work then I give up. I will let my acne run its course. However, I thought I notice a change with just using the Benzoyl Peroxide. However, It did dry my face some after 2wks but I have also continued to use Noxzema at least once a day to give me back that moisture so between the 2 and NOT picking it might work.

I really want to clear my acne but I know I DO NOT want to take ANY medication forever in order to be cleared of acne.

If that's the case I rather just have the acne. I do want to let you know that the Noxema has helped. I wash my face with that 3 times a day ... I put it on when my face is dry NOT WET and I massage it in my face for a few minutes sometimes even leaving it on my face til I don't see it anymore and then rinse it off. So I would recommend it to those who have mild acne. For me, I still get acne here and there but I just didn't think I was completely cleared of acne.

Thanks for all your postings they were really helpful and informative!
BUT I will follow up with this site and keep you posted.

Adderall has worked wonders for me. I was prescribed about a year and a half ago to 10mgs twice a day. When I first started using it, I thought it was great, but like others I hated the side effects. Through trial and error, I have found ways to mostly cut out the side effects. To avoid stomach aches, I never take it on an empty stomach. I always eat a good meal before I take it. I do eat slightly less than before I was prescribed, but I take a good multivitamin to make up for that. I only lost a little bit of weight, just less than 10 pounds. Another way to get rid of the stomach aches is to take a few puffs of some you know what. I rarely get headaches from adderall, but when I do I just take a few ibuprofen and its gone right away. Before I was prescribed, I had tried 20, 30, and 40 mgs of adderall and that was hell. Coming down made me want to kill myself. I feel bad that have severe enough ADD or ADHD to require that much. Overall, I think you have to look at individuals instead of just saying adderall in general is a terrible and addictive drug. Before I was prescribed, I didn't think I had the motivation or will power to make it through school. A year and a half later, my gpa has raised dramatically (2.2 to a 3.0) and I'm in the process of finding what grad schools I want to apply to.

Same thing here. I have a sinus infection and pharyngitis that just wouldn't go away for 3 weeks. I was prescribed the generic version (Clarithromycin) 500Mg twice daily. The antibiotic does seem to work. I have had a bitter taste from it almost from the beginning. I took the fourth dose on an empty stomach in the morning with little fluid and 10 minutes later started to eat. 20 minutes after taking the antibiotic I had experienced an uncharacteristically severe panic attack. My heart just instantly started racing, confusion set in. The whole time while I am taking it I have difficulty breathing which eases off as dose wears out. Luckily for me I had some lorazepam laying around which I took to suppress this reaction. I skipped my 5th dose in the evening but my infection is still an issue. Now I am unsure whether to continue taking it or not. I am about to see my ENT today so I think I will not be taking it until I see him.

I have been on Levoxyl for about 2 1/2 years. Before I was on levothyroxine, but my new endo said the generics don't work, so he insists on the name brand. I've been taking it in the morning on an empty stomach, and have been battling extreme daytime fatigue ever since. At first I thought it was because I was unhealthy. I had LAP-band surgery, and I use a CPAP machine for my sleep apnea, and I lost 50 lbs, but I've hit a plateau that can't be explained by my food intake, and the fatigue is so debilitating. My GP is adjusting my anti-depressant to see if that makes a difference, but so far no. On my own I decided to start taking the Levoxyl at night before I go to bed. It's only been a couple of days, but I have noticed a marked improvement. I'll talk to my endo about it, and hopefully he'll be at least willing to consider the change.

On a side note, anti-depressants are the best medicine ever discovered. If you are feeling at all depressed, talk to your doctor. Whether the Levoxyl contributes to it or not, the anti-depressants help. I never want to go back in that black hole again.

Provigil saved my life! Been taking it every day for years now after a weird sleep condition left me virtually bed bound, unable to work-it was thought I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, until I was sent to a sleep clinic! The first couple weeks taking provigil I had indigestion type symptoms, so just avoided taking on an empty stomach. Also every few months it seems to become less effective, so I just schedule in a 1-2 break. Otherwise, its great!

DOXY SUX BIGTIME. If you want to feel like you have an ax in your forehead and knives in your torso, chow it down. Not just the stomach either, SHARP PAINS in the whole organ area. Also, extreme LETHARGY, if I took on an empty stomach I'd THROW UP, numbness in extremities. Took it so I wouldn't get malaria. The drug company must have an overstock of this & they prescribe it for everything! In other countries you get other drugs for malaria. WTH? Intracranial hypertension?! How scary is that? Of course I read about that after I got the head splitting HEADACHES FROM HELL. I hope it isn't permanent because I still get the headaches & have stopped the devil's drug for 14 days now. You take it 28 days after exposure to mosquitoes has stopped - and every single day you of your trip. Someone is making a ton of ca$h off this poison & they will pay in the next life with the worst karma ever. I thought I was having an aneurysm. (seriously). It was obviously pulled off some countries shelves, renamed, & sold here. DO NOT USE. Going to research intra cranial hypertension now & see if it is permanent.

I was recently prescribed Doxy for Lyme disease. From the time I took my first dose until now, 3 days later, I have had horrible cramping. Similar to menstrual cramps, but worse. I also have a constant headache, though I'm not sure if the headache is caused my the meds or the Lyme disease itself. I have found I absolutely can NOT take this medication on an empty stomach. I drink the recommended amount of water and eat a few crackers when I take it. Seems to take the edge off a bit. I currently take a prescription medication for GERD, but I have been having the worst heartburn ever. Not so sure if I will be able to deal with 18 more days on this medication. I will probably call my doctor first thing Monday morning to see what my options are.

I have been taking Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg for about a year. Two pr day. I have had on occasions pain that is similar to heart pain. I now know that it is NOT heart. My Question: Do any of you take this tablet with food? With milk? On a Full stomach? On an empty stomach? The manufacturer gives NO directions on these questions! How do Pharmacists and Doctors arrive at their directions?? I take WITH food at breakfast and dinner. I stay away from dairy, calcium, iron etc for two hours before and after taking the Doxycycline Hyclate. The medicine is accomplishing what it is intended to do.

Known Side Effects of Doxycycline: (source: drugs.com)

•severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision;
•fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
•severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
•urinating less than usual or not at all;
•pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
•severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
•loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
•easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:
•swollen tongue, trouble swallowing;
•mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset;
•white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
•sores or swelling in your rectal or genital area; or
•vaginal itching or discharge.

Comparative Research Results:
SOURCE: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3684731 -- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550

“Results from both monitoring methods consistently indicated at least a 3-fold higher frequency of nausea or vomiting with doxycycline relative to the other antibiotics. Complaints of skin rash also were at least 4 times more frequent with doxycycline, depending on the particular sample.”

More: ******

There are all sorts of verified reported side effects, most of which were on the packing slip that came with my prescription. However, not all side effects are listed on the insert. I’ve come across depression and anxiety listed as side effects on other drug profiles for Doxycycline, so if they are among the symptoms you're experiencing, they very well may be due to the drug. My experience has served as a greaet reminder to research any pharmaceutical I put in my body so that I may make informed decisions.

Like many of you, apart from my current breakout from Doxy, I too experienced stomach upset, and, to a lesser degree, cranial pressure.

Be well. Cheers.

Prescribed Avelox 400 mg for 10 days, to combat sinusitis and lung congestion bordering on pneumonia. Dr. suggested taking it with Mucinex to increase impact on sinuses. Took first pill Monday, 4/13 and didn't have any unexpected side effects. Took 2nd pill Tuesday morning along with Mucinex, pretty much on an empty stomach, with too little liquid. I was having slight headaches, jitters, mild inability to focus, and some buzzing in my ears. After a few hours, I thought it would be safe to take an Aleve to work on the headache. BAD MOVE on my part. Within 10 - 15 minutes, I was violently ill, vomiting everything from an essentially empty stomach. I called my Dr. but he didn't return my call for a few hours. When we talked, I related the episode, and he advised that we should change medications. As we talked, I thought that maybe I had not been careful enough. Maybe there was a magnifier effect from the Avelox, the empty stomach, too little water, the Mucinex, and then adding the Aleve to the mixture. Bottom line, we decided that I'd take it again today, and be careful to avoid the combination issue. So far, it seems to be working. I'm still experiencing the buzzing ears, slight agitation/nervousness, and slight headache, but nothing scary.

There is one thing, though, that also concerns me. I have a recurring inflammation of my right Achilles heel tendon, and this illness or drug treatment brought it on big-time. My right Achilles is extremely painful and is throbbing like crazy. I normally take a Motrin (anti-inflammatory) and it goes away, but I'm not taking a chance with that until I stop the Avelox. My Patient Prescription Information makes a big deal about possible Tendon damage for those over 60, and I'm just about there.

Interesting counter-effect is that instead of not being able to sleep, I slept much better even after the first pill.

I took Avelox for the first and LAST time today!! I have had 4 ear infections in the last 4 months. My sinus drains into them every nite. My ent prescribed Avelox b/c she want to kick the heck out of this infection. I was abit nervous about taking a different antibiotic because within the last 2 yrs I've developed food allergies. I took it and drank a big glass of water with it. Very soon after I started to feel strange. My throat felt tingly and I felt very anxious and thought I was going to throw up. I calmed down enough to get my son to a neighbors house and get to the ER. Of course I had to wait there I did get a hold of my anxiety. Right below my adam's apple inside my throat felt like the pill was stuck there. I would feel like it was a burp or gas that just couldn't make it out. My stomach felt queasy. I thought I might puke in the waiting room. 4 hours later I am home and feel like crap. My body is achy. My head feels like I've taken percaset(sp) I'm shakey and tired. Climbing the stairs it hard, my legs feel like sandbags. The dr. in the er said he doubted it was an allergic reaction because of how fast it came on. Reading about others experiences makes me think the DR. is wrong!! I did take it on an almost empty stomach. My co-pay on this crap was $55!!!!

I have only been on Synthroid for 2 months, but my appetite is out of control. I read that gaining weight might be a side effect of Synthroid. You would think that you would lose weight with it since it makes your thyroid run more efficiently. My TSH is 4.3, still normal, so I don't guess I really need it yet. I am going off of it and going to the health food store and take Thyroid support.

I took Serzone for a number of years, but I did not like it very much. It would make me feel sick if I took it on an empty stomach, it would taste horrible if I didn't swallow it fast enough, and it took away most of my libido. I have been on Wellbutrin for a while now and like it much better.

I have been using Wellbutrin SR 200mg Twice Daily (maximum dose for my weight) for a couple of years now and cannot report ANY side effects. I don't get any stomach aches or nausea -- even if I take it on an empty stomach. I don't get any light-headedness, it doesn't make me tired or hyper, I have no trouble sleeping, and my sex drive is unaffected. I do have migraines/headaches, but I've had those since I was a child and I take other medicine for that. I'm also on Zoloft. I have tried a number of depression/anxiety drugs over the years and Wellbutrin is my favorite BY FAR!

ive been on levothyroxine for about 6 years...... for an underactive thyroid gland and i am stunned reading all these side effects as for about 4 years ive suffered from severe joint paint, fatigue ,very low moods , foggy brain, mood swings hair loss, all i want to do is sleep and even then im still tired.
I am 35 and feel about 80 as my back hips legs calfs and feet all hurt so bad.
I have been to the doctors so many times and got no where.
ive been told your in pain because your depressed( who would not be depressed ) but i said i am depressed cause im in such pain.
i remember asking once if it was due to the thyroid or the drug and the doctor said your levels are fine and the drug gives no side effects.
I feel like stopping it right now to be honest.
I only got it after my third pregnancy and i remember reading once it can correct itself as it could be caused by pregnancy ????? any ideas.
ive copied and pasted a lot of these comments and i will be making a trip to doctors to be fobbed off again im sure ....but its worth a try

Took my Boniva pill on a Saturday morning, like it said, empty stomach big glass of water, by 10pm that night, I was doubled over, cramping, wanted to puke but couldn't, I would have sworn I had the flu but no fever etc. The next week, I could hardly walk, I hurt every place, my chest and upper back were really bad, if I didn't know better I would have sworn I pulled a muscle or was having a heart attack, I had very bad jaw pain....it took several weeks to feel better, I felt like a grandma and I am only 45 y/o, with osteopenia, and a history of stress fractures...I would rather have my skin peeled off then ever take this again! I am eating yogurt like crazy and munching on tums. I found another website with HUNDREDS of complaints, of the drug along with complaints of all the others like this...I do not understand how they even still have this on the market....honest to god I want to sue....trying to find a class action suit...not for money..I just want this off the market!!!!