Doxycycline Hyclate and allergic reaction

Not sure if my symptoms are caused by this drug or not, but I was on it for a month for a stye infection in my eye. I had two more weeks of pills in the bottle, but I felt that after a month on this antibiotic, enough was enough. Shortly after I stopped the dose, I developed an itchy rash on my behind that felt like bug bites. Living in NYC, I feared bed bugs, but it's not that. I now have a tingling, itchy rash that comes and goes and I'm wondering if it's some allergic reaction to this drug. After hearing all of these hideous side effects, I am convinced that the next time I need treatment for anything, I'm heading to my acupuncturist FIRST, not after the fact. In this country, if the cure doesn't kill you, it will certainly compromise you. Frankly, I've never met an acupuncturist's herb I didn't like and from now on, that's where I'm putting my money- treating the whole body and the whole system, not poisoning it by addressing a lone symptom.

Last month, I went to see a dermatologist as a result of being bitten by bugs while staying in a motel. The doctor looked at the bites and one particular bite on my right arm, which he said was a tick bite. For that bite, the doctor prescribed to me a drug called Doxycycline HYC for Lyme Disease that I had to take for 30 days. Number one, I hate taking drugs and I have never taken any medication for that long a period of time, except for the Centrum multi vitamin I take on a daily basis.

I went back to the doctor's office earlier this month showing him more bites on my back and a rash on my right leg, the latter of which he said was an allergic reaction to the drug prescribed. He said Doxycycline HYC was the drug that is used to treat Lyme Disease and that I had to finish the course.

On Wednesday of last week, I had four pills left when I noticed a slight change in my vision. I took the pills Wednesday and Thursday and was done with them on Thursday to finish the course. By Saturday, my vision was very blurry and I only have one eye. I wear safety glasses to protect that eye with no prescription in the lenses.

On Saturday, I walked over to the pharmacy and the pharmacist printed out a report on that drug and there is an indication – along with many other side effects – citing blurry vision. On Sunday, I spoke with the doctor's colleague, who asked me whether I was also having headaches while taking that drug. I told the colleague I was having headaches but that I was taking Tylenol when the headaches occurred. The colleague not only told me I could have been prescribed another drug (which I was surprised to hear but would it have mattered anyhow because I only had four pills left) but he also said that my vision will get better but it will take time. I really wish I knew in what time frame my vision will come back because the colleague also mentioned that I may have to see a neurologist and I am wondering because of that statement if something happened in my brain during the times I was getting the headaches that could have affected my vision.

Then I was talking to a nurse friend yesterday concerning the blurry vision – which is still blurry since Saturday of last week – and she asked me if I have diabetes. I told her I do not have diabetes but she said blurry vision is associated with diabetes and that I could lose my sight.

I cannot believe all that has happened as a result of taking that Doxycycline HYC. I also went to have an eye exam and the eye doctor scheduled an appointment for October 8 to see me again to see if the vision clears up on its own. He said if it does not, I must now start to wear prescription lenses. But I am really skeptical about waiting that long because every day I wake up, my vision seems to be getting blurrier and blurrier. I am blown away about all of this -- all as a result of taking that drug. And I have to sit very close to the computer screen in order to see to type anything.

Because my nurse friend was talking about diabetes being associated with the blurry vision, I also went searching about that yesterday and found this statement:

"The use of antibiotics can affect blood glucose levels, at times contributing to elevations and in some cases a decrease in blood glucose levels, depending on the antibiotic used, as well as individual response. Antibiotics are also used for the treatment of infections, which often contribute to elevations in blood glucose, in and of themselves. In the case of Lyme disease the relapsing cyclic activity of the Borreila spirochete, may also contribute to times of elevations in blood glucose, due to the increased presence of infectious organisms during periods of such activity. It is important to discuss your blood glucose response to treatment with your Doctor, as improved blood glucose control during times of treatment
for any infectious state, helps the body put up a better fight."

I am stuck in my apartment scared to death and very, very, very depressed about this blurry vision. Moreover, I unable to drive to the locations I need to get to for my job because not only is it hazardous for me to drive on a consistent basis, but my bills are coming due and no way of paying them.

I have been taking Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg twice a day for 6 days for a tick bite infection. I've developed a rash on the palm of my left hand. It doesn't itch, but burns a little. My doctor says it's not an allergic reaction. I need to get rid of my illness, and the rash really doesn't bother me that much. What I fear are what internal side effects I might be having from reacting to the medicine.

I was diagnosed on June 13, 2009 with cellulite. I had a bump and rash on my right elbow and was given 2 antibiotics for it. After 3 days and no results form the antibiotics I went to my primary doctor who told me it was lyme disease because with lyme disease the rash goes away from the heart. I had no other symptoms from it and no bulls eye and the blood tests were negative. I was put on dioxycycline for 21 days and on the 19th day I missed a dose and took another one 6 hours later and then another one another 6 hours later and developed itchiness all over my body. I called my dr. who told me that with only 2 pills left and being on for 20 days I can stop the dioxycycline. OK great! a few days later still itching and he told me to take Zyrtec symptomatically as needed. Still no rash anywhere on my body. OK, so I am on Zyrtec and 2 weeks later I develop a tash on my face. I go to dermatologist and he says it is just acne and gives me tetracycline and erythromycin and call him in 2 weeks. I don't know if I am having an allergic reaction or not and decide to go to another dermatologist who tells me it is an allergic reaction and gives me xyzal for itching and corticosteroid for face and tells me I have high histamine levels. I then go to an allergist and he tells me he thinks its just acne from shaving using electric razor and use erythromycin but NOT to take tetracycline just in case I am allergic to antibiotics. I then go a different dermatologist who tells me I have folliculitis/acne and to take Keflax and a sulfate cream to use. A week and 1/2 after my face is OK with the rash down considerable and I am able to shave again. 4 days into the KEflax I develop a rash on both my elbows. I go to my primary and he says it is contact dermatitis but to take blood test and stool sampler to see about possible infection from antibiotics that destroyed good antibodies. It may be that my good antibodies are not strong enough so continue with yogurt and we will see. I am today having a sore throat, diarrhea and little stuffy nose so who knows what is going on. Also, I am 37 year old male who has nt been the same since going on doxycycline for supposed lyme disease-
I will post again when dr. gives me blood results and stool results.

I just turned 18 years old and was prescribed Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg, BenzaClin (Benzoyl peroxide), and Differin 0.3%. I've been on benzaclin and differin for about 3 years now. About 2 months ago I was prescribed doxycycline for my acne. I specifically told my dermatologist that I wanted a higher dosage of acne medication since the minocycline 5mg wasn't strong enough for me; I had taken it 2 years prior to my visit. But when I would take doxycycline I'd feel a litte bit of nausea coming my way so I decided to drink some water with it. Shortly after I'd get something to eat. I'd feel better soon after. I've been on this medication for almost a month now and I'm not feeling any adverse side effects. My acne has somewhat cleared up but then i breakout again, around the same area. I'm hoping my acne will clear by the time I go for my check up in feb but if it doesn't, i want to be prescribed accutane instead. Also, stop the medication if you're having horrible side effects, obviously there's something wrong. It could also be an allergic reaction, I'm just fine but then again, I'm not allergic to anything and I also avoid a lot of sun exposure.

Hello, PLEASE HELP

I've recently taken doxycycline for about a week. I have suffered anxiety,depression off this medication. I'm taking paxil also right now. Can someone PLEASE tell me how long before this stuff is out of my system?

Thank You!!

I'm so glad I found this site. I was prescribed doxy for a rash I got in the Dominican that they thought lead to some sort of infection. The first couple days were fine but one night I took the medication before bed and was up all night with the worst chest pains. I have been nervous ever since that when ever I take the pills I'm going to get the same reaction. I have had chest pains the past couple days and I've been really careful with what I take them with and have been making sure I drink at least two bottles of water with each pill. But today I feel so weak. The last week on the medication I've been so tired I want to take naps when I get home from work which is unusual for me. Today my head feels heavy and my leg feels like it's about to twitch but it doesn't. I've felt some tingling in my left leg and my left arm. I thought this was from whatever infection I had since the rash was on my left ankle, but I think it's from the doxy instead. I've also been feeling a dull pain in my thigh every once in a while. I normally have some anxiety but a couple days after I started the doxy I put myself into a panic and spent the entire day at work researching tropical diseases on the internet because I thought I had one from the rash. I've also had some shortness of breath. I have asthma but it feels nothing like that. Also the doxy made my birth control stop working and I started my period. I thought I just had bad cramps but I'm starting to think they were more stomach aches from the doxy. I've had diarrhea also. And I feel so light headed that I'm going to pass out but I don't. I'm definitely calling my doctor today to get a different antibiotic. Thanks everyone for your posts!

I took doxycycline for a little acne on my back I would get when I worked out.
I am a fit healthy man of 48 years. People tell me I look late twenties early thirties. I have to tell you all my experience with this antibiotic has been a nightmare for me.

Stomach queasiness, severe stomach pain, dizziness, headaches, lower back pain, from no acne on face to small blisters and acne. Depression and panic attacks.

I went to my doctor and demanded my blood get checked for everything
from STD's to HIV. Everything came back negative and no answers other than I had a severe allergic reaction to the medication.

I took this medication for a month twice a day. I have been off for two months now and I am just now feeling better I can eat without feeling stomach queasiness. My face is getting better but still hoping it will return to normal.

I started taking Primadophlius and Ester-c to help build my immune system.

I haven't exercise yet because I am afraid to weaken my body. This drug really scared me. I sincerely hope all of you get better:-)

I was taking Doxy. Hyclate for 3 days prior to a breakout of an allergic reaction. Initially, the small bumps resembled flea bites or could even be mistaken for pimples; however, they later manifested into blisters onto my legs and arms. As with other (skin) allergic reactions, the bumps were red and itchy. I immediately notified my physician and began using hydrocortisone cream and benadryl to minimize the discomfort.

I didn't realize how many problems this med has caused for other people as well. I've been on Minocin for acne and Cipro for prostates in the past and never had any major side effects until taking Doxycycline. I've been on it for two weeks and have two more left for a prostate infection. My latest is an aching pain in my lower legs and tingling in my feet and toes. My main advice for this med would be 1) Take with a decent sized meal and 2) DO NOT lie down for at least one hour after taking or it could irritate your esophagus. I took it before bed the first couple of days and had some bad heartburn for a couple of days but it is gone for the most part now. I've also had the tightness in the face, throat, and chest. My advice there is to relax and take some deep breaths to eliminate any anxiety that could make it worse. If it doesn't go away or gets worse and you have trouble breathing or anything like that you may be having an allergic reaction. I'm definitely going to have a talk with my doctor for not warning me about all of these side effects before putting me on this crap for a month.

I was prescribed doxycycline for bronchitis/pneumonia and an ear infection. I've been taking 100mg twice a day for four days now. The heartburn started last night, and though I've had mild cases before, this is unbearable. I cough and feel like I'm going to throw up. I drink water, I feel like I'm going to gag. I can stand, I can sit, I can lay down, doesn't matter... feels like I have a rock lodged at the back of my throat and my throat feels scratchy all the way to my sternum. The headaches come and go all day and I feel like I'm in a constant fog. I was told it was not an allergic reaction, but it is a "normal" reaction. I won't take this med again. It isn't worth it.

I took one capsule of this medication at 2:00pm on 12/12/07 and about twenty minutes after taking this medication I began to feel nauseous, than I went and ate something about one hour later just a piece of toast. About ten minutes of eating I began to throw up and started having a headache, so I just kept going not really thinking about it, because the side effect do say headache may occur so I continue my day, about 1 hour and 30 minutes after regurgitating my head was hurting so severely that my eyes was watering and pulse could be heard through my ears, like a drum beating. I then became dizzy and things seemed to get blurred so I laid down and about 10 minutes in laying down my mouth began to fill with thick mucus almost like cotton in my mouth, began to be extremely thirsty so I got up and got water, to throw it back up. I then began to feel my jaw tightening up feeling like I was getting lock jaw. I then called my doctor office and talked to a triage nurse who then called a doctor and called me back and told me not to take any more of the medication and to take 50mg of Beneadryl because of a allergic reaction to the medication, but I am also allergic to PCN and ASA so she said it is rare for people to have an allergic reaction to this medication. Now my symptoms was not over that night I could not sleep, I also had bad dreams, severe night sweats, and nauseous that morning. I started having lower abdominal cramps, and still having problems sleeping, and sometimes I feel like crying and for no reason. Today is 12/20/07 and I still am having severe abdominal cramps, still nauseous in the mornings, no headaches or cotton mouth but the stomach cramps have not yet left and I only took one capsule, today makes a week, tomorrow is my doctor apt. hopefully I can get something to help me out but this is my story about this mess up drug.

I had been on doxycycline for 4 1/2 days. I was out in the sun by the pool briefly on day 2 with 45 sunsreen - no problem. On day 4 was out by the pool with 45 sunscreen and within 15 minutes I began to feel strange. My face and arms and hands felt like they were burning. I went in the pool to cool off and found that my hands felt like pins and needles, like I had put them in menthol, and that I had fine string on the tops of my hands. (I didn't. It was just that sensation). I called the doctor who didn't think I was having an allergic reaction and suggested I take my next dose as prescribed to determine whether these symptoms were actually from the doxycycline, to which I said "no thank you." I'd really rather have theses symptoms dissipate than possibly escalate. This is day 5 and the symptoms have decreased but my hands are still tingly in water even with rubber gloves on. Additionally, I am also allergic to penicillin. Is anyone else? by lmhsea

To the above posts:

#1--
GET MEDICAL HELP if you have a rash with this drug, it could be a severe allergic reaction. don't wait.

also

#2--
read the label on yr prescription bottle, it should say STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!! You are hyper-sensitive to sunlight/ artificial UV/ sunlamps while taking it.

do a internet search for: doxycycline "side effects"
seriously, there are specific instructions regarding these side effects. be sure to read instructions & listen to yr doctor/ pharmacist with any medication.

I'm so glad I found this site!!
Today was the first day I noticed any symtoms and I've been taking it for 3 days now. About 30 minutes after taking it, I've been feeling nauseated and dizzy and some abdominal pain. I'm a college student and I was on my way to class this morning when I started feeling these symptoms. Literally 1 minute after being in my class, I had to get up and leave back to my dorm because I felt like I was about to faint and vomit at the same time! I didn't know its better to take it with LOTS of water and I just had a sip before I went to class just to swallow the pill. Anyways, I started to panic because I thought I was having an allergic reaction to this because in the evening when I took it again, i had shortness of breath. I guess this is just an effective remedy with evil side affects.

I took Doxycycline for pneumonia that would not go away 100 mg per day. After 4 doses I was struck suddenly with severe chest pain on the left hand side of my chest at the front, down the middle of my chest and on the left hand side of my back and under my shoulder blade. I was admitted to hospital for suspected heart problem. However, after ECG, XRay, blood tests no evidence of a heart problem was found. On release from hospital I checked the patient information leaflet that was supplied with the Doxycyline and it list chest pain as an allergic reaction to the drug. I also experienced a swollen and sore tongue and breathing difficulty which is taking time to go.

I had been taking doxycycline for an infection for about 4 days. I started having this burning feeling in my face and head and sometimes in my arms and hands. I also had an upset stomach and a I felt light headed at times. The doctor told me that this could possibly be an allergic reaction.

I was recently prescribed an 8 day course of Doxycycline by my GP for a suspected lung infection (100mg x1 per day). The day after completing the course I started to get spots on my legs and trunk resembling heat bumps which are extremely itchy and after more than a week show no signs of getting better. I have been back to my GP he suspects they are caused by allergic reaction to Doxycycline and has prescribed Chlorphenamine (4x4mg daily) but no improvement yet. Has anybody had similar symtoms and found cure