March 20th
2007
10:19 AM
I'm a 23 year-old college student from Michigan. I started taking doxycycline on 3/3/07 and was instructed to take it for about 2 weeks. I started taking it because i was experiencing a skin rash on my chin, and was told that it was due to a bacterial/fungal infection. i stopped taking it on saturday 3/17/07.
When i first started taking the medication there weren't any inital side effects. I then found that i was breaking out it tiny little red hives, and had red patches of skin on my stomach, neck and gentials. at first i thought it was just a food allergy, and then i started to get really tired and naseauted. then i noticed that the gland on the right side of my throat was constantly swollen. during the two weeks i was taking the medication, i lost about 5 pounds. i found myself weak, tired and with no energy. i had no appetite, had blurred vision (i have 20/20 vision so i though that was weird) and i was in a constant state of anxiety. My stress and anxiety got so bad that i seriously thought i was going to die.
i freaked out so bad that i thought i might even have HIV (because the side effects for doxycycline are similar to the symptoms of HIV: fatigue, rapid weight loss, diarreah, swollen glands, muscle soreness, rash etc. ) so i went and got tested for STDs and HIV. The doctors at the clinic said that everything seemed normal, and while i'm still awaiting the results from the tests, i found that all of my symptoms are in fact due to the antibiotic.
Since i stopped taking the antibiotic i've been suffering from sharp pains in my abdomen. I have very bad cramps and foul smelling gas/stool. I get dizzy very easily and find myself in so much discomfort that it's difficult to concentrate or do much of anything.
I was wondering if anyone knew how long this side effects tend to last, or how long it takes for the body to go back to normal? because this really sucks. I was self conscious about the rash i had, but the rash seemed a lot better than the side effects from the antibiotics.
anyone else feel this way?
-- By punk930 | Reply | Private Message me
March 14th
2007
5:57 PM
I have experienced vaginal infections as well as hives around my eyes (which have been severly swollen) and on my neck. It almost reminds me of a heat rash
-- By nichelle_72 | Reply | Private Message me
January 9th
2007
7:42 AM
I was on the new Oracea (doxycycline) for rosacea and I had taken it once a day for 12 days. On the 12th day my feet started itching and then before I new it I was itching all over. I wanted to crawl out of my skin! I got some hives as well and took Benadryl around the clock. The next afternoon I experienced crushing back and chest pain and thought I was having a hard attack! It got better the next day with less episodes and I felt better reading that other people also had these allergic reactions!
-- By cajunangel19 | Reply | Private Message me
August 18th
2007
3:56 PM
Tips while taking this medication:
1. Sit up for at least an hour after taking doxycycline. And always with at least 8oz of water, 16oz is better. This will help with the majority of stomach discomfort. Take on an empty stomach. If you have any nausea, consult with your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE you opt to take this medication with food. DO NOT TAKE WITH MILK (See item 4.)
2. Suncreen is suggested, minimum of SPF 50, your pharmacologist can assist you with the selection during your consult. If they don't voluntarily consult you on this drug, find a new pharmacy. You can get sunburn even in your house depending on the sun's direction. Any stinging on the skin is a good clue to apply sunscreen and move out of the sunlight.
3. Do not take any form of antacid or vitamin within four hours unless directed otherwise.
4. Doxycycline is a tetracycline, therefore avoid dairy products. This includes cheese and yogurt. You can render the medication totally inactive by cosuming dairy. This can result in your infection not being cleared, superinfection or resistant organisms.
5. If you have recently taking a *cillin type antibiotic, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take concurrently with these type of antibiotics unless your doctor tells you to do so.
If you develop hives, swelling of the face or throat, shortness of breath contact your doctor or pharmacist right away. These side effects are very rare, but can be serious.
Most side effects from this drug can be avoided by following these simple steps.
-- By marcelinoca | Reply | Private Message me