Doxycycline Hyclate and pharmacist

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.

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.

Until yesterday, I took 14 days of a 4 week prescription of 100 mg twice a day doxycycline for a tick bite rash. I rarely take any medication. The first week I just had mild side affects. Late in the second week I started to notice that I was becoming increasing anxious for no apparent reason. Even after hard exercise the anxiety seemed to be persistent as if an impending panic attack. Yet, I had no external reason to explain the anxiety.

After two additional days the anxiety seemed to keep ramping up and I began to get very dizzy when I moved suddenly or bent down to pick up items from the floor. The pressure behind my eyes also feel like it was increasing. I was afraid my blood pressure was spiking but in actuality it was probably either cranial pressure or simply an fight or flight anxiety response. I also experience some pretty vivid dreams.

I finally searched online and found no official symptom of anxiety for doxycycline but found people complaining about it unofficially. I spoke with my pharmacist who also said she had no listing of anxiety as a known symptom for the drug. She suggested I stop taking it and see if my symptom subside.

It has been 24 hours since my last dose and the anxiety has reduced substantially but not completely. I feel like I have a hang over today but otherwise I do feel an immediate improvement. I am still a little dizzy but not like yesterday.

Like all drugs, you should be very cognizant of how the drug affects your body - even if a physician tells you otherwise because only you can really tell and everyone has different bio-chemistry which reacts in different ways to different drug compounds.

anyone experience abnormal menstrual cycle?
I stopped getting my period for 2 months and now am off the med for about 6 days, anyone know how long it can take to be out of your system?

I was on Doxy for about a week, and everything seemed ok. I was getting a little sick of the uncomfortable feeling from the prostatitis, but everything seemed ok. During that time, I started taking Celexa for obsessive tendencies and general anxiety. That seemed not to work at all because of side effects, and I quit after one dose. However, as the days wore on, the symptoms of nausea and diarrhea set in, and that triggered major, debilitating panic attacks. I called a pharmacist thinking it was Celexa, and she said it was the Doxy, though she said the panic was something else. I quit it, but is am in a tailspin. The panic, which triggered after the nausea, is still around and seemingly worse. I don't even know how I made it through work today. I am really hoping I am reacting to the things others are experiencing on this site because this is as scary as anything I have ever encountered.

Thank you so much for this site and your posts. I am on my 4th day of doxy. and I had a panic attack today and anxiety--I was doing fine until now. I would consider myself a calm person so this caught me out of the blue. I called the pharmacist who thought I was nuts, I'm sure. She said it was not a side effect of the drug!! I also noticed some nerve pain over my body. But my infection is lots better so I don't want to stop, but I don't want to have panic, either or get sicker.

I also get the stomach queasiness when taking a dose and always eat a slice of bread with it. I have noticed a worsening of reflux and I make sure to sit upright for at least an hour after taking the medication.

6 weeks ago, I began taking Doryx 100 once a day for mild acne. 10 days into treatment, I started with what I thought was a yeast infection, feeling as if I was "on fire" in the vaginal area. I used a Monistat 3 and I felt no relief. I went in to a Take Care Clinic at Walgreens and the RN had me do a urine culture. It came back positive, I had a bladder infection. I was prescribed an antibiotic, Cipro 500, dosage of twice daily for 3 days. My symptoms persisted, some days worse than others. A few days later, I went in to my gyne office. The Dr. did a swab test and found no yeast. They took a urine culture and it was negative. She saw some redness and inflammation, but could not explain what it may be from. Perhaps a new soap, she questioned? She prescribed a cream (Lotrisone) to help with the inflammation, but the cream seemed to make the area burn even more. 2 weeks later, my symptoms dulled. However, I felt that there was still something wrong. I received an Rx for Diflucan, as if the symptoms might just be from a yeast infection this time? It's possible, I thought? Again, no relief in site and it's gotten worse. A week later, I go back into the gyne office and another Dr. tells me to try switching soaps again? What's wrong with this picture? I have NEVER had any type of issue in the past and now I am 6 weeks into this one? Doryx is the only thing new that my body has come in contact with. One of the side effects in the pamphlet was "vaginal irritation/discharge." According to the pharmacist, this may occur with prolong use (such as 6 months) of any antibiotic. Although Doryx has cleared up my acne, I have decided to discontinue its use. I am hoping that this cures my symptoms. Were these the side effects from the use of Doryx? I shall see.

This is my second day on Doxycycline.I was prescribed Doxycycline yesterday, for a sinus infection. I am on 100mg BID. my sinus infections are, well, I get on an antibiotic about once a year. This is, I believe the first time I've been on Doxycycline. Yesterday, the pharmacist warned me about being sure to eat with it. I took the pill, but did not eat enough food, and I had nausea. I did eat food with it last night, and did much better. Today I ate food with it, but I do notice that if I don't eat meals, I get very nauseous. Of course, the antibiotic has not kicked in yet. my throat is still sore,I hope it kicks in soon. I tend to rush antibiotics, and I'm a nurse, and know better.

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.

There are many side effects to Doxycycline. I took it for a bug bite I got (I tested negative for West Nile, Lyme, and every other blood born disease from a tick...the doctor still doesn't know what bit me...thinking it was a house centipede based on my research and seeing a couple dozen of them in my garage this summer)...200mg for 2 weeks.

For me, it was the dizziness, headaches, chest pain on and off after taking it, and the itching that would move all over in spots. Doxy is not the best antibiotic for acne though...you should take either Tetracycline or go with topical stuff (Differin or something similar)...the problem with taking Tetra or Doxy is that once you're off of it, the acne comes back even worse than it was before, then by taking it again, the stuff doesn't work. Plus, taking Doxy for several months or years will reduce it's effect and you will build up an immunity to it...any cycline has the same side effects, but I never had the nausea/diaharrea/vomiting that most people.

But please, read the leaflet and talk to the pharmacist/doctor before taking this stuff. The big side effects are the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If you have to take it with food, please do, but the Doxy will not work as well (absorb through the body) when taking simultaneously with food. Be careful taking this stuff...and quit taking it if the reaction is that bad because there are other medicines that won't do this stuff.

I have esophageal irritation and it hurts when food goes down. This is partly the pharmacist's fault because he WRONGLY informed me that I could break open the capsules and mix the powder in something since I can't swallow pills. I stopped taking it 3 weeks ago and my esophagus still hurts and I'm wondering if it will ever get better!

I've been on doxycycline for two months now for adult acne. My acne got pretty severe, but has calmed down a lot due to the medication. Originally my doctor prescribed me minocycline, which is in the same family (tetracyclines), because of my hunger with the doxycycline. The minocycline gave me an incredibly bad migraine, the worst in my life. I was unstable, and dizzy. After doing research on the net and talking with the pharmacists I work with ( no, i'm not a pharmacist, i am just a tech) we agreed it was intracranial hypertension and that I needed to stop right away. Being on the doxycycline doesn't give me nearly the headache I had being on the minocycline. I found that when I take the doxycycline before bed OR if I am not upright at least at a 90 degree angle, my esophogus will begin to burn.. I usually fix that with drinking A LOT of cool water and it goes away. My doctor told me to take the doxy twice daily, but I find that taking it once daily does the trick for my acne, it just takes a little longer for it to clear up. I guess I'd rather my acne take longer to clear then to have all the side effects everyone else is having.... which I have experianced. But like I said I take it two hours before bed staying in an upright position with lot's of water at hand... and I'm completely fine.

I started taking this med for treatment of acne. Doxycycline 100 MG twice daily. Within 4 days, I started experiencing chest pain, arm and back pain, palpitations, dizzieness, weakness in the legs and arms, diarrea, pain in the eyelids. I thought i was dying! I followed all of the instructions from the pharmacist and the doctor, and it still happened. They tried to tell me it was a problem with anxiety since it runs in my family. After finding this site, i think differently. I think anxiety might be a part of it, but not what caused it, i will never take tetracycline based products again, and will never recommend them to anyone.

*BAD ANTIBIOTIC ~ DO NOT TAKE IT! IF YOU ARE STOP IT !!!
MADE ME SICK FOR ALMOST A MONTH! CAUSED: ANXIETY ATTACKS, SEVERE PAINS IN HEAD AND EYES, SEVERE MUSCLE PAINS ALL OVER...ALLLLL OVER! FEET HURT SO BAD (HEELS ESP) COULDN'T WALK, DR. THOUGHT I WAS ON VERGE OF NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, COULDN'T SEEM TO GET BREATH, GENERAL WEAKNESS, HAD TO STAY IN BED!, ON TOP OF IT ALL INSTRUCTIONS TO NOT LIE DOWN WITHIN 30 MINS OF TAKING!?
DON'T TAKE THIS OR THAT WHEN TAKING DOXY ! THIS IS THE WORST REACTION I'VE EVER HAD TO AN ANTIBIOTIC OR ANYTHING~ I THOUGHT I MIGHT DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WORST PART...NOT KNOWING UNTIL AFTER ALMOST 2 ROUNDS TAKEN WHAT WAS GOING ON AND WHAT IS WAS THAT WAS CAUSING ALL THE SYMPTOMS ~ ! DOCTORS SHOULD TELL YOU! PHARMACIST SHOULD TELL YOU~ YOU BETTER LOOK UP ALL MEDS YOU ARE ABOUT TO TAKE ON THE INTERNET AND THEN YOU'LL PROBABLY NOT TAKE MORE THAN HALF OF THEM! SCARY!!!

Dentist prescribed 20mg 2x/day for 3 months: At one week fatigue started and at week two hasn't abated. One-time burning sensation on legs upon exercising, but lotion calmed that down. Pharmacist advises that at such a low dose the drug shouldn't be a problem...

I'm taking this for bronchitis, I have COPD and have frequent bouts with bronchitis. I was told no dairy products with this medication and to only take with a meal ... my only problem has been urinary leakage while sleeping. It's like I took a very strong water pill and every move in my sleep causes some wetness. I've had to wear pads since I started taking the medication, most uncomfortable. No nausea, no problems in the sun, but I was told it will make skin more sensitive to the sun's rays. It's possible that my pharmacist was more thorough and so I followed his suggestions, because the only unpleasant side effect has been the urinary problem.