September 21th
2009
10:41 AM
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.
-- By cat28 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
September 10th
2009
1:02 PM
I have been through hell with this drug, well i'm sure it was this drug, I have had minor anxiety in the past, but the anxiety i had the day after taking this was off the scale, I couldn't sleep, eat, or function in my life at all. I started to become very depressed and go into despair. I even had suicidal thoughts which freaked me out and is not like me at all. I was even taken to A and E at hospital it was that bad. I finished on Sunday and seen a bit of improvement, I was not as anxious and irritable. Today it has came back a little, I seem to have some mental confusion and memory problems also. It has been a long dark road, and I entered some scary dark places that felt horrible. Im usually so upbeat and busy. It was so not like me. I took this medication for 11 days at 100mg twice a day. Like I said i finished on Sunday, I still feel very unreal (dreamworld) depressed at times, no appetite yet and struggling to relax.
How long will this take to pass? please help I feel im going crazy
-- By bigpmcd | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
September 6th
2009
11:24 PM
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.
August 19th
2009
10:49 AM
I was prescribed the doxycycline hyclate 100mg twice daily for 21 days for lymes disease, I am on my 4th day, I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, I usually just fall to sleep in seconds. I am a 40 year sufferer of IBS "diarrhea", my worst time is usually in the morning, I noticed by the first day that my IBS symptoms were less severe and this morning I have been up for 4 hours and have not had to go yet.
I only negative side effect I have had so far is difficulty going to sleep, If it works to reduce or eliminate my IBS symptoms along with the lymes I can deal with the insomnia for a while.
I have been using probiotics for a while prior to starting on the doxy and the probiotics did seem to help with my IBS symptoms but not to this degree, I drink plenty of water with the doxy, so far I would have to say so good but it is early in the prescription so who knows, thank you to every one for posting your experiences with this drug
-- By earlz | Reply | Private Message me
August 7th
2009
4:16 PM
I'm at the end of a 10-day cycle of doxycycline (100mg 2xday). Worst side effects: insomnia and restless leg syndrome. I think I'm averaging about 3 hours of sleep a night. Stomach pain, occasional cramps, severe loss of appetite. I've also experienced some of the stranger side effects others have mentioned: mood swings, depression, suicidal thoughts, feeling like I'm in a dream, mental problems (after I write something I realize I've spelled half the words wrong).
Next time my doctor mentions this drug, I'm going to say no way and see if I can get a sulfate based antibiotic or maybe good old amoxicillin.
August 2th
2009
9:52 AM
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.
-- By rileyroo | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
July 28th
2009
6:47 PM
I'm 16 and I was prescribed Doryx (doxycycline hyclate) about a month ago to treat moderate acne. I've been taking it since then and I'm supposed to be on it until September, however, I'm not sure if I'm going to last that long if I keep taking it.
While I didn't experience any side effects for about the first week, after that, it turned terrible. I experienced insomnia, which included not being able to fall asleep, waking up about 5-10 times a night (often being unbearably hot and sweating intensely, even thought it was a cool 70 degrees F in our house.), and to make it worse, i was up for about half an hour each time i woke up. And to make it worse, I was always tired through the day, but I still couldn't sleep.
While sleeping I had very vivid dreams which is unusual for me. I also had pretty bad stomach pain, and terrible pain in my kidneys for a few days. It felt almost like a kidney stone.
I also am very rarely hungry and almost get sick when i eat. Since on this medication a month ago, I've lost about 10 pounds just because I can't eat.
I've had a difference in mood as well. Most of the time, I'm happy, but now, I have very noticeable mood swings and periods of depression.
And the medicine ISN'T EVEN HELPING with my acne.
Oh, and these are only SOME of the side effects I've had. So, right now, I'm not sure if i should quit the medicine, or if the medicine will put an end to me first.
-- By doxyisdeath | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 15th
2009
9:21 AM
started this 7 days ago for a prostate infection... I thought i've been going crazy this week until i saw this post..im having a horrible reaction to this stuff..although it does seem to help my prostate...it leaves the rest of me in bad shape. First off ive been getting lightheaded like every other day to the point as i think im have a panic attack but heart isn't racing...I've gotten diarrhea 3-5 times a day i go now...i had a bagel the other day for breakfast..it was the hardest thing to eat as i felt sick to my stomach and knew i had to eat something so forced it in..today i had a banana and some grapes and 15 minutes later was throwing it all up. I just called my doctor and asked for a change in antibiotics as this thing has lead me to believe there was something wrong with me although my doctor seems to think these side effects don't generally happen...i come here and see they happen EXACTLY how i have been feeling and just hope this doesn't last much longer in my system!
-- By stmfdups | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
July 9th
2009
6:38 PM
It seems that everyone is having similar symptoms. I have been on Doxy for about 14 days now and I'm feeling worse every day. I am on it because i had been bitten by a tick and contracted Lyme disease. I don't know much about the disease but it has me freaked out. I started taking the antibiotic 2 weeks after being bitten; losing my balance and almost falling to the ground. I also had a couple of dizzy spells after eating. I seemed to feel a little bit better the first week of taking it but started feeling the side effects. It started out with the occasional dizzy spell then came the exhaustion, anxiety, depression, lower back aches, soreness in the back of my eyes, stiff neck, headache in the back of my head, flu like shivers, racing heart, and complete body aches. I also found out the hard way not to go out into the sun while on Doxy. Felt like the tops of my hands were being pricked with a million needles and burning. I wish I could stop taking the drug and be done, but I am already scared about the outcome of the Lyme disease. I hope I can feel normal again soon.
-- By ceby2009 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
June 29th
2009
2:46 AM
I started taking doxycycline hyclate 100mg twice daily for 10 days for a respiratory infection. After about 7 days I started noticing tingling in my hands and feet and feeling like I was being misted with water on my arms. The tingling became worse and is now very painful in my hands but more so in my toes. It is especially worse at night when your trying to go to sleep.
It feels like the nerves in my hands and feet are raw and going crazy. Nothing relieves the pain. I took my last pill this morning and will never take this medication again.
June 1th
2009
8:41 AM
I was recently prescribed Doxycycline Hyclate for periodical dermatitis (contact dermatitis around the mouth) It started to get rid of this red, ugly rash right away, however, 2 weeks into the medicine, my head is killing me! I have HORRIBLE non-stop head aches. My head and face hurt like I have one monstrous head ache, and, aspirin does not help! I have also been so angry (hard not to be when your head is pounding!) I also had terrific nausea. Could not sleep at night, and, I had some weird nightmares! I stopped taking it and will be calling my Doctor today to tell him to give me something else.
-- By menak | Reply | Private Message me
April 12th
2009
8:47 PM
I was prescribed doxycycline on Saturday and immediately filled it and took the first dose. It helped with my infection but I started having problems by my evening dose on Wednesday. I took it with a small amount of water and lounged around for a half hour or so before getting ready for bed. I woke up about 2 hours later with horrible burning pain in my chest like the pill was stuck. I grabbed a water bottle and drank it down. It felt a little better and I went to sleep. On Thursday the pain was very uncomfortable and I had difficulty eating and swallowing. I went to the store and got antacides with no relief. I was careful for the next few days but I am having a lot of trouble swallowing and now a burning sensation between my shoulders. I went to the doctor today because of the pain. I felt it was due to not enough water when taking it and not sitting up straight for a half hour. She gave me a GI cocktail and sent me on my way with a prescription for pepcid. I just read some postings but I took my pill about a half hour ago. I wish I would have read this first and stopped taking it. It is amazing to me that our professionals are clueless about the relationship between the symptoms and the antibiotic. I to can only hope for no long term permanent problems. I will give it a few days and see how I feel after stopping it.
-- By adgomme | Reply | Private Message me
March 26th
2009
1:56 PM
okay im 22 i started to take this doxy 2days ago i think i found a way to beat these side effects i took my first dose at 6pm my first day i did not sit or lay down for 2 hours thats the main key. i took my pill standing up with 8 oz glass of water ... after i finished my water i started to sweep and clean my house then i went out to walk around the mall and then to a book store (notice i was distracted the hole time! SO 2HOURSE AND 20 min later i ate i ate a lot and good my first night was great a good night sleep no nothing bad. I woke up at 7am the nest day i didn't eat nothing i waited for 8am again i took my pill i finished my 8 oz i then stood for about 46 min watching the news and getting ready for work when i notice i was feeling great i left my house i didn't eat nothing till 2 hours and 14min i was doing great .. soon it was 6.30pm i stood there and took my pill i did not sit nor lay down i swept moped and then i went out to be distracted i just had to make sure i was up and not down ... I HAD A GREAT NIGHT SLEEP ! i woke up repeated the same thing the next day i was fine .... NEXT DAY i decited to try a new way and experiment i took my pill at 8 am i sat down did noting when suddenly 39min later i felt bad i felt sick and i was like what the hell is going on my lower stomach hurted just a little bit i felt sick my palms sweated and i was cold i was angry then sad it only lated 1hour very strange..... i ate eggs and ham at 12pm i felt great awsome like nothing happen at 6 30 pm i took my second pill i stood up and did go out and have fun i felt great had a good sleep etc ;)
so i think if we just think positv and take our pill an hour after we wake up and at 6 30ish pm and do it standing up and being destracited and not siting down for 2 hours we will be fine .. so far thats what i think it might just be in our heads or we arnt taking it right
-- By mandoom2121 | Reply | Private Message me
March 21th
2009
9:06 AM
I started taking Doxycycline Hyclate for an infection....i had been taking it for about 4 days.....one night i take the medicine and i go to sleep.....i wake up the following day with the painful and disturbing sensation that something was stuck in my throat.....and drinking a lot of water to make it go away was in vain......in a couple of days i had trouble eating and drinking and also breathing - i felt burns in the upper back...constant pain.....so I just stopped taking them.....After a couple of days i go back to my doctor and try to explain all the symptoms and try to tell him that i think that it has to do with the medicine that he prescribed....he cuts me off "No, that,s not possible, the medicine I prescribed was for something else!" .....ok ....so I'm thinking "he's the doctor, he knows better, after all he went to school for that!!!!" ....so instead of actually listening to all my symptoms he takes blood test to see what is the cause of my pain; an infection? the liver? etc. etc..........and then at night I come home, I google the side effect of Doxycycline Hyclate and see that I am not crazy...that this happened to a lot of people and that I NEED TO CHANGE MY DOCTOR!!!! Oh, by the way, the doctor prescribed me Propoxyphene-N 100W/APAP (some pain relievers) and told me to take them 10 days without stopping even if the pain goes away!!!!!??????!!!!!!?????!!!!........................L.
-- By lorre | Reply | Private Message me
March 16th
2009
3:39 PM
So glad to find this board. Thank you all for writing in. I am only on my second pill after starting last night. I have followed all the directions, and didn't lie down for a few hours after my first dose. Yet I have horrible esophagus pain. Also had insomnia last night- with a rushing panic like feeling every time I started to dose off- and wound up finally getting to sleep at 5 am and waking up 2 hours later. I took my second pill this morning, and a couple of hours later the esophagus pain got worse. My skin also feels like it's burning (I'm indoors), my chest hurts some when I breathe, and I'm shaky with sweaty palms. This is crazy! I'm taking it for a UTI that felt like it was turning into a kidney infection. I am allergic to almost every antibiotic out there, so I don't know what to do next. I'll keep taking this for now and hope it doesn't kill me.
-- By sickofbeingsosick | Reply | Private Message me
March 15th
2009
1:26 AM
I started taking doxy for my acne but developed severe headaches about a week into treatment. At first, I thought it was because I was pretty stressed with college and not sleeping much but I noticed I would get a headache at about the same time after taking doxy everyday and now think I can't sleep because of it. I also wake up with tightness in my chest (couldn't sleep one night because it was so bad), I'm constantly dizzy, and just have the headache feeling that one gets when hungover. I'm so angry that these symptoms aren't in the side effects because I was blaming these symptoms on other things and would have stopped taking it earlier if I knew...I just hope that I get back to normal and don't have any permanent damage to my brain.
-- By vbogatko | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 12th
2009
7:52 PM
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!!
-- By greekboy | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
February 28th
2009
8:53 AM
Please can anyone who has suffered anxiety/panic/depression/suicide on Doxy tell me how long after stopping taking it this went away???
-- By ellaroo | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me
January 29th
2009
2:51 PM
I am so mad at my doctor! i feel like he knew about the mood swings and just opted not to mention it! my entire life my friends and family have joked about how im always laughing and smiling no matter what is going on. i am a VERY happy person....i was just prescribed doxycycline for my acne and have only been on it for a couple weeks. i thought i was possibly having a pms problem but it just continued after i was off my period, i am so easily irritated now i find that i cry over nothing and cant seem to get over anything.this morning i got in a huge fight with my dad and was more livid than i ever have been in my entire life all over nothing!! and when i say nothing i mean NOTHING.i screamed at him and left my house and told him i wasn't coming home and not to call me or talk to me and then i drove around crying angrily and hysterically for 3 hours.my dad is practically my best friend we never ever fight.ive been losing sleep and having depressing thoughts about life and where mine is going.i just started college and im bummed cuz the meds are effecting my grades already(or so i think they are) i feel physically incapable of getting up in the morning and i have a hard time keeping up in the easiest dance class ever.i always have thoughts about how screwed up EVERYTHING is and my mom and i myself noticed that in the last week every time i call her its to complain about something and i get all choked up about whatever im talking about.now after reading about all these other people having issues with the meds im pretty pissed that my doctor didn't give me any options.if u plan on going to the dermatologist for acne i would recommend mentioning what you've read about this drug before they waste your time and money.life is too short for this crap...seriously.
-- By bettie51 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
January 19th
2009
5:18 AM
Thanx for this site. I took Doxy for 3 days (100mg twice a day) and i woke up with a terrible headache on my right forehead. I took ibuprofen then my left hand started shaking and my heart was beating so fast. I ended up calling 911 thinking something was more serious with me but by the time the paramedics came my pulse and heart beat were normal. Almost 48 hours later i still had the headache and now was having shortness of breath, feeling tired, back ache, panic attack and light headedness. I called my DR and she said i probably just needed some rest. No mention of some possible side effect to doxy so i used my initiative and googled this stupid doxy drug..Wow the results were very helpful and now i know its the doxy doing this to me for sure. I stopped taking it right away which is after only 3 days after but my body hasn't gone back to normal. No more shortness of breath but still have back ache, Oh and for some reason i cant sleep..its 5 am right now and am on my computer..so i think i'll add insomnia to the list of side effects..NEVER AGAIN WILL I TAKE DOXY
-- By babyboom555 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
January 13th
2009
7:30 AM
I've been on Doxy now for about 6 days for severe acne and haven't had any really bad side effects. I have experienced some nausea and learned very quickly how to take it. I was wondering if anyone experienced any arm pain while sleeping and especially after waking up. I've been waking up and my elbows, lower arms and hands just ache to high heaven. This is the only thing I've changed and I don't sleep on my arms.
-- By colupida | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
December 1th
2008
5:23 PM
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.
-- By jendreb | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 27th
2008
1:15 AM
Man oh man. This is the worst experience of my life to this date. I'm 20 years old. An awesome person in my own opinion, but really just fell off the cliff. I just wrote an entire page of how I have been feeling lately to my mother and father with no intentions of giving it to them. Its basically explaining that if I do not wake up tomorrow that its because of this drug (doxy). It has made me so depressed that I cannot bare it any longer and I refuse to take any more of this. I can handle depression but actually sitting here and physically writing a letter is not something I would every do healthy.
I feel exhausted and I don't want to do anything. my stomach is fine but I have gotten sores on my tongue and a blister. I thought I may had picked up an STD from the only girl I have ever been with for my first time about 2 1/2 months ago but everything came back negative after I had already been taking the drug for 5 days. Now I have no clue whats wrong with me and this drug isn't curing my symptoms, its only adding on and making me feel terrible. I do not fear of doing anything to myself but I cant get over the fact that Im going to spontaneously pass in my sleep or something messed up. In fact writing this entire thing is completely unlike me. Depression is a powerful thing.
I will cause no harm to myself, but I think that anyone less educated about depression would. I really feel like if I didn't know everything was normal I would be ready for something to end my life. So I hope other people who are as severely depressed as I am will read this an know that its not the end and you just have to sort everything out.
-- By decline20 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
October 28th
2008
3:40 PM
Thank God for this site. I thought it was just my sensitivity and exaggeration. I've been on Doxy for 2 1/2 weeks for IBS. Immediately I was nauseated. The instructions were firm in saying to take on an empty stomach, otherwise it wouldn't absorb correctly. None of the side effects websites mention dizziness and extreme exhaustion. I thought it was just me, as I've been so lightheaded and so tired I can hardly function. I want to sleep all the time, but when I try to, it's off and on. I'm up during the night. But when I get up in the morning I feel like I haven't had any sleep. Afternoon naps don't help at all. Nothing, and I mean, nothing, looks or tastes good. I feel like throwing up all the time. I can't stand the sight of certain foods, and don't want to cook because it will make me woozy. I think it's making my already diarrhea worse. I mustn't forget the abdominal cramping.
-- By addyde62 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 23th
2008
9:21 AM
ok so i got sick ( pretty sure i caught it from school ) on a Friday sick as a dead man. lots of sneezing and runny nose ( and i mean machine gun sneezing with waterfalls of snot ) sometime during the night i start coughing out phlem and now wheezing when i breathe n i had a fever , dizziness , well diarrhea comes in play and on Saturday i ate completely nothing.. i was scared after this because i was starving and couldn't even force myself to eat something to stay alive.. well the only thing better about Sunday i was able to manage some cereal for breakfast and a fajita for dinner.. coming Monday i stayed home from school went to see my doctor and he prescribes me "doxycyline" the doctor told me to get tablets.. but i ended up with capsules.. well wen i got back home i took one and immediately felt a kind of high ( like right now ) .. yea so today is Tuesday and i chose to stay home again.. and i just took my 2nd pill... im really starving n i think the only reason why im still typing is because of this pill...yea i have a really bad stomach ache / headache ... loss of appetite kinda wish i was dead feeling... im 18 and should i stay with this med? i don't even know if i can go to school 2morrow i have a doctors pass only for mon and tues.. i cant sleep .. i taste and smell this horrible taste i cant describe .. this is only the 2nd pill....and if i die in a week or two i think its bc of this drug .......
-- By amp666 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 13th
2008
12:11 AM
I am 21 years old and was prescribed this medication for "mild acne treatment." I have only been on this medication two days and already I am feel some side effects. My Dermatologist did not explain any side effects to me at all when prescribing this medication and gave me no instructions on even taking the medication. All he said was take one pill twice a day 1/2 hr - 1 hr after eating and thats all. I started feeling some symptoms this morning while at work. I got an upset stomach and started feeling extremely nauseous. I came home from work and immediately went to sleep. When I woke up, I felt even worse. I still feel nauseous and have upset stomach, but now I also have a loss of appetite, im tired, I feel weak and have no desire to do anything. I am debating still continuing this medication, since it is only for an acne treatment. I will probably continue for a few more days and if the side effects still persist, I will discontinue use. I had no idea why I all of a sudden felt this way, so decided to research a little. I am very glad I found this website, or else I would probably be wondering what the heck is going on. Thank you for all the posts about your side effects. Now I am aware of why I am feeling the way I am. Much appreciated...
-- By kristinah | Reply | Private Message me
September 12th
2008
10:50 AM
Diagnosed with staff infection, took one pill last night two hours after eating, sat up in bed reading and went to sleep no problem. Today, ate two cereal bard at 6:30 a.m., and then took the pill at 9:00 with water. I became extremely hot and nauseated about 10 minutes later and drinking water did not help. The nausea was so bad that I could hardly keep vomiting and it has not subsided. I do not have a weak stomach and have never experienced this degree of nausea with any antibiotic.
-- By mcorry | Reply | Private Message me
August 17th
2008
12:10 AM
I've been taking Doxycycline for two days now. I have a severs case of insomnia. I have not slept in over 36 hours, which is very unusual for me. I am experiencing shortness of breath, extremely exhausted (but can't sleep), nausea, dizziness, feeling of something in my throat, and weird weird moods (getting mad for no reason, which isn't usually me and people are noticing that something is different).
I'm supposed to be taking it for another 5 days for an infection. Any advice on what I should do? This whole no sleeping thing just isn't working for me.
August 8th
2008
8:42 AM
Help...I just have taken 200 mg as prescribed. I feel like being in a different planet. Everything seems unreal. I cant eat. I feel nauseous. Would like to throw up. I get Hot Flashes following by Cold Flashes. I feel dizzy and would like to sleep...the worst thing, I am at work...
-- By houman | Reply | Private Message me
August 4th
2008
7:46 PM
I started Adoxa (generic form of Doxy) about 2 weeks ago for a cyst. About 5 days after taking the med, I was swimming and my hands had the weirdest sensation... After I got out of the pool, my feet were on fire as were my hands. Thought I just had gotten sunburn, though I don't normally burn. A couple days later, I had a severe tingling/burning in my fingers and toes. Couldn't sleep because of the pain. This lasted 2 night and I stopped taking the Adoxa. Went to Urgent Care because the burning was not subsiding and and my toes and fingers were EXTREMELY sensitive. I couldn't even open a pop can. Dr. said I had Periphrial Neuropathy and it is not a side effect of the Adoxa that I was taking. Told me I had symptoms to a bigger problem. I have been off Adoxa now for 4 days and the tingling/burning/sensitivity has all gone away! I know that it is the Adoxa and will not ever take it again!!! Remember to trust your instincts when you take medications!!!!
-- By susanim | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 26th
2008
2:13 AM
I took this medication as a malarial prevention whilst traveling through India.
Never EVER again. My boyfriend had suffered from depression in the past and we had heard bad things about Larium in relation to anxiety and insomnia so we specifically asked our doctor for the malarial tablets with the least amount of side effects associated with that kind of stuff. He reassured us that there was no record of Doxcycline ever having caused those sorts of effects.
So off we went- we followed the instructions exactly and began our trip.
A week or so into India I began to notice shortness of breath and stomach pain- I put it down to typical India travelers upset and thought no more about it. A bit later I began to suffer moments of anxiety that were really out of character ( I've never suffered from anxiety or depression). I'm very well traveled ( I work in the travel industry and have traveled extensively in the Americas, Africa, Australasia and se Asia) and so although this was my first trip to India- i knew my anxiety had nothing to do with India itself. ( people kept telling me this but I loved India)
It came to a head on a overnight bus from Goa to Hampi- I was feeling really anxious, sweating and clammy, I couldn't sleep and my breathing was really tight. Eventually I had a full blown panic attack that was almost like a out of body experience- I couldn't see and I couldn't breath. The whole bus had to stop ( embarrassing!) at 3am in the morning. Eventually I managed to get back on and make it to the next town ( although not as far as Hampi) so we could take stock.
I was petrified and had no idea whatsoever what was going on. It never occurred to me it could be the malaria tablets as we had been so clear and our doctor so confident they didn't have these kinds of side effects.
I was worried about being on buses, trains even planes again since I didn't know what caused the attacks and I was terrified another one would happen. I had no valium or any other sort of thing that might have helped. In the end we had to cut our trip short and make it back to Mumbai - In Mumbai I suffered from another two panic attacks- one where I could see the walls closing in in our cheap hotel room. Shortness of breath, tightness all through my body, hysteria, blurry vision - it was awful! And also this ongoing pain and upset in my stomach.
I ended up cutting short a RTW trip that my boyfriend and I had been saving for for over a year and coming home to Australia 2 months early.
It was devastating and I still had no idea what was causing it. Finally a friend said her doctor had mentioned sleeplessness and anxiety as a rare side effect of this drug when she was taking it for some problems to do with vaginal bleeding and spotting. I started searching on the internet and was amazed to find loads of sights with people experiencing heaps of the side effects that I'd been told were never a problem with this drug!
Obviously Malaria is really serious but if I had been properly informed I could have made the decision to come off the drugs and look at alternate medication. For now - Im taking the risk of no malaria tablets at all for my next couple of trips (to Borneo- so not a major risk anyway) and will actually research much harder before taking anything again!
July 19th
2008
11:20 AM
On doxycycline now for 3 weeks 100 mg twice per day. I can't stop yawning. I am so tired and it is difficult to concentrate.
Suppose to take the regimen for at least 6 weeks for chronic lyme disease. I skipped last night's dose. Although I am so tired I feel at night like I have a fever and do not sleep more than 6 hours.
-Lizydoo
May 23th
2008
11:15 AM
I had to take Doxycycline for 3 weeks last August when a tick bite I had developed the classic "bulls eye"... a sign of Lyme disease. Everything went well for the first 10 days then I started getting kind of nervous and couldn't sleep well at night. I was constantly starving, really ravenous and had to eat constantly otherwise the nausea got worse. I was glad when I was finally able to stop taking the meds, BUT then after 24 hours I became depressed and really fuzzy in my head and disoriented. This lasted for another 2-4 days. I'm feeling much better now, but I have noticed that I'm just a lot more sensitive to other stimulants...coffee, sugar, alcohol, chocolate. I know I have a few other allergies, hay fever, food allergies etc. I was just wondering, does anyone else out there who has had a negative reaction to doxy have any other allergies or intolerances, or asthma? How much sugar, either in the form of sweets or alcohol do you usually consume? Daily, weekly, monthly...none at all? Feedback would be greatly appreciated. I would like to get to the root of this problem.
-- By webmom2000 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 22th
2008
11:36 PM
I was on Minocycline (a cousin to Doxycycline Hyclate) for years. I’m not sure how long exactly as I didn’t write down the date that I started, but I believe I have been on it around 3-4+ years. Well I went to a dermatologist and he instantly looked at the outer area of my arms (just above the elbow) and recognized I am suffering from skin discoloration, and prescribed Doxycycline, and told me to stop taking Minocycline right away. I also have this blue-gray skin discoloration on my back near my shoulder blades. I took my Minocycline for the next two weeks till the Doxycycline came in then stopped the minocycline, and started Doxycycline on Sunday. I take a 100mg pill twice daily with a meal, and thus far have had no issues. Keep in mind that I have been on Minocycline for the past 4 years or so and maybe I’ve been suffering similar side effects on that drug, thus I would be unable to see the difference with Minocycline’s cousin Doxycycline. I am pretty sure the first year or two that I was on Minocycline I was depressed (other things in life may have contributed to this depression, but now that I see all of these people saying they have had mood swings, I must state that I have had many more mood swings in recent years then I ever remember before being on these meds). I have also been extremely sleepy the past few years. I used to NEVER be able to fall asleep in public, but (I believe about the same time I started Minocycline) I gained the ability to sleep anywhere. Now I mean, anywhere. I can sleep even after I get anywhere between 6 and 14 hours of sleep. I have had approx 7-9 hours of sleep on average for the past 6 months, yet am always tired. I can’t remember the last time I haven’t been sleepy, and have had many doctor visits to attempt to discover the reason for this, but hadn’t read the side effects of Minocycline. I’ve still been pretty sleepy since Sunday, but I’ll hope that this Doxycycline isn’t as bad. Anyone else have a similar issue, where you used to be awake, but now you are always sleepy (wake up in the mornings a bit dizzy and confused), and have a hard time concentrating on one thing at a time?
-- By acnefreedom | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
April 8th
2008
3:45 AM
i am amazed that doxycycline has given the SAME EXACT problems to other people. i never had side effects to any medication i ever took up until this point. I was on them for a week and on the 2 final nights I too took them right before sleeping and developed a case of esophigitis. I cant eat or sleep because it feels like i'm swallowing lumps that land in my stomach and burn. Even breathing ends up as burping that feels like its on fire. My throat feels swollen and eating solids is torture. Ive been so depressed over this, it makes me want to cry and not go to work because my head feels like i'm in a cloud. Past 24 hours i developed a fever and pain in the jaw/temple area but that might just be a flu going around. So i called the doctor who prescribed them to me for adult acne and says "you weren't supposed to take them before bed, sounds like you have esophagitis". Nice of him to tell me this prior to starting this medication. Im so worried these have caused permanent damage to my stomach that i'm going to suffer with forever. Have these symptoms gone away for anyone, and what helped you get through it if it has? also, how long? Maalox, Pepcid, and over the counter heartburn remedies dont seem to help. all i know is, doxycycline is the wrost drug ever and needs to be retired ASAP!
-- By ellas11103 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 20th
2008
4:01 PM
I have been taking doxycycline for about 4 days now. Last night I took it right before bed, with water, and upon waking at about 1 am I felt that the pill was stuck in my esophagus. And then my stomach starting burning and acid started coming up. I still feel like the pill is lodged in there, and it is very uncomfortable. Along with this issue, I have felt rather depressed, dizzy, yeast infection, and am extremely tired. I don't really know what to do at this point. I was prescribed it for pneumonia and a double ear infection. My chest is still killing me from the pneumonia and still have trouble breathing. My doctors have not been helpful what so ever through this process. I had to actually go to the hospital for the proper diagnosis. I don't even know if it is even working for me, but I don't have health insurance and have been out of work for over a week. Can any one give me ANY advice PLEASE???!!!!!
-- By makahfili | Reply | (11) replies | Private Message me
February 26th
2008
9:49 AM
The drug insert for Doxycycline says to take the medicine with a full glass of water, and it warns not to lie down for a half hour after taking the drug. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. Doxycycline, along with a number of other drugs, is quite corrosive.
I was on doxy for about a week when I woke up with the feeling of something caught in my throat. I had taken it with a full glass of water, but I had laid down immediately. I guess the pill had found its way back up to my throat. That night, I went to the hospital, did a barium swallow, and I eventually had an endoscopy to check out the damage. Thankfully it subsided after a couple weeks, but I had horrible pill-induced Esophagitis. I couldn't even drink water without pain and a feeling that I was choking. I didn't eat solids for 2 weeks, took double-dose Nexium, and I had to sleep SITTING UP because I also have silent acid-reflux, but when this happened, I could feel it intensely. I was lucky it wasn't perforated.
Anyway, lesson learned. Always follow the instructions. This can also happen with NSAIDs like Advil, btw.
-- By sarie8712 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 3th
2008
10:57 AM
I started to take it after periodontal surgery. One night, I took it while in bed and without taking water. Stupid, stupid, stupid! That night I could barely sleep, waking every time I'd swallow due to the pain. It hurt from my throat down to the center of my chest. It even burned a little bit. While it does not burn so much now I still feel as if I have a lump in my throat. When I do swallow it is uncomfortable but at least not painful. It has been 36 hours.
I have stopped taking it until I can check with my doctor.
-- By dsagnella | Reply | Private Message me
January 29th
2008
3:03 PM
I have been having Doxy since last June (about 6 mo. ago) and still taking it. Its effects on my acne problem has just gotten apparent about one month ago. (Yep. For 5 months, I kept my faith and it is beginning to pay off.) I was determined to take the stuff as long as I need to. However, I just noticed that my stomach is bloating and I got tired very easily. I could play several games of rigorous racquetball before but no longer. My breathing has gotten harder and felt like something was obstructing my breathe just below the rib cage (in the middle).
I will see my derm to see if there is any long term problem with this side effect. He once told me I have to take this drug at least 2 months after all the major "bums" have disappeared. I hope that is within the next few weeks.
-- By windycity_guy | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
January 7th
2008
9:57 AM
Took it as a precaution for a dental surgery. I wound up having severe reflux (which resulted in throwing up one night) and the most severe heartburn I can imagine. I took it before I went to bed, which I found out is a no no, and was unable to sleep due to the burning in my throat and chest. I haven't taken the pill in over 12 hours and my chest is still burning pretty bad. I usually tolerate medicine very well. I will be asking my doc to take me off of this....
-- By jpasto81 | Reply | Private Message me
December 14th
2007
11:00 PM
Thanks so much for your advise on how to deal with the side effects of DOXY. I still have about 9 days to go for this drug and I really feel like want to stop it right now. The pill results my stomach bloating (which is why I was on this antibiotics at the first place) and fullness of my stomach, I was on and Somac at the same time, just finished Metrogyl treatment yesterday and still have about a month for Somac. I normally takes Doxy at least 3-5 hours before i sleep to prevent the upset stomach however it still affects my sleep, always wakes up very early in the morning, couldn't sleep well and feels like need to breath harder. I would like to take it in the morning but I can't because my first dose was at around evening and I can't miss that evening dose and take it the next morning instead. 9 days to go and now I am worrying about the continuous of side effects or causes other problem(upper back pain & reflux which I am experiencing now) after the treatment finished. Hopefully I m just worrying too much. God bless.
-- By alan26 | Reply | Private Message me
September 26th
2009
8:19 PM
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.
-- By lyndyb | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me