Doxycycline Hyclate and urinalysis

I have been taking Doxy off and on for about 3 years to treat mild adult acne (began at 34). When I first began it, my symptoms came under control right away, just taking 100mg once per day (as advised by my doctor, since I am known to have a sensitive stomach).

There was one morning that I got up early for a hair appointment, and took my pill with a glass of water on my way out the door. Bad idea! I felt a cramp on my left side that felt like a pulled stomach muscle, and since I lift weights, I dismissed it as an overworked abdomninal muscle. By the time I arrived home form my hair appointment, two hours later, I was in so much pain, I could barely get out of my car. I staggered to the house, believeing I was having pains associated with a kidney stone. Severe! Ended up being sent to the ER for a CAT scan. They found nothing, and urinalysis showed only signs of dehydration. This has not occurred again, as I am careful to drink lots of water now.

Most recently, I had (under the advice of my dermatologist) weaned myself off by taking it every-other day, then gradually less and less often.

Apparently a monthly hormone surge caused a severe breakout on my forehead, so I began taking the pills twice per day, with a sandwich or something considerable enough to buffer the stomach-upset effects. What I felt was...well, basically over-dosed. "Jittery" as though I'd taken too much of a cold/allergy medication, or had too much espresso. It was very strange, and I kept telling my husband that I just 'didn't feel like myself.'

Then, I felt as if I had a bladder infection, disspite the water I was consuming in great quantites. My regular physician called in a Sulfa medicaion to treat the bladder infection, and I quit the Doxy.

I truly believe the Sulfa is what cleared up the acne, which HAS NOT RETURNED, even a month later. (note: I also use a common brand of 2.5% benzolperoxide lotion; not sure if I can name it exactly in this forum. Lower concentrations are effective and don't make your skin flakey.)

However, for the last 3-4 weeks, a slight tremmor in one or both hands persisted. Since the Sulfa, I have not taken another Doxy, nor will I. If my face breaks out again, I think I'll stick with the Sulfa.

I am now on a mild anti-anxiety medication for the 'jitters' and it seems to be working like magic. But no doctor can explain this to me.

I hope this story offers some insights and help to someone--ANYone--else who has been through a similar ordeal.

Trust your instincts. Don't stop asking questions until you are satisfied with the answers. You are not crazy, and you are not a hypochondriac. Find the help you need.