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Xifaxan Experiences/Side Effects, Anyone?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 5/6/2014 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,


I've been lurking on this site for a while now, but this is my first time posting- nice to meet you all!

So my doctor prescribed Xifaxan 550mg 3X's/day for 14 days for SIBO (diagnosed through hydrogen breath test), and today will be my fifth day taking it. My symptoms so far have included: fatigue, increased abdominal bloating, more frequent bowel movements, increased hunger, and a highly unusual amount of anxiety/anger/mood swings, which began the day after I began taking it. Also, it' probably important to note that I'm not anywhere near my monthly cycle, so these symptoms definitely cannot be attributed to PMS.


Regarding the bloating, although I've read posts from others mentioning increased bloating/abdominal distention during Xifaxan, I guess I'm a little concerned because it seemed as though the majority of people expressed that Xifaxan either improved their IBS/SIBO symptoms pretty soon after taking the first dose (24-48 hours seems to be the norm), or it really didn't have an effect. The fact that my bloating has actually gotten worse is a little disconcerting.


In terms of the sudden (and literally almost uncontrollable) increase in my appetite, I'm a little dumbfounded. I've looked everywhere I can think of and haven't found this as a known side effect. While I realize it may seem as though it's probably unrelated to the Xifaxan, I am 100% confident that it is, as I have been following an SCD, low FODMAPS, low carb, low sugar (only sugar I eat is in the form of cooked carrots) diet for a few months now and I generally don't have any desire for sugar/processed "frankenfood" anymore. This is a far cry from the past few days, in which I've been scouring the kitchen for all things SIBO illegal, including gluten (which, prior to Xifaxan, I hadn't eaten for TWO YEARS) and high sugar foods. I don't know how likely this is, but I'm wondering if it's possible that the Xifaxan is killing off the bacteria, and as a result, they're becoming desperate for subsistence to survive, thus the intense sugar cravings. Yeah, I realize that's quite the reach :). Just don't know what the heck is going on.

Finally, regarding the sudden onset of anxiety/anger/mood swings, I'm also at a loss because, like the increased appetite, I haven't found this listed anywhere as a known side effect.

What were your experiences and/or side effects on Xifaxan?
Posted 5/6/2014 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
It's been about five years since the treatment, and I was given Xifaxan and another antibiotic simultaneously, (streptomycin, maybe?). I remember many of the side effects you've mentioned. I was told they were my body's response to the die-off toxins of the bacteria, which could be more awful than the SIBO itself. It was over after I finished the Xifaxan, as I couldn't finish the other antibiotic due to ringing in my ears. I've had no troubles since. I also avoid the foods that made me aware of the problem in the first place like plague. Hope this helps.
Posted 5/6/2014 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your response, Dixonrh! That is an excellent suggestion; I've read about die off symptoms before and it sounds very plausible that this could be what I'm experiencing. I suppose it's one of those things that makes sense in theory but you never really think will actually happen to you. Do you mind me asking if the Xifaxan ended up working for you long-term? If the Xifaxan does end up improving my symptoms, I'm hoping to maintain any progress for as long as I can with a low carb/lowFODMAP diet.
Posted 5/7/2014 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Healing Happily, everything ended with the antibiotics. The nausea, twisting gut pain, vomiting every thirty minutes, and sheer hysteria all disappeared within a week of the finish of the Xifaxan. The only remaining symptom was extreme constipation, which has been a lifelong problem.

My GI doc did say I was lucky, and that some people have to repeat the course over and over. She guessed the SIBO originated from the constipation-yeah, I got that backed up several times. I've made an effort to manage it better since. I also avoided everthing with HFCS and the forbidden artificial sweeteners for about a year, but they've slipped back into my diet. I've kept the cultured milk products, but let the probiotic tablets slip. After writing this, I intend to do more of what I know I should do. Good luck to you.
Posted 5/9/2014 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
healing happy I too have had some of the side effects you mentioned along with back pain when I am done with this medicine I was told I must take pylera another medicine for h pylori and that will 3pills 4 times a day I am nervouse about all this but I was told it was the only way to get rid of this bacteria as well
Posted 5/9/2014 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, Dixonrh, that is very helpful information! I'm so glad to hear everything is working so well for you, and hope it continues to do so.

NYNYBW, thanks for your response! While I would never wish these side-effects on anyone, it's always nice to know you're not alone. I felt like the only person on the planet who wasn't feeling perfect on Xifaxan. Are you currently taking Xifaxan or have you already moved on to the Pylera?
Posted 5/24/2014 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
I have now finished the pylera but now experience different pain such as lower left abdominal pain (kinda like a burning sensation and back pain , I hurts and at times I feel useless
Posted 3/18/2015 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Healing happily,
Did you cure yourself with the xifaxin and diet?
I'm in my second round of xifaxin and neomycin... I felt I cured it the first time but then relapsed after taking codeine cough syrup for antibiotic ,not knowing that would also my gut motility.
I only have two days left on the fourteen days, and I have not improved at all. Wondering if I won't feel better until I finish the antibiotics ? My dotor is prescribing another five days . I've been flawless (to the best of my knowledge ) on my diet since diagnosed .
My side effects really suck, I'm also starving and my cravings are horrible... My mood and thoughts are so negative and unrecognizable, all I want to do is lay in bed. I've been dealing with all of this stuff since August, I'm at my wits end. I feel like I never hear success stories of curing SIBO ... I've lost nearly 20 pounds on my already underweight frame and my immune system is shot.
Also, did you do rice and potatoes on the diet? My dietician claims I can but I feel that's a carb that just Feeds the bacteria.
I'm hoping you're a success story ....
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