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Dizziness on Bactrim?

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Posted 3/11/2013 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I started bactrim on Monday. I've been having increased dizziness and a feeling that I'm swaying. I can't tell if this is a herx or medication side-effect. Of course, I've been reading online and I'm scaring myself that it is a bad and possibly permanent side-effect. I've had dizziness and other vestibular symptoms since I first got very ill, but it's been intermittent and I haven't really had it recently until starting the Bactrim.

For those of you that have taken bactrim, have you had this? My dr. said that her patients almost never have side-effects to Bactrim, unless allergic. The weird thing is, she warned me of possible dizziness with minocycline and I didn't have any. Now with the Bactrim I'm having a lot. It's all so confusing. I don't know if I should wait and see if it passes and then know that it's probably herxing or stop taking it for a day or two and see if it subsides?
Posted 3/11/2013 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mystery, I myself had the worst herx ever on any medication as I did with bactrim.  It was my first lyme rx and I thought I was going to die.  I was so dizzy I couldn't get out of bed.  Needless to say, I stopped at that point but went back on twice and I believe bactrim played a major role in my getting well.  Make sure you are detoxing and taking it easy. 

couldn't hurt to check with your dr. but I'm of the opinion it is a herx.  Feel better.

Posted 3/11/2013 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for your quick response and encouragement, springsjean! That's encouraging! Do you think you herxed so bad from it hitting Bart, Babs, or both? It doesn't help kill Lyme, does it?
Posted 3/11/2013 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
IDK but it could have been the bartonella. I don't have babs and it seems that the bart has been the hardest for me to get rid of. (at least I think lol).
Posted 3/11/2013 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
I thought typically an 'allergic' rxn to Bactrim was typically associated with the sulfa in it. So if you are not allergic to sulfates it is less likely that you are allergic to Bactrim.
Posted 3/11/2013 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Opugirl, you are right about the sulfates being the allergin. However, my pharmacist told me that sometimes we can spontaneously become allergic to sulfates even if we have taken Bactrim successfully before. That is the main reason I didn't want to take it. I was too worried about having a major allergic reaction to it. In fact, I believe he said that it is more likely that you have an allergic reaction after the second or third time you take it as your body recognizes it as a threat. He also said, you will know fairly quickly after taking it if you are allergic to it or not. He told me to keep a bottle of benadryl with me for the first day 1/2 until I know how my body will react. I didn't end up taking it because I only have 1 kidney and acute kidney failure was one of the possible reactions to have and I didn't want to chance it.

Mystery, since you have had vestibular issues in the past, I'm more inclined to believe you are indeed suffering from a herx, rather than an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to Bactrim usually include some pretty severe rashes. I think you would know by now if you are really allergic to it or not.

Sorry for your troubles. I know it's scary starting new meds!
Posted 3/11/2013 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice everyone!

Shabbychic-yes, you're probably right. I wasn't too concerned that it was an allergic reaction, but more so that maybe it was a med. side-effect., but it's probably herxing. It's a little better today, so I'll wait and see what happens.
Posted 9/4/2016 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I've been light headed and kind of ill since taking my last Bactrim 60 hours ago now. My doc gave me no warnings and told me to keep going. I stopped, but am seriously concerned now, lightheadedness won't go away, been detoxing and drinking tons of water 3 days now. Is there anything I can do to get rid of this feeling? Should I see a doctor?
Posted 9/4/2016 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
I am allergic to Bactrim, and I got swelling in my throught, it was difficult to breath, I could tell without doubt that I have allergy.

But similiar thing to yours happened to me when I started on Cefoxie. Second day and I got POTS (where you can not stand up). My Lyme doctor thought it was herx, it means that your body is working. Just try to detox more. I am drinking loads of lemon water now, herbs, epsom salts baths, feeling a bit better. I will start on Cefoxie again in 10 days.
Posted 9/4/2016 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
Bactim sent dormant toxoplasmosis running ..i have not been right since ...they banned it in england ...was just a 10 day ..1st day ok second day strong third day like someone slice my brain and boiled my blood
Posted 9/5/2016 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
there's a difference between an allergic reaction and sensitivity to a drug. an allergic reaction will cause almost an immediate nasty reaction. a sensitivity could happen right away or take some time as the drug builds up in your system like having an upset stomach or tendonitis. its important to note they aren't the same thing.

bactrim (which is 2 antibiotics and quite an old drug) hits babesia and bart very well and also can attack lyme though its not known as a first line medication. i have both babs and bart and its done very well for me for my bart.

dizziness is a very common symptom (well for those that have it) from lyme disease. my wife's dizziness started up when she starting taking ceftin and zithromax. if i had to hazard a guess you're getting a reaction from the bug die off.
Posted 9/6/2017 3:49 AM (GMT 0)

bluelyme said...
Bactim sent dormant toxoplasmosis running ..i have not been right since ...they banned it in england ...was just a 10 day ..1st day ok second day strong third day like someone slice my brain and boiled my blood

Jeez, I am supposed to add this med into my cocktail. Toxoplasmosis? Haven't been right since?

I'm going to have a panic attack 90 seconds into consuming it.
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