Adverse Reaction to Doxycycline

[Ree4tu]

I am confused...I started doxycycline 3 days ago due to a low CD57 result which my alternative M.D. thinks may be indicative of Chronic Lyme although my Lyme tests are negative. About two days into the medication, I developed red itchy, burning skin patches all over my body, a pounding headache, terrible joint pain, itchy eyes, and a throat which feels swollen. He advised me to stop taking the medication as this may be an allergic/adverse reaction.  I have taken other antibiotics in recent months for other infections and I didn't have this reaction, so my educated guess would be it is an allergic reaction and not a herx reaction. I am a person who seems to be allergic to a lot of things. My question is has anyone experienced a reaction like this so soon on an antibiotic and if so, is it an allergic reaction or is it a herx reaction?  I am wondering if the doxy may have been killing off bacteria which then entered my bloodstream which resulted in an allergic reaction to the bacteria. If this is the case, I would want to take it and maybe just cut back the dose or maybe try another antibiotic. I am aware that people have allergic reactions to Lyme bacteria, so you see why I am confused. Does the fact that this reaction happened so quickly make it unlikely it is a herx reaction?  Just would like to know other people's thoughts and experiences.  Thank you!

[EricaO]

Hey there!

I had itchy skin and severe red eye, terrible joint pain and MASSIVE headaches when I first started the Doxy. It got better as I continued taking it.

What is the dosage that you are taking? Are you taking any probiotics like acidolphilis with it?

[Stephen898]

I was switched to Doxy this month after taking Ceftin  for 6mos. My herx was stronger and longer than it had been towards the end of taking Ceftin. Whenever I start a new abx it takes 2-3days before i go down hill into a herx. I think your 2-3 day response is in relation to the amount of time it takes for the medication to reach a peak level in your bloodstream. I can't comment on whether it is an allergic reaction or not. Your doctor would know what's best. A herx to me is a worsting of existing symptoms with possibly  a new transient symptom here and there. Some other members may have more experience with this.
Stephen

[Ree4tu]

Hello there!  Thank you for your response. I was taking 300 mg per day and yes, I am taking probiotics.  How long did you take the Doxy before those symptoms improved?  My joints were actually throbbing and even my feet were itching.  So do you think it's a herx or is it just a matter of the body getting use to the medication?  I read the side effects of doxy and some of these symptoms are listed under adverse reactions which concerns me. I am also receiving high intravenous doses of Vitamin C weekly which is suppose to kill infections like Lyme. I had MAJOR herx reaction with the first few IV treatments which consisted of swollen glands,sore throat, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fevers and increased muscle pain and stiffness - it felt like a strange flu.  This reaction to doxy is not the same.

[Stephen898]

One other thing. if you continue to take Doxy do not spend much time in the sun without very good protection. I got sunburned on the left side of my face from driving my car. My knuckles got burned from holding onto the steering wheel. Coming from a dermatologist I heard that Neutrogena makes a sunblock that has an ingredient called AVOBENZONE which may better neutralize the effects of Doxy and sunlight. I am trying it and will let you know. Got the SPF55.
Stephen

[Ree4tu]

Thank you for responding.  I was having some joint pain on and off before the doxy and over this past summer, I had episodes of skin itching, so you made a good point about a herx being a worsening of existing symptoms. It's difficult to determine the difference though between this particular reaction and an allergic reaction. Honestly, my doctor didn't seem 100% sure either, but I have stopped for now.

[wonko]

It sounds like a Herx to me, but you're best to make sure it is not an allergic reaction.  Not all antibiotics (abx) work on all infections, so your earlier use of abx with no reaction doesn't necessarily mean that you are allergic to doxy.  It could also be the dose.

Does your doctor have a lot of experience treating Lyme, especially in late-stage cases?  If not, you may want to seek a Lyme literate physician.  I really like that whatever I tell my Lyme doctor, he has heard it before (as opposed to looking at me like I am nuts, which I got from a lot of other doctors!).  It's a bit concerning that your doctor doesn't seem sure about your reaction.

I am not on doxy, I'm on minocylcine, zirthomax, and bactrim.  I've had the most herxing from the later two.  For the most part, my initial herxes were the worst and it's gotten easier over time.  I can start to Herx in less than an hour after taking my abx.  Most of my herxes are worsening of old symptoms, but I've also had new symptoms appear after starting different abx, such as various rashes, and long-lasting and bright migraine auras.

Keep us posted on what your doctor suggests and how you proceed...

[patsy10]

My personal opinion is that it is an allergic reaction.  The swelling of the throat and itching skin are classic for an allergic reaction.  My last herx reaction happened about 5 days into doxy and lasted about 3 weeks.  I had severe pain all over plus bad stabbing pains in different areas, twitching from head to toe and numb and tingling sensations all over.  I thought it was a relapse at the time but now I think it was the doxy.

Stephen898,

Thanks for the name of the sunscreen.  I got a doxy sunburn last summer.  It was bad, much worse than a typical sunburn.  Fortunately it was only on my hand.  It was like it was on fire.

[Ree4tu]

Thank you for all your input.  I haven't taken the doxy yesterday or today, but still having some allergic type reactions and also now the pain, twitching and tingling sensations that patsy10 describes.  I think maybe it's a combo of herx and allergic-type reaction.  I think the doxy unleashed something for sure.  I am thinking about going to a doctor who only treats Lyme, but tired of changing doctors. I just started seeing my current doctor a month ago.  I was going to a Fibro and Fatigue Center and the doctor there would treat me for Lyme, but the visits are so expensive. At least I finally got some doctors to take me seriously as I knew this wasn't only Fibro.  I just want to get better which I am sure everyone relates to.

[pilotoo]

Hi.  Diagnosed Lyme's June 09.  Got 3 wks doxy.  Regular docs no help, found a Lyme's doc went in Setpt.  On all the supplements and now samento and thyroid (thyroid was problematic) and also doxy again.

3 days in having TERRIBLE relapse, seems as bad as it was at first, if not worse.  Am now wondering is this the 3 day herx?  Had this in the beginning and then after day 4 or 5 it got better... this time round
seems a bit worse.

Not sure, but thinking it may be because of the supplements I'm taking - that they are boosting immune response and I'm getting MORE die off this time than before??  Any way how long do the herxs last typicallY?

What can I expect really is the question... I still have to function at work, and this is VERY difficult.  I have good and bad days now...