First time on Flagyl

Hi everyone,

I have been fighting lyme for about a year now. The last treatment I got was a 5 month course on Doxy, but as soon as I stopped some symptoms reaacured. The doctor put me now on flagyl and Amoxicillin. He told me that one of the serious side eefects can be numbness (from Flagyl I think) and that I should stop immediately. Last night I began the treatment (4 times a day 250mg pills). I woke up with a light pain/numbness on my left arm, with a tickling feeling occasionally on my left palm. I would really like to continue this drug as I have read positive things about it, and also because I have lost faith on Doxycycline. Can anyone please enlighten me about this numbness feeling? So far I have only taken three pills. Should I give it more time and see what effects, reactions I will get? Thank you

[patsy10]

Welcome.  I would let your doctor know about your symptoms and see how he or she feels about it.  Antibiotics often need to be changed as the bacteria alter themselves and become resistant to the medication.  

[JackieCalifornia]

I was on Flagyl for several months taking the same dosage you are.  I didn't have any numbness or tingling effects, but I believe the concern is about nerve damage which can happen.  That is probably why your dr cautioned you.

Even on weekends, drs are reachable through their answering service, so I would not hesitate to call and leave a message about your symptoms and ask for a call back.  It doesn't mean I think anything is wrong (I'm no doctor!) but since your dr cautioned you, it seems reasonable to follow up.  Since he told you to 'stop immediately', I'd definitely call, before taking any more as he said.

Flagyl is useful because it helps break up the cysts that Lyme bacteria hide inside, so then the amoxicillin can kill the bacteria, I believe.  There are other options, so I have been told.

Let us know how it goes.