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Effects of doxycycline long term

Hello,
I was interested in the discussion about benign intracranial hypertension and doxycycline. I was put on doxy 2 years ago for my skin. I'm a distance runner and also an asthmatic and have a very high pain threshold and discomfort tolerance, but over time I noticed I was struggling more and more with various things - going up hill was a struggle and began to give me that same sensation you can get when flying. It eventually got so bad, I couldn't close a car door without experiencing that sensation. Doctors weren't sure and it was only after I asked if it could be the doxy that one thought that was probable. After going off the drug, things did improve, but even 2 years later, I still have some residual problems, mostly felt with poorer breathing while running. Being on supplements has helped somewhat and I expect it will be a long time before I'm 100%, but I did want to note that severe and long-term problems can result from taking this type of medication. I certainly don't fit the profile of BIH (obese) as I'm small and thin, but I wonder if the dosage given to patients is really thought about. Surely giving me the same dosage as a large person is counterintuitive. I weigh just over 100 pounds, after all.
I'd be interested to learn if any other people, perhaps asthmatics, have had similar experiences. I expect my situation is noticeable because I run extensively so am very aware of even small changes in my health. But I would be curious to know whether my experience has been had by others and if so, how many years before they returned to normal.


This discussion is related to Doxycycline Headache.
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Avatar universal
Hello. i also have head pressure. Ive been on doxy for 1 week now . I am tempted to go off. I am on it for mycoplasma pneumonia and yersinia.
Thanks
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Before stopping it, contact your doctor. They can prescribe another medication that may not cause that symptom. You might also have head pressure from something else.

Treating pneumonia is very important. Don't stop treatment without talking to your doctor.
Avatar universal
My daughter is also a runner and started to develop bad headaches after a viral infection. She has been put on doxy and singulaire for the headaches. Now she suffers from extreme fatigue and her stamina when running has declined precipitously. You originally posted this 6 years ago. If you get this, would you let me know how you are today and what you have done since you posted this? Greatly appreciated.
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Avatar universal
Hi just reading these comment. I went to vietnam and 3.5 weeks of being on doxy I started to get extreme pressure at the top of my head pared with shortnes of breath and anxiety. I had to cut my travels short and return home to see the doctor i explained i felt i was going mad as the anxiety was so bad and at this point id started to feel extremly foggy headed, to which he perscribed me vertigo tablets. I also tried sinus tablet/spray. Its 6 months in and i still get peculiar head pressure head foggyness and now extreme tiredness Iv been in bed all day today!!! I also came off my contraceptive pills and then back onto them around the same time i started taking doxy and also wonder if i could have a hormonal imbalance?? Its only today iv questioned the doxy and have seen the head pressure being discissed on this forum. Has any1 else had these symptoms and how long do they last. Its ruining my life!
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Terri, have you gotten any better? Did your situation eventually clear up once you got off the doxy?
Avatar universal
Hello,

I am asthmatic and I am also an avid runner (4-5 miles every other day). After one week of doxycycline I have had chronic headaches in the back of my head. I did not experience poorer breathing, but the headaches have made me weaker with less energy.
Hope this helps.
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