Bactrim Septra Ectaprim Septrin TMP/sulfa side effects
Page 15 of mail to investigative reporter Brian Deer recounting sometimes serious side effects of the antibiotic often known as Bactrim, Septra, Ectaprim or TMP/sulfa
SMZ/TMP: 2 May
I am writing from the US and was given the antibiotic smz/tmp for a foot infection. 11 days after starting the medication I woke up to an itchy rash from head to toe. My podiatrist told me to stop taking the smz/tmp and take Benadryl until the rash goes away.
Also 3 days into taking the drug, I had the worse headache accompanied with nausea that I had ever felt in my life. I could barely move and to even think hurt more than I can explain. I am 33 years old and have never had a reaction to anything in my life. Out of curiosity I decided to look up my reaction and found your website. I have never looked up the side effects to a drug before, but will be sure to do it from now on.
Dawn H.
BACTRIM: 9 May
Hi yas
Well I first found out I was allergic to Sulpha based meds, when my allergist prescribed it for a particularly resistant sinus infection.
After my 2nd dose my right foot started to itch and then to swell. Then the redness settled in and it just kept swelling and then streaks started going up my leg. Heh heh that was the point I went to the ER.
It seems it gave me almost immeadiate blood poisoning.
I have since developed a complete intolerance/allergy to Sulpha in any form … Sulfates and Sulfites. I am now feeling like I am on a baby food diet since the only things I have found to be sulfite free are Cream of Wheat cereal and Oatmeal. I am still looking for other foods that are sulfite free, but it isn’t easy. When I get sulfites in my diet I wind up sick for days on end and a migraine for as long as I am sick.
Sue W, Houston, TX
SEPTRA: 14 May
Hi Brian:
I am just experiencing my second allergic reaction to the drug Septra which I was given back in 1997 for persistent UTI’s. I stayed out of the sun but developed a dark red erythema just above my ankles on both legs which became inflamed and this along with general lethargy sent me to the Emergency Room. At the time the attending physician suspected Septra and told me not to take it again.
On Thursday I went to the Clinic for an infected toe and did not notice that Septra was the antibiotic of choice. This time after one pill the reaction was quick. My feet and legs became swollen, the lingering discoloration inflamed along with a cough and trouble breathing. I stopped it immediately and am now more aware.
I’m feeling like I’ve been poisoned.
Thanks for the information,
Judith T, Suffolk VA. USA
SULFATRIM: 15 May
Hello Brian,
My name is James Wright, I am 20 years old from New York. I was recently precribed Bactrim DS for a sinus infection. I took 2 pills a day for ten days. The first few days I just had an extremely difficult time getting to sleep and staying asleep. I know that every antibiotic has its side effects so I thought nothing of it and just toughed it out. After 5 days on the medication, I was able to sleep fine but started getting light to moderate headaches on the top of my head that moved back to the read of my head and into my neck. Also,
there were periods of time that I felt very lightheaded – a kind of off-balanced feeling. My heart also seemed to be beating a bit harder and faster than normal. At night (in the silence of my bedroom) I noticed a high-pitch ringing in the ears. I sleep with a fan on to drown it out. Finally I got to day nine and the headaches were very painful and distracting now. I kept telling myself, “just one more day” for my sinus infection was gone but i was not going to stop the meds early for fear of it returning and me having to do this all over again!
Day 10 – took my last pill and smiled in relief — too little too late THat afternoon my skin broke out in an itchy rash all over my body – I developed a 101 degree fever and sever body aches and chills. I felt incredibly ill – like I had a mega case of the flu. Went to the doc the next morning (on zero sleep mind you), was told that it was an allergic reaction to the sulfa – was given prednisone and some allegra
to help the itching. Went home and spent the next 2 days in bed
Three days later – the fever’s gone. The rash is getting better, and the headaches are still there along with lines of swollen glands in my neck. My question is, from your research and reading, do you have any
idea how long the reaction effects may persist after stopping the meds? ALso, I still get those hour-long periods of dizziness – will those go away soon!? they are really annoying!!!
THank you for the invaluable info on this site… and letting me know that I’m not alone
James W.
SMZ/TMP DOUBLE-STR: 16 May
Hi Brian Deer,
I first want to say thank you for allowing me to get some information on what I believe to be a dangerous drug! My main reason for writing is to see if my symptoms may be due to the side effects of using SMZ/TMP DOUBLE-STR.
Last week, I was feeling like a truck ran over me. My head was very congested and the pain in my body was from my head all the way down to my back. I thought I just had a head cold. I took Allieve, and cold medicine for the flu. None of the symptoms went away, not even a little bit. The pain in my lower back was so severe that I needed assistance to get to the hospital.
My doctor prescribed SMZ/TMP DOUBLE-STR, she said she believed there were signs of UTI.
I was given 6 tablets and was instructed to take the pills 2x a day for the next 3 days. After the 3rd pill on day # 2, I had had ENOUGH! Yes the pain did go away, but the feeling of weakness, nauseating, and worst of all, loss of appetite, and horrible taste in my mouth was just unbearable.
It has been 3 days since I stopped taking those pills and my appetite is almost back to normal, but the listlessness, and horrible taste in my mouth is still prevalent.
Diane W.
BACTRIM: 18 May
Hi Brian,
Thank you for publishing your web site. I found it the most helpful regarding the use of Bactrim.
I am HIV+ and was prescribed Bactrim for PCP. It took care of that problem but now I am left with severe itching which seems to be a side effect other people have mentioned. I can’t sleep at night it is so bad. I am taking Atarax which sometimes helps but still itch all the time. I have been off Bactrim for a week. Like the other person, does anyone have a similar experience and how long does it take for the effects to wear off. Is there anything that relieves the itching?
Bill H.
SULFAMETHOXAZOLE: 20 May
Brian,
Is there any link to sulfamethoxazole and depression or suicide in teens? Our 14 year old son died by suicide about 6 weeks after being treated with this medicine. He had no history of depression and up until a short time before he died, he had been a very outgoing, happy young man. I hadn’t even considered this at first because I never thought an antibiotic would have that effect but then I just felt a strong urge to check into it. I would appreciate it if you could direct me to any information that might be pertinent. Thank you for your time.
Paula B.
SMZ/TMP: 22 May
I was prescribed SMZ/TMP for a infection, and they didnt even know if it was a Urinary Infection, I took the pills on the first day, and felt really strange and called my sister because I was feeling depressed,anxious,restlessness,and uneasy. Well that was the best day I had on it, there were worse to follow. A few days later I took my dose and went to work, I then started having breathing problems and really moody, and all the symptoms I felt the day before, but ten times worse. I then changed moods/personalities, it made me have rage and I felt like I wanted to hit things and I was cursing and anyone who talked to me, I cused them out. I also had a state where I was really confused, where I was at, and what was going on. I remember just sitting there on some steps slumped up against a shelf, and sliding down the steps and I had no reaction. People were talking to me and up in my face and I remember seeing and hearing them but I could not get out of the state I was in and eventually went to the Emergency Room. Finally, today, which is the reason I was on the site, looking at the side effects, I took it and it was bad for about a hour/hour and a half. Felt really depressed, so depressed I have suicide on my mind, along with being restless and not caring about anything that was going on. I was angry and frustrated and couldnt concentrate on anything, I could not urinate, and now looking back on the previous times I took the pill, I did not urinate while on it. I had severe headaches, and I just felt like I was dying. This pill may help some people, but I know its not for me. I am lucky I came out of it ok because it really makes you depressed and susceptable to doing things you would not normally think of doing. So thats my experience, I will not be taking this again, no matter what my doctor says. I think it is in my best intrest.
Brian.
SEPTRA: 22 May
My Mom is an 80 year old who suffers from chronic kidney failure and urinary tract infections often. She has done well with the drug Septra … until now.
I forgot and took her to the bird sanctuary at the beach. Today she looks like she has very large chicken pox all over her body. They itch and burn, she says. Her doctor is new and prescribed Bactrim DS. She has never had double strength before. Thank goodness her kidney specialist told me to only give her 1/2 a pill per day. God Bless Dr. Dewberry in Clearwater, Florida! At least he knew what too much of this could do. I had no idea about all the very serious side effects and deaths from this drug. I did the Google thing and found this web page. It is Sunday night and currently most pharmacies are closed here, so I couldn’t get much detailed information on allergic reactions to this drug. I am very glad she only got 1 & 1/2 pills before she started showing reactions. I’m covering her skin spots with topical Benadryl cream.
Diabetics with bad kidneys should not take antihistamines without asking the kidney doctor. Whew! Thanks for the information. Hopefully, we dodged a bullet on this one. I wish doctors knew more about drugs.
MC, Florida.
SMZ/TMP: 22 May
I was prescribed SMZ/TMP for a infection, and they didnt even know if it was a Urinary Infection, I took the pills on the first day, and felt really strange and called my sister because I was feeling depressed,anxious,restlessness,and uneasy. Well that was the best day I had on it, there were worse to follow. A few days later I took my dose and went to work, I then started having breathing problems and really moody, and all the symptoms I felt the day before, but ten times worse. I then changed moods/personalities, it made me have rage and I felt like I wanted to hit things and I was cursing and anyone who talked to me, I cused them out. I also had a state where I was really confused, where I was at, and what was going on.
I remember just sitting there on some steps slumped up against a shelf, and sliding down the steps and I had no reaction. People were talking to me and up in my face and I remember seeing and hearing them but I could not get out of the state I was in and eventually went to the Emergency Room. Finally, today, which is the reason I was on the site, looking at the side effects, I took it and it was bad for about a hour/hour and a half. Felt really depressed, so depressed I have suicide on my mind, along with being restless and not caring about anything that was going on. I was angry and frustrated and couldnt concentrate on anything, I could not urinate, and now looking back on the previous times I took the pill, I did not urinate while on it. I had severe headaches, and I just felt like I was dying. This pill may help some people, but I know its not for me. I am lucky I came out of it ok because it really makes you depressed and susceptable to doing things you would not normally think of doing. So thats my experience, I will not be taking this again, no matter what my doctor says. I think it is in my best intrest.
Brian
BACTRIM: 25 May
In 2003 I had back surgery and from that was infected with MRSA.. a very dangerous Staph infection, after mnths of pain , headaches, dizziness, confusion, fever, I was diagnosed with Bacterial Menningitis, Mycobacteria fortuitum, among other Bacteria infections in my spinal cord.
I was taken by my husband ama to Jacksonville Fla. to the Mayo Cllinic and at that time learned of abscesses on my brain. I was within 2 weeks of death when i got to Mayo. I hav ebeen put on bactrim among other antibitotics June 2005 wil be a year i have been taking them.The infectious Diesease Dr. at Mayo thinks i should stay on the antibiotics for another year. the side effects are living Hell . NO one can even imagine until they have taken the antibiotic. When you say antibiotic everyone thinks AWWW just something to help you but the side effects sometimes are worse than the actual infection. I can sympathize with anyone who has taken this antibiotic.
I am only 40yrs old and have been the picture of health until 2003. Now ,I can’t barely make it through the day at times must less do any of the things i used to before I became sick and was placed on numerous antibiotics.
Depression has taken over my life in many ways. Don’t know if it is the antibiotics or just all I have been through. I came so close to death it scares me to think of it. If not for my husband litterally putting me in vehicle from another hosp. ICU unit and taking me to Mayo .I would have never been here to tell my story.
I thank GOD everyday for giving me a second chance.
God bless you
LBJ
BACTRIM: 29 May
My daughter was diagnosed with Salmonella last week. She contracted it around May 20. In addition to Flagyl which she started taking on May 23, the doctor prescribed Bactrim on Friday, May 27. After the 4th dose, we noticed approximately 10 raised red welts on her lower legs, some approximately 1″ across, others ranging from 1/4″ to 1/2″. She also has less than 6 small welts on her lower arms.
We called her pediatrician at 1:00 p.m. As it is Sunday, the doctor advised we go to the ER. The ER doctor advised that we stop taking the antibiotics. He said the Salmonella is not the cause, but the drug Bactrim may be. He said if she has additional symptoms or worsening to return to the ER, otherwise to follow up with her pediatrician on Tuesday (Monday is a holiday).
We first noticed the symptoms last night, but thought she had bumped her knee and it was a bruise. Today we noticed more spots. She has no other symptoms, thankfully.
Terri H.
SEPTRA: 31 May
Dear Brian,
I wanted to thank you for the information listed on your website. I was recently prescribed Septra for a bronchial infection. I felt amazing after the first pill and for three to four days following. I then began to feel pain in my back, particularly my kidney area. Two days later I developed a fever which ranged from 101 to 103 and great joint and muscle pain, particularly in my legs. I began to research this drug and came across your website. I called my doctor who told me to continue taking the drug. I then developed a severe rash over my body, continued with the high fever, experienced ringing in my ears, immense joint pain and my mouth and tongue began to swell. I am a runner but I would walk a flight of stairs and would be panting. My chest felt heavy. After enduring two agonizing evenings, I called and demanded to see my doctor. Upon her first sight of my rash, which covered my entire body, but began in the abdomen, she diagnosed an allergy and prescribed steroids to counteract the reaction.
I must tell you that because of your website, I discontinued the septra, against my physician’s orders, due to the fact that I had self-diagnosed an allergic reaction.
Thank you greatly.
Jennifer C, Tallahassee, FL.
SEPTRA: 2 Jun
I just completed 9 of my 10 day prescription of Septra for a sinus infection. I had restless sleep every night and was awake 3 to 4 hours at a time. I purposely skipped one of my nightime doses so that I could attempt to get a good nights sleep. In the daytime, I felt edgy and nervous and it felt like I was on a bad diet pill or something. I had headaches throughout most of the treatment, however I attributed those to the sinus infection. On the 8th day, I had small blisters on my tongue but thought it might be from something I had eaten. On the 9th day, I woke up and had pink spots in some parts of my body (stomache, chest, neck, forehead, cheeks). I called the doctor and he said to stop taking the antibiotics and flush the remainder of the pills down the toilet. His concern was that if I had trouble breathing or the pink spots turned to blisters, I would need to come in the hospital, otherwise, I should drink lots of water and take benadryl for the itching. When I woke up yesterday, the pink spots had spread throughout my entire body and there were so many that it looked alot like sunburn. My skin was hot to touch, it looked red and swollen and stung like a burn. It felt like needles were being poked continuously at my skin. I went to the doctor again yesterday and after looking at my body, she asked several times whether or not I had been in the sun over Memorial weekend? I had not been…..at all! After looking at my ears (which were red hot and full of spots) and other various parts of my body, she agreed that I was having a severe allergic reaction to the the Septra. She said that it could take up to two weeks for the spots and itching to go away and I should continue to drink lots of water and take benadryl to relieve the itchiness. I think it is completely absurd that they continue to prescribe such a harsh medicine to people when so many patients are experiencing this type of reaction OR WORSE! I’ve read that 1/3 of the prescribed patients are allergic. I’ve read that this medicine is now illegal in England. Anyways, I just wanted to pass my experience with Septra on. I consider myself lucky after reading some of the other horrendous stories!
Regards,
Joetta McF, CA
TRIMETH: 6 June
Dear Mr. Deer;
My name is Trish Bxxxxx, and I am wiring you as a concerned mother of a 6 years old girl. My Daughter was diagnosed with a bladder reflux condition and the tender age of 6 months and was directly put a a liquid from of septra and later of trimeth to help her until she outgrew the condition, at the age of 3 while I brushed and flossed her teeth one broke, as you can well imagine I was horrified. Thinking I was a horrid mother I contacted a dentist straight away and has her checked out. When I went to my local pharmacist and toll her what had happened as she was also a friend I was told that it may have well been a side affect of aforementioned drug. She had 6 cavities (her teeth were rotting for the inside out) filled. As I mentioned she is now 6 and is facing getting more cavities filled as they are now breaking down around the existing fillings.
Thankyou;
Trish B.
RESPRIM FORTE: 22 June
Hi, I have just been prescribed this drug in Australia for an ear infection. Within a couple of hours of taking it, I began to come up in red small blotches which very quickly became very itchy. I also had a high fever and have had little sleep for the past two nights due to the fever and itching.
I have only taken three pills over the course of two days! I am not taking any more and will print off the relevant pages of your website and give them to the doctor.
Interestingly, unlike the UK where when you buy medication it contains a sheet of contra-indications and side effects, there was nothing either in or on the packaging to warn me that it had serious side effects. The only thing it said was to stay out of the sun, which I have.
Thanks for the website, it was just what I was looking for!
kind regards
Rachel S.
SULFAMETHOXAZOLE: 24 June
Hi. My name is Shelly and I found your website as I was researching the drug Sulfamethoxazole. I recently came from a family vacation and somehow got a bladder infection. My OBGYN gave me the antibiotic for sulfamethoxazole. I have been on this drug for two and a half days and I feel as bad as I did the day I walked into my doctor s office, but in a different way. I have increased nervousness, restlessness, feeling dizzy and having muscle spasms in my calves. I stopped taking the drug for a day, and all the side affects I just listed went away. Unfortunately, the bladder infection came back. I decided to take the medication again, thinking the side effects I listed above were just a coincidence. I took the drug tonight, and I feel horrible. All the symptoms are back. This is when I decided to research this antibiotic.
Thank you for the information provided. I will not take this medication again, due to what I just read.
Thank you again,
Shelly G.
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