| Key to ratings for bactrim: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 5 | acne | mild gastrointestinal disturbance, sun sensitivity | M | 22 | 2.5 years | 2/7/2010 | 2 | chronic sinus infection | fever over 102, chills, all over body rash, red burning rash, hot to the touch, felt like I was being pricked with tons of tiny little needles, restless, loss of appetite, sweaty | I didn't have any side effcted until day 8 I rapidly got worse as the day progressed, was sent home from work couldn't hardly stand or move was very weak couldn't even hold my own daugther or put her to bed, I was a mess, my mom said I looked like a bag of bones, it was terrible, I stopped the drug over 24 hours ago and the rash has not subsided at all i cannot get relief from this rash, the fever has gone down to just a 99 - 100 temp, it's horrible - my mom and sister are also allergic to this drug | F | 30 | 30 days | 2/6/2010 | 1 | abcess on back | after a few days of taking bactrim ds it made me feel out of it. a little drowsy and dizzy. Little did I know that you shouldn't take caffeine with this medication. one evening about 3 days into taking the medication i took one "Jillian Michaels fat burner" pill and when I laid down that night my heart started racing and I felt as if I was gonna faint. I was shaky, when I walked around I felt light and very very anxious.. My vision was blurred and was seeing dots. I was having a panic attack and was taken to the hospital. They just watched me there to see if anything would happen, advising me to drink lots of water to flush it out of my system. After I drank lots of water and walked around I calmed down. Ever since then Ive had really bad anxiety to have another panic attack and have had experienced several panic attacks due to the bactrim after the first occurence. Its almost been a month since and day to day I live with bad anxiety and live in fear of having more panic atta | Dont take bactrim! | F | 17 | 7 days | 2/6/2010 | 1 | UTI | Rash oall over body, seems like hives and it is itchy, although it burns like a sunburn at times. I took this medicine for 5 days, but rash came a day or so after I had stopped taking this medicine.I was actually supposed to take another 5 days worth but I discontinued it due to the rash. My face is bright red. My back and stomach also have a rash. I wish I knew more about this medicine before I took it. Thats my own fault I guess. I was in a hurry to cure the UTI. | F | 25 | 5 days | 2/5/2010 | 3 | Sinus infection | rash on face and upper body | I was almost finished with my course of treatment I had 2 days left and I started to feel feverish and my face become flush. The next day I broke out in a rash on my neck, chest and face. I went to the dermatolgist and he said it was a folliculitis. This was unusual b/c bactrim is used to treat folliculitis but in my case it triggered it... why they don't know. It only helped my sinus infection slightly but I do not want to take it again so I am out of options in the future. The pain of the rash and facial/neck swelling was far worse than the pain of my sinus infection. | F | 30 | 10 days | 2/4/2010 | 2 | Superficial skin infection | After the open sore on my belly button became green and pus-filled, I saw my PCP last Tuesday to ensure the infection was not serious. I was also taking Biaxin for a sinus infection and was assured Bactrim and Biaxin could be taken at the same time and Biaxin would not have kicked my skin infection alone. By Wednesday morning, I was feeling feverish and weak. Chalking it up to the infected belly button, I rested. By evening, I was so dizzy and nauseous, I was convinced I had the flu. My belly hurt, my head pounded, and my joints ached. I had a medical school interview the next day and in an attempt to rid myself of the terrible symptoms, I discontinued the Biaxin and Bactrim. After contacting our pharmacist, he was shocked my PCP prescribed both to be taken at the same time because both can cause such violent side effects. I pushed myself through the interview even though I was still feeling shaky and weak. | Thouroughly question your PCP about antibiotic interactions and the effectiveness of an antibiotic on a certain infection. | F | 18 | 1 days | 2/1/2010 | 1 | MRSA | Shortness of breath, MAJOR SKIN RASH, trouble finish sentences, anxiety, extreme fatigue | I had a bad case of MRSA right on my abdomen which left a hole the size of a quarter. If I was not scared to death I would not have taken the Bactrim. Although I had a very compassionate doctor and was always available on the phone when I asked about the side effects he simply said there shouldn't be much. I am glad the MRSA wound is slowly healing but the side effects are Medieval so I have been on holistic remedies -- vitamin C, wheat grass juice, Chinese herbs and a simply fish and vegetable diet to help detoxify. What has this world come to that so many people can have MRSA and the remedy so horrifying. How can this drug still be on the market! | M | 52 | 21 days | 2/1/2010 | 1 | UTI | Extreme flu like symptoms, lower back, muscle pain,chills. SEVERE HEAD PAIN! | I had taken this medication once before with no side effects? Will not ever take again. | F | 57 | 5 days | 1/31/2010 | 3 | UTI | Shakey, heart racing (my MD gave me Bactrim instead of Cipro because it wouldn't increase my heart rate- it's usually high already), can't sleep, can't calm down. I'm only on day 2 and the shakes are getting worse. On the pluss side it cleared my UTI quickly, I'll take the shakes over a UTI | F | 22 | 2 days | 1/27/2010 | 2 | cellititus | 7th day of 2 tabs tid, also cephalaxin 500 mg qid, total body rash, not bad till the rash | M | 60 | 9 days | 1/25/2010 | 1 | Epididymitis (testicle infection) | Writing this for my husband. He experienced constant fevers of 102 - 103; horrible pain starting at the shoulders and radiating down to the wrists; infrequent urination; complete loss of appetite (went from 161 to 143 lbs. in 2 weeks); severe itching rash all over back, legs, buttocks; extremely weak; breathing severely impaired. It has been almost 2 weeks since he stopped taking Bactrim, and he still has the rash on some parts of his body, still has a lot of pain in his arms, and cannot achieve an erection. I sincerely believe it would have killed him if he had continued to take it. My husband went to the Dr. with a simple infection, and has been out of work for 6 weeks since starting to take Bactrim. Although we told the Dr about the side effects, he did not recognize them as an allergic reaction. In fact, after he came out of the hospital, he told him to continue taking the Bactrim. | Since my husband has never been sick, he didn't know he was allergic to sulfa drugs. This medicine almost killed him, and after being off it for 2 weeks, he still is not back to normal. He was a completely healthy, active man prior to this. Now he is barely able to do minor household chores. | M | 61 | 14 days | 1/23/2010 | 5 | UTI | NONE | The only antibiotic that doesn't give you a yeast infection (thumbs up!) and it works really well. | F | 39 | 7 days | 1/21/2010 | 3 | Urinary Tract Infection | Maybe I'm crazy, but since taking this medicine I've felt super depressed and on the verge of tears all day for no reason. (I've been on it for 5 days now). I'm also having some major anxiety issues that started shortly after the first dosage. To a lesser extent, I'm having trouble sleeping and mild stomach irritation. I can't wait to finish this medicine! | F | 27 | 5 days | 1/17/2010 | 3 | UTI | intense nausea, increased heart rate | This was awful. The first day I took it, I felt fine, and it did take care of my UTI (the only reason it doesn't get a one star rating), but the second day and today have been a nonstop cycle of vomiting, being unable to sleep off the vomiting because my heart rate's picked up so much, and being incredibly hungry while unable to keep food down. There has to be something else I can take if I get a UTI again... | F | 18 | 3 days | 1/16/2010 | 2 | Prostate infection | So far, only nausea, anxiousness, excessive urination and fatigue | After reading all these comments, particularly one about this drug being banned in the UK, I'm frightened and appalled that doctors don't seem to know just how common and severe these side effects are. Many of you have left comments about your doctors being surprised. My heart goes out to those who have experienced extreme pain or even death from Bactrim. It should be banned by the FDA of allergic reactions are this common. After reading these comments, I'll be waiting to see if things get worse, I'm currently on day 3. If anything, I know my urinary issues are worse now than ever. I can't wait to get past this treatment, hopefully my infection clears up. It's making me depressed to have to pee all the time. | M | 23 | 3 days | 1/15/2010 | 3 | Cystic Acne | Irregular breathing/chest tightness, SEVERE anxiety leading to panic attacks, headaches... | This site is great, it's really made me realize that all my symptoms are from Bactrim...I've been taking it for about 2 weeks now for cystic acne, and my biggest symptom was anxiety...I feel my breathing has been a little irregular which leads to an increased amount of anxiety, enough anxiety that I went to urgent care with no insurance because I was afraid I was going to die... | F | 23 | 2 weeks | 1/14/2010 | 1 | respiratory | Rash, Hives, Severe Headache, Vomiting, Lethargy, Severe joint pain and weakness in extremities. | My seven year old daughter took this med for 8 days, then began a violent reaction. i have never seen her this sick, lifeless, unable to move without experiencing pain. This is a very dangerous medication. Went to ER, taking Benadryl but may go back to ER. | F | 7 | 8 days | 1/13/2010 | 1 | uti/kidney infection | I had a mild kidney infection but could urinate fine. After starting this medication I could not urinate for 2 days straight. Went to the ER and they couldnt find any problem. It is day 6 and it still takes me 10 minutes to urinate & i get sharp stomach pains when i do. Also severe lack of appetite & arm & chest pain. I am stopping this medication now & trying Azo. | F | 26 | 6 days | 1/12/2010 | 3 | Cellulitis in my Face | Feeling both full and hungry, feeling like I have to burp all the time, constipation, WEIRD nightmares, anxiety, trouble concentrating. | I was on a double dose of Bactrim, 2 Pills every 12 hours. I thought that my symptoms were the cellulitis spreading to my brain but now I know that they are just a side effect of the Bactrim. This is a powerfull drug and perhaps it is given out too much but I believe that it saved MY life, if the infection had spread to my brain I would have died. I do wish that I would have been informed about the side effects though. | M | 29 | 7 days | 1/11/2010 | 1 | UTI | Thanks for this site! I experienced a "restless" feeling-I had to be moving every 5 seconds and I felt like my heart was going to come out of my chest. I had to be flexing my muscles, I couldn't sleep at all. I stopped taking the medicine-thought I was losing my mind. I am still jumpy and restless and it has been 24 hours off meds. Called the pharmacist and he said that these were not symptoms from Bactrim. Ignorant pharmacist!!!! | F | 43 | 3 days | 1/11/2010 | 1 | I took this for about 8 days before I had a serious reaction the drug. Causes extreme fatigue, horrible rash (taking Benadryl for 4 days after full body rash, stopped Benadryl after 4 days and the rash came back) I lost my vision and feeling in my limbs for approximately 10-15 minutes, after working out at the gym. This has never happened in my life, I am a completely healthy individual. Stopped taking this drug after the loss of vision and loss of feeling in limbs. Also developed sharp pains in left side of intestines about day 4 of taking this drug. | This drug should only be used as an ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT. Doctors surprisingly misinformed about the side-effects. Doctor pulled up listed side-effects on their internal computer program and only 4 side effects were listed. This is Mass General Hospital in Boston we are talking about. Very concerning...... | M | 30 | 8 days | 1/11/2010 | 1 | Allergy/ sinus infection | Swollen mouth and lips, dry chapped lips and mouth, red & burning face, crazy vivid dreams, hard to breathe, sore burning eyes and eye lids, ulcers under tongue, sore joints, restless sleep if any, inability to think clearly, shaky hands & chest pains. | I have taken Bactrim DS (and generic) before for same reasons with no problems but this time was way differant. I have never had an allergic reaction to any medicine before this. And this time it didnt even clear the infection! | F | 24 | 3 days | 1/10/2010 | 2 | Bladder Infection | Prescribed Bactrim for 7 days, 2x a day. Within two days I felt excruciating back pain that I was convinced was a severe kidney infection. I ruled that out since Bactrim supposedly cures kidney infections. I have never been in so much pain in my life. | It is illegal in many countries... for a reason. | M | 16 | 7 days | 1/7/2010 | 1 | skin infection from minor surgery | WOW! WHY do they sell this medicine?? I am filing a formal complaint with the FDA. Have a minor infection on some sutures on my back, where I had a small bit of pre-cancerous cells removed. Took one pill 24 hours ago and was vomiting and had diarrhea within 12 hours. Woke up this AM with EXTREME chills, feverish, aches and pains like the FLU! This product should be a VERY LAST resort for people who have only life threatening infections. | Any idea when I will feel better? I took one pill about 24 hours ago and non since. Got the dr to write an Rx for an antibiotic cream instead. I am in generally very good health too fyi. | F | 28 | 1 days | 1/7/2010 | 1 | UTI | The first couple of days I took it I was just extremely shaky and loopy. That went away as well as my Uti after about day 4. On about day 6 my UTI came back.. I expiereced an EXTREME, throbbing headache that would not go away with any medication, as well as chills, a 100 degree fever, neck pain, and spinal/back pain when i would put my neck to my chest. Also VERY itchy. Unbearable. Never again. | F | 20 | 9 days | 1/5/2010 | 1 | mrsa | I had been on it for 6 days when I started having bumps but no redness,I kept thinking I had something starting but did not connect it to bactrim.On the 7 th day I had chills and thought I had the flu,by the next morning I had broken out all over in itching rash,face swollen and sick.I went right to doctor's and they have me a shot of benadryl and shot of predinsone.Came home felt awful and felt sick.I have never had anything like this.Still have rash and itching and burning.Taking benadryl and predisone.Msra is better,I never want to go throught this again.It is really scary stuff.No real warnings out there about this.Thanks for this site it really helped me. | I also have asthma and the er doctor said nothing about this and asthma,thank god I did not have a reaction.I cannot belive how litle info you get on this drug with such bad side effects.This is awful what drug companies due to keep side effects quiet. | M | 60 | 7 days | 1/3/2010 | 1 | sinus infection | within a few hours of taking my first dose I developed a fever of 102 and had severe chills. I developed cramping in my legs so that I couldn't stand up for more than 5 seconds without collapsing. After the second dose I developed a severe headache. I had pain around my lungs in front and back every time I breathed. Had very little urine output despite drinking a lot. Was sleep deprived, yet couldn't fall asleep for hours. Glad it occurred to me that the leg cramps might be an allergic reaction before I took anymore. Did some research online and found all these symptoms were related to bactrim. called my dr. who told me to stop taking it. It's been 13 hours since my last dose and I'm already feeling better. | F | 39 | 1 days | 1/1/2010 | 4 | staph | caused me to be very dehydrated, dry throat at night | Drink lots of water. Other than that it seems to work well. My staph infection/abscess are clearing up nicely. | M | 29 | 8 days | 12/31/2009 | 1 | UTI | Severe flu-like symptoms. Severe body aches and pains, SEVERE HEADACHE,chills,extreme fatigue,flushing of my face,dizziness, nausea, and on day 3 developed a wide spread rash all over. | I was given Bactrim on Dec.21,2009/1 tablet Twice daily for 10 days and 3 days later woke up with chills body aches. I thought I had a bad case of the flu and would just "wait it out". It never occurred to me that it could be the medication causing me so much pain. After 4 days of suffering I broke out in a rash. It looks like I have a bad case of the measels and my husband almost took me to the ER, but I was able to get an appt.with a doc and I was told to stop taking Bactrim immediatly! I will NEVER touch this drug again!!!!!! I was happy to find this website and I hope this info helps someone else from getting this ill. | F | 42 | 7 days | 12/28/2009 | 4 | Acne | About 1.5 weeks into taking this medicine I broke out into a rash on my left upper arm and thighs and it is spreading as the hours pass.(very close to a heat rash in appearance) 1 day ago the bottom of my feet started to itch and burn intensely. But it has started to clear up my acne a LITTLE bit. Since it is Sunday I'll have to wait to call my doctor. I'm really disappointed that I may have to go off this medicine, after MANY failed attempts this is the only one that is on its way to clearing up my painful facial cystic acne. Also have constipation, stomach cramping and some nausea. I'm sure glad I ran into this site. It helped me confirm what I was dreading. | F | 28 | 11 days | 12/27/2009 | 1 | acne | rash,high teperature | I was taking bactrim for a week and on the 7th day, i woke up with an itching rash behind my neck i stop taking it but in the next 2 days My whole body was swollen including my face(the most frightening thing in my life),i couldn't even walk my legs were sore!I just wanna say i dont have allergies to any medication so far and from now on i wouldnt take any antibiotics only if it is a matter of life or death | F | 23 | 7 days | 12/27/2009 | 2 | Prostate Infection | Took this for three weeks before any side effects started. Scalp started to itch, then my skin started itching and burning all over my body. Rash started on check, back and upper arms. Became nervous, paranoid, unable to focus my mind. Pain in leg muscles and all my joints. Lastly, I started having stomach pain and nausea. Took a week to clear up after I stopped the drug. | Side effects started three weeks into a four week prescription. Thought I was going crazy. | M | 38 | 3 weeks | 12/24/2009 | 1 | Prostate Infection | 104 Fever, Severe chills followed by sweats, lethargy, **SEVERE**muscle pain in both arms from neck to wrist, Headache on left rear side of head, depression, overall weakness, thoughts of suicide from the pain, No typical signs such as rash or itchy skin. | This drug almost killed me. I was on it for 9 days and day 6 is when the symptoms started. I had sever chills and fever followed by sweats and burning pain growing in my arms. Started in left forearm, moved up to include tricep, then mirrored to right arm and both moved up to the upper shoulders and neck. My arms were cramping so bad I could not sign into the ER which is where I wound up. After 2 units of fluid and 4 doses of Diloden which did not dull the pain at all, I was dismissed as "probably got a virus" since urine & bloodwork was all normal. Rather p-o'd that they didn't ask more questions or seem interested in my medications. They didn't blink when I told them I was on Septra... Initially, we didn't have any indication of allergy as I'm not allergic to any medications I can think of. I've been off it for 10 days and I'm left with thumbs that can't bend inward and right index finger that won't bend at the last joint. I can't pick up things like paper or pens and have been reduced to holding glasses and such with 2 hands like a toddler so I don't drop them. I'm normally very healthy and only see a doctor every 5-6 years for physicals and non-health issues. The weakness is terrible as I make a living using my hands. The weird thing is the parts of the fingers affected are only the last joints, tip of finger and joint of the thumb. I'm in good physical condition, overall pretty strong and exercise regularly and having this uncontrollable weakness | M | 36 | 9 days | 12/23/2009 | 1 | ear infection | On the 7th day of taking Bactrim, I broke out in a rash on my chest, stomach, back, legs..just about everywhere except for my face. I've been off the Bactrim for 2 days now, and I still have the rash, altho it is better than it had been..and I have pain in my ankles, on and off, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and concentrating on things, and an overall feeling of not being well. This is the first time I've taken Bactrim, and definitely the last. I am currently taking Benadryl and prednisone, which I'll be on for the next few more days. I'm so very concerned with whether or not I've done some permanant damage to my body and so very sorry I did not research this antibiotic before taking it. I feel Bactrim is not at all safe, and am just praying I recover fully from it's effects on me. | Should not be prescribed to anyone. It is a dangerous antibiotic. | F | 48 | 7 days | 12/23/2009 | 1 | tendon surgery/prevention | fever of 104,insomnia, severe joint pain, headache,hallucinations,rash that looked and felt like a bad sunburn over entire body, swelling in face and feet, eye floaters,extreme fatigue, | This has been a scary experience. I stopped taking bactrim after the 3rd day and the symptoms continued to worsen. was prescribed prednisone as a treatment to the reaction which has helped bring down the fever, rash, and swelling. Have been off bactrim for 7 days and still experiencing sever joint pain, headaches, and extreme fatigue. | M | 46 | 3 days | 12/20/2009 | 1 | suspected sinus infection | OMG! Thank goodness for this site! I thought I was going nuts with my symptoms, always been healthy, and this felt like the worst week of my life since I can remember! Thought I had a sinus infection and started this stuff given at walk in clinic, 2x day, hours later, after my first dose, had a "sip" of wine with dinner, then, shortness of breath, got scared, there were no warnings on label, but figured OK...no problem, should have known better...thank goodness I managed to fall asleep and seemed OK initially the next day. So, no more wine for the week, still crazy headache started a while after I took it in the morning...(somehow I don't remember the headache at my evening doses, it's true, I think the coffee in the morning made it worse like someone else posted here)...when I never even have to take Tylenol, I was needing it every morning and still not right, feeling lightheaded and out of it. Incapacitated enough not to want to drive, almost blacked out while standing | Please avoid this drug! Find something ese if you must! | F | 48 | 3.5 days | 12/19/2009 | 1 | possible MRSA | Felt fine the first 6 days. On my seventh and last day taking it broke out in rash on arms, back, ribs, etc. Sense of impending doom, insomnia. Suffering as I write. Taking lots of Vitamen C. No indication by the physician about these possible side effects other than to call if rash occured. Hoping for relief over the next day or so. Can't sleep | Never again! I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. | M | 36 | 7 days | 12/12/2009 | 1 | soft tissue infection | Rash on back, abdomen and arms. Two weeks later became jaundiced. Had to have ERCP procedure to remove "gravel" from my common bile duct. Pancreatitis. Extreme pain, vomiting, and liver dysfunction. Hospitalized for 1 week. | I don't know why they don't take this stuff off the market. | M | 56 | 9 days | 12/11/2009 | 5 | Cystic Acne | None that I have noticed. | I have been taking for 3 years, and it has completely stopped the cystic acne growth. If I go off it, the acne comes back. For anyone with cystic acne, I would recommend this drug. | F | 19 | 3 years | 12/10/2009 | 1 | UTI | Itchy rash all over my body, joint pain, headache, chills | I have no known allergies, but I had a terrible reaction. If this many people react to Bactrim in such a negative way, it should be used sparingly and only after other options are tried first and have failed! | F | 33 | 8 days | 12/10/2009 | 1 | Bladder Infection | Very swollen glands in neck, causing neck soreness and headache (days 7-12), rash beginning on feet and spreading quickly to entire body (days 9-12), fever, nausea, and chills (days 8-10). | I have never had an allergic reaction to anything. It was a scary experience and not worth the any of the medication's benefits (esp. since other options are available). On the 10th day, I saw a doctor, was prescribed steriods and allergy medication, and stopped taking the medication. | F | 22 | 10 days | 12/7/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | days 4,5,6, swollen glands in neck appeared; days 7,8.9 heart racing; day 10 fever, chills, body aches, day 11, severe rash all over body, like a bad sun burn; skin burned and fever and chills for next two nights; stopped taking Bactrim; took benadryl and zyrtec; rash lasted several days after that; still am lightheaded and dizzy and nauseous many days after stopping the medication | F | 54 | 10 days | 12/1/2009 | 1 | Suspected infection from cut | Extreme nausea, vomiting, diahrrea, chills, fever,hallucinating, could not eat/drink for days, LOSS OF SLEEP. Was prescribed for 2 tablets per day for 10 days. Dark blood blotches under the skin. Pain in legs, stomach, back, arms and head. Took multiple pain relievers and suffered like crazy. Ended up with a trip to the E.R. and was told to stop the antibiotic. 24 hours later was much better. - PLEASE DO NOT EVER RISk THIS MEDICATION - IT CAN KILL YOU. IT ALMOST DID ME. | DEADLY DANGEROUS DRUG. DO NOT USE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. | M | 73 | 10 days | 11/30/2009 | 1 | stomach flu | For my daughter: exhausted, terrible muscles pain. For us, her parents: terrible scarry | We were in ER and receive bactrim. Our daughter, 8 years old, is taking. Today is the 8th day out of 10. Usually, our daughter is a very positive girl, with lots of energy and interest for shopping. She was so ill these days that we had concerns her brain was affected. I checked her brain by giving to do additions, subtractions, and multiplications... so scary we were... She lost 8 pounds. This medication makes parents desperate... sometimes she could not walk because of muscles pain... to make her happy we were yesterday at her favorite store, but she was like from the other planet... the words are not enough to describe her and our desperation... However, the medication seems to end her stomach flu. I strongly believe another antibiotic could not have worse side effects for my daughter! Thanks to anyone who adds comments. They are very helpful. | F | 8 | 8 days | 11/28/2009 | 1 | UTI | Took bacrim for 5 out of 7 prescribed days. Stopped in middle. After just hours of taking this drug i already didnt feel like myself. I became extremely sensitive to smell and severely nautious. ( even more severe than feelings of first trimester of pregnancy). had a headache and hot flashes. Headache became so severe was considering going to ER until i read these posts. i am so glad i did... stopped taking it and slowly began feeling better by the hour. | F | 30 | 5 days | 11/24/2009 | 5 | Acne | Did not experience any side effects | Bactrim is the only medication that clears up my acne. | F | 21 | 3 months | 11/23/2009 | 1 | Absess infection in arm | I had a script for bactrim generic... I had 20 pills to take. i took them all and the last 2 days of the meds started breaking out in hives.. EVERYWHERE... they are terrible... I went to the hospital and was perscribed 3 dif medications including prednisone (steroid) to stop the swelling pain and itching.. WELL this was tonight and they are stil getting worse.. I am ging nuts it is so hard not to scratch them. I'm going nuts. I am going to walmart tonight to get some anti-itch lotion so i can sleep... You have to see the size of these hives... its like they all joined together to make a 4 inch long hive.. I have them on my face, my calp, top of my feet, ankles, stomach, legs, elbows, knees, ass... everywhere... I do not recommend taking this med EVERRRR!!.. look like a i have a mad case of chicken pox but 10 times worse... I am praying every 5 minutes just hoping they will go away!! r even stop itching so much, or aything.. I want to roll around in a bed of broken glass to stop the i | F | 22 | 10 days | 11/14/2009 | 5 | Kidney Infection | some moderate stomach upset/pain | if stomach upset/pain occurs taking it with food can help. Also be sure to drink plenty of water with it and throughout your treatment with it. | F | 40 | 10 days | 11/11/2009 | 1 | Had taken bactrim a couple of prior times with no problems for sinus infections. This time it was absolutely awful. Side effects i had were: restlessness, severe anxiety, hallucinations/vivid dreams, fever, chills, flu symptom, insomnia. Had to get a prescription of Xanax to be able to sleep. Will never use again. | M | 55 | 8 days | 11/10/2009 | 1 | POSSIBLE UTI | THIS WAS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I HAVE EVER HAD- MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN AND THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT I RECEIVED WERE ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE- I TOOK 2 DOSES AND FOR 7 DAYS I WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF IT. IT ALL STARTED ABOUT 12:30AM AND I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT LONG AFTER THE REACTIONS STARTED - TINGLING ALL OVER - A RUSH OF COLD AND THEN A RUSH OF HOT - I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING THE FLU, UNTIL MY HEART STARTED BEATING SO FAST I FELT LIKE I COULDN'T BREATH - I TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT WE WE'RE BOMBED BY TERRORIST BECAUSE MY SKIN FELT LIKE IT WAS BURNING OFF OF ME. I CALLED MY MOM AND DAD - THEY CAME OVER - CLAIMED I WAS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK. **THIS WAS NOT A PANIC ATTACK** I HAD TO GO TO WORK THE NEW DAY - FELT LIKE I WAS DRUNK - FLOATING AROUND IN A CLOUD- HANDS SWEATING - HEART BEATING FAST- ANXIETY - MY FRIEND GAVE MY XANAX JUST TO MAKE IT THROUGH MY DAY - I CALLED MY DOCTOR- SHE SAID IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A BACTRIM SIDE EFFECT. CALLED THE PHARMACIST- DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A SIDE EFFECT- HAD MY MOTHER TAKE | F | 31 | 1 days | 11/9/2009 | 5 | sinus infection | Mild stomach upset | I know this drug gets a bad rap, and if you're allergic to sulfa drugs the end result should be obvious. Fortunately, I do not seem to be allergic. Pretty much every other antibiotic makes me feel like crap and gives me horrible diarrhea (I have IBS), but I can actually tolerate Bactrim pretty well. It also makes my skin look great whenever I need to take it, which is a nice bonus. Avoid if you're allergic, otherwise, Bactrim is A-OK in my book. | M | 25 | 21 days | 11/5/2009 | 1 | Reporting for my mom who is 70 | This is the worse medication out there. This medication almost killed my mother; she had to be rushed to the emergency room, where she still remains as of the posting of this comment. Doctors still not certain was is causing all her sever symptoms until now….Bactrim…. Intense vomiting and dry heaves swollen lips, abdominal pain, skin on fire, red, itchy skin with rash in lower body, the stomach and upper legs. No appetite, Crazy dreams and hallucination, frequent urination, blood in urine. The list of side effects is too long to list. No diarrhea however. This could have been worst if she had taken 2 pills a day as was recommended by her doctor. | F | 70 | 7 days | 11/5/2009 | 1 | UTI | severe migraines, disorientation, inability to think clearly, blurred vision, weakness | It has cleared up my uti, but I would have rather been given another type of antibiotic as to avoid all these horrible side effects. I will never take this medicine again. | F | 22 | 10 days | 11/4/2009 | 1 | acne | Dizziness, extreme nausea (dry heaving), loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements, inability to think clearly, a 'foggy' brain. | Being on this medication for a week was terrible. Forget about being able to go on with your life as normal. My performance at work suffered greatly, and friends asked why I seemed 'down' or 'quiet.' I was quiet because I couldn't concentrate enough to come up with anything to say. Bactrim turned me into a nauseated zombie. | M | 37 | 8 days | 11/3/2009 | 1 | bladder infection/acne | Vomiting, yellow eyes, weakness | I am very grateful I ran into this site.I took this drug for bladder infection at age 17.Had VOMITING ect...Now at age 49 was prescribed again for acne.Thanks to u all I will definitely not even attempt it again! THANK YOU!!! | F | 49 | 11/2/2009 | 3 | X-treme itching initially. Some of the most bizarre dreams i have ever experienced. I also have a headache that feels like my temples are about to split open. Night sweats to boot. Honestly it did work on my sinus infection but the side effects are unbearable. | M | 36 | 5 days | 10/30/2009 | 1 | Kidney infection | Head-to-toe rash not just any rash hives!!! I cannot go into sunlight or even get hot w/out it spreading and having the worst scratch fest in the world. The steroid shot and packet the doc prescribed me to help hasnt yet and ive taken the shot and im almost done w/ the pills...im thinking the ER is my next stop i cant live like this | how do i stop the itching if calimine lotion and oatmeal baths dont help???? | F | 20 | 4 days | 10/29/2009 | 1 | UTI | I took one pill and after 2 hours i have such bad abdominal cramps that I could not stand up. Then there was blood in my urine and my hole body turned so red it was almost purple in my face. Five hours after taking Bactrim I had a fever of 102.7 and had been vomiting for 3 hours. My head was full of so much pressure it felt like it might explode. I also had blurred vision and extreme chills, kidney pain and chest and throat tightness. | I have been to the hospital 4 times from taking that one pill. The drug continues to release itself into your body for up to a week. | F | 21 | 1 times | 10/23/2009 | 4 | UTI | sore throat, nasal congestion, racing heart, anxiety, shakiness | The generic drug cured my UTI almost immediately, which was great. But I didn't enjoy some of the side effects. I get recurring UTIs and have taken this drug before, but this time I experienced some less than pleasant body reactions. I would take it again just the same. | F | 30 | 4 days | 10/21/2009 | 3 | UTI | No side affects, but it did not clear up my UTI. I took the medicine for 7 days. The symtoms stopped on days 2 and 3 then came back. | F | 27 | 7 days | 10/20/2009 | 1 | UTI/ Bladder Infection | Immediate itching, fatigue, pale/gray unhealthy skin, anxiety, sleeplessness. Severe rash on day 9 (itchy red blotches felt like bee stings, raised and hot, mostly on thighs, belly and back). Stopped taking Bactrim. The rash became more severe, radiating from lower trunk, thighs, upper arms to feet, as the poison worked its way out. Took six days for rash to dissipate. Constant headache for two weeks since stopping the drug. | I was prescribed Bactrim for 10 days for a standard UTI. Another doctor told me this was ridiculously long to be taking Bactrim, and it is more common to be prescribed the drug for 3-5 days. I had not taken any antibiotics for 9 years before this. I took some probiotics to try to restore healthy flora to my GI tact. It feels like the majority of the remainder is in my head, causing headaches. From the looks of this website, a lot of people are having similar problems. I normally only use natural remedies because the drug companies are so obviously money-grubbing criminals with absolutely no interest in healing anyone. | F | 36 | 9 days | 10/20/2009 | 2 | Urinary Tract Infection | fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety, racing heart, chest pains, restless sleep | Both my mother and grandmother are allergic to all sulfa-based antibiotics, but I tried it anyways. I took it for four days before the doctor informed me that my bacteria was resistant to it. It was four pretty uncomfortable days. | F | 23 | 4 days | 10/18/2009 | 3 | MRSA Infection on leg | 103.4 fever after seventh (7th) day taking generic version of Bactrim. It was called Sulfamethoxazole-tmp. It did improve healing the MRSA infection. | I was hospitalized due to the extreme fever (103+), stopped taking the drug on doctors orders, and placed into isolation for two days after diagnosed with a drop in my white blood cell count and platlet count. After 48 hours, normal white blood cell and platlet levels returned. The isolation was to protect me from coming in contact with any bacteria or viruses while blood counts were below normal. | F | 19 | 7 days | 10/17/2009 | 2 | Infection due to possible bug bite | Chills, jittery (almost feels like I can jump out of my skin), hungry but no desire to eat, cannot focus, insomnia. | Today was my last pill of a 5 day/2 pills per day stint. I hope my symptoms go away as fast as they came. | F | 49 | 5 days | 10/16/2009 | 1 | To prevent infection from surgery | I had surgery for a Bladder issue and was put on Bactrim to prevent any infection. No symptoms of any kind. Within 12 hours of taking it, I got a low grade fever of 99 along with chills like mad and nausea. Two days later went to emergency with aweful, nausa, vomiting, chills, fever 101 and aches pain. Told me white blood count was perfect may have low grade uti, which I really know I did not have. I can tell when I have a bladder infection. 2 days later stopped bactrim all together after my temp spiked to 102. Next day felt better no nausea but temp still around 102. Went back to Dr. He ran blood test, said I had no raised white blood count and no uti. He was stumped. Told me it may have been an allergic reaction or flu. No one else in family was sick though. I really feel this was the bactrim since all the issues started right after I started taking this junk and started to subside as soon as I quit. | Will never take again. | F | 45 | 6 days | 10/13/2009 | 1 | MRSA | After 3 days swollen nodes in my neck and back of head; low grade fever;on day 8,fever of 103.4 and red sun burnt appearing rash,vivid nightmares and hallucinations; WBC 1.7;Right middle lobe infiltrate. | Atter stopping med,WBC rising, rash gone, and slept for most of 3 days. | F | 56 | 8 days | 10/12/2009 | 1 | osteomyelitis | Dehydration and penile psoriasis/blistering | M | 23 | 7 days | 10/11/2009 | 1 | UTI | Bad headache ,chills, insomnia, weakness, burning eyes (could not drive) | This drug makes you sicker than you were before you started taking it. | F | 55 | 2 days | 10/5/2009 | 1 | Abscess in armpit | nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations, vivid nightmares, loss of senses, can barely walk, pain and weakness in legs, severe headaches, loss of appetite | Started taking this to cure an abscess in my armpit. Was given this medicine to 10 days. I stopped using it after 5, which was 2 days ago. I feel slightly better, but not much. I have an overall feeing of being "drunk" | F | 28 | 5 days | 10/2/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | First three days were good, as my sinus infection began to clear, but on day three, experienced loss of appetite, gas, and mild headache. Day four I got severe pain in the back of my head and went to ER. Was told I had a virus. Day five temperature rose to nearly 104. High fever and head pain continued for three days and then I got the body rash after I took my last Bactrim. Went to ER, was given spinal tap because of meningitis worries, and admitted to hospital. Experienced strange rapid images whenever I closed my eyes and could not sleep. I had no more Bactrim to take, so symptoms began to improve a day later. | Stay away from it! | M | 45 | 7 days | 10/1/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection | Severe fatigue, Muscle and joint pain, loss appetite (7lbs in one week) dry mouth severe neutropina which is lower wbc count neutrophils went down to .07! Flu symptoms, loose bowels and racing heart | I went to ER and they gave me fluids due to dehydration and gave me potassium pills. My wbc came back up on it's own but I literally was in a wheelchair and could not move my legs due to severe fatigue and shakiness I am ten days out and still not 100% but feeling better. I am a very strong so the weakness is very scary. I thought I was going to die. This medication should be taken off the market! | F | 42 | 5 days | 9/30/2009 | 1 | Ear Infection | Severe inflammation of the bladder | Stay away from this stuff!!! There are plenty of other antibiotics if you need one. I went into the doctor two years ago for a slight case of prostatitis. He prescribed an antibotic. After a week I was feeling horrible. Went to a urologist who performed a prostate massage - got worse, went back again, same thing, and then ended up in the hospital. After a scope second urologist concluded I might have interstitial cystitis - a potentially debilitating and chronic disease - was put on various meds - took me over a year to return to normal. Two weeks ago I went into my GP for an ear infection. He put me on Bactrim. After 4 days all my symptoms from two years ago returned. I stopped taking the drug and checked to see what he had prescribed two years previously. You guessed it - Bactrim. After getting off the drug for 4 days, I am almost back to normal. This drug robbed me of thousands of dollars, my mental well being and nearly two years of my life. | M | 53 | 5 days | 9/29/2009 | 1 | Prevent staph infection after surge | Burning eyes, sore joints, dry mouth & lips, fatigue, lightheaded, blurred vision, panic attacks, heart palpitations and depression. Fever, red & burning face & ears, severe muscle weakness-including tongue and mouth. | It has been 4 months, I am finally seeing some improvement in my strength. I can't work because my walking is limited to my home and maybe a few steps outside. Showering is scary and if I speak too much my tongue gets weak and I can't enuciate. Eating is difficult if I have to use my mouth too much (chewing etc) I AM better though but it's very slow progress. This is scary and frustrating. I see progress but I'm afraid I will never have my normal strength back. The doctor can't do anything, he says in time it will fully metabolize thru my body. This is poison.....The weakness didn't even begin until the 8th day. That's when I stopped taking it. Still have that AND the mouth weakness including dry mouth. | F | 58 | 8 days | 9/28/2009 | 1 | sty eye | reported previously (diarrhea, extreme weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, etc.) Blurred vision in left eye. | I wanted to add on the blurred vision. I earlier reported this for my mom. After one month she is still experiencing some of the effects (low appetite, weakness, lethargy, blurred vision in left eye, stomach "not right"). | F | 80 | 8 days | 9/25/2009 | 1 | UTI INFECTION | I TOOK 5 OF THESE HORSE PILLS/ 2 DAILY/ JUST NOW EXPERIENCING AWFUL WEAKNESS/WHOLE BODY/ EXTREME KIDNEY PAIN/SHAKEY ALL OVER/ SCARED/ NOT TAKING ANY MORE PILLS/ WILL CALL DOC MON. YOU CAN'T FIND A DOC ON THE WEEKEND/ OR AFTER HOURS/ WE ALL KNOW THAT!!!!!!!!! | I DON'T TAKE MEDS/. I AM MOSTLY MED FREE/ I HAVE LIVED WITH MY UTI FOR COUPLE YEARS/ TREATED TWICE WITH MEDS/ NEVER CURED ME.I PREFER THE UTI TO TAKING THIS DANGEROUSSSSSSSSSS DRUG, WHICH:PER SIDE EFFECTS/ CAN KILL YOU!!!!!!!! | F | 75 | 3 days | 9/19/2009 | 1 | UTI-bladder infection | lower back pain, chest pain, sore leg muscles, shortness of breath, sore throat, sharp pain under ribs and lower abdominal pain, anxiety and racing heart | took it twice a day for seven days and it was pure hell...i wish i'd looked up the side-effects sooner because i didnt realize they were side-effects at the time =/ i thought something was seriously wrong with me. | F | 20 | 7 days | 9/17/2009 | 2 | bronchitis | night sweats, dizziness, insatiable thirst, persistent urinating (every 30mis to 1hour), weakness, sour taste in mouth. | Started meds on 8/27/09, Dosage: take 1 by mouth twice a day, 30 pills, so 15 days. I am so dry and so weak, I am drinking around 5 liters of water a day and I still feel dry and super thirsty. The increase in water sends me to the bathroom every 30 minutes. But even when I don't drink I am still running to the bathroom. At night, I am up, going to the bathroom every hour on the hour. I stay tired because I don’t get my rest, I wake my wife each time I get up, and she’s tried. My urine is clear in color and smells like medicine. And the nasty taste in my mouth and white covering on my tongue is making me sick to my stomach. On 9/05/09 I switched to only taking 1 pill a day. No change in symptoms, things are worse. I stopped taking meds on 9/10/09, six days later, no change in symptoms, I feel worse. Sour taste in mouth, always thirsty, urinating every 30 mins. I hate this!!!! | M | 34 | 15 days | 9/16/2009 | 1 | acne | DEHIBILITATING ANXIETY, very hard to breath, slight confusion, headache (feels like brain hurts/is throbbing), feels like it is uncomfortable to think, sometimes my face feels hot, heart feels like it is pounding really hard, depression, stiff neck,loss of appetite (and when i do eat i get a stomach ache), only feel good when I lie down,COFFEE MAKES EVERYTHING WORSE | I took this drug for THREE YEARS before any side effects showed up. One day I just felt horrible, I felt like someone drugged me and very anxious. I would have episodes where I felt like I was going to die/atleast pass out. After stopping it for almost two weeks now the episodes have become less severe, but I still feel the symptoms pretty strongly, although not as strong as when I was still taking it. I changed nothing in my diet or lifestyle, and took no other medicines that might have caused this to happen. It just took a long time for my body to develop this (allergic?) reaction. PLEASE, DO NOT TAKE....I DO NOT WANT ANYBODY ANYBODY ANYBODY ANYBODY TO FEEL THE THINGS I FELT ON THIS DRUG. PLEASE... | F | 18 | 3 years | 9/16/2009 | 1 | MRSA | hallucinations,, crazy dreams at night,,red rash as if i was sun burnt all over my body,,headach,,fever,,body achs and pains | it did almost impact the MRSA | M | 29 | 1 weeks | 9/13/2009 | 3 | UTI | itching/hot skin | I took this for 3 days. 2 days later got itchy and hot skin after being in sun for 10 mins. Not too bad, going away (this is the next day). I would recommend this WELL BEFORE going on Cipro as that made me feel like garbage for over 6 weeks, but still, if you can clear it up naturally, try. Did cure the infection. | F | 26 | 3 days | 9/11/2009 | 1 | staph infection | kidney failure, 5 trips to the emergency room, dehydration, total loss of potassium, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, anxiety attacks, lost 30 lbs | it should be illegal, its criminal that they allow this crap out there. I hope the makers of this and the ones that approved all have to take it one day and suffer "possible" side effects. | F | 40 | 2 weeks | 9/11/2009 | 1 | UTI | Have taken Bactrim before twice and had no side effects. This time, however, I had fairly severe one. I took the generic, so I guess it's possible that it has a contaminant it in. Anyway, took the first pill at night, woke up with a sore throat, didn't think much of it, took the second pill. In the next few hours, sore throat got much worse, face started to turn red (not a rash, just red). Went back and read the package insert, which mentions sore throat, so I called the doctor and pharmacist, and they told me to stop taking it immediately and start taking Benedryl, since I was having an allergic reaction, and there was the possibility my throat would swell and close. I stopped taking it, but my body was still mounting a massive response to it. It was as though I had the flu - very bad sore throat, congested, achy all over, chills (with the worst of it kicking in a day after I stopped taking it). I would have thought an allergic reaction would be hives and swelling, not something like | F | 47 | 1 days | 9/10/2009 | 4 | UTI / Bladder Infection | Began taking the generic form of Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole-TMP DS) and within an hour or two of swallowing the first pill I developed a severe headache that lasted for about two days. In addition I got a scorching sore throat that lasted just as long, extreme nasal/chest congestion, and achy muscles. I don't have a thermometer, but I'm pretty sure I had a fever as well. It's like I had the flu. WOW. And I usually NEVER experience side effects. What a strong drug. | Taking two pills a day for five days, it cleared up my infection, but kept me in bed for a week. Yikes. Will try to find a new antibiotic next time! I didn't get any side effects at all with the generic form of Macrobid. | F | 31 | 5 days | 9/6/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection | Side effects were immediate. Insomnia, hallucinations when I did doze off, anxiety, I felt like my body was becoming paralyzed, I thought I was going to stop breathing if I fell asleep. By day 3 of this medicine, I was thinking I'd be better off if I just killed myself (and this feeling was so terrifying, I was calling my sister and mom in the middle of the night just to talk to someone I was so scared ). I stopped taking it on day 4 and was back to normal that night. I called my doctor to tell her about my side effects and she didn't comment, just prescribed another antibiotic (I've since switched doctors). I now refer to this drug as L.S.D. | Bactrim should be pulled off the shelves. | F | 46 | 3 days | 9/5/2009 | 1 | Eye infection (stye) | Reporting for my mother who is still sick from the effects: severe diarrhea, extreme lethargy, extreme weakness, nausea, memory issues, dull stomach pains, no appetite, lost 10 pounds in a few days!! | My mother, 80, took this for a week. On Day 4 she began feeling the bad effects. On Day 5 she was "hit hard" feeling extreme weakness, severe diarrhea, low blood pressure, lethargy. She is a very sharp and strong lady, but she was acting atypically (memory affected, said she was dreaming/hallucinating.) SCARY!! She stopped taking the Bactrim on Day 8. Today is Day 12 and she is still very weak, no appetite, has dull stomach pains, still lethargic. At least the diarrhea has let up and her blood pressure is up. I am so thankful for this website because now I feel less worried, seeing everyone else's reports. At least we now have a probable cause! The dr. wasn't much help. | F | 80 | 7 days | 9/4/2009 | 1 | mrsa/staph infection | I just finished taking it for 10 days, 2 pills a day. I started having severe joint pain and some anxiety on about the 3rd day of taking it. By the 4th or 5th day, my eyes were so red and sensitive to light that I went to the doctor and they treated me for pink eye, but which I now think is wrong. This must be a side effect of the medication. Then at about the 8th-9th day, I got very swollen lymph nodes, headache, chills, fever, and a slight rash. I also had trouble sleeping at night. | They say that MRSA is very resistant to most antibiotics, so I stuck with it. But I cant see myself every using this medication ever again.... However, my brother (who also has MRSA) took it for 10 days straight with no side effects, | F | 25 | 10 days | 9/1/2009 | 3 | MRSA | Headaches, decreased appetite | I'm actually not done taking it - I'll be on it for a while to "suppress" the inflammation and the infection. The headaches may or may not be from the meds - or they may be from the infection itself. Same with the decreased appetite. I really don't know what's causing what. MRSA is nasty stuff. I've been on it for seven days so far, but I will remain on it for another month and 3 days. | F | 28 | 7 days | 8/31/2009 | 4 | Prostatitus | No side effects until day 5, when I developed lower back and abdominal pain so severe I thought I needed to go to the ER. Instead, I saw my MD stat, who offered me something else which I declined at the time. Day six went fine until I woke up with severe cramping and pain in my stomach at 2am. I've spent the last 5 hours peeing on and off, unable to sleep, feel spacey and exhausted, and very anxious. I'll need to cancel a 12 hour work day today (huge money loss), and get on a different medication right away. | I had to have 2 bouts of severe stomach cramping (day 5 and day 6)and lose a night of sleep to wake up to the fact that I'm having dramatic side effects to the Bactrim. I will never take another dose of this medication again. | M | 51 | 6 days | 8/27/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | Many severe symptions! Started with fever, severe aches, pains and chills. Swollen lymph nodes in neck to the size of lima beans. Memory loss. Sun burned and hurt my skin and eyes, even on a cloudy day. I was told to continue the Bactrim by a Dr. office RN, eventhough I had all the adverse side effects lised on RX insert with medication. One-two days later fever of 105. Went to doctor again. They thought I had Mono., so blood tests ordered. Less than 24 hrs. later in hospital when liver function tests were "off the charts". After many tests for every infectious disease, I had to spend 5 nights in hospital and another 2 weeks off work. To detox my body of the Bactrim that I was very allergic to. (high doses of steroids) The infectious disease specilist told me two weeks later that I could have died if I was not a healthy, active 33 year old at the time. I was the 1/100 of 100% that has a almost deadly reaction. I was lucky to live through this ordeal. I can never take this med | F | 43 | 4 days | 8/26/2009 | 1 | prostatitis | shortness of breath, racing pulse, anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, diarrhea, skin feels tingly and warm, makes you feel like you are losing your mind! | Took it 3 days after first side effect because i knew it was harsh and thought it was OK. Stopped taking after panic attack 6 days into treatment per MD. Did not get seen for side effects, but they still linger 4 days out - still feel anxious, but can sleep well in cool room. Weak and tired, still little appetite. Dizzy slightly (left ear feels a little congested, like the hearing is diminished and you need to unplug it). Makes me worry that something else is wrong. I was healthy up to this point. | M | 34 | 6 days | 8/23/2009 | 4 | acne | First day i took bactrim i got a really bad headache. This has happened off and on since the first day. I had frequent neck and knee (joint) pain. I was very tiered but had trouble sleeping, i would wake up several times per night. I began having issues with anxiety and in my third week of using bactrim i began having upset stomach/nausea, indigestion, chills, frequent bowel movements, hot flashes, and red/warm cheeks. Occasional dizziness has been another side effect i have experienced while on bactrim. | Although im not too pleased with the side effects, it has really cleared up the acne on my face. I have been prescribed the medication for 30 days and im on day 23, I will finish Bactrim but it will be a while until I take it again for my acne. | F | 18 | 30 days | 8/17/2009 | 3 | multiple infections of cellulitis | insomnia | It is clearing the cellulitis, and the pain was unbearable before I started it, so I'm a little happy about it, but not sure how long I can go on just 3 hours sleep a night. | F | 40 | 3 days | 8/10/2009 | 3 | MRSA SSI Spinal Surgery | Fatigue, increased anxiety, depression, joint pain,difficulty getting in a breath at times, heart palpitations, panic attacks, nausea, insomnia. | It seems to be helping the surgical site infection..I have to take it for another week..If the infection doesn't get me, the drugs sure will..I know I need to take this for the full course to get rid of the MRSA..I just wish there was a better way. I rated it a 3 because the medicine works but the side effects are terrible. | F | 45 | 7 days | 8/8/2009 | 1 | Folliculitis | Started with loss of appetite, body aches and headaches within a week of taking Bactrim. Progressed into fever and the chills by a week and a half but just thought I had the flu. After taking Bactrim for 13 days I started breaking out with hives on my face, neck and chest which later spread to my arms and legs. I had a fever of 101-102 for over 4 days. I was dehydrated and had a low white blood cell count. | I was diagnosed with an allergic reaction to Bactrim, pumped full of iv fluids, steroids and anti-histamines once they figured out what was going on. I'll be taking oral steroids and anti-histamines for 5-6 days. Such a horrible experience, I'll be glad when I won't be on any more of these medications! | F | 27 | 14 days | 8/5/2009 | 2 | MRSA | Extreme fatigue, could barely walk, shaking/trembling, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sweating, anxiety, panic attacks. | Be careful if you take this! It really dehydrates you, make sure you take with plenty of water and drink a lot of water during the day. I couldn't even walk through my house without feeling like collapsing. Would get shaky and dizzy and not even able to walk or move. Couldn't keep any food down. | F | 19 | 4 days | 8/2/2009 | 1 | Cellulitis | Upset stomach, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, intense migraines, fatigue, complete loss of appetite, anxiety, trouble sleeping at night, dry throat, trouble swallowing | Horrible side effects, especially the nausea and migraines. Anxiety was moderately bad on the first night but has subsided. Make sure you take these pills with several glasses of water or you will get terrible indigestion and throat problems- as I learned. It makes you weak so you want to sleep all the time, but you won't be able to fall asleep. Avoid Bactrim!! | F | 22 | 10 days | 7/29/2009 | 1 | UTI | back pain, diarrhea, nausea [like motion sickness], malaise, leg cramps | this drug is terrible! the uti was bad, but taking the bactrim made me feel even worse. i will never take this again. | F | 16 | 7 days | 7/18/2009 | 1 | Sinus/inner-ear infection | Dizzy, COuld not even get out of bed, vomiting, hives, trouble breathing. | Did not even cure my infection now weeks after taking it Iam still not myself! BEWARE! | F | 24 | 10 days | 7/15/2009 | 1 | Wound Care | rash, heartburn, feverish, chills, extreme lethargy, slow mentally, nausea, extreme photosensitivity | These was really harsh stuff the first few days I had nausea and nothing tasted right, low appeitie. Then after 5 days feverish/chills finally when I broke out in an all over body rash went back to ER where they took me of the drug. I am allergic to penicillan, which is why I was prescribed this. | F | 39 | 8 days | 7/15/2009 | 1 | Paranychia- nail infectiom | High anxiety and panic, difficulty getting a good breath, feeling like I was going to blackout, cold and sweaty hands and feet, headache, tired, sensitivity to cold, weakness. | I went to the ER to get checked out because I felt like I was blacking out. All of my lab results and heart rate/pressure were normal. I told the doctor that I thought I was having a bad reaction to Bactrim and he said that I would have hives, not these symptoms, and sent me home unwillingly without answers. He attirbuted my symptoms to "probably coming down with the flu". | F | 34 | 5 days | 7/15/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |