| 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 | |
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| 5 | Adult acne | No Side effects | I was on accutane in my early 20's for acne. The acne went was semi cleared up after a several month treatment. However, I would still get blemishes and a ton of blackheads. Since starting Bactrim my skin is clear for the first time in years. I've read alot about it and the negative side effects, but I have experienced none as of yet. I wish I would have tried it 10 years ago! | M | 29 | 6 weeks | 12/7/2005 | 5 | UTI | No side effects. It took about 2 days though before the intense pain of my UTI subsided and I started to feel any relief. After 5 days on it, my urine stream improved so much that it felt like I was 10 years old again. | M | 41 | 5 days | 5/8/2006 | 5 | Staph Infection | Absolutely none. | Had to take after Cipro failed to work on the infection. | M | 41 | 7 days | 10/14/2005 | 5 | severe boils | Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, sleeplessness, head ache, tiredness, fever, anxiety. | The drug got rid of the infection, which was the bain of my existence. However the side effects were brutal and i felt out of commission for stretches of time while taking it for three weeks. | M | 24 | 3 weeks | 8/3/2006 | 5 | Liver infection | Just mild rash. Took allegra and it cleared. | I was very ill and it worked fast and good. | M | 45 | 30 days | 9/28/2004 | 5 | UTI | Mild nausea, that's about it. This is much easier to tolerate then some others out there. As long as you aren't hypersensitive to the sulfa drugs it's the way to go IMO. I have previously been on levaquin + Flagyl for diverticulitis + bladder infection and they were so bad I couldn't take them all. This is the same bladder infection and the Bactrim are working fine. | M | 36 | 3 days | 4/12/2007 | 5 | Chlamydia | General Light Headed / Dizzy Feeling, not very intense at all. Lethargy/Laziness which is uncommon for me. | It is day 3 and the discharge and pain during urination is gone, my doc says I caught it the moment of transmition, or as close as possible to. I hope I dont break out in a rash, because im very allergic to penecillin and the rash I had while taking that was gaudy. I had to discontinue use, and treat the rash as it was terrible. | M | 21 | 3 days | 7/28/2007 | 5 | Chronic recurring prostate / UI | Absolutely none. | Having tried short courses of antibiotics over 10 years, including Bactrim, only to have the problem return, I went to a university medical library, and found the recommendation for my chronic problem to be 50 (FIFTY)days. I took this medication for the full course, and it completely ended the problem. That was in 1980. I was probably able to get this prescription because we had not entered the current anti-antibiotic hysteria. By all means, stop taking an antibiotic IMMEDIATELY, as soon as you get side effects. Once I was prescribed Cipro for sinusitus. It has the possible side effect ripping apart the Achilles tendon, so that the tendon breaks. The first night, I woke up with a tightening of the A. tendon, so I stopped taking it immediately. Learn the possible side effects of the drug BEFORE you take it, and find reliable information in the drug index at your library. (Detailed copies of every monograph are available at libraries in Canada.) Doctors mistakenly believe that yo | M | 59 | 50 days | 12/6/2007 | 5 | Acne | Mild insomnia | Works like a charm. Cleared up cystic acne on back, which was pretty bad. Cleared up in 5 days when nothing else worked. I was on other antibiotics previously & nothing worked at all. Highly recommend for stubborn cystic acne that doesnt respond to other treatment | M | 33 | 10 days | 3/15/2008 | 5 | Staph infection | No side effects experienced | I was taking 2x a day for 10 days (800 mg) ... I experienced no side effects while I was taking the medicine and the infection cleared up. 3 days after finishing the med, I noticed an outbreak of very small bumps on my chest, stomach and sides. Not sure if this is a delayed side effect or if it's related to something else. | M | 44 | 10 days | 3/15/2009 | 5 | Stomach virus | Blurry vision;night sweats;anxiety;stiffness in neck an joints;dry mouth;thirsty;none were severe... | This drug works. I have 2 days left on a 5 day course and my symptoms ,severe diaherea , vomiting,stomach cramps etc.have vanished. | M | 63 | 3 days | 5/25/2008 | 5 | Infected spider bite: abessed | Dizziness, fatigue. | I've been on this med 4 days now. I took extra doses the first two days. Very happy that it worked quickly. Somewhat concerned about the dizzy-headed feeling I had, but after reading this blog, I realize it's par for the course. So I've re-started my daily exercize and that seems to help with the side-effects. Exercize always seems to help me purge-out the toxins from my system. Also had some lingering UTI symtoms that it knocked-out. Like I say, I'm happy that it's so effective, given how many antibiotics are becoming ineffective now-a-days. | M | 58 | 4 days | 9/10/2008 | 5 | prostatitis | tired muscles. | It cured me, with little side effects. I would take it again. My sister took it for 2 years when she was little to fight multiple infections in her kidneys, and she's fine now (she's 27) | M | 30 | 10 weeks | 7/3/2009 | 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 | 4 | UTI / Prostatitis / Urethritis | A bit of bloating in the 11th day of the 14 day regimine. Felt a bit run down by the 12th day. Small spasms in my quad muscle and my forearm. Nothing major though. | Pretty satisfied. Sorry to all you folks who've hgad a hard time with this med. Worked well for me. No real serious issues at all. | M | 30 | 14 days | 6/23/2009 | 4 | prostate infection | Hot flashes, night sweats and chills, itchy skin and hives. | I had previously been using Levaquin for infections, but it started playing havoc with the tendons in my feet(severe cramping). My doctor switched me to Bactrim, but did not mention any side effects. The hot flashes and night sweats started the second day of use, but were more annoying than a real problem. The hives started after five days. I thought I had been attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes, but they were showing up where no mosquito could get to. I later found out they were hives. They would show up thirty minutes after taking the pill, and would disappear about four hours later. Again, more annoying than a problem. The itchy skin was constant, like a mild sunburn. Bactrim cured the infection, and I can walk, so I'm fairly satisfied. | M | 53 | 14 days | 5/7/2009 | 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 | 4 | Cellulitis - possible MRSA | Best described in haiku: Generic Bactrim / I think i just soiled my pants / five dollar co-pay | Weird pricking feelings / millions of needles on me / acupuncture sucks | M | 37 | 7 days | 6/4/2008 | 4 | UTI | More sleep need daily | There ware large blood clots in my urine making it very difficult to releive myself. I am s/p colon cancer that caused a fistula in the bladder 16 months ago. Everything was fine until e-coli suddenly showed up and subsequent bleeding. Bactrim is working and I am satified because things were getting scary. | M | 52 | 15 days | 4/3/2009 | 4 | UTI | A bit of lethargy but that was it. The UTI went away I'd say after 2nd pill. | As an emetophobe,I was freaked out reading these comments and the side effects on pamphlet. I suffered with UTI for a few days, just waiting to start on the weekend instead in case I experienced any awful side effects.I am pleased to say that none of the possible,unpleasant side effects occurred. | M | 32 | 3 days | 3/9/2009 | 4 | MRSA | Fatigue | Was on two weeks of Bactrim pills after getting off IV Vancamycin for an MRSA wound back in November. Now, another MRSA infection has appeared on my side and I am back on Bactim. Hopefully it helps heal the infection before I have to ever consider going to the hospital again. It makes me feel fatigued and a bit "out of it", but most anti-biotics do. No stomach pain or anything. The only anti-biotic I have experienced horrid side effects from is Clendimycin (sp?). | M | 27 | 3 weeks | 4/4/2008 | 4 | bacteria infection prostate | Been on 2 pills a day for 5 days so far..DR just went up to three pills a day for 40 more days..lots of water and prilosec twice a day....we will see ... took same medication years ago and had bad stomach cramps..... | M | 68 | 40 times | 4/9/2008 | 4 | UTI | NONE | It seemed to work, but after being off of it a few days symptoms returned. I was given Cipro and no relief. By all means get cultured to see what will kill your bacteria. I am waiting on results. | M | 53 | 7 days | 5/22/2008 | 4 | MRSA | Fatigue, Insomnia, Increased blood pressure, Tight feeling in the chest, occasional mild itchyness | Prescribed Bactrim (Double-strength, twice a day for 10 days) for suspected MRSA on my legs. The first 2 days I felt extremely tired and slept excessive amounts. The past 3 days I have had moderate insomnia, a mild constricting sensation in my chest, and occasional localized itching, but nothing severe. The bumps on my legs have greatly decreased in size and related inflammation has decreased. Bactrim appears to be clearing up the infection. The insomnia is frustrating (I'd rather feel drowsy than unable to sleep) and I'm monitoring my blood pressure, but I've had no side effects as extreme as several users of this site. | M | 29 | 5 days | 12/27/2008 | 4 | bacterial infection of the eye | Mild, but not fun. Headache. Nausea. A real loss of energy, which was the most difficult to deal with. Well, that and last night which I spent in large part on the bathroom floor with fever chills, feeling I might hurl at any moment. | They prescribed this incredibly strong antibody to me because I had preseptal cellulitis IN MY EYE, which is (naturally) quite close to the brain and therefore not to be toyed with. I will say, this shit works. The infection subsided in 2 days (the doctor thought it would take 4). | M | 26 | 10 days | 10/25/2007 | 4 | salmonella | tiredness | I was scared to use this drug after reading these posts about potential side affects and all the horror stories. I am allergic to the quinone based drugs so when I got salmonella, they prescribed bacrim DS to me. I took it for 5 days and the main side effect was tiredness. I hope there are no long term effects or anything, it seems like a hit or miss with the real bad side effects. | M | 20 | 5 days | 11/12/2007 | 4 | Prostatitis | Constipation, skin became very sensitive to the sun, headache, some fatigue | The medicine started working quickly, relieving my symptoms only after a couple of doses. The constipation became an issue after a few days of taking this drug, but was remedied with a laxative. | M | 20 | 10 days | 9/15/2007 | 4 | Staph | severe stomach upset, muscle aches in thighs and lower back, severe sunburn-like rash on head | This drug successfully treated the staph infection, however the side effects were horrifying. There definitely needs to be more education to patients from both pharmacists and doctors. (1) The drug labeling gave no indication that taking it with food would help to minimize stomach upset. I had to learn this on my own after extreme stomach upset, pain, and diahrrea. Sometimes even with food, these symptoms occurred, but not as dramatic. (2) I didn't realize until I had been off the drug for a few days that it must have also caused bad aches in the muscles of my thighs and lower back. One day it would be my left leg, then the next day it would be my right leg. I didn't connect it to the drug at the time. (3) By far the worst side effect was the rash, though it also took me a while to connect it to the drug because it didn't start until the last (20th) day of taking the drug. It started with small bumpy skin on the side of my forehead, which continued to get red and worse for five days | M | 49 | 20 days | 2/16/2007 | 4 | Foliculitus (acne on scalp and face | I got my Rx from the VA Hospital. I was given a warning of prolonged use. It cleared up the pussy pimples in 2 days and worked as long as I was taking the meds. Within 10 days the bacterial infection on my skin was back. Now I take it for 3 days (2 per day) and lay off of it for a week. Seems to be the only thing that works. I have done all of the topical meds and OTC stuff, but I think right now, Bactrim works. I have not had any side effects. | M | 53 | 6 months | 5/13/2007 | 4 | Resistant Sinus Staph Infection | Dry mouth, anxiety. | The biggest side effect I had was anxiety about taking this drug after reading all of these comments. It turned me into a hypochondriac as every pain or twinge I felt made me scramble to see if it was a side effect. While im sure the majority of comments on here are legit, people should read this with caution and not think that you will have problems. Every single drug out there will cause some sort of side effect. | M | 38 | 14 days | 7/7/2007 | 4 | UTI | Pain in lower back and abdomen, extremely sore and swollen thighs and knees, could not walk, water retention and insomnia fatigue. | M | 34 | 7 days | 10/30/2004 | 4 | Urinary tract infection | Queasiness, diarrhea, rash on chest, torso & arms. | I was prescribed a 10-day cycle of Bactrim for a UTI, after a 7-day cycle of Levanquin failed to resolve the problem. The Bactrim upset my stomach and gave me diarrhea. One night I had a very bad sore throat, which developed into a cold, but I don't know if this was related. The day after I finished the cycle, I woke up with a spotty red rash all over my chest and torso. This may have been triggered by a half-hour of sun exposure at the pool. I found Bactrim unpleasant and hard on my system, but it did work. Afterwards I read on WebMD that often 3 days is enough for a UTI, and I wonder if I should have been prescribed a shorter cycle. | M | 36 | 10 days | 7/29/2005 | 4 | mrsa | Trouble sleeping, weight gain | Have been taking drug for 10 weeks and will take it for 10 more. Started with 4 double strength a day, now am down to two a day. So far nothing bad. | M | 56 | 10 weeks | 4/30/2007 | 4 | Staph Infection | Mild Nausea, tire easily, dizziness, frequent urination (may be due to the quantity of water directed to drink) headaches, stiffness in neck and back. The symptoms got better over the first week or two. It does seem to be working! | M | 47 | 10/5/2007 | 4 | Staph Infection (MRSA) | Fatigue, Drowsiness - actually had the best night's sleep on the stuff, but couldn't wake up the next day. | I know some people have had hideous reactions to this - I was lucky, it worked well for me. I try to stay away from the sulfa and floxin classes of drugs unless I absolutely have to take it. | M | 37 | 9 days | 12/18/2006 | 4 | MRSA, year later resp. infection | 1st course for MRSA went well -- took several weeks to diagnose but Bactrim and another drug cleared it up. The 2nd course over a year later was for a persistant wet cough. Batrim + FLonase + Albuterol + Asmacort. After 5th day, wasn't going to bed on time staying up without feeling need to sleep. Started itching on day 8. Stopped Bactrim. | We'll see if I'll need this again, but I'm not too concerned. Everyone's different, no one can recommend to others what they should and should not do as you can see, some people have no problems and are helped. If your system is intolerant, them's the breaks, find somthing else. Educate, don't eliminate viable choices for others. All your comments helped. | M | 40 | 10 days | 1/3/2006 | 3 | Prostate Infection | Anemia, Lowed my red blood count | Went to hematologist after being off it for 2 weeks and blood count was normal. The lower red blood count could be the reason for the fatigue a whole bunch of respondents mention. | M | 21 days | 9/26/2006 | 3 | prostatitis/kidney infection | joint aches, headaches, fatigue, muscle cramping, "shin splints", eye pain, neck pain and stiffness. On the the 11th day of a total dose of 14 days woke up to severe purple rash/hives and mouth sores. Called doctor and stopped taking it immediately. | I'm hoping it's cleared up the prostatitis and accompanying UTI but am still feeling general malaise and lots of aches and pains. Unfortunately, I've had similar side effects when on Cipro so, I don't seem to tolerate any of these more powerful antibiotics well. I'm an otherwise very healthy individual between this infection and this drug I'm wiped. | M | 51 | 11 days | 3/23/2006 | 3 | bladder infection | rash under arms, torso and inside of thighs. Soles of feet became extremely painful and made standing up and walking very difficult. | M | 53 | 5 days | 10/18/2006 | 3 | Sinus Infection | Cant keep my eyes open most of the day. Puts me right to sleep. Lower back hurts a little. | Ten days of side effects sucks, but a chronic sinus infection is far suckier, for anyone who has them. This is day three & the Bactrim has allready killed off most of the sinus infection. Eat first, then take it with alot of water. If your side effects are rash & breathing problems, call your doctor immediately. You could be alergic. Good luck everyone! | M | 44 | 3 days | 3/6/2007 | 3 | Adult cystic Acne | Muscle and joint pain all over, mostlt back and neck. Muscle spasum. Liver or internal organ pain. Stomach Cramps. | At first I thought I found my Americal drug. It started to dry up my cystic acne. But around the 2nd week mark, I woke up with serious muscle and joint pain in my neck and shoulder. Then 2 days later cramps form on the side of my kidney. It felt like I been punch the day before. It left one side and went to the other, and then settled down in my stomach. At the begining I didn't know what was wrong, but I had a pretty good idea it was the Bactrim. So I stop for 5 days and I got better. I started 1 pill a day and muscle and joint pain came back the next day. I am done with Bactrim. It is too painful, but it was working. | M | 30 | 2 weeks | 3/1/2006 | 3 | MRSA | Itchy red rash all over my body | This is the third time I've been on it, the first two I experienced no such symptoms. | M | 27 | 1 days | 1/17/2007 | 3 | Prostatitis | Got 30 day prescription & have taken it for 3 weeks already. Side effects started with a bad dry mouth & dry throat.....virtually no saliva daily throughout this entire time. Fatigued...tried to go back to the gym to excercise but was way to fatigued, probably due to the lack of sleep this drug has caused me. My sleep pattern has become so bad on Bactrim. I sleep three hours a night, then wakeup, sleep two hours, then wakeup, sleep one hour, then wakeup, by morning, I am exhausted. This started after about 2.5 weeks and has gotten worse. My hands also tingle while I sleep and I've had a couple of night sweats. Only 11 more days to go! I can't wait to get finished with this drug so I can sleep. | Seems to be working, but we'll see when I go in for the DRE! | M | 29 | 30 days | 2/19/2005 | 3 | prostate symptoms | 9 days bactrim provided effective relief from prostate symptoms, no adverse effects at all until day 10, then: slight nausea, total lack of appitite, flushed hot red cheeks and ears, heartburn (acid stomach upset), headache, insomnia fatigue, drymouth. all adverse symptoms stopped entirely within 12 hours of ceasing bactrim. two days later resumed bactrim one pill, then within 3 hours tingling hands, face and scalp. conclusion: stop at once if adverse side effects, maybe developes sensitivity | M | 50 | 10 days | 1/3/2004 | 3 | uti | weakness (in legs), anxiety, nausea | Don't really know if med helped since i have to quit takin it. | M | 65 | 3 days | 5/30/2002 | 3 | uti | i have been taking bactrim for 6 days now. i had pressure in my lower pelvis area ( probably inflammation of the bladder ) . I called my doctor and he said bactrim has no sideffects. ive got one more day to go but right about now i have anxiety and a bad headache.my pressure on the lower pelvis is gone, but the lightheadness is still there. sleplessness is very common . i get about 3 to 4 hrs of good sleep at night.cant wait till tomorrow | M | 23 | 6 days | 7/23/2005 | 3 | Staph Infection | edgy, mild confusion, occasional shortness of breath, neck stiffness, constipation, frequent urination and dry mouth | i havent had a horrible experience with bactrim. the shortness of breath may be part of the mild anxiety i am experiencing occasionally. the neck stiffness made for two extremely uncomfortable plane rides. the effects on my ability to focus are the most surprising and very frustrating. mild herbal laxative helped with constipation. would not recommend taking it while at work or traveling. the infection healed up very quickly, and ive decided that instead of taking two a day, to just finish the prescription by taking one at night. | M | 24 | 7 days | 8/11/2007 | 3 | Possible UTI | 1/2 hour after I took the first pill I felt my thyroid gland begin to swell. Tollorable for the most part. The 4th night I got 4 hours of sleep. 5th night a good 6+. The 6th night I got 3 hours. Could not get to sleep. Just as I'd start dozing I'd jolt awake. Did that for 4 hours... finally got to sleep. Some fatigue, slight nausia, dry mouth. | Whatever the problem was... the Bactrim has fixed it... but the side effects have been annoying. Dr. says she's never heard those as side effects. Glad to see I'm not the only one who DOES have these side effects. | M | 30 | 10 days | 6/15/2007 | 3 | MRSA - Staph Infection | Hives, Red Rash would come and go, lasting about an hour each time. Sometimes bumps on my arms, always itchy. Hands had some swelling. Also I experienced some anxiety along with daily panic attacks, didn't think much of it, but seem to be much better now that I stopped taking the Bactrim. Doctor advised I was allergic to sulfa based anti-biotics. Recommended Doxycyline instead to treat MRSA. | Bactrim worked well for the infection, side effects | M | 27 | 7 days | 9/19/2007 | 3 | Staph (MRSA) skin infection | Low blood calcium, blurred vision, reduced need for narcotic pain medications. | After a month, the skin infection, boil and blistered area (4x4 inch area) is purple scar but not leaking pus | M | 56 | 24 days | 11/5/2007 | 3 | MRSA | nausea, heartburn, insomnia, headache, shortness of breath | seems to be clearing up the infection | M | 16 | 5 days | 11/14/2007 | 3 | Possible Mrsa infection | Seemed O.K. until about day 6..taking 2 pills morning, two evening. Thought I had come down with the flu..high fever, chills, headache when eyes or head moved. 8th day, rash on torso and upper legs..realized it must be reaction to the bactrim. | Extremely flu-like symptoms after 6th day..aching, fever, headache, etc. Then the rash. Miserable time, but seems to have taken care of the infection in my arm. Had to skip the final dose though, on 10th day, as rash and fever getting too bad to deal with. | M | 58 | 10 days | 11/25/2007 | 3 | MRSA | Rash - not major, Shortness of breath - initially at night, now all day, anxiety, flushed face. | Helped the infection quickly, but the shortness of breath getting a little scary. | M | 50 | 8 days | 12/19/2008 | 3 | Sinus infection | Loss of apetite, insomnia, caffeine-like energy spikes | I'm still not quite sure why I'm taking this drug, my doctor told me I have a polyp in my sinus cavity which is causing me to have terrible headaches. I'm not sure whether or not the polyp bacterial. I can only assume its to defend against an infection around the polyp until it is removed. Luckily, I guess though, I havnt experienced any of the more sever symptoms that I've been reading about on here. No nausea, no vomiting or fevers, just some mild insomia and a loss of apetite (which in my case is a good thing). | M | 31 | 2 weeks | 11/24/2008 | 3 | mrsa | I was put on this drug to fight an infection, it has helped with the infection a great deal but the side effects suck. I just finished my 14th day of the medication on thanksgiving and was still dealing with side effect, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite...pretty much this drug ruined my thanksgiving but it did cure my infection. | M | 20 | 14 days | 11/27/2008 | 3 | Skin staph infection | Headaches, anxiety, 'nervous energy', tingling all over, nightmares | RX was for 800/40 twice a day for ten days. Symptoms increased approx six hours after each pill. Had to pause after 5 days, skipped a day, then resumed with one pill per day to finish out RX. Infection looks about 95% cleared up but I'll go back if it seems to be coming back. I was so anxious/nervous that I couldn't stop doing household chores and yardwork. My wife liked that! I also take Zoloft daily and drink a few (~6) beers a week, so maybe there was some bad interactions. | M | 38 | 10 days | 11/20/2008 | 3 | eyelid infection | nausea, stomach and gut pains, bloated stomach, swollen and painful lymph nodes, body ache, tiredness, anorexia, slight insomnia | seemingly worked well enough, but the side effects really suck... will ask for something else if i need a antibiotic again. | M | 26 | 10 days | 4/11/2008 | 3 | sinus | extreme nausea,dizziness,headache,tired,heartburn,gas,bloated feeling | felt good after day one,infection seemed gone,day two all hell broke loose,stopped after day three ,felt like I was dying | M | 46 | 3 days | 3/28/2009 | 3 | acute prostatitis | frequent nightmares (3 or more per night), after 4 days, random itching all over body, after 7 days, feeling of persistent sunburn on arms and legs | Seemed very effective - prostatitis symptoms (dysuria, fever, back pain) all resolved within first two days. Unfortunately doctor says skin issues point to delayed allergic response that would only get worse if I continued with drug. Was switched to Cipro and now prostatitis symptoms are back. | M | 38 | 9 days | 6/20/2008 | 3 | Prostatitis | Aches and feverish feeling about 9 days into 14-day course. 10th day brought chills, more aches, flushed face, rash on chest that soon spread to back, face and arms. 100-degree fever. Face hot, feeling sunburned. Almost no side effects the first 9 days. Prostate symptoms were improving but had to stop taking on day 10. Dr. said take Benadryl for rash. | Never had a reaction of this kind before to any drug. Never had a rash before on more than a couple sq. inches of skin. My face is lobster red but I haven't been out in the sun since I started the Bactrim. Very odd. | M | 56 | 10 days | 8/28/2008 | 3 | UTI | The first three nights I couldn't sleep at all, but after that I started sleeping a lot. I woke up today (7th day) with extreme dry mouth, chills, and a runny nose. Nausea has been a problem every day. | I've had several UTI's recently, and this has seemed to work relatively well, despite the side effects. I still have 2 days left, but the blood in the urine and pain in the bladder seems to be gone. These are the worst side effects I've ever experienced, but if it gets rid of the infection, I'd take it again. | M | 26 | 10 days | 5/19/2009 | 3 | Prostatitis | Metallic taste, confusion, lethargic, constipation, anxiety (at night only), headache, excess mucus, flu like muscle aches and severe pain in my thumb muscles, general muscle pain over most of body. | This medication may or may not being curing my infection. Time will tell. No major side effects for the first 4 days; symptoms report in order of which they occurred. On day 5 the muscle pain started (may have been amplified by doing yard work and raking during that day). The muscle aches and pains are pretty severe and I don't really feel like doing much. If I use my hands a lot they hurt (just the thumb muscle). I am dazed and confused and at night have to take Xanax in order to prevent panic attacks. I have 3 days to go and am looking forward to the end of this "experience." I suppose I would take it again if it does cure my infection, but alternatives might be better for me. | M | 29 | 10 days | 5/25/2009 | 3 | Infection lg open wound lt foot | Mild rash over entire body | Swelling in foot has reduced considerably over the ten days I took the medication. Infection may or may not have cleared entirely but large open wound still remains on left foot, ankle, and calf. | M | 67 | 10 days | 6/29/2009 | 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 | 2 | Suspected Staph Infection | After taking bactrim for about 7 days I began to feel tired, some muscle soreness, and got a bad headache. Took some ibuprofen and it help to aleviate. Around 9 days in I began to get a skin rash that looked like little red dots on my shoulders, back, and stomach. When I woke up the next morning it was worse and had spread to my arms and legs. I am also experiencing a sunburned feeling on my face and ears. I took some benadryl, so we'll see if it will help get rid of the allergic reaction. | Got rid of the staph infection quickly but caused some very uncomfortable side effects. | M | 21 | 10 days | 6/18/2009 | 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 | 2 | MRSA | I was diagnosed with Mersa, as I had a cut on my arm that blew up into a huge boil-looking thing. My doctor started me on two-pills of Bactrim every 12 hours. The arm is getting better, but now I am running fever and have a rash, all over my body. How do you know if it is a side effect or allergic reaction? I have about six more-days to finish the Bactrim. Isn't there anything better/different that can be prescribed? | M | 42 | 10 days | 9/6/2008 | 2 | Diarrhea | Within 30 minutes of taking my first dose I experienced itching and swelling of the skin on my penis (glans area and foreskin). Last time I took bactrim, also to treat a several day gastrointestinal infection, I developed the same symptoms. Eventually welts developed, the skin peeled off, and it took about 5 weeks for the wounds to heal. At the time, doctors told me it was a fungal infection, and was treated for it as such with antimycotic skin ointments. I now believe it is an allergic reaction. | Wish I had read this site beforehand. I was prescribed bactrim when I was younger and never had any side effects. But twice in a row, the same symptoms is too much of a coincidence | M | 41 | 1 days | 4/16/2009 | 2 | UTI | Insomnia | Still not sure if the drug has had any effect on my asymptomatic UTI. I completed a 10-day course on the medication, but on day 6, I began to have trouble falling asleep. In fact, I couldn't fall asleep at all unless I got up and took some benadryl. This has continued, and it has now been almost a week since I finished taking the Bactrim. | M | 54 | 10 days | 9/21/2008 | 2 | Bacterial Skin Infection | Annoying headaches, lower back pain, fever, reduced energy, rash. | Man! The doctor said I was almost done fighting the infection when I visited her...she prescribed me a double dose of Bactrim 800mg! I had mild side effects, such as slight headache and stomach pain. On the 10th day, I noticed the pads on my hand were itchy and red, and my ankles developed a rash! I also developed a fever during this time! Man! I feel like crap! Thank God I'm done! Hopefully the infection is gone... | M | 23 | 10 days | 7/30/2008 | 2 | MRSA | Second night woken up as I turned over by horrible neck and shoulder pain. My jaw ached, my head felt hot like flushed with fever, and I was do foggy headed that I thought I must have been in an auto accident and injured. Very disoriented. I was able to raise myself out of bed after about 20 min of stretching. 24 hours later and I found a stash of some pain pills... Thank God! Anxiety/jittery like overdosed on caffiene.. Stomach cramps like I have never imagined. Headaches (constant) and joint pain, mild ALL OVER rash and swollen lymph nodes in neck. oh.... what is sleep? | This is my second set spaced four weeks apart. The first set produced the jitters and cramping.. I pray I never need a third. I had only mild symptoms of infection before taking this set... I'm so glad I found this page, I was starting to think about updating my will... serious. | M | 42 | 3 days | 1/9/2009 | 2 | Infected wound | Fine for five days then increasing fever then chills, nausea, loss of appetite, headache and feeling generally ill. The rash is starting on day 10 of 10. Started taking Benadryl after reading posts. | Infection is clearing up, but the symptoms came on so slowly that it was hard to recognize the relationship. I would have stopped at day 6 once the headache and fever persisted had I read this site sooner. | M | 41 | 10 days | 3/26/2008 | 2 | MRSA Staph | Dosage is 2 pills a day. Reached a 102 temp on day 2, day 5, and day 6. All these fevers were accompanied by deep chills. I'm currently at day 7 and I have an irritating, prickly rash. I've gotten frequent dry mouth and unending thirst. | I would have rated this drug a #1 if it didn't appear that it was killing the Staph. If I have to go through this total hell for nothing, then it gets a zero rating because I will never take it again. I consider it a toxic witch's brew. | M | 48 | 7 days | 11/22/2008 | 2 | acne | headaches swelling acid reflux rashes | have been on bactrim for 2 weeks and have developed a rash on my arms and legs. ive had acid reflux non stop and my lips started swelling so i stopped taking it. | M | 19 | 2 weeks | 12/3/2008 | 2 | uti after knee replacement | Nausea, pain in stomach (vomited after eating w/severe pain prior), lethargy, low grade temps, red bumps and itching on back, red tongue with white strips on each side. At times he feels like he's is dying he feels that bad.. | It seems the treatment is worse than the infection. We're calling the doctor | M | 62 | 5 days | 12/21/2008 | 2 | yes | Age 84 back pain, nausea, loss of appetite, sleepless nights...in my 7th day, doctor is on vacation with no one on duty...going to the ER to discuss discontinuing this med!Also I want to take a blood test...Blood pressure has risen! I donot like this med! | Was very upset to read the negative comments about BACTRIM from the people! I would like to hear from other SENIOR CITIZENS regarding their experience with Bactrim... | M | 84 | 7 days | 12/24/2008 | 2 | Sinus Infection | Sore throat and cough, felt positive help from bactrim almost immediately, by day 4 felt better, day 7 started to get a stiff neck, shoulder and my eyes hurt when I turned them, when I bent down to tie my shoes my forehead throbbed with such pressure pain. Day 8 Fever, and stiffness, really getting worried about Menengitis, my neck would feel more stiff and sore when I laid down flat and looked up, fever and chills. Was told by Pharmacist it was a virus, keep taking Bactrim for 15 days as that was how long I was to take it. Day 9 I started telling my family my joints hurt, and stiff muscles, fever etc. but that I felt it was the medicine. Last nigt I took 2nd dose at 9:00pm by 11:00pm I was shivering so bad from feeling MEGA cold I could not move at all or wicked chills teeth chattering, I got my son to get 2 coats, 1 ski cap and I put them on, barely had the strength to walk up to bed my legs and kneww felt that weak just to Hours after taking it. I had 2 winter coats on, and 3 Blanke | I found all your posts, and I see a similarity to alot of people 4 or 5 days into it getting chills and stiff neck and shoulders, and FEVER. Just hope I get better it has now been 14 hours since I last took a Bactrim. but my throat feels a little scratchy, sinus drainage is clear now. What a Headache and stiffness, thank goodness that has subsided for the most part. Now I want fever to go away, that never showed up till like day 6 or 7. Be careful with this Med everyone. | M | 37 | 9 days | 11/21/2007 | 2 | Persistant Sinus Infection, POST OP | Well, I had surgery in June of last year. The surgery was to unblock my sinuses and to stop chronic sinitus. Surgery was OK. Post Op was horrible. I was admited for sever sinus infection due to the packins in my nose. Was put on IV Batrim for the 3 days I was admited. The sent home after the packings were removed. Months later. I still have the sinus infection. Nausa, SEVER abdominal pain, total feeling of unwellness, depression, "piss off mood" all the time. Symptons stared 2 day of the 3rd time being on the meds. Prednisone was also prescribed to help keep the infection away. Infection is worsening, side effects are worsening, considering to go to the ER and scream at a doctor. | Eh! It sucks! | M | 16 | 23.5 days | 11/13/2007 | 2 | Tooth infection | I took the first 800 MG pill on 01/25/08 while waiting on my wife's pain meds for her cancer. About 30-45 minutes later, I had severe cramping in my left handwhen I got home with here meds plus some groceries. I could not stop the cramping, which turned to pain. My wife had to shut and lock the door. I broke the pill in half the next day and took it for 7 days. The following Friday morning, a week later, I awoke with terrible pain in left hand middle finger joint. It would not go away, so; I got up and covered my self in the recliner and slept. I slept well over 17 hours straight, which is not me. In fact, I never suspected that bactrim was the cause of this cramping then very severe pain, as I had taken another brand of the double stength about 6 years ago. | I will not take this again, and; I as I look back over this last week, I slept more then I ever have in my life. I also had stomach pain with it, but; I needed to kill the infection. I had already had a problem with the first antibiotic prescribed. This is no antibiotic to fool with if you have any side effect. Call your doctor ASAP. Do not do what I did. I keep taking it as I have to be well to help my wife with her cancer recovery. | M | 60 | 7 days | 2/1/2008 | 2 | Mild Cellulitis (Foot) | T+6 hours into taking my first prescribed 1600/320 (2 tablets) dose of generic Bactrim, I was suffering the following side effects: VERY dry mouth, distorted taste, constant eye watering, random bouts of itchiness (no visible rashes), moderate to severe aching in most joints, stiff and painful neck and stiff and painful back. | Prescribed to knock out an infection in my foot of unknown origin, but so far all it's done has made me feel worse than the infection ever did. Know my mother is allergic to sulfa-based drugs, I can't help but wonder if this allergy could be genetic. Plan on discontinuing and getting a different antibiotic ASAP. | M | 31 | 1 days | 2/16/2008 | 2 | Infection | Cramps, vomiting. | Fighting an unknown infection for 3 months now. Was given Bactrim because doc's thought I had Nocardia. After a week, caused severe cramps and vomiting. | M | 37 | 14 days | 2/22/2008 | 2 | Sinus Infection | Dizzyness, loss of appetite, nausea - bloated stomach. Dose was 1x500mgx2per day. After the dose was complete after 10 days on the 11th day I developed an itchy rash from on my neck, arms, front and back torso. Went to a different Doctor and he stated that you can get a reaction after a course of this has been completed as the medicine accumulates. Not sure if the cure was worse than the disease in this case. | It was ironic how I was treated for allergies, then given bactrim for a sinus infection, which appears to be known after speaking with a second Doctor to have allergic side effects. How long after should this be gone out of my body? | M | 40 | 10 days | 10/18/2007 | 2 | staph infection | Fever 102, joint aches, headache, severe forearm and leg cramps, nausea, pale skin, redness and hot skin and tight chest. | I have taken sulfate drugs before with no problem but this time things were different just after 4 days and the fifth day it got really bad | M | 35 | 5 days | 10/15/2007 | 2 | uti | headaches every day, then a few days later a full body rash that was itchy | i had no idea these were common side effects | M | 40 | 10 days | 8/7/2007 | 2 | Epididymitis | Severe headache, fatigue, nausea, constipation, dizziness, cold-like symptoms. | After taking Bactrim for epididymitis, I started experiencing severe headaches when waking up in the morning, fatigue all day, general nausea (but never to the point of vomiting), slight dizziness, constipation, coughing, and have been very phlegmy the last few days. Thankfully, yesterday was my last day of the course. | M | 30 | 10 days | 10/28/2008 | 2 | ear infection | So weak I could barely get out of bed.Photophobia and dizziness | M | 47 | 3 days | 12/16/2003 | 2 | Sinus infection | on day 9 - body rash, dark purple rash on ankles, severe reduction of platelet count, fatigue, nausea, | M | 43 | 10 days | 2/2/2005 | 2 | Sinus Infection | 5 day after starting Bactrim, I began having flu-like symptoms with arthralgia, myalgia, severe headache, and fever. Thinking it was viral, I continued the Bactrim. One day after the initial onset of symptoms, my face became flushed and I developed a spotted rash on my trunk, back, and arms. Stopped taking bactrim and started taking Benadryl with Motrin. Rash now appears and feels like a severe sunburn. Going to hospital to see if Prednisone is warranted. | M | 38 | 6 days | 1/8/2007 | 2 | Middle ear infection | Face twitching (muscle spasm), diarrhea, stomach cramps and muscle cramps. | M | 7 | 9 days | 1/2/2007 | 2 | staph | No side effects on the 7 days of Bactrim. My staph infection cleared up. Then the day after I finished I had a mild fever and headache. Next morning I woke up with a hive on my buttocks. Now a rash has spread over my back and chest. My face is hot and red. Doc says it should pass in 48 hours. How long does it take to leave your system? | Apparently Bactrim can trigger Stevens-Johnson Syndrome a very serious skin condition, be careful! | M | 43 | 7 days | 3/12/2007 | 2 | mrsa staph infection | extreemly itchy, havnt been able to sleep, one more day so ill tough it out | M | 39 | 7 days | 12/29/2006 | 2 | Prostitis | Extreme anxiety (i thought i was going out of my mind. This is probably the worst of all these side effects because it only makes the others seem far worse then they are),restlessness,insomnia, muscle spasms and twitching before falling asleep, nausea, headache,dizziness and lightheadedness, cold shakes, slight rash | Only took this medicine for 9 days before having to come off it. Probably should have been sooner. If you dont react well to antibiotics i seriously recommend not taking this one. | M | 25 | 1.5 weeks | 2/10/2006 | 1 | prostate infection | After the 2nd pill tingling in hands & feet and a very TENSE feeling. Increase in heart rate. After 3rd pill an Angina like attack forced me to the ER. BP & heart rate were elevated for me but within clinical limits. Stopped Sulfatrim DS but anxiety persists 8 days later in varying degrees. Hope it will leave my system!! | Worth paying the extra money for a more tolerant antibiotic. | M | 49 | 1.5 days | 2/12/2006 | 1 | kidney infection | My husband complained of severe neck pain, headache, shivers and overall flu symptoms. Attended G.P, who wanted him to go in an ambulance to hospital. Dr thought he may have meningitis. Fobbed off at hospital. Told to keep taking bactrim that he had signs of bacteria in his system which alluded tokidney infection. Husband tried to say symptoms only became severe after the one bactrim tablets. Hospital advised stay on the bactrim, they have to tell all side effects legally to cover themselves. | Came home and bactrim has been continued today ( twice) Husband is compaining neck pain is worse, headache and terrible pain in the joints of his fingers like severe arthritis.A rash all over the backs of his hands and itching all over his body. He feels in his heart it is the bactrim. So I thought I would google to find out more, found this site and have told him after reading all these comments, he will not be taking another dose and will see G.P asap. I just hope like many of you, that his symptoms dont get any worse. | M | 55 | 2 days | 4/3/2007 | 1 | Prostatitis | First few days felt fine, then started to itch, foot broke out in rash, then chest and back broke out, lip swelled up, throat a started to close up, ended up in hospital for 2 days. | I know other people that have used this drug with no problem and it worked very well. I can't use this drug again. | M | 55 | 7 days | 10/27/2006 | 1 | UTI | Panic attacks, loss of appetite, unable to sleep, nausea while trying to eat, dizziness, weakness, difficulty thinking. Hence I stopped taking it halfway through the prescription (3.5 of 7 days). | I was given 28 pills but I could not get past 14. The side-effects were just too severe: no sleep possible of the 3 nights I was on it because of the panic attacks, no appetite, nausea whenever I tried to eat, dizziness, depression, confusion, weakness. I was afraid to stop the medication because they say to always finish your antibiotics but I was even more afraid to continue especially after reading what others had experienced at the website briandeer dot com. I've never felt this horrible or scared in my entire life. Some people had panic attacks like me, some lost platelets in their blood, and even more frightening after stopping medication some people said they still felt these side-effects for days, weeks, years. I'd rather have chronic UTI than panic attacks and loss of appetite for the rest of my life, so I stopped the pills yesterday. The panic attacks stopped and I slept for the first time in 3 days. I ate a meal, though it wasn't easy. However, tonight I can't sleep because | M | 38 | 3.5 days | 9/4/2006 | 1 | spider bite | TERRIBLE! lathargic, stomach cramps, nausea, irritable. extreme pain and swelling of the eyes, face, feet, private area, hands, and legs. joint pain, and insomnia. just discovered it might be the bactrim, all the doctors thought it was from the spider toxin, family doctor discovered it was probably the bactrim(thank the lord) took me off of it and put me on 1 tsp of zyrtec every day till symptoms subside. seems to be helping. My grandmother is deathly allergic to sulfa. didn't know this was a sulfa drug. how long will this last? how long does it take the medicine to leave the body? desperate to know. started taking the bactrim for 10 days, a month later still having symptoms. thought they were from the spider venom, saw a specialist, he prescribed more bactrim. took 1 pill and the next morning face and entire mouth and tounge swollen, rushed imediately to family doctor.she asked if i had been put on any meds. by the specialist, i said yes, bactrim. she said i think he is allergi | M | 10 | 10 days | 10/13/2006 | 1 | Infection of the toe | Nausea, vomiting, fever of 100.2, chills, shivering, dry mouth, dizziness. | This is the second time I have had a reaction. I thought it was the flu the first time. In both instances after two doses I ended up in bed for three days, barely able to stand. Vomited three times over the first day. Symptoms followed the second dose of the medication. Symptoms of nausea dissipated after being off the medication for 3 days. Slow recovery with extreme lethargy. | M | 65 | 1.5 days | 5/16/2006 | 1 | MRSI | body rash, tingling | I'm allergic to Sulfa drugs and should have told the doctor that before taking this stuff for 7 days. It's been 36 hours and rash is still there. When will it go away? | M | 51 | 7 days | 11/17/2006 | 1 | UTI | mild itching of skin, mild joint pain | It didn't work!!! I improved rapidly for 3 days, then became worse again, despite continuing to take it. I'm on the last day of treatment now, and going back to the Dr. to get a different antibiotic. | M | 35 | 7 days | 10/14/2007 |
| 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. |
