My Consultant suggested I take an antibiotic every other day to hopefully control amount of chest infections. I do not have a chest infection at the moment so really don't want to take antibiotics. I would have to take them every other day for ever . Does anyone take an antibiotic every other day .I have severe COPD. Also although I manage my condition well lately I am having Panic Attacks. I am not depressed and not a worrier but I suffer health anxiety apparently. This makes me over think things. He suggested a very low dose of Valium. This scares me as I do not have depression and don't want to be on a drug that can be addictive. He says it's a very low dose. I have time to decide about the antibiotic and valium so would like any advice before deciding. I get over the panic attack by controlling my breathing but it would be great if I didn't get them in the first place.
Sheila
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garshe
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I have heard so many prescriptions for all copd sufferers! Who is correct?
I would be more prepared to assess the replies you get off this site, to balance your doctors/consultants opinions!
You MUST sort out your anxiety disorder or you will effectively "worry " yourself sicker! Everybody has heard about 'shock' being the biggest killer, in virtually every injury you suffer, or scary, frightening thing you experience, what is SHOCK? An emotional response to an unexpected experience. Your doctor can easily prescribe another medication for your anxiety, ask him, if you are not happy TELL him! Most western countries give out money each GOVT budget for mental health, every GP & their clinic get allotted so much per patient for counseling, that is why, like chemists & physiotherapist clinics are sited very near doctors surgeries, counseling services won't be any different.
It's strange as I was diagnosed with Severe COPD 9 yrs ago. I do everything and no worse than I was 9yrs ago. I have up smoking the moment I was diagnosed and I eat healthy and exercise. Well if you call walking around the shops for hours exercise that's me. I never worried about my condition well not until a few months ago. I now think about it and this makes me anxious. I can climb the stairs in one quite fast, then another time I will stand at the bottom and think I am not going to get to the top. It's ridiculous then I go into a full blown panic attack. I am hoping maybe hypnotherapy will help as I really don't want any anti depressants. Thanks for your reply Sheila
I have been using CBD product for just over 6 weeks for anxiety. I always had someone to come with me to appointments etc. Well, I actually managed to go out myself. To Morrisons on a Friday! I have managed to go to local shops prior to the dreaded supermarket. All I can say is the CBD has changed my life. I no longer take lorazepam, that my gp prescribed.
All I can say is that Pete takes Azithromycin three times a week to keep chest infections at bay. He does well on them but everyone’s different.
Try and control your anxiety in a more natural way if possible as you’re not happy about taking low dose Valium. Speak to your doctor again and explain how you feel.
Yes hoping to try hypnotherapy as really not happy about valium. Also waiting until colder months and then maybe taking the antibiotic every other day. I have to think of my options. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Sheila
Hi Shiela I dont know much about the antibiotic you are talking about but many more people here will. I do know about anxiety. It was my downfall when I came on this site. Dr wanted to put me on antidepressants or diazapan or both at one time. I remember how bad it was and went through a wrotten time until someone on this site directed me to Headspace. It's an app from Google play and it's been my crutch for many months. You get a trial time with it then you can pay for it using anxiety UK which Is a brilliant site too and its drug free. I wouldn't be without it. Hope u feel better soon and listen to people here who have more knowledge than me Take care of you and keep in touch Maz x
Thanks Maz. The antibiotic he suggested every other day is eurythomycin .I am allergic to it as I get nautious. But I'm sure he'll change that. I decided to wait until the Winter to decide as I don't suffer chest infections during Summer usually. My Consultant suggested Hypnotherapy or other routes instead of pills for the anxiety. I will check up on your advice sounds promising. Thanks again..Sheila.
I take antibiotics every day. I understand how you feel though. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis ten years ago , after having a relatively medicine free life. I was very apprehensive about all the toxic medicines I had to have to keep it under control. Then five years ago my lung disease came along and more medicine😑. But I have come to terms with needing to take medicine . I don't enjoy it but so far it has kept me out of hospital (touch wood!!). I take a very low dose of anti depressants too. It can seem very daunting and it's hard for us to advise you on this. I think you will have to give it a good think through and weigh all the odds. I'm glad you could talk about it with us though. It will certainly help.
Thanks. The Consultant agreed it's a big decision. He suggested another route like hypnotherapy. He tried finding out if I could have this on the NHS .only place we found was for cancer support .U have severe COPD so doesn't count. Thanks again. Have a few replies to read. Sheila
I’ve been on prophylactic antibiotics since November.
I was on 2 Azithromycin -M on day Wednesday Friday
co trixamole - Tuesday Thursday. Saturday .the consultant has stopped the azithromycin for the summer. She says we will save it for the winter .
I was put on it when I was admitted to hospital along with steroids plus other stuff.
I felt so ill I just took everything they gave me.
The principle in taking them is that hopefully it prevents you from getting an infection.
I haven’t had an infection since November, so that has worked.
Now got a diagnosis of lupus/ CTD. NSIP, it has been good not having an infection,even though I have had some inflammation due to the lupus.
I know it’s really hard having chronic illness and trying to cope with the symptoms.sometimes I google,thenIf I don’t like what I’m reading,I log off and have a brew. In my mind I shut the shutter on what I’ve been looking at.
When I was first out. Of hospital,I had some CBT. I DID it online,it was really helpful.
It doesn’t do anything for my physical health,but it helped me sort my head out . It has helped me deal with what’s happening to me. I accessed it through my GP. Hope this helps a little bit. Take care
This is the antibiotic he recommended but I can't take it makes me cautious. Also we decided maybe wait until winter to take. He made a follow up appointment for me November so maybe by then I will have decided .Thanks Sheila
I was recommended to take Azithromycin by a immunology consultant as I had low immunity she also recommended that I take vitamin D tablets as my my level was very low. My lung function was 40% when I first started these tablets and now it is 60% I know everyone is different . But I have no problem with taking the antibiotics 3 days a week if it means I don’t have a chest infection every month as I was having before. What ever you decide it will be what is best for you. x
I also take Immunosuppressants Leflunomide and sulfasalazine for my Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis they have really bad side effects by I get regular blood tests for being on them , Trazodone for depression and meds for hypertension and acid reflux. Take care x
Hello! I use to get Panic Attacks/Anxiety years ago. I saw on tv a Doctor talking about this and a medication that is harmless. I went on 50 Mg at night and never again had a Panic Attack ! Thank God! The meds are IMIPRAMINE HCL. YES...VALIUM WOULD SCARE ME! As far as a small dose of Antibiotics...myself I would do that.....to control my Infections in my lungs! I have too many! or 5 or 10 mg of Prednisone daily. I have read on here that a lot of Lung people Have a emergency kit , also they take some pill 3x a week in the winter and it helps! Sounds great to me! Anything to stay well! Janet127
I take the antibiotic azithromycin three times a week haven't had a chest infection for months now ,I also felt panicky when I worried about my illness ,indirectly azi has helped me with panic to ,I dont have infections so I dont panic about them if you get my meaning ,I feel better in myself to ,so less panic
Wow garshe I’m with ya on all of the above. I am NOT a doctor but I’ve been taught that if one uses antibiotics too frequently then when we really do need em they may fail to work since body builds a resistance. I would never suggest going against your doctor( sorry that’s a darn lie I’ve gone against”Drs orders” more times than I can count) but a second opinion is always of some value. Sometimes I’ve had excellent luck going to a holistic healthcare provider. I get extremely bad Vertigo every so often and the only thing that sometimes helps is a few days of Valium around the clock. My primary doc won’t even prescribe it but yet she will give me opioid pain killers she says valiums more dangerous. My Cardiologist is more afraid of me falling and getting hurt so he will give the Valium. So you’re in a tough spot, I’m sure plenty of people will have an opinion on your dilemma but bottom line whatever you feel in your gut is the right answer. Good luck try not to worry
Yes big decision . My Consultant did agree it is better to go down a different road without tablets like Hypnotherapy for the panic attacks .I am looking into this at present. As regards antibiotics I will hold off as no chest infection at the moment . Thanks Sheila
Antibiotics are such worrisome pills to take, you can become resistant to them but have read the replies from others.... But I would get a 2nd opinion maybe, I would try almost anything to be able to breathe better.....as for anxiety, I took Valium for 20 years but only 10mg a week, which worked very well. They are addictive, but again it may be better to have an anxiety free life for as long as possible and breathing does come easier. I hardly ever took more than 10mg a week....In the end you will know what to do, what you would rather do😊🌻 I wish you a lovely Sunday....😊Hug, Bev
Its a big decision. Everyone has been so helpful and so many taking antibiotics permanently. I am not happy with the valium so will take a different route like hypnotherapy etc. The jury is still out on the antibiotic every other day. Thanks Sheila.
I’ve been on amoxicillin twice a day, every day, for around three years and it has made a huge difference for me! I have moderate to severe emphysema plus an NTM (non-tuberculosis micro bacterium) and have not had an exacerbation in that time, thankfully. Not had any other side effects so will keep going with this regime. Take care and good luck!
I have been been taking Azythromycin Mon, Wed and Fri for several years now. I feel they are worth taking. Definite reduction in chest infections and no side effects. I have asthma and bronchiecstasis.
Hi I have server emphysema I take antibiotic daily it has made a big difference to me I used to get alot of infections but since starting the one a day antibiotic I seem to be doing ok if I were you I wouldn't of waited till winter I'd of got them started as soon as possible I take Azithromycin 250mg daily it really does help me I also suffer with depression and anxiety along with other things .
My Consultant is great and understands my concerns. He advised me to wait until Winter before starting them. I don't have a chest infection at present and haven't had one since February. Thanks for all the information makes it easier for me to decide.
I have taken azithromycin 3 times a week for 3 years now and it reduced my infections down from 3-4 a year to one over the last year. Prophylactic amoxicillin and doxycycline were very poor prophylactic antibis for me by comparison
It's the drug of choice for bronchiectasis sufferers, as recommended by 'The British Thoracic Society Guidelines for Bronchiectasis in Adults'. I seem to remember, without hunting back through that tome, that eurythromycin - being of the same macrolide class of antibiotics as azithromycin - was the alternative recommendation if the patient could not tolerate azithromycin.
Actually the specific recommendation is that prophylactic antibis (with azith as No 1 choice) should be considered for all bronchiectasis patients with 3 or more exacerbations a year. I wonder if that means I should now stop the antibi since I'm on less than 3 a year. Probably not, but I'll ask at my next upcoming annual review at Papworth Hospital.
Your reply for garshe, has helped me enormously, I have been taking Doxycycline 4 times or more yearly, with exacerbations, they are completely useless for me, and sadly Pneumonia Again.
My problem I Never visit the doctor, I just re order the same.
I must try and get there and discuss my lack of treatment.
Yes Janet - do visit your doctor and challenge her/him to find a better antibiotic to treat your exacerbations. The doctor should probably try to bring the frequency of your exacerbations down by exploring alternatives to doxycycline first rather than jumping straight for the prophylactic option
In my experience amoxycillin + clavulanic acid (brand names "Augmentin" or "Amoxyclav" in the UK) are superior drugs to the cheap/basic doxycycline (so loved by cost-conscious GPs). But we are all different and the recommended approach is to get your sputum tested as soon as you develop an infection and the laboratory will recommend an appropriate antibi for your GP. My sputum samples rarely reveal anything so I generally go with amoxycillin+clavulanic unless it's pneumonia (my pulmo can usually detect pneumonia from listening to my chest and examining an X-Ray) in which case I tend to go with levafloxacin (usually sold by that generic drug name in the UK).
It's not usual to be prescribed azithromycin as a short course drug for a specific infection and your doctor may well want to try to get a grip on your infections with alternatives to doxycycline first before thinking about prophylactic options such as azithromycin. If they can't be brought under control to less than 3 a year then he should (per British Thoracic Society guidelines) be considering prophylactic 3 times a week azithromycin.
Best wishes for better courses of treatment than you are getting at present.
Thank you for your very helpful reply, I asked to see a Consultant a year ago, he suggested a change of my medication, he also suggested Augmentin, but it was not prescribed.
I am really glad I saw your post, I will certainly get on top of this situation. Best wishes Janet.
Hi, i have been taking azythromycin 3 times a week for 9 months. Have recently come off them but was told if my chest infection hib comes back im on them indefinately. I have anxiety and try to control that myself with my breathing. Im asthmatic with allergies. I hope you get it all sorted soon. Karen. Xxx
I am able to control with my breathing but I wish I could stop the panic attack in the first place. I won't take Valium but hopefully hypnotherapy will help. Thanks Sheila
Hi garshe, I take antibiotics 3 times a week called azithromycin ,without them i would have more hospital stays for pneumonia. I have bronchiectasis and copd so I understand the reluctance to take them but each individual has to make their own mind up.
Thank you. It helps with all the information from everyone .Sheila. I wish you well.
I would say no to both I take my rescue antibotics when I need them I decide if my sputum has changed colour and if I believe I have a chest infection twice my doctor /nurse has said they will stop working for we will test your sputum twice they have tried to give me other antibotics like everything if u keep on taking it it will eventually stop working again I'm being told take a small dose of antidepressant tablets then u can increase the amount no thankyou very much so my advice take when u need to and no more I also have rescue steriod tablets here but I'll decide when to take now good luck with your decision
Totally agree and My Consultant did admit if you can go down another route without tablets it's better. He suggested Hypnotherapy for my panic attacks. The jury is out on the antibiotics I will wait until Winter as I haven't got a chest infection at present. Thank you.Sheila.
Well yesterday morning I went to the doctor, still taking 3 azithromycin a week and lo and behold I have a chest infection and crackly chest so on top of that also amoxicillin to take so they only keep it at bay sometimes
What a dilemma for you garshe. Think I would try the antibiotics as and when you have the next infection. As for the anxiety, would go for the hypnotherapy or cbt course, but wouldnt touch the valium. Hope you manage to get yourself sorted out x
Hello, I am asthmatic, and in the past I suffered a lot from respiratory and chest infections, but my doctors never recommended antibiotics in that way. More than 1 year ago I have been using honey in cereals or directly in tablespoons during the day, if I have to sweeten some food I always use honey and now my constant infections have disappeared, very much though honey is not manuca, but it is of very good quality. Read the articles on Google about honey. I hope this can help you and I hope you get better. Forgive my English my first language is Spanish.
Taking two Amoxicillin a day.Started 6-7yrs ago because l was being
hauled in to Hosp.day in day out for ages.It was suggested l try Amox
after a very bad exacerbation which put me in Intensive Care.
Since then l have had only two exacerbation's,neither of which ended
in Hospitalization. You chose your poison ?????
Maybe a different way of thinking will help?
I was told a year ago to take antibiotics every day to control my frequent chest infections and vallium to control my anxiety and sciatica! Like you I was very sceptical and wasn't sure why, when everyone else is being told to not use antibiotics unless absolutely necessary because they become innefective when you need them, I was being told to take them all the time. Plus they are so strong they themselves make me ill and depressed... Known side effects!
I did some research and decided to try and combat my excessive chest infections naturally. There are some well known natural antibiotics. Raw honey, garlic etc. So I have been taking everything natural every day instead ever since. I also boost my immune system with Vitamin C and zinc every day. I still get chest infections but only take the chemical antibiotics when I have one. As for the depression and anxiety I decided I had good reason to be anxious when I couldn't breathe, natural reaction I think! And the depression also I believe it's OK for me to feel very down sometimes because of the limitations I have on my life and the knowing I'm degenerating faster than if I wasn't ill, and that sometimes I get so ill I'm not sure if I'll pull through. Good reason to feel awful sometimes I reckon. So I don't take their chemical "shut up and calm down" medicines either. Sciatica... Still get it the same. So that's how I dealt with being told what you have been told. I know I'm not necessarily "normal" in the way I deal with things, but it's my way and I'm comfortable with "my way". So maybe you can find "your way" too?!
You are exactly like me Lyndenese. I only get panic attacks when I over exert myself and can't breathe because of my COPD. I can't accept I have to slow down is my problem. Thanks for your reply at least I know there is someone else out there like myself. I wish you well. Sheila.
Hi Sheila, you are more than welcome, I find the natural antibiotics a great help, if you Google it, you will find something you can help for you. I've been told "I'm not dealing with my own mortality right" by a very healthy active specialist nurse. I know we should believe them but the doctor I trusted the most from a long time ago told me "never blindly trust a medic" check before you do anything they tell you, look at what is written on the vial before you let them inject you. (not sure if he'd been around something tragic when he said it lol) but I do what he said. And I still miss things and they still make mistakes. We are all human. So to my very healthy respiratory nurse who thinks I am dealing with my health and mortality wrong I say. I am dealing with "my health, my way" let me know when you feel like you are drawing your last breath, how you feel when someone tells you, you are not dealing with it right! (she is not talking about my breathing technique by the way!) My body, My rules 😉 Lynda
I found the pulmonary course I attended a few weeks ago the team didn't have a clue how it is for someone with Severe COPD. They were young girls in early 20s and some younger. A few over weight and just sat there on their phones chatting away whilst I did the excersises. At one point my oxygen dropped to 84 they panicked but I calmly did my smell the roses and blow out the candle breathing and got it up to 94. They didn't have a clue so I stopped going . .
I think you are quite right Lyndenese, we are responsible for own health as well and need to make decisions on what is right for each of us , after all the medical profession are not always right x
My Consultant is fantastic. He suggested the medication but also said it was better to go down the road like hypnotherapy and not take tablets. He tried telephoning for me but no reply so has asked me to consult my doctor 're NHS places. Now this is a problem as my GP is definitely not someone you can talk to. I most probably will end up going private . Sheila
I'm on Doxycycline 3 times a week as was colonized with Haemophilis bug (got Bronchiectasis). When i was very depressed with awful anxiety I took a low dose of Diazepam but just for a couple of weeks & didn't get addicted. All the best to you, you will go with what feels right for you in the end 😊
When I was suffering with panic and depression I found that 5HTP really helped. Herbal remedies are often worth a try if your worried about the amount of drugs you can end up taking. Patsy
I take prophylactic antibiotics as recommended by my consultant (Azithromycin every other day & a maintenance dose of Co-Amoxiclav (375mg, 3 x daily). I’ve never felt better. I was having one chest infection after the other for years before this regime was suggested. I’m not concerned about the long-term effects as my quality of life is so much better & I can breathe.
Thank you. I think my decision is made 're the antibiotics. I will take them starting in a few months. Everyone that takes them seem to benefit. . Sheila.
I wish you well. I hope they work as well for you as they have done for me. It’s changed my life & whatever happens in the future, I will never regret my decision to take them. Very best of luck to you x
I was a patient at Mayo lung transplant center in Jacksonville Fl for 6 years. They put me on rotating antibiotics...3 different ones; rotating every 6 weeks. Over 2/3 years I developed resistance to 49 of 50 antibiotics routinely used. I researched the subject thoroughly and talked to my physicians who agreed that it was a double edged sword and that becoming resistant to most standard antibiotics was a risk! I told them I didn’t want to pursue that treatment anymore. That was about 8 years ago. Because of my age; resistance to antibiotics, and allergies to many medications; I made a decision not to remain on the list for a transplant and transferred to a hospital in my region. When I transferred my pulmonary physician also suggested rotating antibiotics. I refused and gave him my reasons which he respected. IV antibiotics are the only ones that work for my gram negative infections. I have only been hospitalized twice in last 5 years for 2 weeks of IV antibiotics. I do not take any antibiotics! I stay on top of any congestion; etc. exercise, do my breathing treatments and flutter valve, and use herbal and spice remedies which have definitely worked for me. I’m quick to say that what worked for me will not work for everyone; each person’s disease is unique to him/her. My lung function is usually 27/28%.... can be lower with infection. I have a good quality of life but work hard to stay healthy. I’m convinced meditation and positive attitude and thought have been strong components of my current status. Also, for me, It’s important to stay active. I find some days, I have to push through but am always happy I did! I wish you luck! It is a difficult decision. I made mine after much meditation and know that I made the right decision for me! Let us know how you do!
Thank you. Very interesting and you are right as excersise and positivity has a lot to do with your wellbeing. You have done really well and I take in board everything you said. I will keep you informed and I wish you well for the future. You are an inspiration
Hi garshe, I've been taking antibiotics on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the last couple of years. I was reluctant to take them but I kept getting chest infections so I agreed to give them a go. Before taking them I was getting a few infections every year and ending up in hospital a couple of times a year. Since I started them I have had 1 infection and no hospital admissions. Hope this helps. Good luck. 😊
Hi,Sheila I'm taking antibiotics 3 times a week,as I had a chest infection which led to bronchiectasis,my consultant said I could be on them for up to a year so your not alone,Ann
Stop worrying b strong and u will b fine iv taken a 3 day a week azrimiason For years and this helps stop bacteria getting to you and that’s important no side affects for me
I have to take antibiotics every day have done for the last 20 years but they dont stop me getting infections they put me on different ones when I have an infection but recently I went to breathing rehab and we got to speak to a consultant who suggested 2weeks on 2 weeks off so I tried it I still get infections but by doing this they work better when I get an infection good luck x
I am on 3 types of antibiotics plus steroids plus betahystamines for COP , IBD and Pulmonary Fibrosis. From my experience I had to have 3 opinions before anything like managing my various conditions was possible. All drugs have side effects. Valium is in my opinion not the answer. I have found after 18 months of extreme illness that having daily goals is essential. After a year of home detention I now walk one hour each day in 20 minute blocks. Going to different places each day keeps me stimulated and planning them half the fun.
Get at least one other opinion please. Specialists are not Gods although some think so!
Each person's prescription is personal to their own situation (age, stage of disease etc) so I can't help on the medication side but as a gardener and allotment holder, I do know the power of gardening on stress. It take you outside of your mind, gives you a sense of achievement and happiness, and gives you exercise and tonnes of vit D. The "Old Boys" at the allotment seem to live forever! If you don't have a lot of space, then even a few pots of a plant that need tending e.g. tomatos or herbs can help.
I, to suffer with panic attacks, and was given diazepam. For me they are a life line, as I to have severe COPD and use Oxygen for 16 hours a day, and if I feel a panic attack coming on I take a diazepam and it knocks it on the head . I don’t take them every day, only when I need them. I use them more when on holiday as I am out of my comfort zone. Don’t be afraid, just take one when you feel anxious and it will calm you down. I take an antibiotic every day for 8 months of the year, then have a break from them. Prevention is better than a cure, hope you get sorted real soon. xx
Thank you for you reply. I am seriously thinking of taking something as I had 2 panic attacks yesterday and it is so scary. Thanks for your reply Sheila
Thank you for your response Sheila, I really appreciate it. Well, in response to antibiotics and valium, I can tell you that the last thing I would take would be antibiotics every day. In 2020 I had pneumonia, flu, cold all the time, etc. 3 times. The Dr prescribed me steroids and antibiotics all the time. It was then that I started researching on the Internet and decided to start taking Zinc and when it ran out I then changed to selenium and when it ran out to Zinc again and so on. I also began to research more about natural medicines; I am currently taking echinacea, Shilajit, Zinc or selenium, Vitamin D3, Magnesium and other vitamins and I have not had Pneumonia for more than 3 years. I think you should have a second opinion, I mean another Dr to do another assessment before you start taking antibiotics or valium. x
This post was 5yrs ago . Things have changed since then. I never took the Azithromycin nor Valium . My panic attacks are under control with breathing exercises. I hope you are careful as too many supplements can cause a lot of damage . I can verify this so please be careful.
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Persistent dry cough driving me mad!
Chest infection worse and am getting scared as I've had pain in back
What would be the first symptom to alert you to start using your reserve pack of meds? 
