Migraine and trimethoprim

[Jelbea]

I recently suffered a urinary infection and GP prescribed trimethoprim. Three days into course I developed severe migraine with aura, feeling generally very unwell and increasing neck pain and stiffness. I persevered with tablets but migraine aura recurred every few hours and the pain was unbearable. I cannot take the usual painkillers as I have a rare blood cancer treated by daily chemotherapy drug and blood thinner (rivaroxaban). Three days into headache I was admitted to A & E. By this stage I was having palpitations with fast heart rate.

Has anyone else suffered this type of reaction to an antibiotic. I suffered similar but not quite as severe reaction to nitrofurantoin two months previously.

I an still suffering frequent migraines with aura and sometimes with hardly any pain. Is there anything I can do to reduce the number of migraine?

[Angela5162]

Hi Jelbea , I too cannot take that drug due to side effects , i think that you should go back to your doctor and get an alternative antibiotic and take note of your allergic reaction to Nitrofurantoin for future reference, get well soon .

[Jelbea in reply to Angela5162]

Thank you Angela5162 for your kind reply. The A&E consultant told me he would not take trimethoprim himself nor would he prescribe it for any patient. He said nitrofurantoin was in the same category. I see from your profile that you were having trouble with apixoban. I have been on rivaroxaban for three years and it does not give me bother which is great as most drugs cause me horrible side effects. I do hope you are settled now. Good Wishes