Doxycycline for lymes

[Bobbikins]

I have recently been diagnosed with lymes disease having developed a rash and gp prescribed doxycycline for three weeks, 100 mg twice daily. After one week on the drug, I’m feeling the way I did when I was first diagnosed with PMR six years ago.

I have been reducing from 3 to 2 1/2 mg with good results and even managed surgery on a broken wrist and two Astrazeneca jabs with no flares this year.

My muscles are really aching and stiff and I feel distinctly under the weather.

I no longer have a rheumatologist as I was discharged, despite still managing PMR.

I’m on holiday in Devon at the moment and would really welcome any feedback if anybody else has had this reaction to doxycycline?

[HeronNS]

I don't know about the drug, but aren't your symptoms common to Lyme itself? I think Lyme can be confused with PMR by inexperienced doctors - hopefully fewer of them now that Lyme is better known. I know the antibiotic treatment can go on for a long time, depending how long it was before you got diagnosed, and if you don't start to feel better I guess you'd better report it to whoever is managing your medical care at the moment. I think the doxycycline is supposed to be making the symptoms go away, not cause them, so I hope you can get some good answers somewhere.

There is a Living With Lyme Disease community on HU but it doesn't look very active.

healthunlocked.com/living-w...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Given the low dose of pred - it is possible that this could also be adrenal insufficiency poking its head above the parapet. Lyme and antibiotics can both stress the immune system and cause a flare of PMR if it hasn't entirely gone away.

[Bobbikins in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I’m reluctant to treat a flare with more prednisolone as I need the antibiotics to do their work. I was very lucky to find a gp who diagnosed it. It wasn’t the classic bullseye but a creeping very large reddish blue rash with a wavy edge and no other obvious symptoms.

I think the high dose of doxycycline is causing the muscle aches.

Always worth checking for tick bites when you’ve been to an area near deer. I was totally covered up but a tick managed to crawl up my leg and do it’s work nevertheless.

[Pixix]

I realise you’re on holiday but I think you can call some numbers for advice from anywhere can’t you? Like 111? Just think you may need advice on Lyme disease. They thought I had it once following a tick (I live in a forest!) and remember there was a charity/society for the disease with lots of info? Lyme disease action I think it’s called, oh and I think I remember that muscle and joint pain were part of the symptoms. Good luck.

[Pixix in reply to Pixix]

PS doxycycline has lots of side effects too, makes me very sick, for example. I find it a hard antibiotic to take, maybe read the pills insert? Hope this helps.

[Vaggers]

I think you have to avoid the sun when taking Doxycycline Looks like you have a good GP

[Twopies]

Doxycycline gave me an esophageal bleed, along with esophageal spasms, sicker than a dog, ended up in er. Can’t take the stuff, too fierce for me. My doctor said a lot of people react to it.

[Bobbikins in reply to Twopies]

How awful for you! Sorry to hear that. I’ve had a constant headache, dizziness, exhaustion and muscle pains. One week to go and can’t wait to get off them!!