How to mitigate effects of antibiotics?

[Amrob]

In a couple of weeks' time i'm going to be taking a course of oral vancomycin, a potent antibiotic.

I have had considerably worsened RLS/PLMD symptoms on certain antibiotics before.

On this occasion I can't elect a different antibiotic. Nor can i take probiotics.

I'm seeking suggestions as to how to mitigate any potential worsening of symptoms this time around.

Obviously i've thought of increasing the dose of medication that i take (currently pregabalin nightly, and sometime a small dose of clonidine) but was wondering whether anyone has any other ideas as i'm feeling apprehensive about it.

Thanks for reading.

[SueJohnson]

Perhaps ask for a low dose opioid.

[Amrob in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks for your suggestion Sue. I don't tolerate opioids as a rule but I guess I could always have it up my sleeve if I get really desperate.

[Joolsg]

Any reason you can't take probiotics? I use a liquid version called Symprove.

[Amrob in reply to Joolsg]

The protocol that i am to follow ahead of my FMT treatment explicitly says "no probiotics". And i had always heard / read that probiotics should be taken after antibiotics -as opposed to during - given that antibiotics are said to wipe out both good and bad bacteria. I don't know if that is based in evidence or not.

[CsiguZ in reply to Amrob]

It’s true that antibiotics kills most bacteria including the probiotic ones (however unfortunately there are antibiotic resistant pathogens exist), but there is a well known probiotic yeast called S. Boulardii, which as a yeast not affected by antibiotics and are highly recommended to take while on antibiotic treatment as it inhibits the growth of pathogens. This probiotic is used for decades as a product named Florastor or Enterol. On the other hand maybe even S. Boulardii is prohibited to take in case you are preparing to a FMT, so you should ask your doctor.

I wish you the best regarding your treatment, hope it’ll fix your health issues. Please keep us posted on the results.

[Amrob in reply to CsiguZ]

Thanks. I'll see if i'm able to take S Boulardii. And i'll report back here on the success or otherwise of the FMT 😊

[Eryl]

If you can't take probiotics check whether there's any restiction on fermented foods, if not then foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt (unsweetened) etc. may help.

[Amrob in reply to Eryl]

Thanks Eryl.

[Eryl in reply to Amrob]

Also you should avoid eating a lot of carb rich food which might feed the bad bacteria.

[Amrob in reply to Eryl]

Good to know. Thanks

[Eryl in reply to Amrob]

youtu.be/o6_6I5f_OEs?si=nZc...(Not working as expected?)