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Doxycycline User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Vibramycin, Monodox, Oracea, Doryx, Doxy 100, Adoxa, Acticlate, Mondoxyne NL, Doryx MPC, Targadox, LymePak, Uracil, Okebo, Doxy 200, Doxy-D, Oraxyl, Doxy-Caps, Alodox, Morgidox, Adoxa Pak, Avidoxy Adoxa TT Adoxa CK …show all brand names

Doxycycline has an average rating of 6.5 out of 10 from a total of 1,621 reviews on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 26% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Doxycycline

  • John
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 18, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "My Doctor prescribed me this doxycycline antibiotic orally 100mg for MRSA after the first two antibiotics failed (some sort of penicillins). The doxycycline has managed to fade the MRSA boils but not completely eradicate the infection. The side effects are by far the worst I’ve ever experienced from any other drug I’ve taken. From dizziness, nausea and the worst of all the pressure it causes in your head. My whole 10 days on this drug has consisted of being in bed or lying on my couch with anxiety from side effects. I wouldn’t recommend this drug to my worst enemy."

3 / 10
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  • sonji
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2016

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I started taking this and am now three days in. I was first given a course of amoxicillin. It didn't clear my chest or my sinuses.i then phoned 111(uk) and their out of hours doctor prescribed me with doxycycline. Immediately the tension in my head was alleviated and the pain in my sinuses are gone. Stupidly this morning I took my tablet on time and went back to sleep please don't do this. I ish I saw these testimonies but I have now and won't make the same mistake. Other than that the medicine is good and I believe I should have been prescribed this first and not any other wishy washy antibiotics."

5 / 10
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  • TinnerW
  • March 2, 2014

Oracea (doxycycline) for Rosacea "This medication combined with Finacea cream saved my skin! I was having terrible localized breakouts that would leave bad scars. Once I started religiously using Oracea and Finacea (to help with redness) my skin looks amazing, I rarely need to wear makeup now. Only downside is it makes my lips sensitive. The tend to look swollen- which is not such a bad thing. I would recommend this to anyone dealing with Rosacea."

10 / 10
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79 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • goodn...
  • July 26, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "Started taking doxycycline for sinus infections because of other drug allergies, such as penicillin, sulfa and Cipro. I take it between breakfast and lunch and then between lunch and supper. I set up after taking and have no problems with this drug. Thank God I have something to take and my head feels better after the first dose. Hopefully, I will not develop any allergies to this. I have taken this for three times, 10 days at a time, now over the last three years with no problems."

10 / 10
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  • heroo...
  • May 30, 2016

For Acne "I would just like to say thank you to Doxy for saving my life. I have extreme depression and anxiety, and that was only made worse by my acne which covered almost all of my face and was spreading fast. I tried every over-the-counter medication, every face wash and even attempted laser therapy. I almost took Accutane, but heard the terrible stories online about how bad the side effects were and more. Even my doctor tried to convince me to take Accutane, but I'm here to say if you have horrible red blotchy acne that is very congested, please try Doxycycline. It took 3-4 months, and when I look in the mirror now I actually kind of want to cry because of how much it helped me. Doxy + Spectro Blemish Cleanser & Moisturizer saved my life."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • White...
  • May 16, 2011

Doxy 100 (doxycycline) for Lyme Disease "Medicine was effective to a degree it ameliorated muscle pain, joint inflammation, and mild-to-severe headaches. Inflammation/rash in upper body area (predominantly on the back) occurred within a week of beginning three-week regimen--persisted until end of ingestion; though it faded in both discoloration and swelling, as well as itching, over time. Some blurred vision and intestinal discomfort occurred, but was not debilitating to any significant degree. While fatigue was lessened somewhat, it did not preclude a general feeling of somnambulism or sleepiness; which my physician says may persist for a few weeks or even months. Overall, I'd rate this as an effective medication against the Lyme Disease I developed."

9 / 10
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  • So...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 9, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was on a dose of 200mg a day of doxycycline for two months, 100mg/ day for one month and now on 40 mg/ day for another month for a bad case of perioral dermatitis (40 year old female). Tried elimination diet, herbs and everything - and it didn’t work but this (with some creams, elimination diet like 80% of the time and tons of emotional processing) cleared my skin up!! I am totally sun sensitive so I try to stay inside (yay quarantine). I take it with a FULL stomach and I have no side effects. Also - I take the BEST probiotic from the vitamin shoppe. Dr is weaning me off gradually to avoid rebound... Wish everyone the best!!!"

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • jultus
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 10, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Reading most of these user reviews it seems I'm the only one not suffering from side-effects. I've taken doxy after tick-bites about 4 times in my 52 years on Earth. 2 of those times were preventative, the other 2 times I already was infected (Erythema migrans was clearly visible). I can't say enough good about this antibiotic. You just have to not take it on an empty stomach. The negative reviews to me seem like whining, and blaming doxy for something it is not even responsible for. I've decided to take it this week (in 2018) when I was coughing for 2 weeks and had flu-like symptoms even after having been vaccinated against flu. This worked wonders. I had only taken 2 x 100 mg doxy, and the entire thing was over the next day. This is an absolute killer antibiotic. Try to avoid direct sunlight up to a week after you've taken it, or your skin will burn. Highly recommend this drug for lots of bacterial infections."

10 / 10
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  • Fritz
  • June 17, 2019

For Lyme Disease "I had two tick bites on my hip by my belt line. Then not a couple weeks later I got bit again on my left arm. About 3 weeks later I developed almost out of nowhere extreme joint pain and stiffness, complete loss of energy, headache, a very stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. I went to doctor about two days into this. They did blood work for Lyme disease and it came back negative. Symptoms persisted terribly. Doctor did a different panel which came back negative but the doctor due to my symptoms got me on this antibiotic. The first three days were the worst I've ever felt body wise in my life. The doctor did instruct me that that would happen during the bacterial die off (Herxheimer reaction). By day 5 all symptoms but the extreme fatigue faded. I did experience weird light aberrations. The continued extreme fatigue is the only real problem now. Doctor did mention that the treatment can take 14 days up to a month before you are 100%."

9 / 10
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  • Susie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2023

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I had terrible side effects from doxycycline. Slowly recovering since going off it 2 weeks ago. After 4 days of 100mg daily for my dermatitis staph infection, I almost passed out. All of a sudden my head got so heavy and exhausted and pressure all over my head and behind my eyes. I went to sleep but mind felt like it was racing and all confused like you’d feel if you had a concussion and fever. I woke up in the morning and brain felt it had not slept at all. Brain Extremely fatigued. I also had chronic nausea. Tinnitus. Dizziness. Foggy head. Confusion. And high anxiety and irritability. It honestly felt like I had suffered a traumatic head injury. I will never take doxycycline again."

1 / 10
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  • Bronc...
  • February 16, 2015

For Bronchitis "I'm currently on day 4 of 10 taking Doxy twice a day. My doctor thought I had a touch of bronchitis, although I was thinking possible pneumonia. Anyway, I felt better almost immediately after taking the first dose or two, but it's still not the full relief I was hoping for. My cough is just slighly looser and I definitely feel better, but I'm still coughing quite a bit and wheezing. I was prescribed another time a few years ago, and I'm pretty sure I remember it taking a good 8 or 9 days to completely kick in. I'll try to remember to post update in another few days. I'm really HOPING that this kicks in stronger sometime in the next 3-4 days. Tired of coughing."

6 / 10
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  • Toolok
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2023

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 7-day course of these pills after taking another antibiotic that made me really sick. I was so scared to take these as I get medication anxiety. I took them at 8 am every morning with 2 slices of lightly buttered toast and a full glass of water. About 40 minutes after, I ate a rusk (yes, a baby biscuit - great for nausea and settling the stomach) and drank another glass of water! I then kept on my feet for 45 minutes after to let everything go down... and NO side effects!! I cannot believe how lucky I am to have an antibiotic I do not react badly to! I am feeling much better now, although I might need a longer course really. I just wanted to write a review as I know there are many people like me out there who worry about taking medication, so I wanted to help other people like me. The main thing is being well! I'm going to take probiotics and daily vitamins now that I have finished my course to get my body back in good condition."

10 / 10
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  • Healt...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 16, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed 100mg 2x day for 14 days for a skin infection. It is so important that you drink lots of water & do not lie down within 30min of taking this medicine to prevent ulcers in the esophagus. I followed this and had no issues whatsoever. On 7th day I had slight nausea, take with food. Also I wanted to mention I did experience chest tightness/shortness of breath for days 3-12. It stopped 24 hours after my last dose...Prilosec helped. Recommend taking a probiotic once a day to prevent any stomach issues including diarrhea. Works great for me."

8 / 10
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  • deepl...
  • October 1, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Have been taking doxycycline for 6 days now, its giving me terrible nausea, the pus is still coming out of my vag and i still have slight pain on urinating, doesn't look like its working for me. Guys please can anyone help?"

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  • anon
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 31, 2020

Vibramycin (doxycycline) for Acne "I got off minocycline a month and a half ago after 6 months of successful treatment with it for my acne, & no side effects (mild to moderate inflamed acne here). Acne started coming back so my derm put me on doxycycline (I use azelaic acid 15% once a day topically too). I've been only 4 days on doxy 100mg twice daily & my skin is completely clear again. Zero side effects with this as well. The inflammation subsided in just 2 days. It has saved my skin once again. Tetracyclines work so well for me it's hard to get off of them."

10 / 10
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  • John
  • December 3, 2016

For Lyme Disease ".I had proper Lyme disease (not 'chronic' Lyme, quack quack) took doxy for a month, after a tick bite a year ago. Most symptoms went after a couple days, still suffering from some minor pots and memory loss but improving each day. My best recommendation to people with post Lyme syndrome.... Exercise consistently (within your limits). This has really improved heart and cognition problems for me. They do get better it just takes time. Be patient... Taking doxy after 4 weeks for Lyme is not necessary unless you have serious neuro complications . (You will have need to have had Lyme for 10+ years for this to be necessary, and still 2 months is enough. Look at the evidence please. Taking copious amounts of abx is not good for you."

10 / 10
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  • Col
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 18, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Finished 14(!) day course awhile back for a MRSA boil. Got another bad boil weeks later (now trying Septra/Batrim). I didn’t have any notable side effects; perhaps because I reduced refined sugar intake to near zero, drank lots of water, probiotics (not at same time), got plenty of rest punctuated with some exercise. Why so many bad reviews? I guess only problems motivate a review. A vast majority of users do fine. You may feel crummy on it for a few days as your body eliminates dead bacteria. It’s ‘germ warfare’! Hope this helps."

10 / 10
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  • unarien
  • January 10, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I have been taking this medicine for a week. Took two straight away with food. Then one a day after with food. I've had no problems until today my six day. I woke late took the tablet with only a cup of coffee about 20 mins later felt unwell with slight stomach ache and felt chills all over my body. Felt bloated and sick so quickly got something to eat. And within a hour felt better do not take this on a empty stomach. Last day tomorrow. It's a good antibiotic... got rid of my upper respiratory infection and tooth infection..."

9 / 10
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  • Dukie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 24, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I have been on Doxycycline for 4 days, in conjunction with an expectorant, for a sinus infection. Script is for 10 days. I have followed "how to use this medication" received from the pharmacy, including drinking non caffeine drinks and have had no negative interaction with this medication. As a matter of fact my symptoms broke today but as with any medication even though I am feeling better I will complete the 10 day round of this antibiotic. I am allergic to penicillin and diagnosed with epilepsy and find this antibiotic one of the best I have taken and have not had any med interactions. In addition to medication rest and plenty of fluid assist in recovery."

10 / 10
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  • Maryn...
  • February 16, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "I had minor surgery and developed cellulitis and was put on doxycycline. It made some immediate improvement in the pain and swelling. The culture came back as MRSA. 10 days of doxycycline was extended for 2 more weeks, but after 5 days, with infection not completely gone, I switched to vancomycin infusions for 25 days until I was considered healed. The problem wasn't the medication, rather it was the lousy suturing with internal stitches that started emerging through the wound for weeks, keeping the infection deep in my thigh. Then I got a bad cold or flu with a terrible sinus infection so I started taking the remaining doxycycline. I don't think I've taken it for sinus before, but I felt better right away and no real side effects. Great!"

8 / 10
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  • Susie...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 20, 2019

For Rosacea "This medication has been life changing. I had been battling constant pustules and papules for over a decade, getting much worse the last four years. I had tried a range of over the counter creams and treatments, and on rozex cream for a year - which helped a bit. A new doctor put me on this and in six months I have virtually no “pimples” or skin thickening at all. Miraculous. I did find I needed to combine it with a pill to settle my stomach, the main symptom burping and a little discomfort. My skin is now clear and I can happily go makeup free. Results began after two weeks but it took about five months for the full impact to be seen. Highly commended for p/p rosacea. I am in Australia and the price is very reasonable"

10 / 10
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  • busymom
  • December 24, 2019

For Pneumonia "Thought I had a bad cold with cough and shortness of breath. After about 7 days, when I got the pain going clear thru the lung (front to back) I knew it was pneumonia (had it before). Started doxy 2 x day, also using nebulizer with albuterol solution 3 x day and emergency albuterol inhaler for night time breathing help. Better on day 3 but no further improvement until I began doxy 3 x day, Always eat 30 minutes before taking doxy or you will have stomach issues. Drink a bottle of water every two hours to help flush the crud out of your system. You will be tired for at 8-10 days after stopping doxy, but it has done its job."

7 / 10
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  • Yup
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 15, 2019

For Lyme Disease "On Doxycyline for Lyme disease. 21 days. No side effects at all. I have one more week taking it. I was worried about the stomach problems and did my research before taking it. I drink a whole glass of water before and after. I think that’s the key to taking this antibiotic. I also make sure I am taking a probiotic every day."

10 / 10
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  • JulieP
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2016

Doxy 100 (doxycycline) for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I've been taking 100 mg of Doxycycline twice a day for 8 days now and I feel worse than when I started. Now in addition to the upper respiratory infection, I have terrible vertigo (side effect of Doxycycline)."

1 / 10
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  • Super
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I had a bacterial infection Ureaplasma Urealyctum and was definitely hesitant to take this doxycycline pill due to the nasty reviews. The first time I took this medication it was terrible but that was because I took it on an empty stomach. It takes about 30 minutes to kick in and if you haven't eaten it will be miserable but once I ate 30 minutes prior to taking each pill, I didn't experience any nausea or vomiting."

7 / 10
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37 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.