Doxycycline User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Eve...
• March 7, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Went to a new doctor for a sinus infection as I just moved into a new area. I've always used amoxicillin as I prefer no side effects or drowsiness. This doctor refused that completely and said I need a nasal spray, and he would only give me an antibiotic if I got the nasal spray too. Okay, whatever, I'll take both. I go to the drugstore, where the nasal spray cost me $50. And I find out he didn't give me a prescription for amoxicillin. He prescribed me this doxycycline. Well, I am on day 3, and let me tell you, not only has my sinus infection NOT gone away, it has gotten so bad that I can barely hear, and the infection is so bad that all my teeth hurt on the top of my mouth! I have the worst headache. I haven't been able to sleep for 2 nights, I'm high, I can't breathe, I'm sick, I'm in pain everywhere, chills, and I now have a throat and chest infection. I'd cry, but I'm so out of it I can't. I feel helpless and afraid. This is the most awful medication I have ever taken."

• sca...
• December 23, 2019

For Acne "About 8 months ago, my skin suddenly went from clear to having huge, painful hormonal breakouts. My doctor recommended doxycycline, so I started taking it. It took around 2 (very frustrating) months to start seeing a difference, but ever since then my skin has cleared up. I still occasionally get breakouts, but from things other than hormones (diet, not washing my face, etc.). Reading through these reviews, this doesn’t work for everyone, but I recommend at least trying it, especially if you are dealing with hormonal cystic acne. Things I’ve learned: - Don’t take it before lying down - Don’t take it on an empty stomach - Take it with a large glass of water and eat afterwards - From extensive internet research, it seems like doxycycline normally takes 8-10 weeks before you start seeing a difference and 12 before the full effects - Works best when combined with Differin gel (available at a drugstore without a prescription), moisturizer, and a gentle cleanser."

• Aly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2017

For Lyme Disease "I'm 24 years old. When I was only 4, I started experiencing crazy symptoms. Constant eye twitching, joint pain everywhere (especially my hands). It wasn't until I turned 22 that a doctor thought to test me for Lyme Disease! After almost 20 years of searching for a diagnosis and treatment, I was immediately started on Doxy (100mg twice daily for a month) and referred to an infectious disease doctor. I didn't even make it three days on the Doxy because of the Herxheimer reaction! I wanted to die! I was then switched to a different antibiotic and again, only made it a few days on it because of how unbearable it was. A year later, and I'm trying the Doxy again. Only two days in and I feel like I'm dying. Whoever thinks Chronic Lyme isn't real, let me infect you and not get treated for years. Then let's see what you think!"

• Bum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2017

For Lyme Disease "Over 10 years of Lyme, started having serious neurological symptoms (difficulty speaking, memory loss, tremor, vertigo, and feeling of going crazy). Started a protocol of: - continuously: 2x200mg daily of doxycycline - a month of '4 days on / 3 days off' of 1x500mg azithromycin, then - a month of '5 days on / 2 days off' of 500mg tinidazole - after each month: 5 days of 100mg fluconazole - repeat - continuously: lots of probiotics, healthy diet, and vitamin supplements. I'm starting the 4th month, feeling *much* better (though symptoms return periodically, milder though). First 2 months were very harsh (feeling worse, sweating like crazy, sleepless, and anxious). People advocating against long-term antibiotics haven't experienced real Lyme."

• Lis...
• October 13, 2014

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I've been taking Doxycycline for a few days now for bronchitis/pneumonia. I take it twice a day. The dose in the morning makes me nauseous, and I vomited once. Other than the extreme list of interactions with food and other medications, I would take it again for my illness. It's potent and so far seems to be clearing up my lungs and sinuses!"

• big...
• March 6, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "I've been sick for 3 years with a sinus infection, bacterial infection, middle ear infection, respiratory infection and so on - (was working in the drains) - couldn't get rid of it. Have taken 400 prescribed tablets from the doctors to date (with proof), not including all the over-the-counter ones I got myself (another 300-400). Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have been on these doxycycline tablets for 2 weeks now (100mg a day) and am feeling a lot better. It's breaking down all the mucus, etc. I can smell again now, so if you have a massive sinus infection, GET THIS - IT WORKS."

• Din...
• October 30, 2014

For Acne "I've been taking Doxycycline 50 mg once a day for my acne for about 3 weeks now and I'm finally seeing results. My skin is looking so good and better than ever. I'm so happy I can cry. The first 2 weeks seemed to almost make it worse but I didn't give up and I'm glad I didn't. I recommend it!"

• gre...
• August 18, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I had been coughing for over a week nonstop, so much that I vomited. Took 2 the first day, within hours, my chest had cleared 90%. No side effects yet, but even if I get some, it is nothing compared to the chest infection. It's a wonder drug."

• nig...
• September 23, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed doxycycline because of an allergy to penicillins. I did have a headache from this. My infection is better, I had some crusting sores that had not been healing, but they are now better. Also, a couple of sore teeth are no longer sore. I read up on how to take it as I wanted it to work-be sure not to eat for 2 hours before or an hour after for best absorption. Drink 8 oz of water with it, this does help to wash it down and with any stomach issues afterward. Don't lie down for at least 30 minutes after, preferably for up to an hour after, as it can cause esophageal irritation if you lie down. If you take any supplements containing calcium or magnesium, take those several hours after your last dose of doxycycline as they interfere with it. If you feel a little queasy after taking it, drink more water and wait a bit before trying food as a remedy."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I took doxycycline for 4 days. Then I felt dizzy, blurred vision, forgetful. I ended up in the hospital because I felt like I was drunk! I couldn't even remember going to the ER. I couldn't walk or answer questions. They said this pill doesn't have a side effect like that. I beg to differ. I lost 2 days of memory because of this drug. They need more research."

• Nan...
• May 17, 2021

For Acne "I had horrible mixed acne. I had cystic acne all along my jawline and then whiteheads in the hollows of my cheeks. It was awful! My acne was awful and was caused by the IUD I had. After removing the IUD, the acne didn’t go away. Keep in mind I’m nearly 30 and never really had acne before this. I was put on 100 mg doxycycline, with a topical Bianca treatment 2-3 times a week, cleared my skin up completely. The Bianca is still working away at the scarring, but it has improved my skin tone and scarring by about 80%. Cerave face wash morning and night, with a light moisturizer after, as well as the Bianca 2-3 times a week, is my skin routine, and it’s perfect for me. I highly recommend Cerave. It really helps restore the skin barrier. Damaged skin barrier = acne for sure! Luckily, I had zero side effects. Just make sure to avoid dairy with the doxycycline and take on a full stomach!"

• Gig...
• July 12, 2013

For Lyme Disease "I found a bright red rash on my arm after planting some flowers and vegetables in my yard. I thought at first it was a yellow jacket sting, but I never felt it. By after a few days, my arm began to hurt, and the rash spread. Not a true bull's-eye though. My doctor saw me from across the crowded waiting room and pointed to me and said Lyme. I was prescribed Doxycycline 100mg 2x a day for 14 days. I was unable to take this medicine on an empty stomach because I had severe nausea and diarrhea but didn't want to reduce the effectiveness, so I ate a little something. It made me sleepy and sometimes anxious and sometimes dizzy but not enough to stop the medicines. I pray this Lyme disease is gone for good."

• Dyi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Initially was prescribed an antibiotic that interacted negatively with a drug I already take. Was then prescribed doxy. Tried to be optimistic as I was really sick with a chest infection, I believe bronchitis, the doctor didn't really seem to know. That should have been my first clue. Anyway, my first sign was my lips got really puffy. Then it felt like I was being choked. Keep in mind I already can't breathe from my illness! I made it through the night, but the next day the stomach pain starts. Bowels working as normal. I take 4 pills total before it gets to my mind. I feel so jittery that I can't stand myself. Anyway, I am giving up, I can't take anymore. I'm literally sitting here waiting for it to leave my system. It seems dramatic, but I feel like I'm dying. Hate this medication!!"

• Doc...
• September 3, 2020

For Acne "I am a doctor and took doxycycline 100 mg for acne on my face and back. It works and clears up the skin in about two weeks. However, a major complaint is that it causes skin darkening/hyperpigmentation. I have a brown complexion and spend less than 5 minutes a day in the sun, but still turned several shades darker after just three weeks of taking it."

• Eli...
• July 6, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I battled a nasty UTI for over a month & went through 3 different antibiotics till my doctor finally gave me this one. Makes you terribly sick to your stomach but in the end is completely worth it!! Felt completely back to normal in 2 days!!"

• Von...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Been poorly for 4 weeks. I have COPD and usually have a rescue pack containing steroids and doxycycline. With all this COVID about, docs wouldn’t give me a rescue pack until I got a COVID test, which came back negative. So it was nearly a week into being poorly. I finally got doxycycline, but no steroids. They cleared my upper tract infection, but days later it came back, so docs have now finally given me steroids and more doxycycline, but a ten-day course instead of seven days. I’m praying I finally get rid of this nasty infection as I feel so drained. Think the moral of my story, if I had the rescue pack in at the start of the infection, I wouldn’t have been as poorly as I have been. I’ve always had a rescue pack at hand for my COPD of steroids and doxycycline and felt better soon after taking them. Amoxicillin didn’t help at all."

• deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I went to a walk-in clinic for a sinus infection. I was given this medication, doxycycline, for the first time. I will never accept a prescription for it again. On antibiotics, I usually feel better in a day or two. On doxycycline, it took at least a week before symptoms started to clear up. I have been tired and had a severe headache since I got the medication. My body hurts, and I still have the infection. I have taken the medication for eight days. I am not taking it the last two days, the pressure in my head is so bad I'm afraid it may give me a stroke. I have no idea why the walk-in clinic gave me this medication if the side effects are so bad. But I took it, but never again."

• Mir...
• March 11, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I never thought I would review a medication, but here we are. That's how bad this stuff is. This medication ruined my life. I had a rash. Third day in, the rash started going away. But I would've rather had the rash. I've never had anxiety in my life, and this made my heart rate around 110 BPM. I'm usually 55 BPM. It made my head race. I was convinced I had leukemia, and it was the end of me. I couldn't breathe, I would burst into tears in the middle of volleyball games and cry all night. Thoughts of everyone I love dying were frequent. I googled the side effects and saw anxiety as a symptom. Even if you've never had anxiety, and you think side effects are bogus, take this one seriously. I begged my doctor to mark to never prescribe it to me ever again. Take this with food! I didn't one morning and got very sick in my car on the way to work. A week off now, and I feel good. I was on it for 2 weeks, it took 5-6 days to fully exit my body due to its half-life. Ask your doctor questions. This is no joke."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Cat scratch fever is not just a Ted Nugent song, I got it, and it sucks. This medicine definitely works, and fast in my case. HUGE NEGATIVE is I cannot stomach the doxycycline. I am constantly nauseous, I eat breakfast before my morning dose, lots of water, and still suffer extreme nausea. After day 2, I was struggling to eat breakfast. I'm trying to stick it out 4 more days, but I'm struggling."

• Sta...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "This is the only medication that actually can clear the infections I get in my jaw and teeth. It works fast and really well, but the side effects can be unbearable at times. Extreme nausea and vomiting are the worst. The only way I've found to sometimes help with the vomiting is to take it with a meal, which works most of the time, but not always."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

For Pneumonia "Seven-day prescription for doxycycline taken for community-acquired pneumonia. Was as sick as I’ve ever been for a week. Started meds on a Sunday afternoon, and by Monday evening, I was feeling so much better, not perfect, but I was sure I was going to live after all. Prior to the meds, I wasn’t so sure. Make sure to take with food. I took it on an empty stomach one morning and dry-heaved for about 15 minutes. But I've taken it with food every other time, and I haven’t even had heartburn. This antibiotic made me feel so much better so quickly."

• Jar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2013

For Lyme Disease "Originally prescribed doxycycline for 14 days for Lyme Disease. There was a 2-year gap before diagnosis/prescription, which apparently makes a big difference in a bad way for long-term efficacy. The first round, I didn't have any adverse effects at all. Easy to take, no upset stomach or significant light sensitivity. After the first few doses, I could feel pains I didn't have before shooting through my arms. Was told to expect that as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (biotoxins due to bacterial die-off). Prescription was extended to 2 months; at 1 month, symptoms were worse to the point of not being able to walk easily or grip anything heavy. By the end of 2 months, I was 80% better (though still with lingering symptoms). Effective."

• Jan...
• June 19, 2018

For Lyme Disease "I am a 55-year-old woman and was prescribed doxycycline hyclate 100 mg for Lyme disease. I took it twice a day for 30 days. During the last week of treatment, I noticed how I started to feel depressed: I found everything and everyone to be irritating, and I just wanted to be left alone. Yesterday was my first day without the medication, and I spent the most awful night of my life: I experienced vivid suicidal thoughts, was contemplating ways to end my life, and even wrote a letter to my children. The next day, I browsed the Internet and noticed I was not alone! I feel the company should absolutely list suicidal thoughts as a side effect of their drug, not only for adolescents but for adults also. This way, family members and doctors could be warned and keep a close eye on every person to whom this drug is prescribed. If you've experienced suicidal thoughts while using this medication."

• Nit...
• November 23, 2013

Doxycycline for Rosacea "LOVE LOVE LOVE Oracea! 2 weeks and I already notice a great improvement in my eyes. I have mild rosacea on my face (red nose sometimes) but it was the ocular rosacea that prompted me to seek help. I thought my eyes were just red from my contacts but my ophthalmologist said it was ocular rosacea. I was devastated - I do not want to lose my vision! So far, so good - my eyes feel 100% better, my stress level is down & I'm starting to feel 'normal' again! I guess I'm lucky because I haven't experienced any of the side effects (yet). Hopefully it'll stay that way. Oracea is my new best friend."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2024

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Don’t listen to the bad reviews! I’m a severe medicine-phobe and emetophobe and listened to all of the reviews at first. I was terrified to take it because I am sensitive to medicines. But when my only other option was inpatient admission for IV antibiotics, I opted to try it. It has been a week and I am still on it for a few more days, but my abscess is finally healing! I made sure to eat something with every dose, even if it was just peanut butter crackers or rice, something that would sit well in my stomach. I had some minor nausea, headache, and weakness for the first couple of days, but now I’m adjusting and having no side effects at all despite being on 100mg twice a day for ten days. I am grateful for this med! Every person is different and reacts to things differently, and more people write reviews on bad experiences over good ones, so please don’t be afraid and give it a try! I’m a highly anxious person so the good reviews helped me a lot. I hope this helps you too!"