Doxycycline for Bacterial Infection User Reviews
Brand names: Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy 100, Doryx, Oracea, Adoxa, Acticlate, Avidoxy, Uracil, Doryx MPC, Morgidox, Mondoxyne NL, Targadox, Doxy-D, Oraxyl, Doxy-Caps, Alodox, Adoxa Pak, Adoxa TT, Adoxa CK, LymePak Okebo Doxy 200 …show all brand names
Doxycycline has an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from a total of 196 reviews for the treatment of Bacterial Infection. 35% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 49% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Doxycycline
- Marley...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 14, 2021
"I suffer from severe health anxiety and a medication phobia. When I'm prescribed a drug, I come onto these sites and scour the reviews, usually terrified from all the negative ones I see. I'm not sure why people leave these extremely negative reviews. I guess they just want to share their experience. But what happens is those experiences frighten people like me who don't really have a choice in taking a prescribed drug. Let me now tell you my experience. I took this drug for 10 days and had no side effects except a little sleepiness. I am extremely thankful we have antibiotics like this in today's times."
- Anonymous
- February 15, 2014
"This is the only medicine that helps get rid of my sinus infections, and it looks like that goes for a lot of other people too. This is the only antibiotic that I can take because I am allergic to so many others."
Frequently asked questions
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- phishon
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 15, 2020
"No side effects at all. I am not sure what all the negative reviews are about. If you're having an allergic reaction, that is different. Allergic reactions are not the drug's fault, but the reaction of your body to the doxycycline. You should definitely stop if you are showing signs of allergy. It worked great for me. I started to feel better in a couple of days and was completely better in about 4 days. I took the full course as directed."
- Penny...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 29, 2020
"Had extremely painful sinusitis. Had been given 2 lots of Amoxicillin which didn’t work. Given a 7-day course of Doxy. 2 capsules to take on the first day, then one a day. This worked, and I did not suffer any side effects at all. Would definitely take this again."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Snm
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 12, 2013
Vibramycin (doxycycline) "I was diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection and was prescribed this antibiotic, due to being allergic to amoxicillin. The pills are 100 mg each. I am to take twice daily. At this time, many of my sinus symptoms have dissipated, which is an excellent sign that I'm finally on the mend. I haven't had any side effects with this and have taken as directed. Avoiding dairy products, not laying down 30 minutes after ingesting, and making sure to take it with food and a large glass of water."
- pinkl...
- April 8, 2015
"Every time I get a sinus infection I ask for Doxy it clears me up in a few days. I don't have any bad side effects, guess I'm lucky. I would recommend this medicine highly for sinus infections since it works so fast. I have to work and don't have time to be sick, I'm also a single mother and can't be down too long and this medicine never lets me down!"
More FAQ
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
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- Tleary
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 13, 2018
"Took this after a round of Amoxicillin for sinus and tooth pain. The Amox did not do much, but the doxy did. It also changed my digestion for the better and still cannot figure out why, totally unexpected result. My sinus headache and tooth pain cleared. Must be something in the gut it gets rid of also. I have experienced no side effects whatsoever. I now have no bloat, pain, or anything in the gut and can eat anything again without symptoms. Before, I couldn't eat pizza, salads, dressings, cheese, mushrooms, spices, pickles, steak, and sauces without problems. Now I am all good - what gives? I have had gut pains for years, but recently no more. Strange, very strange. If I pass today, I was wrong, but not yet."
- Kelee...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 28, 2015
"I started on Doxycycline a few days ago after a week of headaches and painful sinuses. I was running a low-grade fever and coughing up phlegm like crazy. Every part of my body hurt from the fever. Once starting doxy taken with a full glass of water, no vitamins, and no laying down for 30 minutes, I started to get better. I had a few graham crackers so I didn't take it totally on an empty stomach. My fever broke, and the headaches are gone. I had many sinus infections until having surgery on them for a drainage issue 20 years ago. I never had another one until this year, and it's a doozy. Doxycycline is the only thing that works for me on these sinus infections."
- Coco
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 3, 2019
"I started taking this drug and instantly felt nauseous and fatigued to the point where I could not get out of bed. I started taking probiotics with it, which helped with the physical side effects, but the mental side effects were unbearable. I started off feeling extremely depressed, and then came intense waves of anger and anxiety. By my 6th day taking it, I had lost all memory of an entire day, and on the 7th day, I was so low. Luckily, I stopped taking it after the intense dark thoughts. It has been 2 days since I took the antibiotic, and I feel completely normal again. This drug is evil for anyone susceptible to mental health problems - do not take it!!!!"
- Dee
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 16, 2019
"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."
- Every...
- March 7, 2019
"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."
- Merli...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 23, 2015
"Doxycycline has been the only antibiotic that has helped me consistently clear my severe sinusitis with excessive catarrh and phlegm (even when I was told it was viral) - over 15 years. Once every couple of years or so I have had infections that simply don't clear without help. I have been prescribed many other antibiotics and all that happens is I have to finish the unhelpful course (with no result) and then use Doxycycline. Over years, I have endured the ridicule of several doctors who explain how this cannot help me - I then have to find a doctor who listens - then I can breathe again."
- liber...
- December 7, 2013
"Had a really bad sinus infection, tried Augmentin, but it didn't help. After that, my doctor prescribed Ambroxol AL (available in Germany) - a combination of ambroxol hydrochloride (secretolytic agent for mucus) and doxycycline 100 mg. After only two days, I started feeling much better - my nose and ears were clear, and I felt much better in general. No side effects, since I took it after a meal (not on an empty stomach)."
- Miranda
- March 11, 2020
"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."
- 3...
- January 5, 2020
"I was prescribed 7 days of 100 mg, the first day taking 2 pills for a sinus infection. I took the first dose as directed with a glass of water, and within an hour I was doubled over in pain, nauseous, and dizzy. Day 2, I felt a lot of pressure in my head, especially on the right side of my head, really bad ringing in my ears, and feeling like my ears would pop/burst. Today I woke up with a stiff neck and joints, with the right side of my neck really tender to touch, and feeling extremely tired. I took the medication after a full breakfast and started feeling so much pressure in my head, my ears ringing extremely loudly, anxious to the point of what feels like a panic attack. My hands and arms also felt what’s best described as light and tingly. I threw the medication up today on purpose to get it out of my body, and thankfully I had it with a large meal. The rest I have thrown away. I’d rather be sick than take this medication."
- night...
- September 23, 2019
"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."
- debbie
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 10, 2019
"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."
- Allma...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 16, 2020
"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."
- Dying
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 18, 2019
"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!!"
- bigjo...
- March 6, 2009
"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."
- Starrr
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 17, 2014
"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."
- alex
- November 10, 2019
"I told the P.A. that I was on my last pill for Zithromax. She told me that I need to stop taking it and start taking this poisonous ATB (doxycycline). After the first pill, I started experiencing diarrhea, the second time, it got worse that I had to go to the bathroom every 15 mins during the night. I was physically and mentally drained the next day, but forced myself to work. To make matters worse, my respiratory infection exacerbated and developed a hoarse voice. It has been 3 days since I took the 2nd pill and I'm still going to the bathroom every 20 mins. Yesterday I took Lomotil to control the urge for when I was at work. I ate lots of bananas, white rice, etc., but to no avail. Now my anus is so irritated. Whoever prescribed this for bacterial infection should be told they have violated their oath of 'DO NO HARM!'"
- Pickles
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 12, 2019
"This medicine gave me a terrible-and I mean terrible-headache. A lot of pressure in the head and nausea when taking it, even though it says on the bottle, 'you can take with or without food.' I stopped after two days. Also, if you look up doxycycline, this made a girl go blind from intracranial pressure. Never again, and a warning to people because I care."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 24, 2018
"I experienced horrible side effects, including headaches, swelling and tightness in face, swollen and sore throat, dizziness and lightheadedness, body aches, thirst, racing heart, insomnia, shallow breathing. It almost felt like flu symptoms. Symptoms went away 12 hours after I stopped taking it, but headache is lingering still. I never want to experience that again. Absolutely horrible."
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.
Learn more about Bacterial Infection
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- Antibiotic Shortages: A Serious Safety Concern
- Antibiotics 101
- Can You Drink Alcohol with Antibiotics?
- Common Side Effects from Antibiotics, and Allergies and Reactions
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"I was terrified of taking this medication due to the reviews here, which are so scary, but had to take the medication for chronic sinusitis that was the worst for me. DO NOT let these reviews deter you as I had no side effects, only that I had to eat before taking the meds...just a cracker will do even, to stop nausea. I was feeling so much better in just two days but kept taking my 14-day course to complete. I am allergic to penicillin and usually get many side effects listed on medications, BUT NONE FROM THIS. I had a headache anyhow from the sinusitis, so just took a paracetamol as well as the doxy, which is allowed, and this sorted me right out. Should you be prescribed doxycycline, then take it and do not worry about all the bad reviews, just get better."