Doxycycline and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2023

For Lyme Disease "It's probably helping the spot on my leg, but it's making me feel worse in every other aspect. Vague headaches, brain fog, an uptick in the volatility of past mental health issues, diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, I've got it all. This is making me so miserable I'd rather they just cut off my leg than make me keep taking this. 100 mg twice a day for 10 days, it's been a week. When I feel good, I feel great, but when I don't, I'm in hell. I wake up gagging. Vile, foul stuff."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2022

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I’m now on day 4, and I feel awful. I can’t take a deep breath and was thinking of calling 111. I’ve a headache, and I’ve felt quite sick on them. I’m going to see how I feel tomorrow, then, if no better, I’m going to stop taking them. These are not for me."

• Sta...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 4, 2017

Doxycycline for Rosacea "I have tried low-dose doxycycline and Periostat to treat ocular rosacea, but both cause me to have a severe headache that does not go away. Only Oracea, unfortunately, with time-release doxycycline, keeps the dosage constant enough to avoid headaches. However, I no longer have pain and a feeling of 'grittiness' in my eyes. Insurance covers some of the cost (generic)."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2025

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I have been suffering from thinning hair and hair loss for quite some time now. The hair in my crown constantly feels throbbing, sensitive to the touch, and numb. A very specific area of my scalp and not its entirety. The hairs in this space are weak, limp, and thin. All other scalp is thick and full. I've been going to two different dermatologists for two years and have been on a regimen of drugs. For the hair that I have, I believe these medications have contributed to the health and thickness, but in the area of my trouble, it has done nothing. Still a constant sensitive numbing sensation. After some extensive research, I have determined that I have frontal fibrosing alopecia and learned that doxycycline was used to treat it. I was able to make some calls and got the medication. From one pill, my scalp felt instant relief. I've taken my second pill - no more throb, numbness, or sensitivity. I just can't believe it!"

• Mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2023

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "After two days of taking doxycycline as directed, I was nauseous, had a headache, and had increasingly high blood pressure (I do not have high blood pressure as a chronic condition). A doctor told me the side effects were probably a reaction to the medication. I won't use this again."

• Jus...
• January 13, 2013

For Lyme Disease, Neurologic "Taking for 3 weeks now for long-term Lyme disease. I've gotten nausea 3 times now. When I didn't have food in my stomach is when this has happened. Also, last year I took it in summer and got blisters on my hands and fingers from being out in the sun. I was wearing 75 sunblock on my hands, and it didn't help. A week after taking it this year, all my lymph nodes got very swollen and it hurt to put my right arm down from the armpit lymph node. Also had a headache every day when lymph nodes are swollen. But this is a good sign that my body is trying to kill, flush out the bacteria and toxins."

• Arg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "After 2 ER visits for RX-induced allergic reaction, I was apprehensive to take this medication, which is so strong it cures malaria. I weigh 112 lbs and I'm 4'11. The ENT prescribed 100 mg a day for a sinus infection. After the 2nd day, I could actually hear my heartbeat in my head! Bad headache, fatigued, and woke up with a massive hangover. I don't drink. By the 3rd day, I couldn't remember how many kids I have. I'm sure this drug has helped a lot of patients. But I'd rather have a sinus infection. I'm back to normal and actually know how many kids I have and what my name is. I found comfort in over-the-counter nasal spray. Sad."

• Joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2017

For Bronchitis "8/28/17 went to ER with severe and unusual headache (with previous/current health issues) and wanted to rule out stroke (as I was diagnosed in 2013 with 'TIA,' a mini-stroke). After tests, a stroke was ruled out but told I had bronchitis. Hmm, never got an answer on how they came up with that conclusion and was given a RX for Doxycycl HYC 100MG (2X's a day for 10 day's). After the 1st day's dose, wow! The nausea, even more severe headache and body pain, etc... and the headache was even more severely pounding than when I first went into ER! 2 days into taking this stuff, this drug! I searched the web for info and found there's way too many severe and serious side effects for me that outweigh any possible benefits! So I'm done! I'm through with this drug too!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2021

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed doxy for pneumonia, and it has been 3 days, and I'm starting to feel a lot better already. The only symptoms I've experienced are fatigue and a mild headache, which I'm not sure is related to the doxy. Although I do get a little tired about 30 minutes after my doses, and this lasts for the first 3-4 days, it really does help so well. Symptoms are similar to the antibiotic Keflex, which is very tolerable, but I've never had an upset stomach or nausea. I usually eat a little before taking my medication. It's advised not to eat foods with calcium/milk and to be sure to drink with at least 8 ounces of water. It works well for me! :)"

• Dan...
• December 31, 2019

For Bronchitis "Took after 8 days of doxycycline for an unrelenting chest cough. Caused stomach pain, vomiting, throbbing head, and nausea. I finally checked my blood pressure, and it had spiked to 185/125, a hypertensive emergency that could cause stroke and organ damage. This is a terrible medication to prescribe!!"

• Bar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2021

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I took doxycycline in March 2021. It cleared up my urinary tract infection with no problems. I took it again in July 2021 and noticed I had a headache. I did not attribute it to the doxycycline, so I can continue to take it. Now, in October 2021, I am taking it again for a surgical wound infection. Within 3 days, I have the worst headache I've ever had in my life. Severe sinus pressure and eye pressure. I have double vision, and my right eye doesn't follow my left eye. I've been on doxycycline for 4 days, and now I'm done. This medication is horrible. Being on this medication three separate times in the last 8 months has done something horrible to my eyesight. Please be cautious and aware when taking this medication."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "Stepped on a stingray in Mexico, and my foot got super infected. Swollen, hot to touch, fever for a few days. Upon my return, I was prescribed this medication. I was 4 days in and started experiencing pressure in my head, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat. I stopped taking this medication immediately. It's been a week since I stopped, and still have the dizziness and now what appears to be a respiratory infection. Bad medication and will never take again or recommend."

• Gal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I had a boil that got larger and painful over a 5 to 6 day period. I was using Epsom salts and warm compresses, which often cure a minor skin infection for me, but not this time. Due to the location, my physician did not want to lance it, so she prescribed 10 days of this medication. The boil started to improve rather rapidly. I continued the hot compresses for a few days. I tried to eat something (but not dairy), drink water, and use sunscreen, all part of the instructions. My main side effect of the medication now seems to be mild to severe nausea that started about day 5, I am on day 8. The nausea is lasting almost the entire day, and I have had headaches. I rate the drug highly for me as it is curing the staph infection, which is markedly improved. This antibiotic, like most drugs, is not for everyone. As I am allergic to other antibiotics, I feel like I have to put up with some side effects that are not dangerous."

• 123...
• September 25, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "100 mg every 12 hours for suspected sinus infection. Took 3 pills and refused to take any more. Nausea and headache. I never have difficulty with medication. Doc switched me to Z-pack. Will never take it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

For Gastroenteritis "Began noticing improvement of symptoms on Day 2. This medicine does give me a throbbing headache, and I’m incredibly tired for 2-3 hours after taking the dose. Each time I take it, I fall asleep but do feel better when I wake."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Was given this doxycycline for cellulitis in my leg, (4th time I've had cellulitis in the same area). I had various side effects, i.e., headache, stomach cramps, metallic and bitter taste, (like radiotherapy!) vertigo, and it didn't get rid of the cellulitis. Had to have a further course of another antibiotic. Side effects settled down after 5 days, course was for 7 days. There was some improvement after 5 days but no cure of the condition. One can only speak as one finds."

• ClK...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2021

For Acne "I was on doxycycline for 2 months, 100 mg a day. At first, my acne got way worse, but that was because of the retinoids I was prescribed. I got some nausea and a really bad headache at a point. But after the first month, my face started to clear up. I still deal with very few spots, but nothing compared to the first month. So overall, yes, it works, but I believe only along with some topical treatments (mine was Epiduo)."

• Sha...
• January 2, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "10-15 minutes after taking this, I got a really bad stomach ache that caused a hot flash like I was gonna pass out. I got nauseous, then threw up for 5 minutes and dry heaved for another 5. For the rest of the day, I had a headache and felt sick to my stomach. I will never take this drug again!"

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2019

For Bronchitis "The first day I took doxycycline, I had a rapid heartbeat and sweats, plus pulsing. I ignored it and took it again the 2nd day and got a swollen bottom lip and throbbing head, like a headache but worse. I find out I now have high blood pressure (BP) thanks to this medication and now have to go to the hospital tomorrow. I'd rather have a chest infection than now having to go on medication for high BP. How did this get put on the shelves??? Beware this medication, it does more harm than good."

• RMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2022

For Bronchitis "After 5 months of nightmare sinus issues, short of breath, burning in chest, back pain, sore throat, mouth infection, raspy voice... My reg doctor and ENT specialist, along with a lung specialist, could not help me! CT scan clear, x-ray clear?? I was taking antibiotics and no help... I knew I had inflammation in my bronchial tubes because prednisone would help me for a very short time. After reading about the possibility that I had a bacterial infection that no one was looking for... I read that doxycycline 100 was a great treatment for this! I had some in my home from a prior issue but never needed them! I took 2 per day, morning and night (200) for the first 3 days, then went down to one a day for another 5 days. After the 1st pill, I was feeling 50% better, and after day 3, 100% better!!!!! Side effects were awful: nausea, stomach pain, constipation, headache, short breath, chest pressure, sore throat, lol.... but it was all worth it!! Can’t wait to tell my doctors, thanks for nothing!!!!"

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2019

For Ocular Rosacea "My eye doc put me on 20 mg 2x a day. At first, I felt fine. No nausea or headache. Three or four days later, headache and uncomfortable pressure in my head. I drove to work and actually felt drunk and out of body. At night, fatigue and very tired. Depression set in, and I was irritable and had thoughts of major life changes (such as quitting my job!). This is very unusual. I called the doc, and they told me to quit taking it, to which I fully agreed. I obviously cannot tolerate even this low of a dose."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2019

For Ocular Rosacea "My eye doc put me on 20 mg 2x a day. At first, I felt fine. No nausea or headache. Three or four days later, headache and uncomfortable pressure in my head. I drove to work and actually felt drunk and out of body. At night, fatigue and very tired. Depression set in, and I was irritable and had thoughts of major life changes (such as quitting my job!). This is very unusual. I called the doc, and they told me to quit taking it, to which I fully agreed. I obviously cannot tolerate even this low of a dose."

• Mus...
• November 12, 2015

For Acne "Started taking a week ago. I was amazed how quickly it worked! Over the past 5 years, my acne has slowly gotten worse! To top it off, I am a picker! So my pa derm thought some internal stuff going too. This worked like a dream! But 2 days ago, I started with nausea, gas, bloating, headache, and medicine taste in my mouth! Bummed! Just called the doctor, maybe there's something else I can do? Fingers crossed. This stuff really works!!"

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2015

For Gastroenteritis "500 mg (1 dose each day). When I took doxycycline the first time, there was irritation along the back of my throat, followed by a slight headache. The next day, I took my next dose and immediately my head felt tight and full of pressure. It took 9 hours to subside and almost double that to get rid of it completely. I looked up the side effects on this site and apparently intracranial pressure is rare but can happen. This antibiotic may work wonders for some people, but for me, it was not a good experience. I am now on a different antibiotic for my condition, which is making me feel tired and hungry all the time. It's still better than crippling headaches. Avoid doxycycline if you feel ill with it. It's not worth the pain."

• ass...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2014

For Acne "I have had moderate acne since I was 16 (now 23), and I have tried just about everything I can think of, and I was finally put on doxycycline 100 mg to take once a day for 3 months. Although I experienced headaches and nausea in the first week, it has since stopped, and I feel no side effects (so stick it out for at least a week to see if they stop). I am now in the middle of the second month, and although my acne has diminished a little bit, I am still getting some new pimples pop up (smaller than usual, which is good), but my skin has not completely cleared. I am also on this medication for extremely bad ingrown hairs in the groin area, and although the medication is helping, it hasn't stopped those either. It definitely helped though."