Doxycycline and Nausea: What Users Say

• Dol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2020

For Acne "I started doxycycline in late July 2019 for acne. At the end of the 1st week, my acne looked as if it dried up (meaning there weren’t any pimples, only acne scars). If you never used to wear sunscreen, well, you would need to, especially during the first months, your skin is so sensitive. Waxing is a no-no, and exfoliating is a big no (learned the hard way, lol). It also causes nausea, it is very important to take it while eating or right after a meal to avoid nausea. The scarring eventually goes away in 2 months or so after use (my experience). For quicker results, my doctor prescribed a skin lightening cream for spot treatment. After 6 months, I was off Doxycycline and I just use Retin-A and Deriva C alternatively. I don’t have any “active” acne, well, except the occasional 1 or 2 pimples that appear during menstruation."

• Rei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "The two side effects that always got me while taking doxy were the feeling of nausea and having diarrhea shortly after taking the medicine. For the nausea, I would just eat and it would pretty much immediately go away. Anyways... I did a 10-day course because I noticed burning in my urethra while peeing and the need to go to the restroom very often, and after about the 3rd or 4th day, the burning was gone but it took until about the 7th or 8th day for the urgency to pee to go away. I’m an adult male, 6’1, 230 lbish, and I took a 100 mg dose twice a day, usually 12 hours apart. Hope this helps!"

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "DON'T let these reviews scare you! I was terrified to take these meds after testing positive for Chlamydia because these reviews are so scary. I have a massive phobia of vomit/vomiting and had a huge panic attack before taking my first dose. I awaited the inevitable side effects. 1 week later and I can say that I have had ZERO side effects from this drug. No nausea, no bowel issues, no heartburn. After day 4 all symptoms of Chlamydia were gone and I was feeling very healthy. Here's hoping my retest comes back negative and I'll be very happy with the experience and result. All I can say is, don't worry. Remember that everyone experiences side effects differently and most of these reviews are horror stories. I had a full glass of water with every dose and then another full glass over the next 10-20 minutes after taking it. Hope this helps someone out there! Good luck."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Doxycycline is a very good antibiotic which is very effective. Was given this for a sinus infection that has failed to clear after amoxicillin. Have had it previously so I am aware of the potential nasty side effects. Can make you extremely nauseous if not taken with an adequate meal and plenty of water. As with other antibiotics can upset your stomach and give you diarrhea. The cons have to be weighed against the pros though, as ultimately recovering from a bacterial infection is priority. I can handle upset stomach, nausea and headaches if an antibiotic is effective in treating the infection. You will ultimately recover from those but the infection could be the end of you if left to run its course. No drug is without side effects and this should be taken into consideration. People drink alcohol and look what that does to you."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2021

For Acne "I have always had acne, but it got significantly worse in the past 6 months, and I felt like I needed to see a dermatologist finally (I am 23). At the point of this review, I have been on doxycycline for only about two weeks, but already I am seeing a huge improvement in my skin. I haven't really gotten any new acne except for a few small pimples that are nothing compared to what I have been getting. I am also using adapalene gel in the morning and tretinoin at night. I will say personally I MUST take the doxycycline with food - when I don't, it makes me severely nauseous, even to the point where I throw up. The nausea would normally subside in about 45 minutes. But when I eat it with a full meal, it is totally fine, I just have to remember to do that. I will try to provide an update once I am done with the full 2-month treatment!"

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2020

For Acne "I've been on this medication, doxycycline, for almost 4 months. The side effects were pretty brutal at the beginning (nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity), but now my body has adjusted to the medication. I have seen a major improvement in my skin. I'm not getting any breakouts or big pimples like I used to get before I started this medication. I'm taking this medication along with clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, this combination has been great. Right now, I only have a few bumps on my forehead. I recommend eating before taking this medication, though :P"

• ros...
• February 21, 2018

For Pneumonia "What are all these bad comments towards doxycycline? First of all, taking it for 2 days? Come on now. Take your full course. Second of all, nausea? It is a side effect. It is a 7-day course, you should persist. I’m sure sepsis is a lot worse. Photosensitivity? It’s not even sunny. If it is, wear sun cream. I was on this medication, and as a result, I did not get sepsis, and I did not die. My lungs did not necrose, and I did not choke on my own purulent sputum. This medicine is amazing."

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "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!!!!"

• 3...
• January 5, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• sve...
• March 28, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I suffer from an eye inflammation disorder, and am on doxy for life, so when I had a UTI recently, I just upped the dosage. I thought I would share a few of the more common side effects with you. First is Nausea - if you shock your system with it (Doxy is a VERY powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic) by taking too much too quickly, you are likely to get lightheaded and nauseous about an hour after taking it - symptoms persist for another hour or so, and then goes away. The best bet is to spread it out but with a lower dose - 50mg 4 times a day is just as effective as 100mg twice a day, but causes MUCH fewer symptoms. Secondly - this WILL destroy your natural gastrointestinal flora and after 3 days or so, you will get looser stools and your gas will be BAD."

• T-B...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2018

For Bronchitis "Before I begin, let me tell you I have no allergies and seldom get more than a cold. Somehow, I got a bacterial sinus infection. The doctor prescribed Augmentin 875, and I had terrible reactions to that beastly drug, then the infection went to bronchitis. The doctor prescribed prednisone. That didn't clear it up. Then he prescribed the five-day Z-pack. After ten days, I still had the cough, so I called and asked for another dose, and instead he prescribed the doxycycline 100 mg, 2 a day for ten days. Yippee! I am on day six and almost completely cured, but the phlegm has been very gradually getting out of my airways. I don't care for the nausea, especially when it kicks in, but the rest is tolerable. A little food an hour beforehand helps me. I think this is a pretty good drug."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2010

For Lyme Disease "I've been on doxycycline for about a week now for a bout of Lyme disease, and other than some moderate to severe drowsiness (which may be - and is - part of the disease, but does get more severe when I take the antibiotic) and being absolutely unable to take it on an empty stomach (to do so results in nausea and, in the worst case, vomiting), I have to say I'm feeling much better quite quickly. If taken with food, I have no side effects whatsoever. One of the best and most mild antibiotics I've had to take."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2017

For Chlamydia Infection "I got a wonderful text from an ex-partner telling me he had tested positive for Chlamydia. I bought 1g of Azithromycin online as I didn't have time to go to the clinic and I had had 2 irregular periods. By the end of the week, I didn't feel right, had burning urine, which was new, so I ordered 7 days of Doxycycline 100 mg. These are brilliant as long as you strictly follow the instructions! Don't eat dairy with them, no multivitamins or indigestion remedies. Don't take less than an hour before bed, and make sure you eat something with them! Side effects for me were nausea if I didn't eat, a headache (manageable), and heartburn if I didn't drink enough water throughout the day. Burning pee cleared by day 2, and discharge by day 4."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed 100mg 2x a day for 14 days for a skin infection. It is so important that you drink lots of water and do not lie down within 30 minutes of taking this medicine to prevent ulcers in the esophagus. I followed this and had no issues whatsoever. On the 7th day, I had slight nausea, take with food. Also, I wanted to mention I did experience chest tightness/shortness of breath from days 3 to 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor prescribed me this doxycycline antibiotic orally, 100 mg 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 have 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."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2019

For Rosacea "Had a really good experience with this doxycycline. Developed rosacea at age 36. Small white pimples and red lesions covered my cheeks and parts of my neck and jawline. Saw a dermatologist, and he put me on this drug, one tablet per day. Within two weeks, my rosacea basically disappeared, and my skin looks normal now. I will say that you need to take this with food. A simple glass of water is not enough, and I developed nausea the first week when I took this pill and skipped breakfast. I'm off the drug completely now, but occasionally get small rosacea flare-ups during stressful times, but they go away quickly."