Skip to main content

Doxycycline and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

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

Reviews for Doxycycline

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • mis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "This was my second time on the med. The first time, I had no issues at all. Prescribed 100 mg twice a day. This time, I had nausea, dizziness, severe headaches, and worst of all, non-stop panic attacks. I do have anxiety issues but rarely ever have panic attacks, so this scared me big time. My doctor pulled me off after Day 3 and said my infection was likely gone since the side effects went away, and a week later, I have an infection again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Jan...
  • February 17, 2011

Doxycycline for Rosacea "I was just living with my rosacea but went to my ophthalmologist because of a chalazion (a cyst caused by a plugged oil duct on the inside of my upper eyelid). She performed a procedure in her office to drain the chalazion and prescribed Doxy to thin my oil secretions. In a day or two, little plugs of hard oil were actually coming out of my pores. My skin became clear and soft. The dryness in my eyes was gone. I too have dealt with the nausea but learned early on to eat some crackers or a small snack just before I take it. I took 2 - 100 mg tablets a day for 5 days (she called this a 'loading dose'), then 1 tablet per day after that. I would rate this medicine a 10 except that there are dietary and other drug restrictions going with it."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
28 Report
  • Ale...
  • November 11, 2019

For Acne "Doxycycline has cleared up my moderate to severe acne and has prevented any new breakouts. Acne on my chest and shoulders has cleared almost completely. No side effects apart from nausea for the first few days of taking it. Make sure you read the insert from the pharmacy with the directions and warnings! To make it the most effective, do not eat for two hours before or after dosage, avoid dairy, and if your skin can handle it, also use topical treatments and make sure you still wash your face and care for it as you would if you weren’t taking this medication. I made the mistake before of thinking it was a magic cure and that I could just cruise by without being vigilant with skincare, and it halted my skin's progress full stop. Three months in and my skin looks almost completely clear! Only very minor spots on my cheek (I sleep on my side, so that’s where I have more trouble) and leftover scarring, which I’m using topical treatment for. Be vigilant. It works if you work it!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Bou...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 31, 2013

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I've been taking this medicine for a form of dermatitis under my nose on my lip. It's working great-no problems with the nausea symptoms as I take it with a lot of water. I have been pounding probiotics to avoid the yeast infection, which has totally worked! The only side effect I'm noticing is vaginal dryness, which may be linked to the general 'drying' out other folks have experienced with this medicine-frustrating for sure. Hate to take any medicines, but this is working well."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Mad...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 17, 2018

For Lyme Disease "I’m 18. I found the tick on the top of my butt, and I was getting ready to get dressed for graduation when I noticed it. My doctor prescribed me this as soon as she saw the mark, it didn’t really look like a bullseye at all to me. 30 minutes after I took it the next morning on an empty stomach, like said, I threw up for a while, I couldn’t eat a thing. Now I take it after I eat, and I feel a lot better. I get headaches, a bad headache now and again, and I also feel tired sometimes, but I don’t have any bathroom issues."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • liz...
  • June 17, 2011

Doxycycline for Acne "I'm taking Monodox and using Tretinoin. I've only been using both for a week now, but I can say I'm already seeing improvements. I had initial breakouts, which is normal, and I used to get really nauseous and throw up from taking Monodox, but I guess I completely forgot that my dermatologist told me to take Monodox with food. Trust me, that makes a world of difference. I'm really excited to see where my skin is going to be in a few weeks because my acne is really clearing up and all that's left are the red spots. Remember: take it with food."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Jam...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 26, 2020

For Acne "Used Apo doxycycline for a month. Side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and severe headaches. I also developed sensitivity to light. It cleared most of my skin, but the side effects were really bad, and I had to stop. I should have stopped earlier but was so desperate to get rid of my acne that I kept going for a month. Within a week of stopping treatment, my acne came back. Meanwhile, it took a few months for my gut to feel normal again. My appetite only returned to normal after about 3 months. This treatment was very disappointing as it cleared my acne short-term but was not sustainable and had terrible side effects. I am now using Duac gel, which has no side effects and has reduced my acne."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report

More FAQ

  • Sup...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 9, 2015

For Bronchitis "I have had what I originally thought might be pneumonia, then decided it was bronchitis. My doctor gave me one antibiotic, which didn't kill much of 'the bug', so he put me on tetracycline 100 mg twice a day. I immediately had some nausea, which I never have. Over the next three days, I developed, and still have: esophagitis, dyspepsia (heartburn), diarrhea, unusual headache, noticeable lack of appetite, and new onset lower back pain. In all fairness, I have several health issues, but these symptoms that I listed above are new, except for the last two, although this time the rate and severity of these symptoms are different. The drug seems to work well, I have almost always seen good results in my patients, but the side effects suck."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • TAK...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 28, 2017

For Bronchitis "Take with food (or a glass of milk) and do not lie down! I made the mistake of taking one without food and had the severe nausea that so many people mention here. Once I realized my mistake, I had a piece of toast and the nausea disappeared almost instantly. The information leaflet also says to stay in an upright position for 30 minutes after taking. When I forgot this and lay down straight after, I ended up with heartburn. As for the effectiveness, it doesn't hurt to breathe anymore, and my chest does feel a lot better. I've still got a productive cough, though, so I'm not sure that 7 days' worth is enough, but I'm a lot better than I was this time last week."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 28, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Have had sinus infections, at least twice a year, for over 24 years. Starts out as coughing and phlegm, but within two days you can feel the difference between a regular cold and an infection in the chest area. That's when what you cough up turns from clear, light green to thick tan/beige. Have had quite a few meds over the years, including Cleocin HCL 300 mg (this goes in a large Ocean Mist spray - works well). The doxycycline works the best, but you must follow the directions. One cap by mouth twice daily for ten days. And take with food. If you don't, you will get the nausea and stomach upsets."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Che...
  • March 19, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this for tonsillitis and a nasal carbuncle/furuncle. Prescribed twice a day for 10 days. It got rid of the fever and sore throat after a day. The pus pockets on my tonsils are still there, but smaller, and I am on day 8 out of 10. I could not take this pill on an empty or even semi-full stomach, or I would throw up. Even a banana an hour or so before dosing would not be enough to stop the severe nausea. Besides that, no real side effects, except loss of appetite. Not pleasant to take because of the size of the pill and nausea, but it worked."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • she...
  • September 9, 2011

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Worked very well for my skin infection, however, it did cause severe nausea about halfway through my course of therapy. It would happen about half an hour after taking the medication. If I took it about 20 minutes after taking Dramamine (the meclizine kind), the nausea subsided. No other side effects and very effective."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • Hai...
  • January 10, 2019

For Acne "I was very hesitant to start using doxycycline after reading negative reviews about it. However, I am so happy to say that it worked wonders for me. The purging period was very minimal, only a few breakouts for about a week and a half. The process is very slow, but with patience, doxycycline will completely clear your face. I started noticing a dramatic difference after my 2nd bottle of doxy. I’ve been taking doxy for about 3 months because of painful cysts all over my cheeks, and now I have a completely clear face. I did not experience any of the negative side effects that other people described. Nausea never occurred for me, but I was sure to only take the pill after eating and with a full glass of water. I had absolutely no weird “mood changes” as people described. The only “downside” is that doxy makes your skin extremely sun-sensitive, so sunscreen and minimal sun exposure are necessary. It does take time to start seeing results, but it’s absolutely worth it!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 9, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I was on this for 5 days and stopped taking it because my anxiety was bad. I switched to Azithromycin, and that one gave me psychotic thoughts. I got back on Doxycycline, and this time I’m having nausea, anxiety, my mind is racing."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Box...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 9, 2020

For Pneumonia "Seven days on a dose of 200 mg doxycycline the first day and 100 mg thereafter was absolutely a nightmare. Extreme fatigue and nausea, high anxiety and heart palpitations, low blood sugar probably stemming from difficulties eating and swallowing."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Kaz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 29, 2023

For Pneumonia "Make sure you have some Zofran (ondansetron) to take before you take the doxycycline. It made me horrifically nauseous and caused vomiting. After that, I started taking Zofran half an hour before I took the doxycycline. Do not lie down in bed for half an hour after taking it, as it could cause irritation to your throat and stomach, causing nausea and, in my case, eventually vomiting."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Ros...
  • April 23, 2015

For Acne "I am a 27-year-old female and started taking doxycycline for acne 4 days ago. I have never had acne in my life up until recently, and my dermatologist prescribed me this. I was a little skeptical to take an antibiotic for acne, but so far it's working! I would have a few large, painful pimples at a time along with many small comedones on my forehead and chin, but after only 4 days of taking this, I have seen a significant change! The pimples are receding, and I notice less and less comedones every day! I have not had any issues with nausea or headache, but I have made sure to take it with a decent amount of food every day."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
20 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 6, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed doxy after being sick with a cold for 2-3 weeks. It cleared up my sinuses, and I do feel much better. However, my face has completely broken out after finishing the dose. I feel like a preteen again! It's covered with small little pimples. I wonder how long it will take to go away - hopefully not forever! Definitely take this on a full stomach and don't lay down after. I took one pill late and went to bed after, I was very nauseous and vomited the next morning."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Bun...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 11, 2014

Doxycycline for Acne "It made me nauseous, but not too bad. I love this medicine. Cleared up my cystic pimples within days. I'm also on tretinoin cream, which my insurance also pays. My dermatologist is amazing for recommending both. I get compliments that my face is flawless. It feels great! You will get little flare-ups here and there, don't give up. Give the medicine a chance, it will work. I recommend it!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Nik...
  • February 11, 2015

For Acne "So I've been on the doxycycline for a week now, and I already notice a difference in my skin. For a person who's allergic to benzoyl peroxide (the main ingredient in acne medications), it was hard to find something for my acne. The only downfall I experience is the nausea and yeast infections."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report
  • Jes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 28, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I've been taking this drug for 5 days now for folliculitis. The 1st time I took it, I was violently sick within 5 minutes. I've been suffering with headaches and nausea (feeling really drunk, room spinning) for these 5 days. I've found my skin is so tender and feels really raw and very dry. Day 5, and I've woken up to vaginal dryness, which I'm guessing is due to this being a bacterial antibiotic, so it's pretty uncomfortable. I haven't noticed any improvement, but it's only day 5. I was prescribed a 60-day course. Hope it works, as I've been struggling for nearly 10 years with this skin infection."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Tre...
  • August 9, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "This review is to help others, though we are all different in reactions, it's always good to know. Taking this medication, and it seems to be working. After the third day, my bloating and fatigue (from chlamydia) went away (luckily I caught the symptoms relatively early from the STD). Taking it twice a day, 100 mg for 10 days (better to be safe). Side effects seem to have increased (nausea and stomach pains) because on my third day, I was out in extreme heat/sun and forgot while outdoors that I was under antibiotics, whoops. Medicine is doing its job, though tackling symptoms since I lose my appetite... I wish everyone well."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • wal...
  • March 23, 2010

Doxycycline for Acne "I have been taking Monodox now for 2 weeks and have seen amazing results. While it's not completely clear yet, I have seen fast results. The first week my face was really dried out, but after a while, it got better. I do feel sick to my stomach when I take it though, especially in the morning, so I take it around noon, and I have to eat something. But the results are worth it. The dermatologist also prescribed me a morning cream called Benzaclin and a night cream, Atralin. I believe together the creams and medicine are clearing my skin. After having it since I was 13, it would be nice to have clear skin."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • ced...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 19, 2015

For Acne "I've struggled with acne since I was 13, and now, 4 years in, I think I might have finally waved goodbye to it. After a couple of months of doxy, I have only just noticed the difference, so it may just be a clear spell, but I haven't looked so clear in years. I've found some confidence and feel a bit better within myself, so fingers crossed that my skin stays clear from now on! I still get a couple of spots here and there, but nothing compared to what I used to get. Side effects can be a little nasty when waking up in the middle of the night feeling really sick, but overall good experience with it so far. Xx"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • buz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 4, 2015

For Acne "I've had pretty bad acne since I was in grade 7 and now I'm in grade 12. I asked my doctor to prescribe something, and she gave me doxycycline. The first week I saw great results, almost all my acne went away, but as they all say, it gets worse before it gets better. I started to get a lot more acne on my cheeks and the side of my face. Now I'm 3 months in, and my acne is all gone. The only problems I had were the scarring and the nausea. I recommend this product!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report

See also:

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.