Doxycycline and Upset Stomach: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2022

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "This drug has really helped me several times in the past. In reading these comments, I see that some folks are under the impression that you have to avoid certain foods and other medications for the entire duration of your treatment. That is not true. Use a reputable medical website and read the info carefully. One example is dairy. You don't have to avoid dairy during your entire course of treatment, only a few hours before or a few hours after taking your pill. Some foods can keep your body from properly absorbing the medication, but once your stomach has absorbed it, you are free to eat most anything you want. I do find that yogurt helps me with the tummy issues if I eat a container every day. Just not at the same time that I take the pill. And even though it is difficult for some folks, remember to try and stay hydrated. I hope you all are feeling better soon! :)"

• Cha...
• November 19, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "After having intercourse with my ex-husband, terrible mistake... After the 3rd day, I started having a discharge, thinking it was a yeast infection... Not! The odor came, followed by really bad discharge and stomach cramps. Trying to wait to see my PCP, I couldn't take it anymore... Emergency room I went... Treated for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea with Doxycycline Monohydrate, doing well!... I know I was not tripping, trying to give my ex the benefit of the doubt, not... Women's intuition, if you have any of the signs, you know your body, don't beat yourself up... Go get checked... Results vary, but I give this medication an A rating... Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 18, 2012

Doxycycline for Rosacea "Since I have used this medication so long, years and years, I believe it has improved my rosacea. I'm not willing to stop taking Oracea to find out. As far as the stomach ache associated with this pill, I found that taking it at night prevents the stomach upset symptoms. One review mentioned burning on the lips and tongue, I have experienced this side effect very, very much. However, I didn't realize this pill may be the reason. Again, if this pill causes the lips, mouth area, and tongue to have a burning sensation, I'm not sure I would stop taking the Oracea, although that is one terrible side effect. Overall, I will continue taking Oracea."

• org...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I have chronic sinus infections - can’t take penicillin due to building up a tolerance to it, and I can’t take amoxicillin due to it making me have seizures (thanks epilepsy). I was given doxycycline, and it’s day five, and I’m in so much pain. Yes, it did clear up my sinus infection super quickly, but the nausea and stomach cramps and no appetite is so hard. Honestly, I don’t know if I’m going to make it the six days I have left to finish it."

• Jes...
• October 3, 2013

For Acne "I have been on this medication for one month, and my cystic acne is completely gone as a result, but it didn't clear up completely until week 3. I give this a 10 for the results. However, there is a long list of bad side effects for this medication, and I suffered many of them. I had severe stomach pains. The pain wouldn't last long, but it came on quick and strong before stopping. I also had some digestive issues, and an upset, gurgling stomach non-stop for the first week or two. I also got bad headaches and had no appetite for two weeks. It also made me nauseated at first. After week two, the side effects stopped, but it was a rough start."

• Jes...
• October 3, 2013

For Acne "I have been on this medication for one month, and my cystic acne is completely gone as a result, but it didn't clear up completely until week 3. I give this a 10 for the results. However, there is a long list of bad side effects for this medication, and I suffered many of them. I had severe stomach pains. The pain wouldn't last long, but it came on quick and strong before stopping. I also had some digestive issues, and an upset, gurgling stomach non-stop for the first week or two. I also got bad headaches and had no appetite for two weeks. It also made me nauseated at first. After week two, the side effects stopped, but it was a rough start."

• emh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2014

For Acne "I started taking doxycycline because I was in a malaria country, and it was required. My doctor there said that it would also help with my mid-severe cystic acne, and it totally did. I am back in the States now, after 4 months of being abroad, and am still taking doxy for my skin. For those of you experiencing an upset stomach, eat before you take it, and stay upright for a half hour after. If you don't eat before, you will throw up. And it needs to be substantial, not just a cracker."

• Aly...
• July 18, 2014

For Acne "I really like doxycycline. I have had mild acne since I was 11, however, once I turned 19, I began having more frequent outbreaks on my face and severe outbreaks on my neck and chest. At first, when I began taking this medicine, it literally made me feel like my skin was on fire and caused excessive sensitivity. I then realized that the cleanser (Clean and Clear) that I was using along with doxycycline was causing this to happen. This makes your skin EXTREMELY sensitive, so be careful not to use anything too harsh on your skin or anything that will dry it out too much. Other than that, I love it! I have mild stomach discomfort, but it doesn't bother me too much. I was on it for six months, and my face had cleared entirely, and my back almost entirely!"

• Cli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2020

For Rosacea "Only a few weeks into my 100 mg doxycycline 90-day supply, and it's making a HUGE difference. I would say 99% of my rosacea has cleared up, and there's just a little bit of redness still lingering. I wish I had gotten this stuff sooner, it's a massive help. I'm using this drug in combination with over-the-counter topical azelaic acid, which is likely helping as well. Always make sure you eat something before taking this medicine, it will upset your stomach if you don't."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 24, 2016

For Acne "I LOVE doxycycline for acne. It is the only thing that gave me clear skin. I wish I was okay with taking it daily for the rest of my life. But taking any antibiotic long term is bad for both the body and the environment. I did, for vanity purposes, take doxycycline for a year. My skin looked AMAZING the entire time I was on it. When I quit taking it, all my adult acne came back. If you are considering it for acne, I can tell you it was incredibly effective. My face misses it greatly. I started out taking 100 mg in the AM and 100 mg in the PM. That upset my tummy, so I went down to just 100 mg once a day and it worked great."

• Lit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I was absolutely terrified to take this after reading all the negative reviews and really scary possible side effects. But I had to for a ureaplasma bacteria infection in my bladder that no other antibiotic can treat. I was experiencing extremely uncomfortable bladder symptoms, and after hesitating for a week, I finally took the first dose. Doxycycline is really hard on the stomach, and I learned really quickly to always eat something at least 15 minutes before taking a dose (even just a piece of toast), unless I wanted horrible stomach cramps and vomiting. Otherwise, I had barely any side effects. Just a small headache and dizziness the first couple of days. I felt really encouraged by the positive reviews on here and wanted to add one to hopefully ease some minds! Side effects are rare but can happen, and every person's body reacts differently, so if this is one you absolutely have to take, stay calm, take deep breaths, listen to your body, and take a probiotic!"

• 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."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Took 6 doses and had terrible stomach cramps as well as gas and bloating. Thought it was my IBS. Had to go to the loo every hour. Stopped it and my symptoms stopped. Really not worth taking for all the pain and inconvenience of the side effects."

• jen...
• July 21, 2011

Doxycycline for Rosacea "Oracea works for the most part. My skin has improved, but I still suffer from an upset stomach at times as one of the side effects. I have been using Oracea for about one year, and it has helped my skin clear up and has helped prevent the huge lumps from overtaking my face."

• Jus...
• November 2, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "This is the 4th time taking this in two years, and it does make me sick (it's for acne and UTI). Upset stomach, etc. But I can’t really take the other antibiotics, they give me hives and fast heart rates. The most disturbing thing I’ve noticed the last 2 times using doxycycline: I’ve had breakthrough vaginal bleeding, and NO, I’m not on birth control and have very regular periods when I’m not taking doxycycline. It normally takes a while for my period to go back to normal after I take them. Anyone else had this issue?"

• jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2013

For Pneumonia "Was prescribed for pneumonia, followed directions, no missed doses. After the first and second pill, still felt sick. From day three on, the sick feeling was much weaker, but massively fatigued. After ten days, I am more fatigued than before I started doxycycline and still congested. Last time, amoxicillin took away all symptoms in 4 days, and it's cheaper, with just upset stomach and nausea as symptoms."

• MrG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2023

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed Qty 20 - 100 mgs of doxycycline for a prostatitis issue. I took two a day and lasted 8 days before I had to get off of it. Stomach cramps, difficulty with constipation, an odd taste in my mouth, and a feeling of being unwell."

• Hea...
• October 27, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "I was prescribed to take this medication for 10 days due to my chlamydia infection, after I had suffered from bacterial prostatitis. Side effects very mild, mostly upset stomach. In comparison with cipro, which was the worst drug ever (stuffed up my muscles and I had problems concentrating, along with anxiety), this one did not give me so much discomfort. The thing is, it did not clear my infection. This is my day 2 after having to take it again, I still have the symptoms. The thing is, I was prescribed 3 doses of azithromycin as well, so I don't know what to do to get rid of this bacteria. I hope this time it will work."

• Bar...
• May 17, 2017

For Bronchitis "Glad to know I'm not alone after reading all the reviews. My doctor prescribed this to treat bronchitis/possible pneumonia. Doc notes and prescription label never said anything about taking with food. The only thing the doc said was to stay out of the sun and avoid caffeine. Horrible stomach churning, major dry heaving every single time after taking this crazy pill twice a day. For 10 days, I dreaded the nauseous, nausea, disgusting feeling. After all that, I'm still sick. Whomever created this pill is crazy, and so is my doctor for prescribing this to me. Amoxicillin has been fine in the past, worst experience with a pill ever. Does the vomiting mean I'm allergic to doxycycline?"

• Tha...
• April 30, 2010

For Rosacea "I was working with a close friend installing a line to an ice-maker in my home when he asked what the rash on my face was. After a little bit of a cussing match, I knew it was not acne. I had done pre-med before switching to teaching and diagnosed myself with rosacea. I dealt with it for about 5 years when, of all people, my ophthalmologist asked if my face was always dry and red...whoa. Well, I said yes, and I hated it. He said, 'Want to fix it?' What more could I say? 2 to 3 days in on Doxycycline and I was clear-skinned again. The only minus is that it does upset my stomach, but I just found out about eating first and sitting up for 30 minutes. I had been taking it before bedtime, well after dinner. Now I take it right after dinner with water. Voila."

• Sav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2022

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I am on doxycycline post-COVID for an upper respiratory infection and an onset of bronchitis. I took this medication last night and experienced no side effects until this morning around 9 a.m. I have a severe stomach ache and severe diarrhea. The side effects are too overbearing for me. I will not be taking another dose of this specific antibiotic."

• Tom...
• November 8, 2015

For Bronchitis "Have never taken this medicine before for bronchitis. Have had an upset stomach, diarrhea, body aches. Have taken with/without food and no difference in symptoms. Had no relief. I stopped taking and should have taken amoxicillin instead."

• Gad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2014

For Pneumonia "I was told I had atypical pneumonia. After azithromycin, it didn't completely clear up my lung. So the doctor prescribed broad spectrum - doxycycline. This really upsets my stomach, which I never experienced with other antibiotics before. I had to take crackers before this medicine. Otherwise, I would throw up (did once when I took it with an empty stomach). After 14 days, I didn't feel completely free of germs. Five days after finishing the last dose, I started with a sore throat again."

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2023

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Day three of taking doxycycline for a sinus infection. Side effects are minimal, but at times I feel nauseous with an upset stomach. Still can't clear my nose, especially the left nostril. The doctor recommended taking it with an antihistamine. Overall, I believe it is working but still have a few more days to tell for sure. I will follow up with my progress later."

• Ask...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2024

For Bacterial Infection "Stop reading reviews! If you’re like me (which you are since you’re here) and anxious about meds, just stop reading and make this your last one. I had to take a 10-day course of this medication for a minor bacterial infection. I read all these reviews and basically made myself sick with worry, especially considering that I was leaving for vacation in a few days from when I started it. I had convinced myself my vacation was ruined. You know what happened? Nothing besides my infection leaving. No nausea, no upset stomach, no mental side effects, nothing. I think my IBS stomach actually improved during that week! We are so lucky to have antibiotics these days, because if you’re taking it for a bacterial infection, whatever you have might’ve killed you 100 years ago."