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Bactrim DS for Urinary Tract Infection User Reviews (Page 3)

Reviews for Bactrim DS

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ick...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 22, 2016

"Just got prescribed this drug yesterday. 2 a day for 3 days. Took my first dose in the morning and the second at night, I fell asleep soon after. A few hours later, I was woken up with terrible stomach pain and serious nausea. I ended up vomiting several times. After, it felt a little better, but then the pains came right back and nausea persists. Can't sleep, don't think I want to deal with another night of this, hate this medication."

3 / 10
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  • Fin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2016

"I had a UTI, usually, it goes away with OTC Azo and water, but this time I could not get rid of it. So I went to the ER. They gave me Bactrim: 2 a day for 5 days. I took the entire round of them, and nothing changed. The medicine itself made me sick as a dog. I could eat with it or not eat with it, and it didn't matter. I was still so nauseous. It gave me chills and made me dizzy as well. I wouldn't give this to my worst enemy!"

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • Pis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 8, 2018

"Worst thing ever. I feel like I’m anchored to the floor, headache, feel as though my face is on fire, and it’s not helping the UTI. The kicker? Called the doctor and was told these are normal side effects and not an allergy. Never again."

1 / 10
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15 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • y12...
  • March 17, 2015

"It's my 4th day on Bactrim, and it has not been great. I feel better from the overall symptoms, but I've been fatigued and super groggy, and for the first day, I had a horrible headache. I keep feeling my heart pounding in my head and ears, but I agree with pretty much everyone else on here, the symptoms from the cure are better than the symptoms of my bladder/kidney infection. I've got 6 more days... Is it effective? Yes. Is it an enjoyable experience? No."

9 / 10
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22 Report
  • Hea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 10, 2019

"I was put on Bactrim for a UTI. This did not work for me after 5 doses, 800 mg. I felt like I had just had a baby, I was so very sore. Nauseous, tired, headache (possibly from not sleeping well on it). Amoxicillin always worked for me, I wish my doctor would listen to me. I know my body."

1 / 10
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16 Report

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  • Anonymous
  • May 20, 2009

"I get bladder infections a lot, so I have a standing script for them, but my doctor said to only use them until symptoms were gone. It works wonderfully, fast, no side effects. My urinary tract infections are usually gone in 3 days and better in one."

9 / 10
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35 Report
  • Bir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2015

"I got my first UTI 5 days ago but thought it was just a yeast infection. So I used yeast infection medicine until my lower abdomen hurt so bad and it was impossible to urinate, even though I had the constant urge to go. I was miserable. Went to ER Sunday evening around 6 and was sent home with Bactrim DS and Pyridium. Within hours I could urinate better and within 12 hours I had no abdominal pain and could urinate just fine and completely empty my bladder. And that was after just 1 dose. I'm so grateful for this antibiotic and think it's wonderful. I did get a slight headache, but it was definitely worth it."

10 / 10
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  • Eri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 30, 2019

"It almost killed me. I took 2 doses. The pain that went from my waist down to my ankles was unmanageable. I ended up in the hospital and my legs completely gave out from the pain. They said I was having such a rare reaction that they didn’t even know how to treat it. It was the scariest thing I’ve been through."

1 / 10
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  • EOl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2017

"Got a pretty nasty UTI... I've had them before, so I knew the drill. Went to the doctor. The infection was confirmed. He prescribed Bactrim DS, twice a day for 7 days. I read the information provided by the pharmacist, so I knew what to look for in case of a problem and took the first dose. I did have a few side effects: dizziness, mild nausea, and my blood sugar was off, but the infection felt better by the end of day 1. I can deal with mild side effects if it means fixing a larger problem. Pros and cons to everything! I would take it again if needed."

9 / 10
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  • Kay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2019

"Taking it now for a UTI. I was on Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) for a day or so first and woke up with chills, fever, and vomiting. Doc said she thought I was having a negative reaction to the med, so switched to Bactrim. This is working on the infection, but I've got extreme dizziness and fatigue as side effects. I have a history of having trouble with antibiotics, however--can't take penicillin or any of the cillins due to reacting with hives. Had a bad reaction to Doxycycline and/or Metronidazole last year (itchy 'bruises' formed on my limbs). Obviously, now nitrofurantoin is also off the menu. So I'm going with Bactrim because at least I'm not having flu-like symptoms with it. They say about one in 15 people has issues with antibiotics. I'm the one!"

8 / 10
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  • MLo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 23, 2016

"I went to the Dr and was prescribed Bactrim for a urinary tract infection. I initially took it on an empty stomach, which was a mistake. Taking it with food, even crackers, prevents nausea and most other side effects. I am on my 3rd full day of taking it, and I have no relief from my symptoms. I'm waiting for my culture to come back and will call my Dr for something else if necessary."

5 / 10
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  • Mag...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2020

"I was prescribed this drug for a bladder infection. Took it Thursday night. I was fine all day Friday. I have an Apple Watch, so I did notice my heart rate was higher, but I was busy at work, so I didn’t really pay attention until day 3. I felt better as far as the bladder infection. But I had the worst headache and anxiety, and my pulse was 134, normally like 84. I was very anxious, called my doctor, and was told to stop taking it. I stopped, and today, the next day, my pulse is back to normal, and the headache is gone. It helped clear up my infection... I mean, besides the heart racing, it did its job."

8 / 10
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  • Rho...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2016

"Started this med yesterday for the first time. Immediately noticed how strong it is! Prevented vomiting by only taking on a full stomach. Drinking a lot of water will help with the headaches, as dehydration will cause this too. I don't recommend taking too late at night because of insomnia."

4 / 10
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  • spa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2015

"Knocked UTI symptoms out effectively after the first 24 hours. However, the side effects were not pleasant and were very noticeable: headache, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, sweating, dry mouth, excessive thirst, tiredness. I'm on day 3 and have asked the doc to switch me to something else so I can function better at home and work. Trying Cipro. Be sure to drink water constantly when on Bactrim DS."

5 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2019

"Took 3 days of Cipro - UTI symptoms continued. Put on Bactrim, and initially, the symptoms started improving. But by the 3rd day, I could no longer eat - the nausea was terrible. Chills. Exhausted but couldn’t sleep due to heart palpitations. Finally, started vomiting. Decided that the side effects far outweighed the benefits of this particular drug."

4 / 10
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  • Red...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 24, 2019

"I was on Bactrim for 7 days for a UTI infection. It cleared it up and didn't seem to have many problems until the last one I took. I broke out in hives, itching everywhere, and I thought I was going to die. I still feel horrible from taking it, with a loss of appetite and anxiety. I will never take this again, as I am now allergic to it. It is now 7 days since I took it and I still feel awful."

5 / 10
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  • MDP...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 29, 2018

"Took Bactrim DS for a UTI, two doses daily for three days. Did the trick. No major side effects, maybe a slight headache and a little lightheaded a couple of times. However, not awful and most likely from my sinuses. I am normally sensitive to meds and was afraid after reviews, but no problems. I would take it again."

9 / 10
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  • Dre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2019

"I was prescribed Bactrim for my UTI, 2 times a day for 3 days. The first day I have a lot of confusion. By the second day, I was having horrible headaches, loss of appetite, and a stiff neck. Now I’m terrified to take my last dose tonight. To my knowledge, it appears the medication is working, however, I don’t intend to ever take it again. I hope the side effects will stop once I finish my dosage. I would look around before trying this one."

5 / 10
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  • Glo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 4, 2019

"3 days of Bactrim DS for a UTI. The only problem I had was fatigue. I took the pill with a good amount of food and also used Monistat while I was taking it. I also asked my doc for Diflucan for post-treatment. I'm waiting for the Bactrim to completely leave my system before taking the 1 Diflucan pill. Also, I took a molybdenum supplement while taking Bactrim. Some people react to sulfur because they are deficient in molybdenum, which helps process it. Finally, I took a good amount of probiotics, which I will continue for a while."

8 / 10
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  • Ano...
  • December 27, 2015

"Was on Cipro for a week but no relief, so my doctor switched me to this drug. Felt relief within 72 hours. I had extreme nausea and a headache the first day I took this drug, but then I started to take it with meals, and I haven't had those side effects."

8 / 10
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  • Hsh...
  • November 24, 2015

"I'm currently taking Bactrim for a UTI. It relieved my symptoms rather quickly, however, the side effects are really bothering me. I've had the most painful migraines since taking it yesterday. I also have the chills and slight nausea. I won't take this medicine ever again once I finish it. The constant painful headaches are not worth it."

4 / 10
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  • Tis...
  • July 20, 2019

"1. Don't drink alcohol with Bactrim. 2. Eat a half hour before you take the pill. 3. Drink plenty of water with it. 4. Take an anti-gas pill if needed. About 30 minutes after the first dose, my scalp was tingly and warm, like a cap was squeezing my head. Used an ice pack, repeated a few hours later; it helped. (Worried about hives.) Stomach mildly upset. Insomnia. First pill with lots of water at 1 p.m.; ate 20 minutes later. Second dose, ate a slice of bread with the pill. Had severe gas (some trapped), burping; hours later took a gas pill. (Really, don't wait like I did!) Next morning, still felt sick. Mildly short of breath overnight and part of the morning; unsure if med-caused or just stress from being over-tired. I take a 24-hour Claritin, also had 12-hour Sudafed in my system when I started Bactrim. Severely stuffed-up nose after Sudafed wore off; new pill took hours to work. Bactrim relieved UTI symptoms within hours. Before prescribing, the doctor cultured to find specific bacteria and its drug susceptibilities."

10 / 10
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13 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 26, 2016

"This is day 2 taking this med. It makes me very queasy and very tired. The nausea and tiredness start about 30 minutes after I take one, and seem to last for 6 or 7 hours. I try to take it with food, but I don't have much appetite (not gonna be mad about that, tho). The UTI seems pretty much gone, but I'm also taking Azo."

7 / 10
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16 Report
  • ang...
  • June 20, 2013

"I have frequent urinary tract infections, and I've taken this many times but hadn't in five or so years because my urinary tract infection became resistant to it. Now, since I'm taking it again, it's given me the jitters and acid reflux, but those are still better than cystitis."

8 / 10
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26 Report
  • Mus...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2015

"I have had these urinary tract infections, and the only thing that works quickly is the Bactrim DS. It works in a matter of days. Side effects are different for everyone, but as mild as mine have been, I would choose this over any other antibiotic. Very happy! Make sure that you always take the full dose and the whole bottle as prescribed, even though it feels like it's going away."

10 / 10
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19 Report

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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.