Bactrim DS and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• TLM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Have had 6 UTIs over the course of 9 months. Took this medication once for the first one, knocked me on my rear, made me feel very sick, like the flu. It did clear it up. Then put on different antibiotics for the other UTIs, and the diarrhea it caused was unbearable. This time, had to go to the ER, a lot of blood in urine, was pretty sick. They gave me Bactrim and I'm taking it for 7 days, still have another 7 days. Makes me very tired, and my eyes have been very itchy and swollen. But it is clearing up the infection. Going to have to stop taking it, cannot stand the itchy eyes, fatigue, weakness, plus headache."

• MSh...
• October 4, 2015

For Sinusitis "I suffer from frequent severe migraines and disclosed this info to the physician during my visit. Recent sinus infections I took a Z-pack and was done, but this time was my first time taking Bactrim DS. Painful headaches, stomach aches, constipation even after drinking water frequently daily. Hoping I don't get the yeast infection or any other issues some patients complain about."

• flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have been taking Bactrim now for about a week and a half for a UTI and MRSA. I am sure it's working because the kidney pain has subsided, however, the nausea is so crucial it's like the worst nausea I've ever had in my life. Not to mention headache and chills. Ugh, I don't know if it's worth it."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2010

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have taken it before, and it seemed to clear my urinary tract infection up well. However, this last time, after my first pill (in the afternoon), I felt flushed, bad headache, chills, some pain inhaling breaths, and facial swelling the morning when I woke up, though it went down quickly."

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2018

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Never ever again will I take this medication. Ended up in the ER with what they said was cellulitis. Gave me Bactrim and Keflex to take. After taking the Bactrim, just after one day, headaches started. On day 4, I woke up and could not move any of my body, as every muscle, joint, neck, and head was so sore and aching. Went straight to urgent care, and they took me off the antibiotics. Still having severe pains all over, and I'm hoping it's just because the medication is still in my system. Seriously, do not take this. There are plenty more antibiotics to take than this and going through this also."

• nic...
• October 31, 2015

For Kidney Infections "I started taking Bactrim 2 days ago for a bladder infection, and it is terrible because I feel like I have the flu... body aches, headache, nausea... I just called the doctor to tell her I'm not taking any more. The bladder infection is nothing compared to the way this med made me feel!!! It seems like it has been cut with some sort of poison before it gets to the US!!! I just hope I regain strength because I feel so weak from the pain my body has been through!!!"

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2019

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS for an infected callus between my toes. I am diabetic and take Tramadol for fibromyalgia and take extra potassium. All three were listed as serious drug interactions, but the pharmacist assured me I would be okay. Three days in, I was miserable. Headaches, exhaustion, nausea, and loss of appetite. And no, my urine didn't change to orange. And I drank lots of water too. I finally had to discontinue it."

• Msa...
• March 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I would give this a 0 if I could: this was absolutely horrible. I have had a breathing problem since I started it. I got it Monday night, took one pill with a full glass of water, and had a small meal due to not having an appetite. I waited 2 hours to lay down, when I laid down to try to sleep, I just couldn't. When I would close my eyes, it's like my brain wouldn't shut off. So I stayed up until 3 in the morning, slept for a little bit, then got up. I had a headache after I laid back down, but it went away. The next day I felt okay but was still having a hard time breathing. I was confused at first, but it went away, so I have been dealing with this for 3 days. I went in to see my doctor, and she took me off it and prescribed something else to help with the 'UTI' and a steroid for my chest. I have not had an appetite for the past 3 days. I would be careful with this drug, and if you don't have to take it, then don't."

• Ami...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Bactrim didn’t really work for me, it stopped the blood in my urine, but I don’t feel like it killed the infection (E. coli) because I still go pee a lot, especially during the night (which makes me sleep only about 3 hours), and it takes me about 10+ seconds to start. The only side effects I experienced were nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Wouldn’t recommend this drug."

• Ugh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2020

For Kidney Infections "Day two, second dose put me out all day. Migraine, pulsating, throbbing headache was so bad. Threw up twice, which caused me to fall down from the immense pain in my head. It was amplified by vomiting. I'm afraid to take another pill as it just calmed down after 10 hours of torture."

• vch...
• December 28, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I've never experienced any side effects from antibiotics. But this stuff is scary. I took my second dose today, and after 2 hrs, I started to feel light-headed, my heart started racing, and a strong headache came on top of it. It is getting better now after 14 hrs. I refuse to take it any longer and let my body do the job."

• Ean...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Asked to be prescribed this because I was prescribed it a year and a half ago for a UTI and did not have any side effects. This time around, where I am only on day two and the symptoms of the UTI have, for the most part, cleared, I have experienced debilitating headaches, constant fatigue, and had some anxiety yesterday morning. Luckily, I have become better with reducing my anxiety, but it does not matter how much water or food I intake, the headaches are just lingering and hover only on one side of my head over my eye. I also experienced a period of nausea so far. I am supposed to be on this for another five days and am hoping I will only need to be on for another few instead. I don't think I can complete the prescription with the borderline migraines I have been getting."

• Lys...
• July 20, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I am taking this for cellulitis. I have been on it for 5 days, and the swelling has gone down significantly, but the side effects are really crappy. I feel achy, hot, and I have a headache, and my joints hurt, but I'm not sure if this is also from having Lyme disease in the past."

• Whe...
• March 20, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "Worked after three doses, but that is when the headache started. No relief from headache with Tylenol or Motrin. I'm going to ask Dr. for a different drug. Also seemed to get chapped lips, dry hands, and did get low blood sugar accompanied by sweating on the third day on this medicine. UTI seems to be cured though."

• kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "It is important to know medications affect everyone differently. Your genetic chemical makeup is not the same as Sue or Bill. FYI, you are encouraged to drink lots of water when taking Bactrim. Not everyone will have the same symptoms. It is a sulfa drug, so if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs, then you might want to tell your doctor. Let him know and they can prescribe you something else. The only thing I've had symptom-wise with Bactrim is a headache, and ibuprofen will normally help with the body aches and headache. But if you are having any adverse reactions, it's a good idea to let your physician or pharmacy know. Zofran is good for nausea, and Benadryl may be effective with hives or rash. But if you have any concerns, please consult a medical professional."

• Apr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was given Bactrim DS twice a day for 5 days for what they thought was a UTI. I took it for 2.5 days, until they pulled me off of it because I ended up not having a UTI. I didn't have any side effects during the time I was on it, a slight dull headache in the afternoon. I ate with it and drank lots of water. I was warned by the pharmacist you can develop a rash; I don't believe this would have occurred for me."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Bacterial Skin Infection "The skin infection is healing, I think, so far, been 4 days. I started taking Bactrim for a wound not healing after plastic surgery. It looks healthier now, but not healed. Raging headaches since I started the medication. The biggest thing is discharge and a UTI that formed after I started. Side effects are horrible, I can barely walk due to the severity of the UTI. But it seems to be helping the wound. This is the 3rd time in the course of ten years or so I’ve taken Bactrim, every time I get a UTI."

• Roo...
• November 5, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "57-year-old female. Feeling fine. Went to my annual physical. Urine sample showed high white blood count. (Sign of a UTI, never had one and had no symptoms. Dr. prescribed Bactrim DS for 7 days anyway. (After my symptoms began, I researched my high WBC in urine could be due to the start of menopause - no need for antibiotics there!!) I am a non-drinking vegan who drinks 32 oz of water per day. I initially had a little stomach gas, but on day 5 I had severe leg cramps, fatigue, headache, and a fever!! I stopped taking. Fever is gone. Headache comes and goes, but the leg cramps are still here on day 3 after stopping Bactrim! Is my liver damaged? This is a sign of cirrhosis! When will it stop?"

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2011

For Urinary Tract Infection "Have a persistent urinary tract infection and took this medication about four weeks ago. The urinary tract infection came back, so a second go-around. This time, after one pill, I had a hefty case of hives and a very sore tongue and headache for about two days."

• PJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Ugh... horrible! Couldn't even get through day 2. Headache, extreme nausea, and headache. This will sound weird, but my face felt 'wind burned.' I hope this feeling will soon be over. Not a good idea to Google symptoms either lol... good luck :) wish I had a better experience."

• TJa...
• April 6, 2020

For Bacterial Skin Infection "It’s not a very fun game to play when you wonder if you’re coming down with the Rona. I have a moon-looking infection on my nose. It was treated like shingles twice, and it never went away, so now I’m on Bactrim. The headache is severe, I’ve never had anything like it in my life, and I’m 52. I cannot quite explain-it’s like in the middle of my head behind my eyes, but also when I turn my head, it hurts, and I can’t really move my head around. Very severe. I took four ibuprofen, then acetaminophen next, and one Excedrin, and it’s not gone. I haven’t slept a wink in two days. I’m exhausted, and my heart rate was recorded as 100 when I did sleep."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Remember, you are taking this medicine to heal, to protect yourself from any worse infection. This is my second time on Bactrim. I took two doses (160/80 mg) each day for a week. I had no side effects besides a bit of photosensitivity and a little upset stomach. Towards the end, I started to get a big headache and a little pressure, but it went away. Like most people, the other reviews made me very scared, however, everyone’s experience is different. Don’t let that discourage you! Unless you’re allergic to sulfa drugs, this won’t hurt you, it will help you! I hope this helps anyone who is a bit hesitant about taking this. I totally understand what you’re going through, just have the courage to push through and take care of your body!"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this medication for a post-op infection. Within 12 hours of starting the medication, I developed a fever and rash. I continued taking the medication for 4 more days, as I did not realize it was an allergic reaction. Within the next 4 days, I developed a severe headache, vomiting, my fingers went numb, severe eye redness, severe weakness to the point I had trouble walking, and decreased urination. My doctor immediately took me off the medication and had blood work done. My liver enzymes were sky-high. The symptoms stopped as soon as the medication was discontinued, but it took about 6 months to get feeling back in my fingers."

• Bat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "This stuff is nightmare fuel. I’m on the third day, my UTI is still lingering, and I feel worse than I’ve felt in a long time. Constant headache, weak, shaky, anxious, dizzy, itchy??? And the diarrhea is just a fun little bonus. I would say if you’re highly sensitive to medications like I am, and you’re taking this stuff for a UTI, go and get a urine test to make sure Bactrim is the right stuff for you. Do not take this unless it’s your only option. I’m sure for those with sturdier constitutions this stuff is fine, but I’m not one of those people, and I feel horrible."

• FIR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2024

For Kidney Infections "I am not a huge fan of how I feel while on it. I have had significant constipation, a slight headache, and some slight lightheadedness. A little bit of tiredness. I also don't like how large the pills are. Other than that, though, I have tolerated it well. I have been drinking so much water (10+ glasses) a day on it too. Does not seem to upset my stomach (other than the constipation discomfort). I do fear, though, that it is not knocking out my kidney infection as I am still having some symptoms while on it for 10 days."