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Bactrim DS User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Bactrim DS has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 390 reviews on Drugs.com. 34% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 44% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Bactrim DS

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ann...
  • June 7, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed this medicine for an upper respiratory infection and sinus infection. The first day it helped me sleep taking the two pills. My third day, I was feeling a lot better, able to get out of bed, felt like everything was going away. Later in the night on my third day, I started having chest pains, peeing a lot, and extremely tired. My fourth day, I was having more chest pain and my brain felt cloudy. I'm on my fifth day, and I don't know if I'm going to continue it. Started getting short of breath and lightheaded. Starting to feel how I was feeling before I started the medicine. I wouldn't recommend it at all."

1 / 10
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  • Man...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 27, 2012

For Acne "I have been taking this medicine for a week, and my pimples are significantly smaller, which is a plus because I've had severe acne for 3 years now. The only problem is that it gives me insomnia, sweats, headaches in the mornings, stomach sickness, and nausea. The side effects are brutal, and I'm considering finding another solution. This is the third acne medicine I've tried and has helped the most, but also affected me the most negatively."

5 / 10
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28 Report
  • y12...
  • March 17, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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Frequently asked questions

  • hum...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 1, 2019

For Prostatitis "Had TURP 17 years ago for prostate... not a great success. Recently had discomfort and some blood passing post-arousal. Not sure if prostatitis or UTI or both. Doc prescribed 10 days Bactrim 800 mg at 2 per day. All clear after 2 days, but some minor hives."

9 / 10
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  • Car...
  • November 10, 2020

For Kidney Infections "If you are someone with any sort of stomach sensitivities, food sensitivities, IBS, etc., I strongly recommend you DO NOT use this antibiotic. I am someone with a very sensitive digestive system and am prone to stomach bugs. I had a really bad UTI that led to a kidney infection. My first course of antibiotics was gentle, but the infection returned after finishing the course. My doctor recommended Bactrim to get the infection off completely. I suppose it worked, because my urine sample came back normal. However, I could not finish the course because of extreme side effects: complete loss of appetite, constant vomiting, diarrhea, chills, shaking, panic attacks, the works. I will never take this antibiotic again. Now, almost a week later, I still can hardly eat and have constant abdominal pain."

2 / 10
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  • Ick...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 22, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Eri...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 30, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "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

For Urinary Tract Infection "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

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Mag...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Hea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 10, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Anonymous
  • May 20, 2009

For Urinary Tract Infection "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

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • jam...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 3, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Was on the Bactrim antibiotic for 1 week to clear up epididymitis. It took around 4-5 days to notice any difference, and I didn't really experience any sort of side effects other than anxiety, which is something I already struggle with anyway, but it seemed to amplify it, and at times I felt confused and kind of dizzy. Make sure to drink lots of water, and also, I would recommend taking it with food to avoid any stomach problems. Overall, the pain from epididymitis is gone, and that is all I care about, I think the side effects are worth it, and remember they are only temporary."

6 / 10
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  • MLo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 23, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • spa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • mis...
  • September 30, 2014

For Acne "I am 24 years old and have struggled with hormonal acne for the past year. I turned into a hermit. I tried a few things with my GP - changed my pill to Estelle - waited 3 months, but nothing changed, it only worsened. I tried many, many, many face washes, was prescribed Eryacne and doxycycline, which helped for a short period of time until it came back. I had had enough and decided to get a referral to a dermatologist - I wish I had done this sooner! He gave me Bactrim, which I was to take twice a day for 2 months as well as Epiduo gel. This combination was my savior! I am now down to 1 tablet a day for another 2 months, using Epiduo every second night. This is amazing and cleared up my acne, but it does make you VERY sensitive to the sun."

10 / 10
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  • Nei...
  • August 12, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "Have been taking this medicine for 5 days for cellulitis that developed on my leg below the knee. I had waited 7 days prior to seeking treatment. The first three days after getting an injection, type not known, thick solution, and needle, and taking Bactrim and Cephalexin showed little signs of improvement. The 4th day showed signs of reduced swelling, the 5th day swelling all but gone, reduced redness and warmth at the site. The 6th day redness reduced greatly and leg feels normal. However, side effects: extreme fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, overall ill feeling. Overall benefits outweigh side effects."

7 / 10
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  • Rho...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Dre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "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

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Ell...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Ter...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 20, 2017

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I have been taking Bactrim DS for an infection in my toe from a pedicure. It's been 4 days of not feeling human. I'm terribly exhausted. It feels like trying to stay awake after taking NyQuil. After day 2, I started getting bad headaches. I'm only on it for seven days, so I'm going to suffer through it, but the side effects are almost unbearable."

2 / 10
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  • Red...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 24, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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  • Ano...
  • December 27, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "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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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.