Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection User Reviews (Page 2)

• Hil...
• July 1, 2019

"Have been struggling with UTIs despite my many and varied preventive measures. Had some backup Bactrim that I tried instead of the Augmentin I was prescribed. On both occasions, within a half hour, I was in massive extreme discomfort, my vagina was on fire. I assumed I had developed a curiously fast yeast infection and treated it that way but with little success. Having done some research, I now see it’s a less common but real side effect, similar to a swollen tongue or hives, the vagina is the area affected. Lesson learned, but terrible that this side effect isn’t mentioned more commonly, a nightmare."

• DAB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2017

"I don't know what it is with all these users reporting ineffectiveness or side effects. Maybe mostly people who have complaints are the ones who take the trouble to write reviews. I had a UTI, and a few hours after taking the first pill of Bactrim, my symptoms started to clear. On my third pill now and no side effects and starting to feel better than I have in weeks."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2020

"Just like everyone else, I was scared to take the antibiotic Bactrim because of reviews. I took it with a light snack and a lot of water and was fine. I had a slight headache, but I was also stressing about the UTI, especially since Valentine's Day is coming. I was prescribed 2 pills a day for 3 days. I went last night for a urine sample, and all is clear. Love that I only had to take this for 3 days. I also didn't get a yeast infection, but took Good Belly along with it."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2013

"Had a 7-day prescription of Bactrim DS. The first two days, I had a headache. By the 3rd day, I started feeling nausea, which turned into nausea, dizziness, and constant fatigue. I've been off the medicine for 36 hours and still feel extremely exhausted, dizzy, and a little queasy at times."

• Mit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2016

"This is an amazing drug. I've never had any side effects besides that one where my bladder infection went away. If you're reading people's posts who have horrible side effects, they probably have an easily upset stomach. Don't eat or drink water. In most people, these don't cause side effects when properly taken. Or allergic! I wouldn't be too worried."

• Ans...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2013

"I was prescribed Bactrim DS 2x a day for 10 days to clear a urinary tract infection. I was having nausea, acid reflux, and intestinal/digestive issues that felt like irritable bowel syndrome or stomach flu by the 3rd day. After the 5th day, I decided to stop taking it, and the infection is gone along with all side effects. I am glad I decided to stop taking it, it seems Bactrim DS 2x a day was a bit too much for me."

• ell...
• November 11, 2013

"Make sure Bactrim is actually the correct medication for your UTI! I took Bactrim for 4 days with no relief before my doctor's office got the results back from my UA and realized that Bactrim is resistant to the bacteria causing my UTI. Now I am taking Cipro and it seems to be doing the trick. I did not have any side effects with Bactrim though, it just didn't work for me."

• Anonymous
• October 9, 2009

"I never had an allergic reaction until I took this medication. Now I learned the hard way I'm allergic to sulfa drugs. After one dose, I had a lot of serious side effects: high fever, intense stomach pain, insomnia, hallucinations, anxiety, non-stop chills/shaking, vomiting, and rash. Needless to say, I ended up in the hospital for 3 days. I think that you need to be careful when taking the drug and be aware of all the serious side effects."

• Cam...
• September 6, 2020

"Took sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim for a minor testicular infection. I got very sick. It caused chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, and sharp pains all over my body. The doctor told me it was in my head, and I kept taking it. I eventually ended up in the hospital and was so sick I could barely sleep. It’s been a month since I took this drug, and while some of the problems are gone, I still have very bad muscle weakness, cramping in my legs, and sharp pains that feel like nerve damage. I’ve seen many doctors all agree that Bactrim did something to my system. I urge you to not take this drug. I haven’t had any response from my doctor since I called with all my symptoms. It has gotten so severe I’m starting to think my life might never be the same, and I was completely healthy, a 21-year-old before this. DO NOT TAKE THIS."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2020

"This drug is terrible! Run if the doctor prescribes this. Day 1, I had a headache and aches to my kidneys. Like I could literally feel the pain in my kidneys! I felt bloated, vomiting, fever of 101, pain in my kidneys, jittery, and chills. Please, please don't take it. The ratio of the ones that had no symptoms to the ones who did is a big difference! I took it for 2 days, then threw the rest down the toilet. The ONLY good thing was I took 1 dose, and the next day felt relief... but still... eff this stuff!"

• Ann...
• December 17, 2016

"I was prescribed Bactrim DS for a severe UTI and a 7-day, twice-a-day schedule. On the second day of dosage, I began having flu-like symptoms such as dizzy spells, nausea, aches, weakness, and I felt so sick I thought I was going to die. I felt worse each day, and by the 6th day of dosage, I had to return to my doctor. He said I must have had a severe allergy to this medicine. He gave me a shot of antibiotics and a prescription of 500 mg Amoxicillin. I am finally feeling better. The Bactrim did not work on me. They put a note in my chart to not prescribe Bactrim to me again. I think that some people have allergies to this, I know I do. Hope my story helps you."

• Urm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2017

"Prescribed generic Bactrim DS, 2x/day for 3 days. Just took my last dose and minimal side effects. I always ate a big, substantial meal before taking this medication even though I had a loss of appetite (ate food that had tons of starch). Also, drank tons of water after and throughout the day. I was constantly peeing, but at least I knew I was drinking enough. Had minor upset stomach and fatigue, but still very functional, especially when the pain from UTI was gone. Took a day and a half to feel relief."

• Sin...
• September 13, 2019

"I was prescribed Bactrim DS for a UTI. I drank a full glass of water with every dose and continued to drink large amounts of water throughout the day. I also made sure to take this on a full stomach. I’m a healthy 26-year-old female and this is my first UTI. After taking Bactrim for 24 hours, I experienced severe side effects. I had debilitating kidney pain and lower back pain, severe gas, foamy explosive diarrhea, bloating, racing heart rate, severe anxiety (almost to the point of paranoia), and brain fog. I could not even hold a simple conversation. I felt like I was dying. After reading many reviews online, I discovered these same side effects have affected so many others while taking Bactrim. Once the drug was out of my system and I discontinued use, these side effects subsided. This antibiotic may work for some, but be aware of the possible severe side effects when you are assessing the risk of taking Bactrim."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2019

"I've had multiple UTIs in my life, so I know what it feels like when I'm getting one. Tuesday night I had symptoms, so I went to the doctor the morning after. Got prescribed Bactrim DS. I did what everyone shouldn't do and Googled reviews. I was so scared to take it, but I felt 100% fine. I was a little dizzy when I first took it, but I honestly think that it was all in my head. This is the only medicine I take for UTIs. I suggest taking it with food to prevent nausea. But no dizziness. No nausea. No fever. And my infection feels better already."

• CB1...
• April 21, 2015

"This is definitely my favorite medicine to treat urinary tract infections. I have a longstanding history with UTIs, one even sent me to the ER. The best part about this medicine is that it works quickly, and I feel relief within the first dose, which is great. I tried nitrofurantoin once and absolutely hated it because of the side effects and will stick with this. Luckily I've never experienced any negative side effects, and I've taken it with and without food. No nausea, nothing! It's definitely a hefty-sized pill, though."

• can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2018

"I had smelly urine but not the usual symptoms of UTI, but the doctor put me on this and by the 4th day still had a problem and felt sick - listless, not able to eat, stomach felt like it was full and heavy. By day 8 of taking it, my son convinced me to stop the medication. I did and felt a bit better, but it is now a month later and I have lost 14 lbs and am barely able to stomach any food. I almost throw up when even thinking about eating! I have to force myself to eat--not at all happy!!!!!"

• ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2020

"My anxiety and mental health were under control until I got a mild UTI and was prescribed Bactrim. My heart rate skyrocketed for days, it induced panic attacks. I had no idea what was happening to me until I looked up the reviews and realized I was reacting to the Bactrim. My heart rate reached 130 bpm at one point, and I went to the doctor to have my heart checked. I took 4 doses and will never take this again. It ruined my life. Two weeks later, I’m still recovering from the anxiety it caused. I am angry this medication was prescribed to me."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2019

"I was prescribed sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SMZ/TMP) twice a day for 7 days for a UTI. I have one pill left, almost all the symptoms are gone. The first day I took the pill, I was extremely sleepy. Every day after that, I had a horrible headache in the back of my head and a stiff neck that came and went every few hours, also brought on by light sensitivity. Nausea, out of breath at times, cold sweat on exertion, and jittery."

• Jes...
• May 19, 2014

"Felt mild relief. Doc said it should be gone in 3 days, gave me enough to take it for 5 days in case it was not gone. I also experienced fevers and achiness. Not pleasant. Every day I had discomfort, and today I am out of it and feel terrible with my urinary tract symptoms again."

• Kit...
• May 10, 2014

"I was prescribed Bactrim and felt worse right away. After reading the side effects, I told myself that what I was feeling was normal. I took the prescribed dosage (2 per day) for 5 days, feeling even worse on the 5th day - shaky, diarrhea, headache, nervousness, unable to sleep. Then, after some research, I discovered that there also were interaction side effects with my blood pressure medications."

• Gid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

"Bactrim DS, taken twice a day, has been effective for each UTI I’ve had. It covers a resistant strain of E. coli and has been effective all the times I’ve taken it. I just make sure to eat a meal prior to taking it, and I’m fine."

• Fre...
• October 29, 2017

"I used to get UTIs every month or two until I finally started my daily dose of raw organic apple cider vinegar with “mother” mixed with honey water. It has been the only thing that has helped. I am now on my 8th month of no UTIs! It really surprised me as I’m not big into homeopathic remedies."

• non...
• April 13, 2012

"I also had similar experiences and side effects like lethargy, shaking, confusion slightly, severe fatigue, headaches, aches, and pains, but kept taking the medicine anyway because the pain of a urinary tract infection is much, much worse. I'd rather suffer for a short time with these symptoms than suffer with a bladder infection."

• Tld...
• February 27, 2021

"Day 1: Prescribed 1 pill twice a day for 7 days. The medication seemed to be working, and I was urinating like normal. Day 2: That night, I ended up experiencing terrible pain on the inside and outside of my vagina, such as burning, itching, redness, and swelling. I thought it could be a reaction, but I wasn’t sure. Day 3: That morning, I ended up experiencing the same terrible pain, but it was more severe. At this point, I could hardly move, sit, or stand without it hurting. It felt like ulcers on the inside and outside of my vagina due to the terrible burning sensation. That night, the pain got even worse. I ended up having chills and body aches, possibly a low-grade fever. Day 4: I stopped taking the medication. I decided that this medication is not worth the symptoms and advised my doctor that I would not be continuing the medication. If I could rate my symptoms on a scale from 1-10, I would rate it at a 15. I will NEVER take this medication again."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2019

"Fought a UTI for over a week and finally gave up and went to the doctor earlier today. He prescribed Bactrim DS twice a day for 10 days, and within an hour of my first dose, the pain was gone. I’d hardly been able to leave the bathroom for almost a full day, and all it took was one pill for me not to be absolutely miserable. I was an idiot for waiting and have had no unpleasant side effects."