Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Stay away!!!! The worst drug!! Been jumping out of my skin, jittery, feels like I’m high, even feels like it’s not even helping my condition of a UTI. Called Dr. to switch my antibiotic. Never again!! If a different Dr. suggests this med in the future, I will say NO!!! Give me something else...."

• Mr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I'm on my fourth 800/160 pill of Bactrim, treating MRSA infection, which has also caused my lymph nodes behind my knee and groin to swell and hurt. I initially took doxycycline for about 4 days, with worsening infection. Bactrim worked day 1. The infection started to clear, and lymph swelling and pain are going away. Unfortunately, I had severe anxiety, including shaking, tightness in my chest, very dizzy, and feelings of doom. It's possible this was brought on by me overreacting to a slight side effect, but this is a very strong antibiotic. It works, but you might have to suffer through it. Not fun."

• Hhh...
• November 15, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "I’ve been taking this and am randomly getting anxiety and a jittery feeling. I also keep having weird dreams since I’ve been on it. I had an ear/near my tooth infection. I’m allergic to amoxicillin, so I was prescribed Bactrim. I’m on the 8th day, and I feel insomnia and anxiety. My feet are also really cold. It fluctuates, but I’ll be quitting tomorrow since I don’t feel like myself."

• Hhh...
• November 15, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "I’ve been taking this and am randomly getting anxiety and a jittery feeling. I also keep having weird dreams since I’ve been on it. I had an ear/near my tooth infection. I’m allergic to amoxicillin, so I was prescribed Bactrim. I’m on the 8th day, and I feel insomnia and anxiety. My feet are also really cold. It fluctuates, but I’ll be quitting tomorrow since I don’t feel like myself."

• K2b...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim for UTI, which it seems to have helped, but now I have painful sores all around my lips and some on the roof of my mouth. I seem to have an increase in anxiety and appear to myself dizziness, being off-balance and significant weight loss. So, I threw it out even though I've only taken it 3 full days, and I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack. Going into a doctor right now, but they can jump in the lake if they think I'm going to finish this...period. Horrible medication!"

• MLB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2019

For Kidney Infections "Everyone processes pharmaceuticals differently. After a prior unpleasant experience with Macrobid, I requested an alternative this time around and was prescribed Bactrim DS. I had a great experience and would take it again in the future if needed. My symptoms cleared up quickly, and I felt fine while on it. No GI side effects. I was a tiny bit 'jittery' on Day 1, but otherwise felt quite well. Be incredibly vigilant about drinking tons of WATER (not just any fluids). Even though I drank lots of water, I did still feel dehydrated while on Bactrim DS, but I just kept at it. It can take a few days to get your hydration to normal levels even once you've stopped taking it, so keep drinking TONS of water for several days afterward. And I mean more than you think you will need."

• Kyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "My experience with this drug is horror. The first night I took the drug, everything was fine. I've been on an anxiety medication prior to taking Bactrim. However, the anxiety that I felt day 2 was like anxiety I've never felt before! I've thrown up in the past, but with Bactrim, I couldn't eat anything! I threw up almost every meal that I ate and woke up all throughout the night! The nausea and insomnia were so bad, these resulted in even more heightened anxiety levels. I stopped taking it after 3 days because I could not handle it! It did help my infection, but in my opinion, it wasn't worth it."

• Gui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Prostatitis "This stuff should be out of the market. I took it for 3.5 days and got almost all side effects of it. The worst is anxiety, which you cannot get rid of/reverse until the last drop of Bactrim leaves your body, not talking about kidney and lung damage, plus super muscle pains. Drink a lot of water and quit it once you notice that this drug is not for you. Just thankful that I am alive..."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "The 4th day of taking it (along with Cephalexin) for a wound on my ankle that became inflamed and appeared infected. I’m currently recovering from the 4th anxiety and depression episode in my life (I’m 53), so I have to keep that in mind. This drug doesn’t affect my GI system at all. I am taking a probiotic with it. What it does do is increase my anxiety and depression, which I experience as hot flushes, sweating, pounding heart, gloominess. It is distressing. I am trying to push through because it is helping the wound heal. But if you are one of us folks who suffer from anxiety and/or depression, please just be aware that it may exacerbate your symptoms."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "After two days of taking the sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim medication, I started having panic attacks, anxiety, intense cold, among others. It's been three years since I took it. Since then, I've been on antidepressants."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim 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."

• jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim 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."

• Uns...
• June 22, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed this almost 2 years ago for a skin infection but quit taking it after 3 days because of severe anxiety, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and who knows what else. At the time, I was dealing with panic attacks, so when my current doctor prescribed it last week, I decided, since I was feeling better, to give it one last effort. Days 1-2 were good. Skin was clearing, and other than being tired, I had no side effects. By day 3, I got a headache that was relentless, I was shaky, couldn't sleep at night but couldn't stay awake during the day, diarrhea started, and I quit the medicine at my doctor's advice. It's been over 48 hours since my last dose, and I still feel like crap. My neck hurts, and I'm still feeling incredibly anxious."

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim 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."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed Bactrim at the clinic for suspected UTI. 3 pills later - swallowing and throat issues which lasted a couple of months, digestion problems, loss of appetite and weight, horrible anxiety for 4 months, just lessening now at 5 months. Horrible med for me. Never again. Makes me never want to take another med."

• Dan...
• September 15, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I had an ingrown toenail, so my podiatrist removed it and put me on cephalexin for a week. After taking all of them, my toe was still infected. She put me on Bactrim to be taken twice a day for 10 days. Twenty-four hours after my first dose, my mood completely changed. I was depressed and miserable. Day 2, I was spinning, it was impossible to function for daily tasks, and I had no appetite. Day 3, I had a full-blown panic attack, then extreme anxiety, and following that, several heart palpitations. Day 6, I had a rash across my midsection. I stopped taking them that day and called my podiatrist, as my toe still wasn't getting better. She advised I stop and see her later on that day. She wound up removing another piece of nail that had been left behind. When I told her all of the symptoms, she said that I'm allergic. As a person who suffers from food allergies, this terrified me. After a week, the nausea, headache, and spinning started to lighten up, but it took around two months to get back to my normal routine. And to think... these symptoms are NORMAL for this medication."

• Anonymous
• July 3, 2010

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Please make sure you are not allergic to this drug. I had no idea I was and ended up with horrible allergic reactions. Shortness of breath, heavy chest, rapid pulse - it was at 120 beats per minute for 2 days straight, now it comes and goes. It has been 4 days, and I am not better. I really have felt like an anxiety or panic attack is happening all the time."

• Bex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I've taken Bactrim in the past, usually just have gastrointestinal issues. This time, beginning day 3 of 7, I felt like I was hypoglycemic, nervous, jittery, anxious, and like my heart was racing. Day 6 of 7, my resting heart rate was 142, anxiety so bad I was crying. I called the hospital that prescribed it and the nurses talked to two doctors and never heard of anything like that. I said, 'never mind that it's listed under severe side effects, right?' I stopped taking it then (the doctor said I could keep taking it or stop, it doesn't matter). Twenty-four hours later, I'm back to normal. Resting heart rate is 83. I'll never take Bactrim again."

• Bex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I've taken Bactrim in the past, usually just have gastrointestinal issues. This time, beginning day 3 of 7, I felt like I was hypoglycemic, nervous, jittery, anxious, and like my heart was racing. Day 6 of 7, my resting heart rate was 142, anxiety so bad I was crying. I called the hospital that prescribed it and the nurses talked to two doctors and never heard of anything like that. I said, 'never mind that it's listed under severe side effects, right?' I stopped taking it then (the doctor said I could keep taking it or stop, it doesn't matter). Twenty-four hours later, I'm back to normal. Resting heart rate is 83. I'll never take Bactrim again."

• Bex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I've taken Bactrim in the past, usually just have gastrointestinal issues. This time, beginning day 3 of 7, I felt like I was hypoglycemic, nervous, jittery, anxious, and like my heart was racing. Day 6 of 7, my resting heart rate was 142, anxiety so bad I was crying. I called the hospital that prescribed it and the nurses talked to two doctors and never heard of anything like that. I said, 'never mind that it's listed under severe side effects, right?' I stopped taking it then (the doctor said I could keep taking it or stop, it doesn't matter). Twenty-four hours later, I'm back to normal. Resting heart rate is 83. I'll never take Bactrim again."

• Bex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I've taken Bactrim in the past, usually just have gastrointestinal issues. This time, beginning day 3 of 7, I felt like I was hypoglycemic, nervous, jittery, anxious, and like my heart was racing. Day 6 of 7, my resting heart rate was 142, anxiety so bad I was crying. I called the hospital that prescribed it and the nurses talked to two doctors and never heard of anything like that. I said, 'never mind that it's listed under severe side effects, right?' I stopped taking it then (the doctor said I could keep taking it or stop, it doesn't matter). Twenty-four hours later, I'm back to normal. Resting heart rate is 83. I'll never take Bactrim again."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I took Bactrim 500 mg tablets twice a day for 4 days and felt fine. Day 5... not so much. I got extremely dizzy and super anxious about literally nothing. Don't tell my doctor, but I'm done taking them. Ha. Not really worth it. I only have 1.5 days left, so maybe I'll take it right before bed, but we'll see..... I'm not giving it one star because my symptoms did improve."

• Jol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I had the worst experience with Bactrim. The first day, I had a 101.8 fever, chills, uncontrollable shaking, anxiety, rash, and fast heartbeat. The next day, I was extremely achy, nauseous, and could not eat anything the whole day. I stopped taking it after the second day, and my symptoms are getting better after a day, but I still feel cruddy and have a bad headache."

• Chr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I had a UTI and was in a lot of pain. I was prescribed Bactrim. Never again. After 3 days, my anxiety flew through the roof. I couldn't sit still, and my mind was racing. It was so scary for me. I made sure it is written on my profile that I cannot take this med. It took 2 days to get out of my system."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was scared to death to take this medication. I got the Bactrim on a Friday night and didn't have the courage to take it until Sunday night. The horror stories I read about it almost gave me a panic attack just thinking about the what-ifs. Luckily, I haven't had any side effects other than my lips burned a bit after the first dose, and I was jittery. I am sure to eat a full meal before taking the dose."