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

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Acne "While I was only on Bactrim for one week, I feel like it was an experience to share! In this week, I did notice a difference in my skin, and it was probably the best my face has ever looked. That being said, I developed allergy symptoms pretty quickly but did not make the connection right away. High fever and nausea for a few days before a full-body rash on the 8th day. I was taking two pills a day. Always watch for symptoms and consult the doctor. I would still recommend this medication to others as it appeared VERY promising at clearing up my moderate hormonal acne. If I could go on it again, I would."

• hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for 5 days for UTI and did not feel any relief until day 4. But from day 2, I had side effects like burning pain of the scalp with the slightest touch and dizziness with fast head movements. From day 4 on, I had a fever with chills. Then, a couple of hours after the last dose on day 5, I developed a skin rash of red dots all over my torso, arms, and face, the dots grew larger and also spread to my legs and feet by the end of the night. I had to take prednisone and antihistamine to control the rash and take another antibiotic to treat my UTI that Bactrim only partially treated."

• AF1...
• November 12, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Was given this after going to the doctor. 1st dose felt nauseous, chills, hot flashes, stomach pain, migraine in the center of my head that won't go away. Was able to nap a few hours. 2nd dose same symptoms plus no longer able to sleep, anxiety, can't focus, sweats, buzzing in my head, no appetite, funny taste in my mouth, muscles hurt, feel sick, thirsty. 3rd through 6th doses no changes in side effects, but these also occurred: tongue swollen, don't feel like myself, seeing flashing lights when I close my eyes, fever, runny nose, stiff neck, confusion, vertigo. The original problem went away but came back around the time for each dose. Masks the initial problem. Don't know if it's working. Feel like I'm dying."

• Jof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

For Infection Prophylaxis "Doc prescribed this to treat a Bartholin cyst, which was not infected, in hopes of avoiding infection. After a couple of days, I thought I was coming down with the flu. Sore throat, stiff neck, severe back pain, nausea, really red irritated eyes, my skin hurt, joint pain, fatigue, fever, headache, and loss of appetite. Stopped taking them to try other meds to treat 'flu.' My husband suggested it might be the drugs making me sick. Tried them again weeks later, and within a few hours, symptoms returned. Cyst is still here."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

For Prostatitis "This antibiotic sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim has been the absolute worst drug/medication I have ever taken in my entire life. From what I have seen in these reviews and from my personal experience, it should be a crime to state that the only side effect is diarrhea and that all other side effects are 'rare.' Not only did I have a constant 101-102 temperature, fever with chills, nausea, and headache, I also got to experience about 70% of the so-called 'rare' symptoms: neck and cheek swelling, constant face and chest itching, muscle pains, sharp pains, not soreness, tight chest, joint pains that are sharp, restless and sleepless nights, and so much more. I'm not sure if my condition was worse for the rest of my life or the 10 days of hell on this antibiotic."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for 3 days, 2x a day. The first two pills were fine, except I felt like I had taken NyQuil or pain relievers, I was delirious. The second day, I felt horrible with throbbing headaches and almost unbearable nausea and body aches, as well as a slight fever. Today is day 3, and I don’t even want to take them because I feel so horrible, and my mouth is dry, and I’m still so, so nauseated I can hardly move, and the pain is still there, as well as my fever. The last time I took it (May 2020), I only had a headache, so IDK why I feel absolutely like death this time. I don’t recommend Bactrim for anyone unless it’s the only option you have left because it’s horrible, and I haven’t felt this sick in my life, but my UTI is gone."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Got a nasty couple of mosquito bites that ended up streaking up my arms. Was prescribed Bactrim for the bacterial skin infection. First few days, my tummy was bad and not sleeping well. On the 7th day, I suddenly had the worst chills/shivers and low fever. By morning, my arms, legs, and torso were covered in a rash. Went to the ER and they immediately determined it was a Bactrim reaction. Said the drug is known to have nasty reactions and not sure why I was prescribed it when there are alternatives. If you have an alternative drug that is just as effective, not worth the risk."

• Lup...
• September 24, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Worse medicine ever, side effects are bad: severe headache, dizziness, fever, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, needle pain all over the body. Sure, it relieves UTI symptoms, but side effects are worse. I'm on day 2 of 3, but I don't want to keep taking it."

• Lyd...
• August 30, 2016

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was given a dosage of Bactrim for 10 days, 2 times a day for a spider bite. Side effects were nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, loopy feeling, slight fever, and loss of appetite. I had a general feeling of malaise and 'blah.' All I wanted to do was use the bathroom and sleep. I couldn't focus on anything at work. I couldn't make myself finish it. I stopped after day 5. It didn't matter if I ate a bunch of food or drank a lot of water while taking it. I was running to the bathroom. I have never had such bad side effects from any antibiotic. If there are complications to the spider bite, I'll go back to the doctor for something else."

• gel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Diverticulitis "Have been on Bactrim now for 9 days with the 10th day almost completed, for an intestinal infection. Around day 7, I started feeling achy with a mild fever and chills. I’ve also had some gastrointestinal uneasiness, headaches, and insomnia. Basically, the intestinal issue is resolved, so Bactrim did its job. But others should be aware of the side effects. I have to admit I had not fully informed myself about them. Side effects can be very uncomfortable, and I suppose that if they were much worse, they even could be dangerous."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "This drug needs to go. I was prescribed by my doctor two days ago. I took a total of 4 doses. After 15-20 minutes I took each dosage, I noticed I started to have flu-like symptoms. Runny nose, fever, major headache, body ache, and my symptoms are getting worse each day. Not getting better at all. And now I am sitting in my living room writing this review at 2 am because I was doing some research about the drug. I found some information on this site, and it proves that I am not crazy. I am currently having some bad headaches as we speak. This drug does more harm than good."

• Sla...
• August 17, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "This stuff worked really well but kicked my ass. I was on 1 pill 2x a day for 3 days. I was borderline concerned I was having a bad reaction, I am also allergic to penicillin. Fever, aches, sweating, headache. I had a fever and body ache before I started taking these meds, but it definitely exacerbated my symptoms. Had a bladder infection, which is why I was prescribed Bactrim. I missed 3 days of work, but my bladder was fine when I woke up day 2, I was just left over with the fever and headaches. The ‘sulfa’ aspect of it, OMG, it’s all I can smell and taste. I feel gross even after taking multiple showers. I feel like I have green smoke piping out of every pore. Also, side note: I’ve had psoriasis on both my elbows for about 8 years now, and after my shower on day 2, I noticed it was completely gone! Holy moly! Amazing. I’d still be hesitant to take again, it was pretty terrible. I’d do it if I really had to."

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Acne "Two weeks into my twice-daily Bactrim RX, and suddenly I felt like if I did not lie down, I would FALL down (EXTREME exhaustion feeling out of nowhere). Then I noticed I had a fever. I slept all morning and most of the afternoon. Woke feeling fine... UNTIL that evening, when once again I felt like if I did not lie down, that I would FALL down. And, once again, a fever. I went to bed very early, slept until morning. The next morning, I woke feeling much better. Figured I was coming down with something and gosh, at least I'm on an antibiotic. BUT shortly after taking the morning Bactrim, I had the exhaustion/fever slam me again. That is when the lightbulb finally went on that this was BACTRIM doing this to me. As I lay there shivering, I noticed my lip starting to itch. I discontinued the Bactrim and did well. = Allergy to Bactrim/Sulfa drugs."

• Rea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "At first, it was fine, I didn’t have any symptoms. I’ve never had a reaction to medication ever. I got really sick out of nowhere: fever, chills, sore muscles, dizziness, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, painful headaches, and behind-the-ear throbbing pain. Worst shit I ever took. I only have 4 days left, but I gave up. There’s no way I can finish this! Oh yeah, my UTI was not clearing up either!"

• Bac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2022

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed this for pneumonia for a 2 pills a day x 10 day regimen. I thought I was going crazy, and I have never had antibiotics affect me in this way. I am incredibly anxious, very lethargic, and depressed, I couldn’t drive from the infection and then from the drugs. They definitely affect your appetite and cause a continuous low-grade fever. It is now day 6, and I think the infection is better, but I would never take these again unless necessary. It’s not fun to have a drug that is supposed to help affect other aspects of your life, like not constantly being on the verge of an anxiety attack 24/7 or wanting to scream. If the benefits outweigh the side effects, then go for it, otherwise, stay clear, please!!"

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2011

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "First 2 1/2 days this seemed to be working for me. 3rd day developed a major headache and nausea. By day 4, I felt a bit feverish, but nothing major. By day 5, my entire body ached and I just wanted to sleep. The fever, although not high, continued to go up and down. By day 6, I felt just as bad, no headache, but nausea, feverish, chills, etc. Day 7, enlarged lymph nodes, stopped taking it. Day 8-9, severe rash all over body. Seeing now possible signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2018

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Was put on this medicine to clear up a staph infection on my skin. It cleared the infection up quickly, but when I only had 2 more days of the pills, I developed an allergic reaction. Swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, and crazy rash. Hoping it goes away soon."

• owi...
• January 4, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Was prescribed Bactrim-DS BID for 10 days for an infected cut on my wrist from punching glass. The first 2 days were HORRIBLE. I was tachycardic, nauseous, gassy, itchy on arms/legs, and had no appetite, jaw clenching, and severe panic attacks. Plus, my symptoms were just getting worse. I was forming clusters of stinging/itching blisters around my cuts, my wrist was swollen and warm to the touch, and I felt feverish. I ended up getting prescribed Keflex to take with Bactrim starting Day 3. Side effects subsided and symptoms got better. Some nights, I'd wake up at 3 AM with a panic attack that lasted until I took my next dose. Other nights, I'd be able to sleep just fine. Days 6-7, I got gas pain that felt like chest pain. The side effects didn't get better until Day 8. By then, all I had was some itchiness but no full-on rash. I never want to take this drug again. I give it 3 stars only because it did treat my infection despite taking all 10 days and all my willpower to pull through."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2019

For Kidney Infections "I waited too long to see my doctor as I had an upcoming appointment in 3 weeks. I knew something was up with my kidneys. The sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combo is helping, it’s fighting the infection. It’s the only prescribed med I’m on. Taking Tylenol in conjunction helps with fever and chills. Started med on Wednesday and Thursday was the worst day, felt like deep cramps within both kidneys. It is Saturday, I’m improving but not able to resume normal activities. I have 5 days left to take of this med. I can guarantee that I will completely take all, as prescribed. Advise: Don’t wait to see your doctor or clinic, etc. Take the meds as prescribed. Drink plenty of water. Rest, acetaminophen (Tylenol). Urinate frequently."

• Cec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "My teen daughter was given a 10-day course of Bactrim (and Keflex) for an infected bug bite, even though she isn’t allergic to penicillin. It seemed to work until day 6, she had a mild fever and rash. Then on day 8, her face was covered with a rash, and within half an hour of the first rash, her whole face ballooned, and her lips, throat, and nose were in pain. We rushed to the ER, and she had Benadryl in IV. It was scary, and so I wondered why the doctor prescribed it if the majority of users have had terrible experiences with it (the ER doctor immediately recognized my daughter’s allergic reaction to Bactrim, so it must have been quite a common thing!). I will make sure we will never have this again!"

• CBL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2014

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Prostatitis "Bactrim cured my prostatitis within two weeks, however, I had to stop taking it earlier than prescribed because I discovered I was allergic. I noticed flu-like symptoms, including chills, fever, and horrible muscle aches. On top of that, I developed a head-to-toe rash that itched like crazy. Imagine being sore and itchy at the same time. Luckily, all of this subsided within a few days of quitting Bactrim. Since the antibiotic kills bacteria everywhere, I noticed I had flawless skin for about a week. But that didn't last. The bacteria came back with a vengeance, and I developed the worst acne of my life. I'm now taking doxycycline and using expensive creams to combat this. It's been two months since I stopped Bactrim, and I am still breaking out!"

• Sum...
• July 8, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "In 2013, I had the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove cancerous cells from my cervix. Newer area, new doctor, abnormalities are found again. Two months of scare and tests, I'm told the cancer is 'fine.' I have a cyst on my ovary. They want to remove my uterus due to it making my bladder incontinent, and I had a urinary tract infection. I was prescribed this sulfamethoxazole. So after all the drama, I start feeling really nauseous, dizzy, spinning (fear of falling down), no appetite at all, uncontrollable severe itching and red welts (tiny blisters all over - mainly face), severe headaches, severe weakness, tiredness but couldn't sleep, fever, flashes of chills and sweats, twitchy, restless feeling in feet and legs, painful gas and runny stool, red eyes, my whole body aches!"

• Pap...
• October 30, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I am currently suffering from recurring cystitis and UTIs. This is my first experience of taking trimethoprim, and after taking the 3rd tablet, I became quite unwell with flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, chills, whole body aching, and loss of appetite. Because of how terrible I was feeling, I didn't want to continue the course for fear it was the pills causing the illness. Is that possible? Or could it just be that I am run down and my immune system was low?"

• Jja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Was misdiagnosed with cellulitis, later went to a podiatrist who removed an ingrown toenail that was infected. I didn’t even need this Bactrim. Gave me intense, shooting, burning pains all over my body, high blood pressure, severe dehydration, a fever, and panic attacks back to back. I was shaking violently from being so cold, I could not feel my limbs, but they were on fire at the same time. Poison."

• ASa...
• April 8, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "UTI - Bactrim for 7 days. Day 1 stomach discomfort. Day 2 UTI slight urgency but manageable, that night had an anxiety attack and heart palpitations. By day 4 exhausted, hardly able to do my daily work. I called my doctor on day 5, and she said this is normal - to just power through, and since I’m allergic to penicillin, I’m likely not allergic to Sulfa. That night had chills and a 100-degree fever. Day 6 I felt even worse (chills and fever) and developed hives. Was told I have a Sulfa allergy and to stop with the meds and start Macrobid. The next day with Bactrim leaving my system I developed a full body rash that made me look sunburned and had a 103-degree fever. The rash subsided 6 days after it started, and my other symptoms ended 3 days after I stopped the pills. Overall, one of the worst medical experiences of my adult life. Macrobid seemed to work, only symptom was head fog, which may have been from Bactrim. Giving Bactrim 2 stars because it seemed to clear the UTI."