Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "I had a staph infection, and I am also on Paxil for depression. I used Bactrim for eight days and became very sick. My depression was very severe with this drug. Cold sweats, very weak, mouth issues, nerve pain in legs, headache, insomnia, and what makes it worse is that you are on a roller coaster."

• The...
• April 12, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "Took Bactrim for 10 days... felt okay... a week after completing the Bactrim, I felt like I had the flu. Major insomnia and feeling the sweats and increased heart rate. Would never take it again... hoping to feel normal again!... drinking a ton of water... but will never take it again..."

• Vga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Had not read side effects, so did not realize what I felt was caused by the med. My first day on Bactrim, I had side effects of feeling achy and depressed. By day 3, I was shaking, shivering, anxious, and insomnia. By day 5, nausea, dizziness, 100 heart rate, very low blood pressure, extreme anxiety. Pain everywhere, pain in my kidneys, very dehydrated, painful muscle spasms. Day 6, was going to go to the emergency room when I realized it could be the Bactrim and read side effects. Find it difficult to believe a doctor would give this to anyone. It was horrible."

• Bja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "Worst medication ever. My anxiety is through the roof. I am freezing most of the time when I’m not drenched in sweat. Heart rate is racing. Can’t sleep due to the horrible feeling of not waking. It’s like the spins but different. I swear I was seeing the light! I would be listening to my husband tell me to drink the water next to me, but I couldn’t respond or move. It was like I was paralyzed. Very terrifying. If at all costs, please find an alternative antibiotic. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy... pure torture. I am prescribed it for 14 days twice daily, and I’m only on day 3."

• Anonymous
• October 9, 2009

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "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."

• BL ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2014

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was first prescribed Augmentin for an infection from a puncture wound near the nail bed of my thumb. It made me feel like I was suffering from morning sickness and did not work. Next, I got Flagyl and Bactrim. The culture showed the Staph was sensitive to Bactrim, and the wound is so much better! Yes, there are some side effects (for me, insomnia, but I don't know if that is Flagyl or Bactrim), but it is so much better than losing my finger! I also took Florastor with the medication to reduce intestinal upset and experienced none."

• Cig...
• July 14, 2008

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Sinusitis "After three days of prescribed use of the generic Bactrim, my headaches and nasal discharge have decreased dramatically. Side effects: insomnia (reason I am writing this review), pain in jaw and throat if not taken with ample water."

• Kit...
• May 10, 2014

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "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."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Never again. It has been only 2 days. I'm already dizzy, fatigued, anxiety-ridden, and it's 2 a.m., and my heart won't stop racing! I've had the jitters all day and very unpleasant heart palpitations that feel like my heart is going to explode. Also, I can't sleep."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this for a UTI. Worst experience ever! Got up to day 4 of taking it and started to feel weak, confused, had really bad back and neck pain, pain when I walked. I also had watery, itchy, burning eyes, a massive headache, sleepy and fatigue, and like a tight chest. At night, I couldn't sleep, had the chills and a cold sweat. I have lost my appetite and have lost 6 pounds in just 4 days! I have stopped taking them but now I am developing a rash on my body that really itches. Please, people beware of this. My advice is to ask for something else, or at the first sign of a symptom, stop taking."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2011

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I cut my finger on a piece of metal under the seat of my car and developed a skin infection. Had the infection drained, but was also prescribed Bactrim twice a day for 10 days. After 2 days, I saw my finger start healing up, and within the 10 days, it was completely healed. I only experienced mild nausea and some insomnia. Other than that, it did a great job! Very satisfied."

• Des...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "They prescribed Bactrim to me, worst thing ever. Ended up in the hospital, body aches, fever, insomnia... & went to the hospital. Ended up with a low blood count, ran all kinds of tests. It was just awful. I will never take this again, and it's been about a month, and I'm still not 100% better. I will never take this ever again!"

• Ver...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Do not take this drug - worst prescription experience of my life. Insomnia, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts coming from someone who has never struggled with severe mental illness. Also experienced uncontrollable chills at night. Went off after first panic attack, which was the night of day 2 taking the medicine."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "Prescribed Bactrim for sore throat after taking Amoxicillin for 4 days (culture test indicated that Amoxicillin would not work for the bacteria found). At first, side effects included drowsiness, weakness, confusion, overall sluggishness, severe anxiety, rapid heart rate, and insomnia. I am on day 5 of 7 and have regained strength and have less confusion/drowsiness; however, the anxiety, increased heart rate, and insomnia are still present. I have woken up twice in the middle of the night with a rapid heart rate, anxiety, sweats, and an inability to fall back asleep. Hopefully, this will cease to be a problem once I complete the course. This antibiotic is definitely not for me, and I will opt for an alternative should I ever need it again. I gave it a 3 (instead of 1) because I believe it has helped with the infection; however, the side effects are awful for me."

• Bek...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Cured my UTI but gave me insomnia, anxiety, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle and joint pain all over my body, and pins/needles feeling all over my body. Ended up going to the hospital for the side effects. So I would not, in any circumstance, recommend this antibiotic."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Bactrim just about killed me. The worst medicine ever. It cleared up my skin infection from a bug bite after two days of taking it, but I had to stop it immediately after being hospitalized from severe insomnia, horrible anxiety, body aches, heart palpitations, the list goes on. I would never take this again. Although it did its job, it also has made my life a nightmare. It has been a week since I stopped taking it, and I still feel terrible. Please think twice about taking this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2014

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "It's currently 12:30 am, and I'm wide awake on a school night typing this. I didn't exactly have all the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but I always have the urgency to pee. I went to urgent care, and the doctor prescribed me Bactrim. I've been on it for 3 days (today will be my 4th), and I have yet to see results. According to some of you, it doesn't start working until the 5th day, which still gives me hope since the doctor told me it would work within 2 days. What I have been seeing is nausea, diarrhea, shakiness, insomnia, extreme headaches, and loss of appetite. I really hope this works. The constant urge to pee pretty much ruins what little social life I have. Having to make constant trips to the bathroom doesn't fit well with football games."

• Bre...
• August 16, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I called the doctors due to weird symptoms after my 5th day of taking this medication. This concludes (chills, nauseous, diarrhea, headache, and even numbness throughout my entire face, lips, and mouth, and the shakes). The pain I get from my UTIs (burning sensation, hard to pee, and hurts). I felt like Bactrim made my pains worse, the burning was 100x worse! I felt as if I was dying!!!! I even had severe insomnia up until 6-7 am! Called the doctors and they said I should have called when the headaches and shakes came along! Cut me off it immediately and prescribed me Macrobid instead. Hope it helps!!"

• Jam...
• June 28, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "I'm currently 15 months out from taking 2 pills of Bactrim, and it was the worst side effects of my life. It started with uncontrollable anxiety and depression. I didn't feel connected with reality, and I felt very confused. By the second night, I was unable to sleep, and that is still plaguing me. I shook the anxiety and depression within a few weeks, but my sleep didn't become bearable for about 7 months, and then it was still terrible. To this day, I have poor quality sleep, confusion, and occasionally onset insomnia. Avoid this drug. I also had a similar reaction to Levoquin. It gets better, just ridiculously slowly. Others recover within days."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Started taking Cipro for a bladder infection but had some bad side effects in the tendon in my right hand. Went back to the Dr. and he gave me Bactrim (Septra). I took it for 3 days in total before I had to stop. The symptoms literally made me feel like I was dying. I had a really foggy head, headaches, dizziness, I almost passed out one day. I got zero sleep the whole time I was on it. My joints hurt in the night, my skin got really itchy and developed a rash, I also developed extreme anxiety and I felt like I was having a heart attack with the palpitations. I was close to panic attack, that's when I said enough is enough. I've never had a reaction like that and I have trouble remembering those days. It was a blur of pain and confusion."

• Cap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Horrible, horrible medication. I was put on a 7-day course of Bactrim for a fairly mild UTI by local urgent care, and the day after starting my dosage, I experienced SEVERE heightened anxiety, panic attacks, low fever, back tension and pain, uncontrollable shaking, and insomnia. Some hallucinations and nausea as well. After day three, I couldn’t take it any longer and stopped taking it— most of the severe symptoms went away within 24 hours, but it’s been almost 3 days since quitting, and my muscle pain and anxiety are still far worse than they were before taking Bactrim."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2021

For Diverticulitis "We all agree, this medication is horrible. I have to take it for recurring bouts of diverticulitis, along with Flagyl. I refuse to take Cipro because it ruins ligaments. I have found some things that help. Powerade Zero is a lifesaver because Bactrim tanks your electrolytes. I buy a 12-pack when I have to take Bactrim. Take this medication with food and drink plenty of filtered water. Eat sugar-free yogurt. Chobani Zero is good. Eat a clean diet as much as you can. Take a probiotic 2 hours before or two hours after you take Bactrim. It will do no good taking it at the same time. If you develop yeast (I always do), despite taking a probiotic, you can use caprylic acid gel caps. Make sure you take the probiotics at least a month as Bactrim stays in your system 1-2 weeks. CBD oil helps with the insomnia, nausea, and anxiety it causes. Soda crackers are good for the nausea. Hydrate with Powerade daily! Move your bowels regularly. Prunelax helps! Hope this helps! Hang in there!"

• Lu1...
• May 30, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I had a UTI, finished an entire prescription of Macrobid. I noticed as soon as I finished the meds, my UTI symptoms came back - so it didn't work for me. I then tried Bactrim. The pain went away after 1.5 days of being on Bactrim, which was a huge relief, but it is now day 4 and I am suffering from nausea, cold sweats, chills, insomnia, and anxiety. It works for your UTI, but the side effects are unbearable after a few days."

• Gil...
• August 25, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Kidney Infections "(18 yr/o female) I was prescribed this medication after winding up at the emergency room with extreme pain in my right side. After further investigation, it turned out to be a kidney cyst that had become severely infected and was getting bled into. I was more than willing to start the medication. I had currently been at Mayo Clinic getting tests done for severe stomach nausea and pain. Yet on the third day of this antibiotic, I was miserable. I figured it was my previous stomach issues, yet it got worse and worse. I spent day 3 by the toilet, thinking I was going to be sick with a low fever. After that, I lost my appetite completely and had this awful twisting spasm start in my upper gut. This spiraled into severe depression, anxiety, and not being able to sleep at night. It has kicked my cyst (hopefully), but I am on day 7 after being prescribed for 14 days, and I don't know how much more I can take. Good luck to anyone who can brave this medicine."

• Rev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "It helped my simple UTI almost immediately and completely, but I had side effects that I've never experienced with any other drug. My face was extremely red (like a bright, painful red that felt like a bad sunburn) all over for the entire time, plus a week after I stopped taking it. I felt extremely anxious and jittery, and I didn't get a good night of sleep for a week after I stopped this med. I should add that I had all these side effects when I only took the drug for 3 days! I've never experienced side effects with other antibiotics. I believe this is a sulfa-containing drug, and I guess I must have a sulfa allergy."