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

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "The first day, I experienced some nausea. Now? I have a sore in my mouth that popped up out of nowhere, and one side of my bottom lip is swollen. I'm so sick that I can't eat anything and have zero appetite. I keep getting the shakes and chills that weren't there before starting it. I suffer from anxiety, and anxiety is a common side effect of this medication - so now my anxiety is through the roof, and it's also caused severe insomnia. I'm constipated, have terrible muscle spasms and cramps in my legs. I've never had an issue with a sulfa drug before, but after this, I will definitely not take one ever again. It's not worth the side effects/allergic reaction."

• Con...
• February 3, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I would not recommend this to anyone. I have had bleeding in my urine for over two weeks, and the doctors associated it with a UTI. After being given Macrobid, and symptoms persisting, they gave me Septa. I took it for two days, twice a day with food, was fine. On the third day, not so much. I began shaking uncontrollably, dry mouth, I was incoherent to the point I couldn't even understand what people were saying to me, my heart was racing, I was dizzy, and extremely nauseous. It literally felt like I had been roofied (drugged up). I don't even remember half the night, and I had horrible insomnia. I don't even understand how this is on the market. Would never ever take this again."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2010

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Taking Bactrim for urinary tract infection, can't sleep, stomach on fire, after the first pill I felt like I was tripping on acid. On day three now and back hurts. Looks like I get to miss another day of work and go back to the doctor."

• Lea...
• October 30, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "So, I wanted to review this drug because I've been on five antibiotic treatments within the last month and a half for the craziest UTI I've ever experienced in my life. Landed in the ER for fevers and pain, and the worst was the mental confusion. Anyways, during this time, I've been on IV antibiotics, Z-Pak, as well as Keflex, which gave me horrible anxiety and extreme photosensitivity. When I tried Levaquin, it sent me to the ER. Then finally Bactrim DS was prescribed. After taking it the first night, I did have some trouble sleeping, but after two doses of the medication, I did adjust. I have been taking probiotics with these meds. It's helped overall. Side effects I noted: vivid dreams, fatigue, and constipation were the main three."

• Nog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Middle Ear Infections "Nasty side effects, but very, very slowly relieved symptoms. Took many days to get used to side effects. Better than the other antibiotic I seem to be allergic to, though. Nausea, chest pains/anxiety, insomnia, night sweats, headache, dehydration."

• Tir...
• August 16, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Took Bactrim 4 days for skin infection, then quit due to not sleeping or being able to eat. I drank plenty of water but ended up feeling like my head was going to explode, joints aching, vision blurry, felt like I was being poisoned. The doctor said to continue taking, just make sure you eat. I let them know I was not able to eat, so I quit on my own, nobody's going to know what is going on with their body better than themselves, and it was just poisoning me. Three days after stopping Bactrim, I have a rash all over my body, and a week later still feel like my head is going to explode, very tired and vision blurry. Doctors put on my file to never take again as I am allergic to it."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Online doctor prescribed this for my UTI. After day 1 my symptoms are (1) periods of lethargy, feeling drowsy, napping, significantly lower energy/motivation (2) insomnia (unable to sleep more than 3 - 5 restless hours a night; I was already a light sleeper before, UGH); (2) stomach pain. I already had acid reflux issues, but now my stomach will feel bloated and painful. DEF take with A LOT OF WATER and food to prevent side effects. I took a giant horse pill 2x a day. I think this dosage is too big for me (I'm 100 lb). I have 2 days left and cannot wait for this to be over. I've been unable to concentrate; working/getting anything done is basically impossible (I almost called in sick today, but I WFH due to COVID, so was able to nap when needed). I didn't know antibiotics could have so many side effects. The older UTI antibiotics, I didn't have any side effects, so missing that experience. It is making the UTI better, tho. I do not recommend this based on my experience."

• Suc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I cannot say if sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim is effective or not for my UTI because I could only tolerate the side effects for 2 days. I felt like I was on a bad psychiatric drug. It made me sensitive to light, gave me very strange feelings in my body, a headache, insomnia, and hesitancy upon urinating, yet had to go constantly. This drug felt like an antidepressant. I have never experienced something like this from an antibiotic. It scared me. My ears rang as well. If you already have anxiety, I would advise to steer clear of this drug."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Abb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I developed a painful staph infection in my nose after a really nasty cold. Bactrim DS cleared it up quickly, but it was harsh on my body. The worst side effect that I had was extreme fatigue. Even walking around the house left me dizzy, out of breath, and shaking with exhaustion. Luckily, I had the sick days to take off work because I don't think I could have done it. I also had nausea and insomnia, but that was mostly just inconvenient. The exhaustion, though, was debilitating. I finished the entire 10-course because the staph infection was painful, and my nose was bright red and swollen. I was scared not to finish the meds. I would definitely ask for something else next time, though."

• 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."

• Ami...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Bactrim didn’t really work for me, it stopped the blood in my urine, but I don’t feel like it killed the infection (E. coli) because I still go pee a lot, especially during the night (which makes me sleep only about 3 hours), and it takes me about 10+ seconds to start. The only side effects I experienced were nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Wouldn’t recommend this drug."

• Kai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim twice a day for 10 days. The first day was okay, by the 2nd day, I had a bad case of nausea and itchiness. On the 3rd day, nausea, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and feeling cold along with insomnia. I stopped taking it and gradually I'm feeling like myself. I continued Keflex until the infection healed. I won't take it again. It's not worth the misery, in my opinion."

• Sun...
• May 26, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Bactrim did help my infection pretty quickly. However, it is one month since I took the last dose, and I still have major insomnia. Some nights I don't sleep at all, others just a few hours. I would never take this drug again, ever!!!"

• JBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2019

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Let me preface this review by saying that I have now been taking Bactrim for 51 days for a staph skin infection. From all indications, it seems as if the staph infection has been eradicated, which is awesome. However, the side effects of this antibiotic have been nearly unbearable. After about 12 hours of taking this life-altering wonder drug, I started having major anxiety issues in addition to the gastrointestinal distress. Over the course of the last 7 weeks, I have had panic attacks, insomnia, odd joint pains, and annoying neck and shoulder stiffness. All in all, I can't not recommend this antibiotic because it is effective. However, if you are able to take a different antibiotic, please do that."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "This is not my first round of Bactrim. I have chronic UTIs, and I've taken this a half dozen times in the last two years. This time I got a side effect I've never had before: insomnia. I am so awake and have been for three days now. Yes, it does clear the infection for me. I do get the upset tummy, which is very common."

• Jly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2014

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I've taken Septra DS before (with no side effects), but for some reason this time it is different! It has given me severe insomnia! Very odd and super frustrating. Also has caused me a lot of nausea, but the doctor prescribed Zofran (also known as the miracle medicine for nausea), so that's better. Also feel a bit 'out of it' and lethargic. One last strange symptom it's causing me is 'urinary hesitancy.' Had no idea there was such a thing until I spoke to my doctor about it. Hoping these symptoms resolve, or I may need to switch medicines, as I'm only halfway through this 10-day treatment."

• bad...
• September 20, 2015

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Was prescribed this after getting a boil drained by my doctor. I have been taking this medicine for 4 days now, and I have 6 more to go. Thus far, I have experienced an upset stomach, diarrhea, chills, sweats, and insomnia. The boil has gotten smaller, but there is still fluid in it. Hope it goes away soon!"

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I started taking sulfamethoxazole on my third day of having a UTI for the second time in my life, and the first two days I was taking cranberry pills and drinking tons of cranberry juice and water, so by the time I started the antibiotics, I was almost already healed. The first day I took sulfamethoxazole, I felt my heart racing all day, and at night it continued, and I couldn't sleep until 4. The same thing went on for the next few days, except it got worse, and I would just lay in bed with my heart racing until 6 in the morning. I stopped taking the antibiotics after 4 days because my UTI went away, but my heart wouldn't stop racing, and I ended up suffering from insomnia for about 2 weeks. It is because of this antibiotic because I've never had this issue."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "Holy cow. So I am on my 4th UTI in 5 months, and this is the first time I have been on Bactrim, and NEVER AGAIN will I take this. The side effects are not worth it. Intense racing thoughts and anxiety within 1-2 hours of taking it. Feeling super dizzy and wobbly. Feeling like you are moving too fast/whiplash, intense depression, demotivation. One day I had chills and a slight fever. Appetite suppressed/food/water aversion. Made me sick to my stomach just to drink water. Exhausted during the day but insomnia. I gave it a 3 because it is working to get rid of my UTI, but wow, it has taken my week. I'm going to fail my finals because I was so out of my mind on this medication."

• VR1...
• November 14, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I've had many UTIs in the past but usually keep them at bay by taking cranberry pills daily. Well, I slacked and got a UTI. I think I've taken Bactrim before, but I don't ever recall feeling like this. I was fine this morning, but by noon was very shaky. I felt hungry and nauseous at the same time. Forced myself to eat and felt slightly better but couldn't focus on work and am feeling down in the dumps (depressed?). I also had trouble sleeping last night. Oh, and my pee still burns after two doses. So if the symptoms don't improve by tomorrow, I'm going to see about switching to something else."

• Anonymous
• July 11, 2016

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Started taking for cellulitis on my ear with swollen and painful lymph nodes. After the first day, my eyes were bright red! And so dry, my eyelids felt like sandpaper when I blinked. Used eye drops and got better on the 3rd day but still a little red. On day 4 of 10 and just feel like I have a really bad hangover all day, am exhausted, irritable, and trouble sleeping. But my ear is better...."

• 28y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "It cured my UTI! Did give some fatigue, bloating, headache, bad taste in mouth, insomnia/night anxiety? Random, I know. I stayed up until 4 am almost every night I took it, but hey, it beats a UTI. Thank goodness I don’t deal with them often. On the last day (of 5), I did get some heartburn, but I also wasn’t eating much, and my diet was weird, so it could be unrelated. You never know what works for your body!"