Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Sad...
• April 21, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Let me tell you, I was so nervous to start Bactrim after reading these reviews. I thought for sure I was going to have terrible side effects. Turns out, I’m completely fine. The most I’ve had is some nausea/lack of appetite but I get that with almost all antibiotics. Make sure you eat a meal ahead of taking each pill and drink lots of water. As long as you’re not allergic to sulfa drugs, I can almost guarantee that you’re going to be ok :). Remember, temporary side effects are better than a kidney infection!!"

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "After a week of experiencing painful and uncomfortably annoying UTI symptoms, I went to the doctor and was prescribed Bactrim for 7 days. I have no insurance, but I was able to get 14 pills for $7.00 with a coupon. 30 minutes after taking the first pill, the feeling of urgency left. When I went to the restroom, there was almost no pain. I am on my third day, and I am feeling close to normal. The urgency is gone, and the pain while urinating is gone. The only side effects I can say I am experiencing are a slight loss in appetite and a little neck pain and joint pain in my hands. But on a scale of 1 to 10, I would say that those symptoms are at a 3. I see that many of the reviews on this medicine are scary. But just know that everyone's body is different, even to the point of pain tolerance. So what might be okay for one person might not be so for another. Either way, the benefit of being relieved of my UTI symptoms far outweighs the other risks of side effects."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I broke out in blisters on face, scalp, and chest. These were oozing a clear, sticky fluid that literally melted the skin it oozed over. Tried everything over the counter and homeopathic, but this flesh-eating infection would not clear. Finally went to urgent care and was prescribed Bactrim for an assumed MRSA skin infection. Within the first 24 hours, I had noticeable improvement. Sores weren't burning red and swollen, by the 3rd day some scabs are already falling off with healthy pink skin underneath, no ooze, no new blisters. Day 5 you would hardly know I had a skin problem. All clear. Only side effect I had was loss of appetite. Didn't want to eat, nothing sounded good. Lost 4 pounds. Not everyone reacts badly to Bactrim."

• Kd0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "I took Bactrim for 4 days. On the 4th day, I started having leg pain. The day after I quit the meds, I had all-over body aches, a low-grade temp off and on, and just a feeling of being sick. The next day, my aches went away but held on to the low-grade temp, headache, and weakness for two more days. During the course of the medication, I also had a pounding heart and no appetite. It did clear the infection though. I think I had a bad reaction and only wanted to report these so that others might know if they have the same thing happening to them. It took about 5 days from my last pill that I feel better."

• ira...
• June 3, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Day 3 on BACTRIM due to MRSA. Abscess was lanced and drained 5 days ago. Swelling/pain of the abscess has finally begun remission. I did suffer from the reported migraine headache all day yesterday, and it was quite debilitating, but no such headache today, and I'm finally back at work. Also suffered from some seriously painful abdominal cramps that produced very loose/watery stool. Not much of an appetite today and feeling a little shaky, so make sure you eat even if you don't want to. This drug is definitely very effective for the treatment of MRSA. If the migraines were constant as others described, I wouldn't not be back at work today. All my best wishes to everyone reading this."

• Ril...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "I had a breast infection and was prescribed this terrible medicine. It needs to be off the market. I felt real bad the second day taking it. It caused a fever, rash, headache, sharp pains throughout my body, no appetite, shakiness, dizziness, and numbness. I felt so out of it, it scared me so bad I stopped taking it. The Bactrim medicine is too strong. I definitely wouldn’t recommend!"

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "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."

• goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2023

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Kidney Infections "I was prescribed Bactrim after 2 other antibiotics that did not knock out the infection. Honestly, after reading so many bad reviews, I was reluctant to take Bactrim. However, my infection was one step from putting me in the hospital. Fast forward, I've been on it for almost 13 days. I felt immediately better after the second day. The infection is gone. I had no side effects at all. Nothing. It did suppress my appetite a tiny little bit... which I'm not complaining about! Lol. But it worked well for me. Don't forget to drink a lot of water."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Kidney Infections "Really effective, but really terrible side effects. UTI and kidney infection both cleared up quickly, which I'm grateful for, and ultimately that's the point. But I had nausea and vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, joint aches, itchy skin, sore throat, loss of appetite... I felt way better with the infection than I did on the medication. But it's all temporary."

• gnm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "Yikes! I deal with chronic sinusitis. I’ve had two surgeries because of it, so I have to take an antibiotic every so often to cure it. Now, I’ve taken Bactrim before, yes, it’s made me so sick in the past I couldn’t even finish it. But I’ve had to take it again due to a bad sinus infection. Worse than I remember! Day 2 of taking it, I end up in the ER because my anxiety is through the roof, I can’t sleep, I am moody, loss of appetite, a bit confused, nauseous, like I’m here but not here, death thoughts (not suicidal, just a lot of thought around it), and just not feeling like myself. The ER doctor told me I need to see a crisis nurse because it couldn’t be the Bactrim, but my ENT definitely has said it. Can’t wait for this to flush out of my system. I’m so glad there are lots of reviews to beware. This is absolutely terrible!"

• Wat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Was prescribed Bactrim for a 'possible' infection in my leg from varicose veins. 2 pills a day for 10 days. Worst medication. Felt fine with the first pill, after the second pill, I started to have bladder issues. Was peeing constantly, bladder felt heavy. Felt like I had to go after I just went. Was checked for a UTI, don't have one. Only took 2 pills and stopped. It has also caused headaches, my abdominal muscles feel weaker, loss of appetite. I must have been allergic or something. Won't ever take this again."

• 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."

• hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I will never take Bactrim again, despite the fact that it appears to have cleaned up my UTI. I was prescribed 6 pills, 2 per day for 3 days. By pill #2, I lost my appetite and felt very weak and tired. Went to bed very early. As I continued the medication, I developed many flu-like symptoms and spent the next 4 days in bed. Chills, achiness, lethargy, listlessness, extreme tiredness, brain fog, inability to stand up for very long without feeling woozy, not even able to sit up and do light work indoors. This medication had me flat in bed for 4 days straight. Two days after finishing the medication, I have still not regained my strength completely, although I am starting to normalize. I am typically a very active person who works outdoors every day. This one threw me for a loop - never again! I will ask for something else for a UTI."

• JDK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Okay, here is my story..... I'm 3 days in, and after the first dose, I felt amazing. The next day, even better. Today, not so good, I have had sweats at least thrice and stomach pains with burping constantly. My tongue is actually peeling. I have had no appetite throughout the course of 3 days thus far!!! I'm stopping it in fear of something even worse happening!! I cannot take my daily runs on this medication. Anxiety is high, and my mouth hurts!!! I had sepsis 21 months ago, which started with a UTI, and several antibiotics do not agree with me!!! I will update as time goes on. Right now, I want my mouth to stop hurting!!! I would be very cautious if you are prescribed this medication!!"

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Took Bactrim for a UTI for 7 days. On the 6th day, had chills and body aches. Literally could not get off the couch. Went to the doctor and was negative for the flu, and the UTI was gone. Got worse (headache, severe body aches, nausea, diarrhea, no appetite-honestly the worst I've EVER felt) and ended up in the ER for fluids. Stopped taking it 2 days ago and am still feeling effects. Be careful-wished I had stopped taking it at the first sign of stomach discomfort. Glad it's a reliable drug for some, but for me, it was horrid."

• 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."

• tdu...
• July 3, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Kidney Infections "I will not ever take this medication again (generic form of Bactrim DS). I landed in the ER with a severe kidney infection... was given antibiotics, nausea medication, and pain medication through an IV. Went home six hours later and started the Bactrim that night. I woke up at 2 am absolutely drenched head to toe in sweat, with chills... couldn't fall back asleep. The next day I had the worst headache... terrible, terrible pain in the base of my skull, and a horribly stiff and sore neck. Any time I stood up I could feel my blood pressure in my head sore, just throbbing. I had zero appetite. I stopped the Rx after 2.5 days. I felt worse after I started the Rx than before it. Never, ever again."

• Bat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I have MRSA from a piercing and was put on Bactrim (2 in the morning, 2 in the evening) 4 days ago. After 2 days on it, I took myself to the hospital. I have never felt this horrible, I swear I feel like it's going to be the end of me. It started out with a bad headache, no appetite, a little dizzy. Right now, I'm sitting on the bathroom floor waiting to throw up, I didn't sleep for even a minute last night even though I was exhausted. I can't stop shivering and shaking, I'm so hot but not running a fever-unbelievable headache. My doctor said this is the only medicine that will help MRSA, and I'm dumbfounded. Is this medication even worth it? I don't know if these feelings are the medication working or not."

• Vin...
• July 31, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I've just finished my treatment for a urinary tract infection. I no longer have any symptoms from the infection. The first 8 days of a 15-day treatment were fine with no side effects. Beginning the 9th day, I began experiencing a mild rash and itching, which seemed to begin on my chest and neck and migrated to my back. A bit of a nuisance but tolerable. Around the 11th day, I began to experience mild joint and muscle aches and a tender scalp around the base of the skull. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen have helped to overcome this, but by the 14th and 15th day, I felt like I had the flu, with no nausea but a loss of appetite. I took the last pill this morning, and by 1 PM, had to lay down with chills, aches and pains, headache, and a slight fever."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2012

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I stepped on a rusty nail and had a lot of pain, and my foot started to swell. I started taking Bactrim, and the pain went away within the first two pills, which was 24 hours. The only problem is that I can't function with the nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and headache. I think it's because of a sensitive stomach."

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "My experience was horrible! Prescribed 2 pills a day for 3 days. After the last pill, I started feeling strange and had severe headaches from the time I started taking it until a week later. I didn't think much of it until I went home from work and didn't leave the couch. I had no appetite, constipated, sweating and chills. I wanted to puke, my eyes hurt so bad. Couldn't shake whatever was going on and drank as much water as possible. My body was sore, I slept almost an entire weekend away. I can't tell if my UTI is completely gone or not because I'm still constipated and it hurts! I've never had an antibiotic like this, and I never want it again! All my doc told me was to keep pushing fluids and eat yogurt. Good luck, people."

• 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."

• Cut...
• August 21, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I had 3 UTIs this year so far, first in February, got cephalexin prescribed for 7 days. It returned in June, got prescribed ciprofloxacin for 5 days. It had returned in August. I asked the doctor why this is happening. She said they prescribed me the wrong drug the first time, the first drug was resistant to the bacteria I had. (Really? Why do we pay doctors for?) So I got Bactrim DS prescribed now, I'm on day 3, got it for 5 days. I weigh 100 pounds, so I try to take the pill with Activia and Yakult, that helps with the upset stomach. I felt as side effects, dry mouth (because it dehydrates you), loss of appetite, tiredness, fast heart beating. Hope this works for me, can't be sick anymore because of the doctor’s mistake!"

• smj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Kidney Infections "I was diagnosed with a kidney infection and prescribed Bactrim twice a day for 5 days. I took my first pill in the evening, slept for twelve hours, and took another one in the morning. I thought my body just needed the rest, but shortly after the second pill, I slept most of the day. By the end of my experience, I've had: fatigue, stomach pains, severe constipation, nausea, insomnia, and loss of appetite. My kidneys seemed to have improved, but I couldn't even bring myself to take the final pill."

• Pic...
• August 8, 2011

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I have been prescribed Bactrim for a skin infection in the form of 2 boils, 1 on my arm and 1 on my leg. I have been prescribed Bactrim 800/160 2x per day for 10 days. I started feeling horrible after the first dose. Extreme dizziness, stomach issues, headache by day 3, feeling dehydrated with weakness and joint pain and jaw pain, loss of appetite, insomnia. I am on day 5 and the dizziness is really bad, I had to miss work. I only took half a dose this morning and am considering stopping. Thinking I may be allergic to the sulfonamide as my grandmother is allergic, and this is the first time I have ever taken this. Glad to see others have had a good experience."