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Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

Brand names: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, SMZ-TMP DS, Co-trimoxazole, Septra, Septra DS, Bactrim Pediatric, Bactrim IV, Bethaprim Sulfatrim Pediatric Bethaprim Pediatric …show all brand names

Reviews for Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Lou...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I've been taking Bactrim since Friday, it's now Sunday. My doctor told me it's a urinary tract infection, but the only symptoms I'm having are the urge to pee with little urine. Vaginal itching that comes and goes with discharge. I'm ready to stop the medicine, but I know I can't. I've missed two doses because the side effects are me feeling dizzy, feeling nauseous, a bad headache, and loss of appetite. I don't know what to do. I feel like if I stop taking it for a possible UTI, it won't go away. But I don't feel it's a UTI 'cause I'm not having burning when I pee, only after I pee, I have an itchy feeling that I want to scratch with tissue, but I know I can't do that either. I really need help, and I hope someone sees this who can give me honest answers. I've been to the health unit and two hospitals, they've all given different results."

1 / 10
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  • Ale...
  • February 15, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "Absolutely the worst medication I've ever been on, and I've been on a lot. If an alternative is offered, take the alternative. Intense thirst, super awful anxiety (borderline paranoia), stomachaches and heartburn out the wazoo, night sweats, rash, dizziness, joint pain, loss of appetite were my symptoms (amongst others). Doc switched me to clindamycin. Not a single side effect! Symptoms gradually got better after dropping Bactrim."

1 / 10
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  • Cir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2013

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Taken with cefadroxil twice a day for ten days. Got rid of the visible signs of the infection within one day. I experienced slight loss of appetite, but other than that, I didn't experience any side effects. However, on the last day of taking this medicine, I broke out in a rash all over my face, neck, arms, and chest. I'm hoping that it will go away because now I'm done with the medicine."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • ape...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 14, 2013

For Acne "I've been taking this medication for my acne for less than a month, and all the dark marks and pimples I had on my face are about 90% gone. This medicine is amazing. I take one pill twice a day, the only drawback is the symptoms. I have nausea like never before, loss of appetite, and dizzy spells. The symptoms for me are incredibly strong, but I put up with it because I've tried Epiduo, Retin-A, Proactiv, Neutrogena, doxycycline, clindamycin, but all were way too harsh on my skin or ineffective. Clean and Clear acne wash with aloe vera has worked the absolute best along with this medication. I would definitely recommend it to someone looking to get rid of acne quickly and completely."

9 / 10
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  • Lil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 26, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I had a facial abscess lanced at urgent care and prescribed Bactrim in case it was MRSA. I took it for about 8 days twice daily and lost my appetite, got headaches, and felt anxious and depressed. I continued to get cystic acne behind my ears, mostly the ear by the abscess that was drained, so the dermatologist PA told me to take Bactrim for another month, once a day. I took it another 12 days until I began having knee joint pain and achiness in my legs like I've got the flu. Oh, I was also getting the chills. I've been off it 3 days and still having very bad leg pain that's caused me to have a panic attack and extreme mood swings and depression. I know it's from this antibiotic... I'm praying that the pain goes away as it is debilitating and I was a healthy 30-year-old prior to this."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • Lis...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 12, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim after having an abscess on my leg drained. I started feeling horrible immediately. Joint pain, nausea, loss of appetite, high fevers. I ended up in the hospital for 3 days for drug fever and am still feeling the effects a week after coming home. I would not suggest taking this."

1 / 10
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  • Moo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 8, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS for an infected callus between my toes. I am diabetic and take Tramadol for fibromyalgia and take extra potassium. All three were listed as serious drug interactions, but the pharmacist assured me I would be okay. Three days in, I was miserable. Headaches, exhaustion, nausea, and loss of appetite. And no, my urine didn't change to orange. And I drank lots of water too. I finally had to discontinue it."

7 / 10
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  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • One...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2013

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed sulfameth for a gross bacterial infection (jacuzzi rash). While on it, I experienced headaches, foul gas, loss of appetite, constant thirst, extreme fatigue, dizziness, spotting, and diarrhea (should have kept up with my probiotics). On the eighth day, I had itchy hives all over my body, severe lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain and stiffness. The doctor said to stop the medicine and consider myself allergic to sulfa drugs. My original rash had cleared up, but so did my two children, who didn't have any antibiotics. For me, obviously not worth the side effects."

4 / 10
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  • Den...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 8, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection "Do not take Bactrim, the side effects are awful. My side effects were that I was dizzy, my mouth was so sore I could hardly eat. Had bad leg pains, no appetite, nausea, headaches, I would break out into a sweat. I stopped taking this, been off of it 3 days, and still feel terrible. Never take this again!!!!"

1 / 10
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  • ald...
  • November 20, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "After I got home and had taken about 4 of these, I had loss of appetite and had a headache. I looked at the papers from the pharmacy, and I saw it said sulfamethoxazole! I called my doctor in a panic since it is listed in my allergies. I haven't had an allergic reaction, but my dad's and mom's side have. I finished out the antibiotic and have been fine. I did notice on Monday, which was my last dose, that I was feeling really queasy and had a headache. But no hives. Also, this did some weird things while on it. I felt sick and wasn't hungry, plus it gave me a little anxiety. I will go back in a few days to make sure it is all cleared up. I took it for five days, twice a day. I do, however, feel tons better."

8 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • Fee...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 17, 2020

For Sinusitis "Bactrim seems to be the only antibiotic that works for me. If I get a sinus infection, Bactrim works wonders. I don’t have side effects, except loss of appetite sometimes. I am now using it as a preventative medicine due to allergies. With everything shut down due to COVID-19, I could not get my allergy shots. This medicine has kept me from getting sick."

10 / 10
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  • 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!!"

3 / 10
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  • Ty ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "This antibiotic works quickly to get rid of UTI, but my main side effects are stomach pains and loss of appetite. I have one more dose to take, and then I’m finished, thank God. I’m taking the 800 mg."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

3 / 10
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  • Cas...
  • August 17, 2014

For Bacterial Skin Infection "The medicine seems to be working, but I feel gassy, feel sick, have back pains, and loss of appetite. Had a headache for a couple of days, but that went away. 5 more days until I'm done, and I can't wait!"

5 / 10
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  • RGa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 8, 2021

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Awful!! Had a 5-day/10-pill prescription of Bactrim for a UTI. Just thought I was lethargic the first day, but later that night my hands were shaking, heart beating fast, which induced a full anxiety attack. Kept taking the pills. Fast forward to day 4 and my head was so foggy I felt like I was a walking zombie, and the shakes got so bad I had to go to urgent care. No appetite whatsoever. Cleared up the UTI but avoid at all costs!!"

2 / 10
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  • Dee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 12, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I took a form of this medication a couple of years ago (Septra, which has the same ingredients), and it cleared up my UTI, although I thought it was a little slow to fully work. So when I got a UTI about a week ago suddenly, I asked my doc to prescribe it for me again, only this time it was Bactrim. I'm funny with antibiotics, I don't like taking them, and I have a very sensitive stomach, so I like to stick with what works. Took it again this time and noticed my symptoms improved, then got bad again. I had two side effects this time: loss of appetite and jittery feeling. I went back to my doc, and my urine sample still showed white blood cells, so they sent my sample out to be cultured for a better prescription. It helped but didn't cure it."

5 / 10
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  • 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?"

1 / 10
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  • 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."

3 / 10
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  • Lol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 29, 2022

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim after two other antibiotics failed to cure my UTI, and let me tell you, not only did it not work, but I also had a violent allergic reaction to it. I was suffering from my first UTI (first of many to come sadly). The symptoms went away pretty quickly after taking the first pill but came back after I stopped taking the medicine two days later. From what I remember, I got really sick: chills, high fever, nausea, complete loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and red patches all over my body, but especially on my arms, legs, and chest. I had swollen lips as the first indication, but as I was young, I didn’t understand it at first. When I went back to the doctor, he said it was a pretty powerful medicine and that he knew beforehand that the risk of allergy was higher than with other medicines. I don’t hold it against him though, it was very frustrating not to find anything that would work to cure this UTI."

1 / 10
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  • 123...
  • July 10, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Urinary Tract Infection "Just thought I'd share my experience with Bactrim. I'm a petite girl. As far as side effects go, I had almost none the first few days, but now on my 4th or 5th day, I am noticing the side effects appearing! Which are (for me) headaches, constipation (watch what you eat with this or else you'll get blocked up), loss of appetite (I'm not hungry almost at all), and oddly enough, pain when I breathe in (possibly mild pericarditis). I also can't seem to focus. But nothing too horrible. I take this on an empty stomach every time, and it is absolutely fine. But, 3 out of 10 pills left, and I still have symptoms of a UTI! Ugh. So maybe it did not work for me."

5 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.