Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim and Nausea: What Users Say

• Sad...
• April 21, 2021

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!!"

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "No!!! Do not take this medicine. I was at the hospital a week ago for a severe UTI. They prescribed me Bactrim. They wanted me to take it twice daily for 10 days. I made it to day 6 and tonight I feel so bad. My legs are tingling, my tongue feels tingly, and my mouth is super dry. I’m having bad stomach cramps and my ears hurt. This is all from this medicine. I’ve been having severe headaches, nausea, and my anxiety is so bad. Please be very aware of taking this medicine."

• kde...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2019

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Posting my experience to hopefully put some minds at ease as reading these reviews really scared me! I am very sensitive to antibiotics and have had adverse reactions to the past three I have taken. I was prescribed Bactrim for a nasty spider bite to help it & prevent further infection. On day two I already experienced immense relief from the pain and the bite started to shrink. I am now on day five and have had no side effects at all except some fatigue and minor nausea at night. Definitely bearable. Be sure to take a probiotic and remember everyone's body is different! I am happy I finally found an antibiotic that agrees with me."

• Par...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2019

For Sinusitis "Like many others, I read review after review on here of negative experiences, making myself terrified of taking this drug. As someone who is so worried about throwing up that I carry anti-nausea medication with me everywhere I go, I was very reluctant to begin 6 weeks of Bactrim after reading all of these reviews. Fortunately, I experienced no major side effects and it seems to be helping with the infection. Some very mild nausea at first that was likely anxiety-induced, and acid reflux which is common with all antibiotics. Yogurt and a probiotic daily helps with this. Anyway, I promised myself that I would write a positive review if I ended up having a positive experience, so here it is. If you're worried like I was, remember that people are way more inclined to post drug reviews online when they have negative experiences, than normal or positive ones. The vast majority of people taking Bactrim feel absolutely fine, and keeping this in mind may help ease your fears as well."

• Col...
• August 18, 2018

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I'm on Day 4 of a very high dose (2 tablets twice a day) and it's about the same as when I took it years ago (so far). On the second day, I felt queasy, my tongue and lips were a little irritable, my gut uncomfortable, generally crummy. By the end of the third day I was feeling better on all fronts and I expect/hope to be okay (using it for a MRSA boil; redness is going away rapidly!). I (almost) eliminated refined sugar, drink lots of water, and avoid too much sun. Why so many bad reviews? I guess people who do well (the vast majority) don't visit the site or leave comments. Hope this helps."

• Wow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was on this drug for only 2 days until I had the worst stomach pains ever, like it knocked the wind out of me. I had severe diarrhea with mucus and blood that lasted for weeks after discontinued use. It has been a month and I still have nausea with severe abdominal pains, headaches, anxiety, light sensitivity, white bumps on my gums. I’m scared that my organs are damaged, which I am currently being tested for. I have never had any of these symptoms before and was perfectly healthy! I am young too. This drug RUINED my life. I would rate this drug in the negatives if I could. Should not be allowed to be prescribed!"

• Jae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Honestly, not terrible. I was prescribed Bactrim, 2 doses/day for 7 days after they prescribed Keflex (which didn’t work). A little nausea after the first couple of doses, some indigestion, some lower back pain. As long as you drink lots of water with the pill and throughout the day, the side effects are pretty mild. I had ginger chews and Pepto for stomach issues that worked well. Eat a big meal before you take the pill too. Kombucha, yogurt, and probiotics during and after the course will help your stomach heal. I would much prefer this over a kidney infection. If you’re having major side effects from day one, perhaps try something different. Everyone reacts differently!"

• Cel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "3 days into the course, and I am experiencing: 1. Very bad dizzy spells. 2. Feelings of great weakness. 3. Feelings of great anxiety. 4. Feelings like I am dying. 5. My head & stomach are aching up a storm. 6. I am nauseated & vomiting. 7. Vagina burning, that started on the second day. I HAVE had Bactrim before for UTIs but have NEVER experienced what I am with this darn one. My question is what have they put/added into the drug to make me react in such a horrid nasty way?"

• Lau...
• January 8, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for a UTI. I felt fine the first day. By day 2, I experienced horrible symptoms or side effects. I was having severe anxiety, nausea, increased heart rate, and shaking in my body. I called my doctor, and she said to continue taking it, but after reading all of these reviews, I've decided to stop taking the antibiotics. It's so scary to see so many other women going through the same thing!"

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

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."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "This Bactrim stuff is awful! Taking for a UTI. I am used to taking Cipro, but have stopped due to the nasty side effects of that one. Have been taking the Bactrim for the UTIs instead. Every time I take this stuff, I feel weak and dizzy, my head hurts so bad, and I get antsy and stir crazy. I don't want to eat or sleep, and the nausea can be overwhelming. This stuff makes me feel like I am going to fade away and die. Once the medication wears off, I feel much better, but then it's time to take another dose, and it starts all over again. Ugh! It gets rid of the painful infection, but I just feel so awful while I am on this stuff."

• Lis...
• November 24, 2015

For Kidney Infections "Please don't let anyone scare you into not taking this. If you're like me with new medicine, you go online and research every little side effect and review, and convince yourself not to take it. I was really scared to take this as I had bad reactions to Macrobid and Ciprofloxacin, and after reading these reviews, I just knew it was going to be the same way. I'm on day two, no side effects other than a little nausea and a headache. That's the worst of it. We'll see how it goes by day 7, but so far this has been the best antibiotic I've taken."

• Sup...
• January 7, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Something really bad happened to me 14 years ago that caused trauma to the urinary tract. Ever since I have used Bactrim on a regular basis to flush out my bladder and urethra of bacteria because my body does not do a sufficient job through urination. If you take it on an empty stomach, it will make you feel really sick, but the medicine is awesome and I highly recommend it."

• Tha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Sinusitis "Bactrim for yearly sinus infection related to fall allergies works every time. Three days and inflammation and pressure subsiding. Yes, some nausea and need to follow up for yeast afterwards. Drink lots of water. Best antibiotic for me since I’m allergic to penicillin and its relatives."

• EJa...
• July 11, 2013

For Acne "I'm 25 years old and still get those under-the-skin cystic pimples on my face. It is mild but one or two of those monsters just stand out. I've tried Retin-A, every single face wash I can think of, oil-free moisturizers, toners, oil-free makeup. I mean I've done it all, even the DIY remedy for acne. Well, the dermatologist put me on Bactrim, and I have been on it now for about 4 weeks, and my face is CLEAR. I mean I've NEVER seen it this clear! I'm just looking in the mirror all the time because I cannot believe it. Very happy with the results. He said I would have to be on them for a while, but I'm okay with it. It does cause a little nausea, but it's nothing I can't handle and it doesn't last too long. Overall, very happy."

• kho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2014

For Bacterial Skin Infection "I was put on this medicine for a skin infection. I was reluctant to start it because of all the horror stories on the Internet. It does make me nauseous, and it gives me a slight headache. Advil and Benadryl help with those side effects. I'm on the fourth day, and my infection is nearly cleared. I was also given a Bactroban skin cream, and that stuff is great. A pleasant side effect has been my skin clearing. I had perfect skin up until I hit 25, and then suddenly I had cystic acne on one side of my face. I was reluctant to take anything because it wasn't that bad, but the Bactrim has pretty much cleared it up."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "Had a 7-day prescription of Bactrim DS. The first two days, I had a headache. By the 3rd day, I started feeling nausea, which turned into nausea, dizziness, and constant fatigue. I've been off the medicine for 36 hours and still feel extremely exhausted, dizzy, and a little queasy at times."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "Had a 7-day prescription of Bactrim DS. The first two days, I had a headache. By the 3rd day, I started feeling nausea, which turned into nausea, dizziness, and constant fatigue. I've been off the medicine for 36 hours and still feel extremely exhausted, dizzy, and a little queasy at times."

• Ans...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS 2x a day for 10 days to clear a urinary tract infection. I was having nausea, acid reflux, and intestinal/digestive issues that felt like irritable bowel syndrome or stomach flu by the 3rd day. After the 5th day, I decided to stop taking it, and the infection is gone along with all side effects. I am glad I decided to stop taking it, it seems Bactrim DS 2x a day was a bit too much for me."

• Ann...
• December 17, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS for a severe UTI and a 7-day, twice-a-day schedule. On the second day of dosage, I began having flu-like symptoms such as dizzy spells, nausea, aches, weakness, and I felt so sick I thought I was going to die. I felt worse each day, and by the 6th day of dosage, I had to return to my doctor. He said I must have had a severe allergy to this medicine. He gave me a shot of antibiotics and a prescription of 500 mg Amoxicillin. I am finally feeling better. The Bactrim did not work on me. They put a note in my chart to not prescribe Bactrim to me again. I think that some people have allergies to this, I know I do. Hope my story helps you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've had multiple UTIs in my life, so I know what it feels like when I'm getting one. Tuesday night I had symptoms, so I went to the doctor the morning after. Got prescribed Bactrim DS. I did what everyone shouldn't do and Googled reviews. I was so scared to take it, but I felt 100% fine. I was a little dizzy when I first took it, but I honestly think that it was all in my head. This is the only medicine I take for UTIs. I suggest taking it with food to prevent nausea. But no dizziness. No nausea. No fever. And my infection feels better already."

• Kay...
• May 3, 2020

For Acne "I have been on Bactrim Rx for about three weeks now, and I already see a dramatic improvement in my skin. All my cystic bumps are gone, haven’t had any active breakouts since the day I started it. My skin feels smooth and looks alive and glowing. My only problem was that it made me very nauseous (as most antibiotics do for me), so I would have to take it after a full meal. But I highly recommend talking to your dermatologist about this medication if you are tired of suffering and being depressed about your skin. It’ll be 100% worth it!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (SMZ/TMP) twice a day for 7 days for a UTI. I have one pill left, almost all the symptoms are gone. The first day I took the pill, I was extremely sleepy. Every day after that, I had a horrible headache in the back of my head and a stiff neck that came and went every few hours, also brought on by light sensitivity. Nausea, out of breath at times, cold sweat on exertion, and jittery."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2011

For Bacterial Infection "This was not right for me. I had a severe reaction while taking this and had to go to the emergency room. Racing/irregular heartbeat, nausea, shaky legs felt weird, red blotches, slurring speech, red eyes, feverish, and generally felt very unwell."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2017

For Kidney Infections "I was a bit of a moron and let a UTI go for too long. I had pain on and off for a few months in my back. Pee was cloudy, frequent urination... all that good stuff, but two days ago, I woke up and felt absolutely terrible. I was so nauseous, couldn’t eat anything, awful headache, chills, and the worst back pain I had ever felt. I went to the doctor, and she wrote this for me. I took two pills yesterday, and already today I feel a hundred times better. I don’t believe it is for everyone, obviously, due to the mixed reviews, and my mother had taken it before, and it had awful effects on her as well, but I do believe it’s worth trying because for me, it’s been wonderful. I couldn’t even bend over yesterday, and today all I have is slight dull pain in my back. Worked perfectly."