Trimethoprim and Nausea: What Users Say

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 5, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Presented to Doctors for UTI. Was prescribed trimethoprim for 5 days. 300mg, one per day. I have never had such a horrible reaction to an antibiotic. I did think it was odd that the dose was so low and only 1 per day, and now I know why. Any higher and I probably would have been hospitalized! I had the worst, worst stomach cramps, nausea, wobbly legs, zero energy, couldn’t sleep at night, sweating on and off, horrible jaw clenching, tense body muscles (especially in the back of my neck) and very, very anxious. It’s easy to second guess yourself and think that these side effects are just in conjunction with the UTI but me, personally, know my body very, very well and these tablets just made me so sick and in my opinion the UTI was easier than taking these. Now that I’m 2 days off these pills I am creeping back to normality. My advice is don’t take them unless you want to risk the side effects."

• AMA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Trimethoprim three days ago after being taken off nitrofurantoin due to an adverse reaction. I am coping, but the fatigue and nausea are the worst side effects of this drug for me. I have to take these for the next four days and am just hoping they do their job so I can get on with my life. Currently, I feel exhausted, nauseous, have no appetite, and just generally feel grotty. I am loath to go back to the GP complaining, as the last thing I want is yet another antibiotic prescribed with even worse side effects. Hugs to anyone taking UTI antibiotics as they all seem to come with a lovely list of side effects."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I got this antibiotic, trimethoprim, and have been taking it for two days, but have stopped taking it now. I thought I was seriously ill until reading these reviews. The side effects symptoms it caused were constant nausea, blinding headaches, flashes, all wrapped up in excessive anxiety. NEVER AGAIN!"

• MAR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Got prescribed a 7-day course of Trimethoprim 200mg twice daily after symptoms returned after a course of Nitrofurantoin. Started it in the evening after a meal and immediately felt very tired (figured it could be a UTI). Continued with the course till day 3, getting progressively more tired, could not stay awake. Felt very weak and shaky and had a stiff neck. Had nausea but continued to eat. When I was awake, I had a sense of anxiety, clenching fists, raised shoulders up to the neck, palpitations, clenched jaw. Not usually something I struggle with. General feeling of being very unwell. Strange sharp aches and pains randomly on my body, abdomen, back, inner thighs, etc. Very thirsty as well, waking to drink but not to pee. Decided to stop the antibiotic and felt better the next day, 24 hours after the last med was taken. Would never touch this again."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "On this trimethoprim medication for 3 days for UTI, and OMG, the side effects are horrendous. How can they give out medication to people that is supposed to make you well but ends up a total nightmare? I couldn't sleep due to burning up and feeling really nauseous all night. No appetite, feeling weak, dry mouth, headache, anxiety, painful back. Have stopped taking them as there are a lot better medications out there. I think doctors should really read up about some of the stuff they hand out so easily to people. Hoping these horrible feelings pass soon."

• dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went into emergency for lower back pain last week, told me I had a UTI. The hospital prescribed me trimethoprim for 3 days, but my GP increased it to 7 days. I'm on my 5th day (I stopped), and it has been HORRIBLE. The side effects from trimethoprim are nausea, body aches, diarrhea, runny nose, high anxiety, EVERYTHING that has been described on this thread. I thought it was just me until I found this forum. I will be seeing my GP tomorrow. I can't deal with these side effects. Never again am I touching these antibiotics ..."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "There are better antibiotics with less severe side effects than trimethoprim. I take medication regularly, which I've not had side effects for, however, Alprim gave me a headache that got more severe 'til I was throwing up in my car leaving work, ever so nauseous. The pain was so severe in the temples of my head and cramping all through the base of my neck. I couldn't move nor ease it. My jaws were clenched so much I had to put my tongue in between my teeth to alleviate this cramping sensation. Threw up all night 'til bile was all there was left. I was scared and anxious, no energy."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was on trimethoprim for 7 days, taking 1 pill twice a day. From about day 2-3, I was getting nauseous and headaches and felt very ill. I could not go to the toilet, and by the morning of day 4, I felt extremely weak and nauseous. However, I was able to go to the toilet from day 4, but I had the shakes and was weak. Each night after my second tablet, around 6 pm, I got pain and spasms where my kidney is. Not sure if this is working."

• Chr...
• October 21, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "First 7 days of taking Trimethoprim made me feel ill, nauseous, vomiting, shaking, sweats, and headache. Felt better once the course ended, but 2 weeks later, UTI back. Further 7 days prescribed, this time raging temperature, vomiting, mouth sore, throat sore, runny nose, and breathless shaking, clammy skin, and rash. Urine test showed clear of UTI. Told by GP to immediately stop taking Trimethoprim. 24 hours later, still feeling ill with intermittent above side effects, wondering how long it will take to leave my system."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed trimethoprim (in the UK) 2x200mg for a UTI. Within an hour of taking the first one, I was suffering from a killer headache, lightheadedness, nausea, and heart palpitations. Wore off after 4 hours. After taking the second tablet, I actually passed out! Same symptoms, only multiplied by 10. Had used these tablets before with no side effects and actually wondered if it was more than a UTI. Had a restless night, unable to sleep, itchy skin, felt as if there was something crawling underneath my skin. Took the third tablet in the morning and oh my god, I was unable to speak, could hardly walk, wasn't able to eat, couldn't pee, and my heart was racing. I will never take these tablets again and strongly advise anyone else to do the same."

• 123...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed 200 mg twice a day for UTI & possible kidney infection for 5 days. Not even an hour after the 1st pill hit my system, I was throwing up, shaking, agitated, having horrific thoughts, anxiety, couldn't stand, and had such bad fatigue I could hardly lift my head off the pillow. Also had facial bone pain along my jaw and cheekbones. After my 3rd day (today, 4th March 22), my doctor advised to stop & switch to a different antibiotic as I am just not coping on these. I'd rather sit in the bath for hours on end drinking cranberry juice and water to flush out the UTI than ever take these again!"

• Jet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "This antibiotic, trimethoprim, is good for treating UTIs, but gives awful side effects. Had 3 days' worth of these, and although it cleared up the infection, it came with some unwanted feelings. Worse side effects were migraine-type headaches, fatigue, shakes, nausea, and racing heart. Absolutely awful, wouldn’t want to take these again. Thank God it was only 3 days!"

• Dhf...
• October 27, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I had other antibiotics before and other medicines, but never had side effects or allergies till I was prescribed trimethoprim. Took 1 tablet, and after a few hours, I started to have a headache-not that painful, but after the second tablet, it was really bad. I woke up during that night. The next morning, the headache was better, and I thought I should take another tablet to see how I feel. I had it with food to be sure I wouldn't be sick. I regretted it after 1 hour or so when suddenly I got nausea, a bad taste in my mouth, and the worst throbbing headache ever! Couldn't do anything, just stayed in bed. Eventually, I started to feel better and stopped taking these. Reading other opinions on here, I think they should ban this antibiotic."

• sof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Prevention of Bladder infection "I’ve suffered from UTIs and chronic cystitis for about 8 years, and finally, I’ve been taken seriously and been given ultrasounds and put on a 3-month course of trimethoprim as a preventative measure to take 200 mg at night. 4 days in, I became really constipated and got bad headaches. 6 days in, I began waking up early in the morning vomiting, and subsequently felt nauseous the whole day and could barely stomach even the tiniest amount of food. Convinced myself I may be pregnant, 2 negative tests later, and after choosing to stop the medication after calling my GP, and now I'm 100% fine again, no nausea, headaches, or anything. Probably important to note I also got really bad aches and pains in my whole body too. Now been switched on to 50 mg of Nitrofurantoin at bedtime instead, so fingers crossed!"

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I'm on day 3 of this medication, and before reading these reviews, I have had a migraine that won't go away, shaky hands, trembling, paranoia, dry mouth, nausea, and the itchiest skin. These are all of the symptoms I've read of people that have taken this, it's actually scary, worth reading up before you take something new."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "My GP gave me 3 tablets of Trimethoprim Mylan. I wish I had never taken them, the side effects are not worth it! The headache was so bad it just didn’t go away, unable to do anything, constant nausea, chills, and shaking. I cannot believe they can market this drug without extreme warnings. There was no pamphlet inside to notify of side effects. I am deeply upset about this, and I won’t ever touch it again. I am not exaggerating. Thank you."

• rad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2020

For Bladder Infection "I am currently on day 2 of trimethoprim. The 1st day after taking it, I had slight nausea and felt very drowsy, almost fell asleep in my class, but I also walked a lot that day. Took one this morning, fell asleep an hour or so after, but no nausea today. I had a really annoying UTI/bladder infection. I've never taken an antibiotic before, but I really don't want that damn infection coming back because it sucks. Pro tip: If you have an infection, see a doctor ASAP. Don't wait or use over-the-counter stuff. Thought mine had gone, a week later it was back."

• Loz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "It did clear up my UTI on about the second day of taking this, however, I was prescribed 200 mg to be taken twice a day. I would take this and would suddenly get a headache that wouldn’t go for hours, even if I took paracetamol. I got really bad nausea to the point I would gag but have to fight to not be sick and would get really bad neck pain, it also made me feel really down on one of the days. I stopped taking it after 4 days and still have 3 pills left, however, even after stopping on Tuesday morning, I sometimes wake up with neck pain and a bit of nausea with a funny taste in my mouth. I would simply AVOID this antibiotic."

• FRE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was given ALPRIM for a bladder infection. I was told to take it in the evening with food. The first night I nearly went mad, I had nausea, itching, headache, pain in my lower legs and feet. Then on day 2, a severe rash appeared, and my feet both swelled. They were also red raw, I thought I must have had gout. Day 3, I took another tablet, and the rash spread on both legs. The pain was unbearable, moods were hard to live with. I have had infected cellulitis, and that was painful, but nothing like this. So on day 4, the lower legs all blistered, and I was in shocking pain. So that was the end of ALPRIM-never again. It is 3 weeks later, and the legs are slowly coming back to normal, still very red. So please be aware of this medication, and if you notice any changes in yourself, stop it. I will never take it again."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed a three-day course (one twice a day) for UTI over the phone. First day gave me a raging headache and dizziness. The second day (Xmas Eve) I felt nauseous all day. Decided to take my second dose with food. An hour later I started vomiting and violently shaking. This lasted a few hours when it seemed to subside (I'm 2 weeks post-COVID, so it's easy to blame COVID for everything, but this felt different). Xmas Day morning, the vomiting returned, along with the violent shaking - no fever. Also, my mind was full of paranoid thoughts. I have never been so scared in my life. Rang 111, the doctor said it was a reaction to the trimethoprim and to stop taking them (I had). Prescribed anti-sickness tablets and advised to call back if symptoms worsened. Thankfully, by Boxing Day I had recovered. I just can't believe these side effects aren't made common knowledge."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed a 7-day course of 300 mg twice a day. Felt OK on day 1 and 2, but day 3 was bad. Woke up jittery and shaky, bloated stomach, and no appetite. Took the morning tablet, and two hours later, I was having a panic attack, shaking with chills—nausea and bloating continued, as well as the jittery and shaky feelings. My neck is stiff and uncomfortable also. It's now the evening on day 3, and I'm still shaky and have no appetite. I do take antidepressants and feel this has definitely not helped with my anxiety. I can't take many antibiotics either, as I am sensitive, this is clearly another one to add to the list."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "The urine tract infection is gone after two doses, but at a cost. Feeling nausea, vomiting, itchy rash on ear, slight temperature increase, a terrible headache. I stopped taking it after the second dose by doctor's advice."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Been on this antibiotic trimethoprim for three days and no side effects. I’m on a longer course of the same drug. I mainly get headaches and nausea from this stuff and a bit of gas too. Been struggling mentally, I’m not sure if that’s related. It’s clearing up the infection well enough though, and having to deal with the pain in the butt of UTI symptoms for the past month, that’s good enough for me. I’m currently on day 3 of a 7-day course."

• Reb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2023

For Bladder Infection "I was prescribed this drug for a bladder infection. Within an hour of taking it, I had one of the worst headaches I've had since my last migraine. It was the intensity of a migraine, I tried paracetamol and ibuprofen, but nothing touched it. I've got horrible anxiety, I feel shaky, and my stomach feels truly awful. I feel sick and have no appetite. I also feel exhausted, I didn't sleep well last night due to racing thoughts. Much of what others have described has been my experience. I'm currently waiting for a call from my GP surgery for a different antibiotic. Take the advice on here: don't take it, it's a truly awful drug. It should be taken off the market!"

• Thi...
• November 30, 2020

For Bladder Infection "Bladder infection. Almost an hour later, I had severe dizziness, hot flashes, extreme anxiety, and felt like my blood pressure had dropped drastically. The next 3 days, I had a horrible headache, nausea, the worst fatigue ever, completely no appetite, and severe anxiety. Kidneys were very painful, hard to breathe without exacerbating the pain. On the 4th night, I experienced all that and insomnia/strange random thoughts at night that seemed to have a mind of their own. Day 5, I feel much more like myself but still delicate. I notified my doctor and NHs24 about my symptoms, and they said to keep taking it! Glad I did because I am feeling much better now. Look up 'bacteria die-off symptoms', this may be what we have been experiencing. Harmful endotoxins from the dead bacteria in our systems due to antibiotics. I've read the worse you feel during die-off, the more you needed it. Take a good probiotic at night to ease symptoms."