Lyme Disease Support Group

I'm not a man, but the one thing to look out for is upst stomach. Make sure to eat with it. Also watch for diarrhea and be sure to take probiotics to replace any good bacteria being killed off by the doxy. No need to be worried, it is a positive step to feeling better!

Hi, not a man either, sorry! But, doxy for 4 months is deft not abnormal for the treatment of this disease. Like beccachow said take probiotics, try to stay away from sugar, and I think doxy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun so watch out for that!

Good Luck, and congrats on finally getting a diagnosis!!

I also am not a man. But I agree with the earlier posts. That is a typical starting point. Dont be surprised if after this, a different medication is prescribed (biaxin and flagyll are common)
Be prepared for jarisch herxheimer (sorry poor spelling) reaction called herxing for short. When Lyme starts to die, it relaeses toxins that causes an apparent increase in symptoms. Drink tons of water during this time, get plenty of rest, try to do mild exercise as tolerated. Eat lots of leafy greens and veggies.
Parsley drops in water help the body elminate these toxins. Some have found epsom salt baths to be helpful as well. Dont be surprised if your lymph nodes become enlarged. your lymph system will be working overtime to help with this.

Hi Dave. I believe the recommended dose of Doxy for Lyme is 300-600 mg daily. I am not a man either :) but I have taken 400 mg daily sometimes together with another antibiotic.

There are some important tips to know about taking Doxy. Do not have any dairy, magnesium or iron products two hours before or after taking it or it will not be absorbed properly. If it makes you nauseous, eat something substantial and non-dairy before taking it. What helped me was to have a sandwich with some kind of protein. Avoid the sun. You can get a severe burn in minutes even when wearing sunscreen. Do not lay down for at least an hour after taking it or you can ulcerate your esophagus. This is very painful! Drink a full glass of water when you take it for the same reason.

Whenever you take any antibiotics, make sure you take high-quality acidophilus capsules. They replace the good bacteria in the body and help to prevent yeast overgrowth. The best ones to get are refrigerated and have a high culture count. Most healthfood stores have them. Wait at least two hours before or after taking the antibiotics to take the acidophilus.

You will likely need longer treatment than four months if you have been infected for four years.

Have you been tested for all the co-infections ticks can transmit--Babesiosis, both types of Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma? This is very important. Many Lyme doctors believe co-infections need to be treated first for Lyme treatment to be effective. This was true in my case.

Thanks everyone, that is really good advice and information.

I very much appreciate you all for taking the time to comments.

Dave X

Good luck with your treatment!

I was on doxy for 6 1/2 months and now pulse, using it one week per month for the next few months. In my case, it has worked like magic. My husband is on doryx ( a doxy derivative) for the third month now and is doing MUCH better.

As I'm sure other posters have mentioned, take probiotics. If possible, exercise so that your muscles are oxygenated and your body temp raised. That will markedly increase the efficacy of the medication. Doxy's great stuff.

Hi Nancy

Thanks for your message.
Yes thanks, I am on probiotics everyday
And am exercising, swimming most days
and then into the sauna and jacuzzi
afterwards. I think this is all really working.
Glad things are working out for you.
Dave

Doxycycline

As much as 90% to 100% of this Antibiotic,which is marketed as Vibramycin and Doryx, is absorbed on an empty stomach. It is widely distributed in the tissue,
with some reaching the spinal fluid and the brain. Dairy products, antacids, and iron preparations interfere with the absorption of all tetracyclines.