Side Effects from Big 3

Posted by marthaannie72 @marthaannie72, Mar 11 10:34am

Has anyone gotten speeded up from the big 3 antibiotics? I just started them two days ago. The first day I was fine, but the second day I got speeded up—wired like I’d had too much caffeine—and couldn’t sleep as a result.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

westcottkm3040 | @westcottkm3040 | Mar 12 9:25am

I take mine at 5. Just before dinner. They do mess with your sleep.

marthaannie72 | @marthaannie72 | Mar 12 9:59am

In reply to @westcottkm3040 "I take mine at 5. Just before dinner. They do mess with your sleep." + (show)

@westcottkm3040

Thank you!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Mar 12 10:42am

In reply to @westcottkm3040 "I take mine at 5. Just before dinner. They do mess with your sleep." + (show)

@westcottkm3040 & @marthaannie72 - I always took mine at bedtime, to reduce the effects of persistent nausea they caused. Others here spread their doses throughout the day...

This all serves as a reminder that we are all different, and react differently to medications. According to my pulmonologist and infectious disease doc, the best time to take the meds may be different from the "ideal" timing - their advice "Do what works in your life, the most important thing is to TAKE THE MEDICATION."

Good luck as you continue the meds, did your doctor have you start them one at a time so you can isolate which one causes which side effect?

westcottkm3040 | @westcottkm3040 | Mar 12 11:17am

Started all separately. Was taking rafubutin but couldn’t tolerate the side effects. So switched to rafampin as well as the other two if the big 3. Just started a daily puffer and clofazimine. So lots to take every day.

marthaannie72 | @marthaannie72 | Mar 12 5:25pm

In reply to @sueinmn "@westcottkm3040 & @marthaannie72 - I always took mine at bedtime, to reduce the effects of persistent..." + (show)

@sueinmn
Thanks, Sue, that’s a good idea to try them separately. I started with two—Azythromycin & Ethambutol. Next time I’ll try just one at a time.

annagh | @annagh | Mar 13 10:12am

I started Azithromycin and Ethambutol daily six weeks ago. I take them as directed by ID doctor, “2 hours before bedtime with a bowl of ice cream.” So far no side-effects.
Anna

marthaannie72 | @marthaannie72 | Mar 13 2:19pm

In reply to @annagh "I started Azithromycin and Ethambutol daily six weeks ago. I take them as directed by ID..." + (show)

@annagh
Thanks, Anna. I got the same instructions from my ID doctor. I’m glad you’re doing well. Since I got speeded up when I took them two hours before bedtime, I will next try them in the morning.

texaseve | @texaseve | Mar 14 11:05am

My albuterol nebulizer treatment makes me antsy before bed, so I do it a few hours before. I take Rifampin early in the am (M,W & F) with a lot of water, go back to bed for an hour (you are supposed to wait an hour or two before eating), then take my Azithromycin with lots of breakfast. Eat some, take the pill and then eat some more... Eggs bacon and toast. I avoid coffee with breakfast. This seems to help me avoid nausea. On T, Th & Sat, I take my Ethambutol in the am with applesauce, since I read an article that said it's best to avoid Calcium with it. Coffee doesn't bother me with Ethambutol.

annagh | @annagh | Mar 14 11:48am

In reply to @marthaannie72 "@annagh Thanks, Anna. I got the same instructions from my ID doctor. I’m glad you’re doing..." + (show)

@marthaannie72 So sorry to hear about the speeding up. A few drugs have caused that reaction in me, so I do understand. Relaxing and resting are so important to healing. I hope a change in timing works for you.
Anna

blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Mar 15 1:09pm

In reply to @annagh "I started Azithromycin and Ethambutol daily six weeks ago. I take them as directed by ID..." + (show)

@annagh This caught my eye "“2 hours before bedtime with a bowl of ice cream." Yum, lucky you. You must not have to worry about a cholesterol problem. I'd love to do that but a family history of high cholesterol.
Barbara