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Brain fog side-effect of big 3
I've searched on the site for more info regarding brain fog as a side-effect of the big 3 regimen, and don't find much. My apology if this is a redundant topic. Does anyone know, or can anyone provide a resource to find out, if brain fog (increased difficulty with retrieval of names, for example) is a real side-effect of the antibiotics? Which of the big 3 (azithromycin, ethambutol, or rifampin) is most likely the cause? I've always had a good memory and have experienced less than typical difficulty recalling names, etc. as I've aged. But after 2 months of the "big 3", I'm very aware of being less "with it." Scary and frustrating!
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Don’t have a definitive answer. But I have never used any of the mentioned drugs and have brain fog and mild cognitive impairment
I have had the same issue. Confirmed with the doc. Is a combo of not sleeping well and lower oxygen saturation rates and the drugs I was told.
Thank you for the confirmation! Did your doc indicate whether or not this will resolve when you're no longer on the meds? My situation is a little different: sleep is no worse than b4 and my blood oxygen level is always 95% or so.
How old are you? Did you have COVID during the pandemic? I will be 77 in November and have been on the 'Big 3" (for me- IV meds) twice. I make my brain work to retrieve names.
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1 ReactionI'm 76, to my knowledge, never have had Covid (despite lots of travel after the vaccines came out), rarely get sick. Mac (and BE) since at least 2011. I'm beginning 3rd month of the big 3
Is a combo of meds, coughing and headaches. Some from meds and some from MAC
I was diagnosed Jan 2013 accidentally when the doctors were checking on my pancreas. I was asymptomatic with mycobacterium simiae. Then in September 2022, I had hemoptysis. my sputum sample popped abscessus massilience.
I had whopping cough and two bouts of pneumonia. I was also in the military around fires. Pretty sure the BE stemmed from that. The zofran to counteract the N&V from the tygicycline causes constipation and slight headaches. So I am on colace also.
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2 ReactionsI found this Cleveland Clinic article on gut biome and brain health. Personally, I believe all antibiotics negatively impact the gut biome and subsequently the brain.
What Is the Gut-Brain Connection_ (What-Is-the-Gut-Brain-Connection_.pdf)
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1 ReactionOn the Big 3 since March 2025 plus Arikayce added 2 weeks ago after 4 months of still testing positive. I am 64 and still have excellent recall with names and memories (my friends say "like an elephant" lol). What works for me is I am a firm believer that brain health is directly related to gut health and mental health. If your lifestyle/dietary choices are not optimal, the brain will suffer as well. Just as in physical health, use it or lose it. There's many things you can do to stimulate brain cells and keep your mind sharp and clear; high energy exercise knocks it out of the park. Check out singles tennis, running, rock climbing, etc. My 87 yo dad can do these with me, in addition to shooting pool, Sudoku, NYT crossword, etc. Just do not sit in front of the TV. The goal is to encourage your brain cells to work!
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1 ReactionI agree 100%. I'm physically active, very fit for my age, and have a good diet, plus no chronic diarrhea with the meds (just gut ache some days, which is very uncomfortable). Not a couch potato, except occasionally on those days. Perhaps what I notice is no different from what would occur anyway, and I'm just hyper-vigilant since starting the meds.