5 Common Side Effects About Doxycycline Ruined My Life

Introduction to Doxycycline Ruined My Life

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is commonly administered for the treatment of respiratory and skin infections and some specific sexually transmitted infections. Most people are able to take doxycycline without problem, though some people have side effects that affect their quality of life. In this article, the author looks at five of the most frequently reported side effects of doxycycline with a view of assisting patients to make definite decisions regarding their medication.

1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances

Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are considered to be the most common side effects of doxycycline. Side effects of the treatment include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pains. Such symptoms can be anything from mild to severe and, if unrelenting, can exacerbate into severe pain that could potentially cause constipation and lack of appetite and consequently result in inadequate nutrition.

Rare side effects of the drug include esophagitis and oesophagal ulcers, which are commonly caused by failure to take the drug with enough water or before lying down. In order to avoid these effects, doxycycline is recommended to be taken with a glass of water, and the patient must not lie down for half an hour after the consumption of the drug.

The side effects of the substance can be felt in the stomach, though taking it alongside food can help to prevent this; you should refrain from taking products that contain dairy because they may affect the capability of the medicinal substance to be absorbed. If any gastrointestinal signs endure or become worse, one must see a doctor, as they may advise increasing or reducing the amount of the antibiotic or choosing a different antibiotic overall.

2. Photosensitivity and Skin Reactions

Doxycycline can make the skin to be sensitive to sunlight, a condition known as photosensitivity. This increases sensitivity to the extent that individuals are likely to develop serious sunburn with little effort.

This may precipitate erythema, itching and desquamation over the light exposed skin areas. These reactions require one to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, stick to a high SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing as well as avoid direct sun exposure during treatment.

In a few cases, possible doxycycline-related serious dermatologic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported. In case lesions appear on the skin or aggravate the already manifest skin reactions, urgent medical care should be provided.

3. Tooth Discoloration

Probably one of the most damaging side effects of doxycycline is staining of the teeth, which can be irreversible. This effect is rather profound in the drug’s application during the tooth development stage, in the second half of the pregnancy or if given to kids under eight years of age.

It normally manifests itself as yellow, grey, or brown deposits on the surface of the teeth. Because of this risk, doxycycline is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are planning on becoming pregnant with young children.

This condition also affects adults, though not as frequently as it does to children. Patients should read the case description of doxycycline to their healthcare professional if they are in any of these sensitive categories, and if necessary, consider switching to other drugs.

4. Yeast Infections

This form of antibiotic is known to kill off good bacteria and fungi in the body, leading to yeast overgrowth. This may lead to oral thrush, white, sore ulcers inside the mouth, or vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infection causes itching and irritation, and discharge, while oral thrush causes white patches in the mouth, soreness, and difficulty in swallowing.

To decrease the chances of the formation of yeast infections, such measures as washing well and the use of probiotics might be helpful, though one should seek a doctor’s advice when using a probiotic. Regarding yeast infections, each medication has its antifungal counterpart, and its use should be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

5. Intracranial Hypertension

Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure around the brain) has been associated with doxycycline, which is quite rare. Other manifestations are migraine headaches, blurred vision, accommodation paresis and blindness.

This condition is best treated by a doctor, and if not treated, it results in a loss of vision, especially in those who are already of an older age. Headaches or visual alterations linger or worsen when the patient is already on doxycycline and should be immediately assessed by a healthcare provider to outrule the possibility of this adverse reaction.

If this is recognized early and the medication stopped, the side effects can be reversed most of the time, although, monitoring may be required to make certain that the effects are fully reversible.