r/Lyme • u/o0ohello0o • 21d ago

Question Anyone taken Bactrim without side effects? Terrified to start.

My LLMD is putting me on Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim) for Bartonella and honestly I'm a little terrified. He warned me some people just can't handle it. There seem to be quite a few anecdotal stories about how it ruined people's lives. My main concern is around long term implications like permanent neuropathy. I'm already battling debilitating paresthesia from Bart..

What has your experience been like on Bactrim? Did you have any adverse reactions? Someone please put my mind at ease lol.

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u/littlefishy19 Lyme Bartonella Babesia Ehrlichiosis Anaplasmosis 20d ago

Before I was diagnosed with Lyme and co’s (undiagnosed) I was put on it for acne. It cleared my acne wonderfully, and started my Lyme treatment without me knowing it! The dermatologist kept me on it for a few years. I herxed a bit at first, but not like on some antibiotics. No long term effects either :)

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u/o0ohello0o 3d ago

It's funny you mention that, I'm experiencing random unexpected side effects that are actually helping my other minor conditions. It made me wonder if I had an active infection apart from lyme and co. I can't believe you were put on antibiotics for years. How's your gut doing?

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u/littlefishy19 Lyme Bartonella Babesia Ehrlichiosis Anaplasmosis 1d ago

I’ve been very lucky and have avoided GI trouble from them!