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Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Bacterial Infection User Reviews (Page 3)

Brand names: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Co-trimoxazole, SMZ-TMP DS, Septra DS, Bactrim Pediatric, Bactrim IV Sulfatrim Pediatric Bethaprim Bethaprim Pediatric …show all brand names

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim has an average rating of 3.8 out of 10 from a total of 184 reviews for the treatment of Bacterial Infection. 20% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 61% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

  • annie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 22, 2020

"I got diagnosed with a UTI and was prescribed this medication. I usually don't experience any side effects/ mild side effects with antibiotics. The first 3 days was pretty normal. Fast forward to the fourth day, I was feeling feverish. Had really bad headaches and nausea. I'm on my 6th day and I haven't been able to get good sleep for 2 days for some reason. Also have no appetite and stomach feels terrible. This is probably the worst I've felt with any antibiotics. Not even sure if it cleared up the UTI."

3 / 10
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  • Jackson
  • July 13, 2019

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "After 2 days my fever rose to 102.8, I had severe kidney pain, and a burning sensation under my skin. Diarrhea soon followed, and then I began throwing up. I went to a different doctor and she did a blood test and urine test. My red blood count was very high, but my white count was perfect. She told me to stop Bactrim immediately and to never take it again, I felt like I had been poisoned."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Destiny
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 29, 2021

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I had taken the bactrim 800/160 twice in a day as told. When I got it after my appointment and before bed. That night I was up until 6am throwing up the medicine. I felt nauseous, confused, and my stomach hurt bad. I had food in my stomach so I’m unsure why it acted this way but I would never take again."

2 / 10
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11 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • May 10, 2011

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "This medicine is working for me but it makes me feel horrible. I've been shaking, have had rapid heart rate, nausea, extremely thirsty, chills (no fever), dizziness, and cold hands and feet. I did find that taking probiotics helps. It doesn't take away everything but it helps with the nausea. The only reason I continue to take it is because the Doctor said this could be MRSA."

5 / 10
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31 Report
  • Felt...
  • December 12, 2009

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I was on Bactrim for 10 days because of a Bartholin Cyst that tested positive for MRSA. On the 7th day I started experiencing back pain, intermittent low grade fevers, chills, complete fatigue and eyeball pain. An I.D. doctor wanted me to take it for another 7 days as a precaution but I had to force him to listen to my symptoms and he told me to stop taking the Bactrim. Also don't know if it matters that I'm not of 'normal' weight for most woman at 5'5 I'm 109lbs - the symptoms I experienced were also listed as possible "overdose"....stopped Bactrim today - feel terrible."

4 / 10
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33 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Lili
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 20, 2019

SMZ-TMP DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I have Dysuria, Furuncle of groin, cellulitis at the same time , I was given sulfamethoxazole plus TMP/ Ds 800 every 12 hours. I also have hashimoto disease, and took my levothyroxine a while after taking bactrim (sulfamethoxazole plus TMP). The first day I started having cramps on left side of stomach , thinking it was normal, took the 2nd, pill after 12 hours I was worse than before , light headache, nausea, full and heavy stomach feeling. Then I took the 3rd, pill in the morning and soon I was having chest pain, nausea, tired irregular heartbeat, fatigue and tight chest , pain on teeth, lips and muscle pain. The symptoms are not improving I called pharmacy and they wanted me to call my doctor, but I will stop this medication, as per my primary doctor. I will have a long talk with them tomorrow as according to my medical records I shouldn’t have been on this medication"

10 / 10
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  • Kyle
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 30, 2018

"My experience with this drug is HORROR. The first night I took the drug everything was fine. I've been on an anxiety medication prior to taking Bactrim. However, the anxiety that I felt day 2 was like anxiety I've never felt before! I've thrown up in the past, but with Bactrim I couldn't eat anything! I threw up almost every meal that I ate and woke up all throughout the night! The nausea and insomnia were so bad, these resulted in even more heightened anxiety levels. I stopped taking it after 3 days, because I could not handle it!!! It did help my infection, but in my opinion it wasn't worth it."

2 / 10
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  • John
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2019

"After two days taking the sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim medication, I started having panic attacks, anxiety, intense cold, among others. Its been three years since I took it. Since then, I've been on antidepressants."

1 / 10
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  • Neil...
  • August 12, 2014

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Have been taking this medicine for 5 days for Cellulitis that developed on my leg below the knee. I had waited 7 days prior to seeking treatment. First three days after getting an injection type not known, thick solution and needle and taking Bactrim and Cephalexin showed little signs of improvement, 4 days showed signs of reduced swelling, 5th day swelling all but gone, reduced redness and warmth at sight. 6th day redness reduced greatly and leg feels normal. However, Side effects extreme fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, overall ill feeling. Overall benefits out way side effects."

7 / 10
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  • pmbou...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 7, 2019

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I've been fighting a frustrating cavitational infection in my palate for years. I've lost count how many different kinds of antibiotics I've taken that were useless. They ruined my gut, made me miserable and gave me headaches. I'm loving this stuff Bactrim!! Not one side effect!"

10 / 10
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  • Dee
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 4, 2019

"I've never had such a severe negative reaction to a medication as I did for sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim. I became nausea after the second dose. After 3 days, on Saturday I called the prescribing practice Dr. on call. I reported severe nausea, with stomach pain, weakness, fatigue, and headache. He stated I had not yet received a therapeutic dose and to continue taking the medication. After 6 doses I returned to prescribing Dr. barely able to function. Dr. advised to discontinue use and noted on my chart that I had a bad reaction. It's been about 36 hours since my last dose and I'm still very sick, stomach pains, nausea, headache, fatigue . I'm so debilitated I can do nothing but lay on the couch. This is a horrible drug for me and others. Use extreme caution."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 20, 2020

"Day 2 of no sleeping on this medication. I am narcoleptic, so that is quite a feat. Unable to breathe and extended panic attacks. Shaky hands. Strange/unusual thoughts and worsening depression. Middle back pain. This medication is the worst of the worst."

1 / 10
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  • Morgo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 17, 2019

"Bactrim was the WORST medicine in the world! I was prescribed Bactrim for 10 days and only took it for 6. Everyday something new was wrong. Days 4 & 5 were the worst. I was extremely sensitive to light and had vivid suicidal thoughts and became extremely depressed. All I wanted to do was sit at home and cry. Day 6 I decided to stop Bactrim because my severe headaches began to worsen and I began extremely dehydrated. The medication urges you to drink “plenty”of water but I drank 6 bottles of water in 3 hrs and was reaching for # 7 that’s MORE than “plenty” if you ask me. I don’t recommend!!☠️"

1 / 10
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  • Hhh
  • November 15, 2018

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I’ve been taking this and am randomly getting anxiety & a jittery feeling. I also keep having weird dreams since I’ve been on it. I had a ear/near my tooth infection. I’m allergic to amoxicillin so I was prescribed Bactrim. I’m on the 8th day & I feel insomnia and anxiety. My feet are also really cold. It fluctuates but I’ll be quitting tomorrow since I don’t feel like myself"

3 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • April 28, 2011

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Pain and swelling in the vicinity of my tailbone led to an emergency room visit where I had a pilonidal cyst drained. After the doctor incised and drained my cyst, he prescribed me Bactrim and Keflex. He explained that the Keflex was intended to treat the infection if it was MRSA while Bactrim would cover all other bases. A week into my 10 day course of antibiotics, I went to bed with a developing fever. In the morning, I awoke to discover that my entire body was covered in a red, splotchy rash. I immediately went to a medical professional who informed me that I was likely having a severe allergic reaction to Bactrim. I was informed that my fever and rash would persist for days to weeks and may progress to anaphylaxis."

2 / 10
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  • Sherry...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 14, 2017

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "My 83-yr old father took only five (5) pills over the course of a few days and ended up in the hospital in acute renal failure and 103 degree fever. This man was not on any medications prior to taking Bactrim DS and was still working. His kidney functions have not returned to normal, his blood platelets are critically low, his blood pressure is now elevated, as well as his blood glucose. His whole life has changed for the worse all because of five (5) Bactrim pills. I just hope he's on the road to recovery."

1 / 10
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  • Unsat...
  • June 22, 2015

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Was prescribed this almost 2 years ago for a skin infection but quit taking it after 3 days because of severe anxiety, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, dizzyness and who know what else. At the time I was dealing with panic attacks so when my current doctor prescribed it last week I decided, since I was feeling better, to give I one last effort. Days 1-2 were good. Skin was clearing and other than being tired I had no side effects. By day 3 I got a headache that was relentless, I was shakey, couldn't sleep at night but couldn't stay awake during the day, diarrhea started and I quit the medicine at my doctors advice. It's been over 48 hours since my last dose and i still feel like crap. My neck hurts, and I'm still feeling incredibly anxious."

3 / 10
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20 Report
  • Meag
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 12, 2019

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I am currently taking this medicine to help me fight a serious bacterial infection. Every time I take it during the day, nasty side effects occur...the feeling of throwing up, very bad stomachaches, feeling like I have diarrhea. However, I have been defecating fine but still feel like I have diarrhea due to the extremely bad stomach ache I am currently having. My throat is getting better and I sound less congested. I think that's one of the many benefits that it has. I am hoping to be on a different drug that will help me get better faster and never have this very strong drug negatively affect my stomach anymore!"

1 / 10
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  • crissym
  • April 30, 2016

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I'm on this medication after developing staph infection in my C-section incision. I began feeling dizzy on day one. I've had some itching on my stomach, but not too terribly. Yesterday (day 6 of 10) I developed a headache. I still have said headache. I feel blurry visioned & dizzy all day. Extreme hunger too. Idk. My staph is healing & incision looks great now... But after suffering a SEVERE spinal headache following my surgery... A headache is the last thing I want to experience. 3 more days... Ugh. Is it effective for infection? Yes. Is it pleasant to endure? Nope."

8 / 10
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  • S Smith
  • April 12, 2017

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I have been taking Bactrim for a total of 3 days. I have awful headaches, the shakes, spiky fevers, tightness in my chest, and can barely keep my eyes open from exhaustion. I have 7 days left of treatment and I'm not sure I'm going to finish it. I feel worse with the medication than I did with the infection. Granted, it has reduced swelling and pain at infection site. So I guess it's doing one thing right."

1 / 10
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  • MamaL...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 2, 2018

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I was prescribed a 10-day course of Bactrim as a preventative measure after an injury. My wound healed well and no major problems other than nausea until Day 9, when I broke out in a rash. Started on my arms, quickly spread to trunk, legs, and face. The rash was painful, swollen, and hot to the touch. It felt similar to a bad sunburn. Started taking Benadryl every 4-6 hours until I could get to the dr, where I got a steroid shot. So far that seems to be helping a lot. Dr says I am allergic to sulfa drugs and make sure never to take it again or it could be even worse next time."

5 / 10
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  • David...
  • April 23, 2013

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Some upset stomach using Bactrim, other then that not a problem. One month using this has finally cleared up sinus, inner ear and nasal infections lingering for months. Highly recommend this medicine also using with Rifampin."

8 / 10
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22 Report
  • Happy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 1, 2023

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "The reviews of this medication had me absolutely terrified but a few of the positive reviews gave me the courage to try it. So I felt obligated to share my review to help calm the fear of others. I took this medication twice a day for seven days. I took it with food and I also took one Florastor probiotic capsule with every Bactrim pill. I felt fine for the entire seven days. No side effects whatsoever. That being said, there is a long list of the types of people who should NOT take Bactrim. I recommend anyone taking this medication look up the warnings and contraindications and speak with a pharmacist if they have any questions. Best wishes everyone!"

10 / 10
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  • Joanne
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 18, 2019

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "For 6 months, I had a sore throat. It felt like a lump in my throat. I went to 5 different doctors because, well, I'm in North Dakota. Sore throat for 6 months. Blood test normal. Negative for mono. Laproscopy negative for other diseases. Red swollen tonsils. I was finally given Bactrim DS by a dr who flew in from another state to see me and other patients. An ENT specialist, she prescribed this wonderful medication. I had strep and pus stuck in my throat from 2 head colds back to back months earlier. My side effects from Bactrim DS- yellow diarrhea for the duration of medicine. Not bad though. Extreme drowsiness an hour after taking it which was unexpected for just an antibiotic. Did not drink alcohol with it either. Took one pill twice a day. Shaky from blood sugar drop on first day but ate full meals and was ok. Felt better after 4 days. No sore throat since. Took whole bottle to kill all the germs. Love this medicine!"

10 / 10
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  • a stu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 11, 2020

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I'll be honest I was not expecting much from Bactrim but it definitely helped me. Bactrim alleviated my joint and epididymitis pains amongst other things including clearing my skin. Unfortunately at the 6th day of treatment I began to get itchy and called my doctor who informed me I must be allergic to it. I'm sad, since it worked and while it was working I felt fantastic and healthy. It took some time to work (about 5 days). Aside from the itchiness, I didn't experience any additional side effects. I was even sleeping better, but that was most likely due to it getting rid of the bacteria causing my systemic infection. Give it a go if you receive a script for it! Currently on the quest for finding an alternative that works just as well, if not better. Bear in mind when reading reviews about any antibiotic that the negative effects of it could be due to an allergic reaction, and that just because someone else is allergic to it (and had a bad anaphylactic reaction at that) does not mean you are!"

10 / 10
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9 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.