Posted by Larry Hoover on August 23, 2004, at 7:39:17
In reply to HELP! Bactrim antibiotic allergic reaction, posted by Simus on August 23, 2004, at 0:13:01
> If anyone can possibly help...
>
> I have a friend who was prescribed Bactrim for a UTI and ended up in the hospital within a day or so. She developed numbness and extreme pain in her arms and legs to the point of not being able to stand. She also became extremely depressed (was already on Lexapro for anxiety/depression). The doctors denied that it was a reaction from the drug, but after two days of testing they couldn't find what was wrong with her. After a little internet investigation, I have found other cases of this kind of reaction. But as far as recovery help, I have yet to find anything other than a short statement about a calcium treatment (because sulfa drugs deplete the body of calcium?). I am wondering about B5 (pantothenic acid), as I read that it helps the body recover from the toxic effects of antibiotics.
>
> Does anyone have any info that could help???
>
> Thanks,
>
> SimusThe reaction you describe is known, but rare. Given the pre-existing depression, I can understand the doctors' reaction, but still.
Both drugs in Bactrim separately block certain aspects of folate metabolism. If your friend was already a little weak there.....gross speculation, but folate is non-toxic at these doses...take 1 mg folic acid, and a B-complex, twice a day for at least three days.
If calcium homeostasis has been disturbed, your body has ample mechanisms to regulate that. Your bones are more than the bits that keep your muscles from sagging to the ground. They are the storehouses for magnesium and calcium ions.
My sympathies to you both,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:381116
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040815/msgs/381174.html