Doxycycline Hyclate and exhaustion

I was prescribed a 10 day course of Doxycycline Hyclate for a strep infection six days ago. On the third day of my medication treatment, I experienced a feeling of exhaustion. On Day 5, the exhaustion became more severe with a little difficulty breathing and some "pin" like pain near my heart, while at work. I called my hospital and was advised to take an aspirin and to come into urgent care, as long as I deemed that it wasn't an emergency. After arriving at my hospital, I took an Xray, had blood drawn for multiple lab tests, hooked up to an EKG machine, and provided a urine sample. All of the test results thus far were negative. All of the specialists who I encountered while at the hospital conveyed to me that exhaustion isn't a side effect of this medication. After reading everyone else's postings about extreme fatigue being a side effect, I am convinced that it is indeed a side effect. I have got another four days to go on my medication therapy. I guess using my sick leave for the side effect isn't such a negative, as long as this medication cures my strep.

I started Doxycycline Hyclate several days ago (100 mg 2x daily) as part of 3 week regimen to treat Lyme Disease. I have had some stomach upset, a generally reduced appetite, and cottonmouth... but by far and large the biggest effect has been this overwhelming exhaustion.

Went to bad at 9:30 last night and woke up at 9:00 am this morning but could not drag myself outta bed until almost noon. Its now the middle of the afternoon and I feel like a complete zombie. Spacy and unmotivated, my head might as well be made of wood and can't pull it together to even take a shower yet.

I am a real outdoors guy and keep up a busy routine of work and exercise. Another 2 and a half weeks of this is gonna drive me nuts. I guess it is better than having Lyme, but does it get any easier?

Am on my second 3-week course of doxycycline for Lyme disease since the first go round didn't eradicate the infection. Have all the classic side effects mentioned, however the stomach ailments are GREATLY alleviated by taking a strong (70 billion parts per capsule) probiotic. Take it half way between the 2 doxycycline doses and although it isn't magic it does make a difference.
Although I have no appetite, I try to graze lightly on foods that appeal to me throughout the day and that seems to help with many of the horrific side effects.
Also, my MD suggested I take Aleve and NOT Ibuprofen for headaches since the Ibuprofen can cause a "headache" kickback (and causes stomach pain). Don't know if that's true, but the Aleve seems to help a little.
Worst side effects for me are utter exhaustion, dizziness, stomach pain, sore throat, and a head that hurts feels like it is filled with wet cotton. Also heart palpitations which may be part of the Lyme disease.
Hope some of this helps.

Wow! Seems as if I'm one of many, many folks with Doxycycline issues. Was prescribed it for symptoms arising from a bad tick bite. Now, in my 5th day of a 10-day course, I have the crushing exhaustion, the mild nausea, the sudden hot flashes and sweats (I didn't even get those during an unmedicated menopause), the aches, the muzzy, on-another-planet head symptoms. I'm thinking that the side effects are better than, say, Lyme or Tularemia – but whew! This has been a stark realization that even if you're a "good patient", even if you read everything that's given to you in connection with a drug, you're still not getting even half the story. And doctors in this managed care world certainly aren't going to tell us. Thanks to everyone who has shared info on this site!

I was prescribed doxy as a precaution for a mole removal on Friday, started taking meds on Saturday. I am in day 5 and have noticed that since Day two I have had inexplicable joint and muscle ache and have been so tired for two days that I almost could not bring myself to return to work after lunch today. Normally I am a 4 hour a night sleeper who goes for a 3-4 mile run in the morning and works out with my trainer after a 14 hour work day without getting tired until about 11-11;30 at night. but something is wrong, I have never experienced the exhaustion of today and yesterday. Not even a grande Starbucks coffee, chased by a full shout of 5 hour energy brought reprieve. And I have been weepy and morbidly unhappy for absolutely no reason. Saturday night I heard a song that made me cry and I have never cried over a song. I have been moody and irritable since day one of the medication- without explanation and I took 3-4 hour naps this weekend. after reading other peoples comments I feel like its the meds. I am calling my doctor tomorrow to ask if I can get off the meds and I am not taking them tonight. d

I took 1 pill (100mg) Doxycycline HCl, went to bed, slept very groggy, exhausted. Next day, second pill, 1 hr later feeling nauseated, then severe migraine headache, thew up, felt like in a severe fever. This lasted about 5 hours then reduced to exhaustion, dizziness with some heartburn. It was intolerable. I also felt very depressed and negative.

One website describing a patent for a different formulation of Doxycycline reported that 31% of patients taking this experience nausea and vomiting.

Why is this drug so frequently prescribed?

Stop taking this drug if you have side effects.
After doing a little research it seems that the "Hyclate" formulation has many side effect problems. The other formulations (monohydrate or carrageenan) may be better. The Hyclate formulation is very rapidly absorbed and is acidic and can cause local damage to the stomach or esophagus. Some report these symptoms on this website. Also it seems foolish for this to be in capsule form, since this increases the rapidity of dissolving and probably also local damage. The drug is 'good' in that it stays in your system a long time and brings your body to a high amount of antibiotic rapidly.

I have never had a bad reaction to an antibiotic before. I'm glad this website allows for these reports.

I've had exhaustion, nausea, and now tingling fingers. Can't wait to get off of this!

Had the standard nausea, light-headedness, exhaustion, drymouth, sleep disturbance, surnburned skin, but also I had a HUGE inexplicable fit of rage for no reason AT ALL with crying all day. Same day I noticed a tightness in my side (liver area). The sad moods come for the 2-3 hours after each dose. The rage comes mid-day.
Glad I have only 3 days left.
Good luck to you all!
Take something else if you can.
PS Milk thistle extract helps the tight discomfort and anger. Ginger tea helps this and soothes the nausea. Umeboshi pickled plums work magic on the rest of the symptoms.