Doxycycline User Reviews & Ratings
Brand names: Vibramycin, Monodox, Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Doxy 100, Avidoxy, Acticlate, Doryx MPC, Doxy-Caps, Targadox, Morgidox, LymePak, Mondoxyne NL, Doxy-D, Oraxyl, Alodox, Adoxa Pak, Adoxa TT, Adoxa CK, Uracil Okebo Doxy 200 …show all brand names
Doxycycline has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 1,635 reviews on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 27% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Doxycycline
- Dol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 5, 2020
For Bacterial Infection "I was terrified of taking this medication due to the reviews here, which are so scary, but had to take the medication for chronic sinusitis that was the worst for me. DO NOT let these reviews deter you as I had no side effects, only that I had to eat before taking the meds...just a cracker will do even, to stop nausea. I was feeling so much better in just two days but kept taking my 14-day course to complete. I am allergic to penicillin and usually get many side effects listed on medications, BUT NONE FROM THIS. I had a headache anyhow from the sinusitis, so just took a paracetamol as well as the doxy, which is allowed, and this sorted me right out. Should you be prescribed doxycycline, then take it and do not worry about all the bad reviews, just get better."
- Emu...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 1, 2018
For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this medicine for UTI. So far (day 3) my UTI pain has gone down a lot. If you’re like me and you research every detail of a medicine before you take it, please listen to me. I have extremely bad anxiety and I’ll think I have tons of symptoms after I take my medicine but it’s just my anxiety. Take a deep breath. Take some probiotics, eat (if it is with food) and then take your antibiotics and you’ll be fine. Get some rest and drink water. This medicine gave me no symptoms. Stop researching! Everyone’s different, just because someone had a bad experience doesn’t mean you do!"
Frequently asked questions
- Is Doxycycline safe for dogs? Uses, dosage, side effects
- Should doxycycline be taken with food?
- Doxycycline for STDs: Effectiveness, Dosage and Side Effects
- What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
- Gri...
- October 2, 2020
For Acne "I have been taking doxycycline for about a month and a half now and finally see improvement in my acne. I have been taking pictures every week, and the first month was horrific. My acne got way worse, and I started to get a little depressed. I still have acne and whiteheads, but I can see a difference in my skin, although I have acne scars all over my cheeks. I will update next month."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 14, 2021
For Bacterial Infection "I suffer from severe health anxiety and a medication phobia. When I'm prescribed a drug, I come onto these sites and scour the reviews, usually terrified from all the negative ones I see. I'm not sure why people leave these extremely negative reviews. I guess they just want to share their experience. But what happens is those experiences frighten people like me who don't really have a choice in taking a prescribed drug. Let me now tell you my experience. I took this drug for 10 days and had no side effects except a little sleepiness. I am extremely thankful we have antibiotics like this in today's times."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Tay...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 25, 2020
For Acne "I started doxycycline in late July 2019 for acne. At the end of the 1st week, my acne looked as if it dried up (meaning there weren’t any pimples, only acne scars). If you never used to wear sunscreen, well, you would need to, especially during the first months, your skin is so sensitive. Waxing is a no-no, and exfoliating is a big no (learned the hard way, lol). It also causes nausea, it is very important to take it while eating or right after a meal to avoid nausea. The scarring eventually goes away in 2 months or so after use (my experience). For quicker results, my doctor prescribed a skin lightening cream for spot treatment. After 6 months, I was off Doxycycline and I just use Retin-A and Deriva C alternatively. I don’t have any “active” acne, well, except the occasional 1 or 2 pimples that appear during menstruation."
- kta...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 23, 2019
For Acne "This stuff is a gift. After struggling with acne for years without response to topical medications, I was prescribed this by my dermatologist. At first, I was a little hesitant because of the reviews (people talking about the purging phase, side effects, etc.), but after being on it for about 2 weeks, my skin is almost completely cleared up. Better yet, I haven’t had any of the side effects, and I didn’t experience a purging period. The reviews are worrying, but don’t knock it till you try it, seriously."
More FAQ
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat a sinus infection?
- Does doxycycline work for acne?
- Does Doxycycline make you tired?
- Rei...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 19, 2021
For Urinary Tract Infection "The two side effects that always got me while taking doxy were the feeling of nausea and having diarrhea shortly after taking the medicine. For the nausea, I would just eat and it would pretty much immediately go away. Anyways... I did a 10-day course because I noticed burning in my urethra while peeing and the need to go to the restroom very often, and after about the 3rd or 4th day, the burning was gone but it took until about the 7th or 8th day for the urgency to pee to go away. I’m an adult male, 6’1, 230 lbish, and I took a 100 mg dose twice a day, usually 12 hours apart. Hope this helps!"
- ric...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 28, 2013
For Urinary Tract Infection "I had a severe urinary tract infection and walking pneumonia, and doxycycline saved my life. I had 8 seizures back to back due to the serious infections, and they tried keflex first, but it did not work. Doxycycline is awesome, and I'm alive today because of it!"
- And...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 31, 2019
For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Had a chesty, wheezy cough for nearly 4 weeks and during that time brought up a lot of green/yellow mucus. Snotty nose. No other symptoms like muscle aches and thought I'd soldier on. After 6 weeks decided to visit Dr. who said my right lung was crackly and prescribed amoxicillin. Taken for 1 week, only started to feel better on the last day of the course. Mucus reduced, cough still niggly. Cough became really wet and mucus restarted. Felt like a cup full every time I expelled some. So 10 days later and back to the Dr., and Doxycycline prescribed this time twice a day on day 1, then 1 a day 'til the blister pack is completed. Snotty nose disappeared 1st night, and on day 3 wheeze disappeared, and I still have 4 days of meds to take. No side effects as taken with food and a pint of water at ingestion. If I have anything like this again, I'll press for immediate prescribing of doxy."
- Anonymous
- February 15, 2014
For Bacterial Infection "This is the only medicine that helps get rid of my sinus infections, and it looks like that goes for a lot of other people too. This is the only antibiotic that I can take because I am allergic to so many others."
- Pat...
- February 18, 2020
For Acne "I used this drug for annoying moderate acne. It started off weird. After 2-3 weeks, my skin looked like it was starting to clear up. It stayed like that for about a month. Then at the end of the 2nd month, my skin was the worst it’s ever been. Now, I think that was the purging stage because I stuck to taking it every day, twice, and now I’m in the middle of my third and last month taking it. My skin looks amazing and it’s the best it’s ever been. I would recommend this drug, but make sure you ride with it and trust it because it does take a while to see results."
- phi...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 15, 2020
For Bacterial Infection "No side effects at all. I am not sure what all the negative reviews are about. If you're having an allergic reaction, that is different. Allergic reactions are not the drug's fault, but the reaction of your body to the doxycycline. You should definitely stop if you are showing signs of allergy. It worked great for me. I started to feel better in a couple of days and was completely better in about 4 days. I took the full course as directed."
- Pen...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 29, 2020
For Bacterial Infection "Had extremely painful sinusitis. Had been given 2 lots of Amoxicillin which didn’t work. Given a 7-day course of Doxy. 2 capsules to take on the first day, then one a day. This worked, and I did not suffer any side effects at all. Would definitely take this again."
- Anonymous
- December 7, 2019
For Chlamydia Infection "DON'T let these reviews scare you! I was terrified to take these meds after testing positive for Chlamydia because these reviews are so scary. I have a massive phobia of vomit/vomiting and had a huge panic attack before taking my first dose. I awaited the inevitable side effects. 1 week later and I can say that I have had ZERO side effects from this drug. No nausea, no bowel issues, no heartburn. After day 4 all symptoms of Chlamydia were gone and I was feeling very healthy. Here's hoping my retest comes back negative and I'll be very happy with the experience and result. All I can say is, don't worry. Remember that everyone experiences side effects differently and most of these reviews are horror stories. I had a full glass of water with every dose and then another full glass over the next 10-20 minutes after taking it. Hope this helps someone out there! Good luck."
- Cel...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 2, 2020
For Acne "So I'm almost 29. I've had acne for nearly 5 years. I thought I could cure my acne by just trying new creams, washes, and scrubs, but finally gave up and went to the doctor. She recommended doxycycline (3 months) and adapalene gel after telling me it looked like severe acne. I was a bit hesitant to take medication as I was afraid it'd come back. She told me the only option was to see a dermatologist, which was about $200-$300. I finally decided to take the meds and use the gel, and honestly, that was the best decision ever! I started to see a difference on the first day. 2 months in and I feel so confident with my skin. She said if I wanted to repeat it, I could. But I'll try to attempt to get off it after my 3rd month. My scarring is still a work in progress, but there is a considerable improvement."
- Eri...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 8, 2018
For Urinary Tract Infection "I noticed my urine had a very strong, pungent odor to it, was a little darker than normal, but no pain or problems urinating. I googled 'why does my urine smell so pungent'. The response was a possible UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). I purchased AZO urinary tract infection home self-testing Test Strips at my local pharmacy, and the results were positive. My doctor prescribed Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg. Within 3 days, the color and odor of my urine returned to normal. I continued to take my prescription as prescribed for the next 7 days, took another AZO self-test, and the results were negative. This drug worked for me; no side effects."
- Big...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 16, 2020
For Acne "I posted my review on my 8th week of doxycycline a while back ago under Bigdawg - December 20, 2019. YOUR ACNE WILL GET BAD!!!! February 2nd will be my 3-month mark and so far my acne is clearing up. Just be patient, all these side effects are normal. You're not going to magically wake up and have clear skin or any side effects, so bring yourself to reality. YOUR DR SAID 3 MONTHS for a reason, not 1 month or 2 months. Stick to it and be patient, it works!"
- Dav...
- November 25, 2014
For Lyme Disease "Hopefully, this will help somebody. I was a chronic Lyme patient for 15 years. Doxy kept it in check, but I still had symptoms, even if I took up to 500 mg per day. The doc said it was then best to lower my intake to about 200 mg per day, the lowest amount that allowed me to still feel okay. After many years of this, I had some strange symptoms regarding my heart. I guessed that Lyme disease had affected my heart, which was partly true, and asked if I could try to increase the doxy to combat it. The doc said yes, we could try that again. I began taking 400 mg per day again and I never missed a dose. Six months later, I finally eradicated my Lyme disease. DO NOT miss a dose to beat this unique bacteria."
- Jes...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 2, 2019
For Rosacea "I have been dealing with moderate Rosacea Subtype 2 for a few years. Manageable. This Christmas I had the worst flare I’ve ever had. My cheeks were covered in papules. My face was bright red and BURNED and stung horribly. It spread from cheek to cheek within weeks and nothing would calm it down. Derm prescribed Doxy 100mg 2x a day and within 2 weeks the burning subsided and bumps started to go away. I’m so thankful it worked. My skin is not perfect but the painful part is gone. I plan on continuing with the pills for another 3 months. Please try this medication if you’re suffering from this horrible skin condition. I’m sorry if you’re having to suffer with this painful skin. Good luck and remember this is temporary and it can be managed with antibiotics."
- Snm...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 12, 2013
Doxycycline for Bacterial Infection "I was diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection and was prescribed this antibiotic, due to being allergic to amoxicillin. The pills are 100 mg each. I am to take twice daily. At this time, many of my sinus symptoms have dissipated, which is an excellent sign that I'm finally on the mend. I haven't had any side effects with this and have taken as directed. Avoiding dairy products, not laying down 30 minutes after ingesting, and making sure to take it with food and a large glass of water."
- Anonymous
- December 7, 2019
For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Doxycycline is a very good antibiotic which is very effective. Was given this for a sinus infection that has failed to clear after amoxicillin. Have had it previously so I am aware of the potential nasty side effects. Can make you extremely nauseous if not taken with an adequate meal and plenty of water. As with other antibiotics can upset your stomach and give you diarrhea. The cons have to be weighed against the pros though, as ultimately recovering from a bacterial infection is priority. I can handle upset stomach, nausea and headaches if an antibiotic is effective in treating the infection. You will ultimately recover from those but the infection could be the end of you if left to run its course. No drug is without side effects and this should be taken into consideration. People drink alcohol and look what that does to you."
- Unk...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 18, 2021
For Chlamydia Infection "I got tested positive for Chlamydia and was prescribed Doxycycline for a week and Ciprofloxacin for 10 days (for some reason) by my doctor. All symptoms have seemed to go within time, but the penile discharge hasn't gone away. It's been about 5 days since I stopped doxycycline and a couple of days since I stopped the other one. Is it normal to still be discharging?!"
- Ste...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 18, 2020
For Urinary Tract Infection "I took doxycycline with food and a large glass of water both morning and night. I had no side effects whatsoever - no nausea, vomiting, headache, etc. I felt symptom relief after just 1 day. While I’m sure others may have had different experiences - don’t let that deter you from trying!"
- Bet...
- December 12, 2012
For Pneumonia "Doxycycline is very responsive to pneumonia. If you follow the directions on the pamphlet, you will be successful! For example, sit up 10 minutes after taking it with a full glass of water. Refrain from dairy, calcium/magnesium supplements for a couple of hours to let it absorb into the bloodstream. Take exactly every 12 hours (twice a day), even if you have to get up at 3:30 am! Drink fluids all day and rest, strictly for the first 4 days, no errands! Additionally, 20 mg of prednisone once helps with cough and wheeze, so you can rest. When you do cough, it is productive, which is good. Turn on a vaporizer for 24 hours and clean it every other day with white vinegar! You will be a champ in 4 days."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about doxycycline
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For Acne "I was prescribed doxycycline 100mg x 1 a day for three months, which was for my acne. Please persevere! After two months, my skin had made no improvement at all. I was getting new spots every day, and these were now causing scarring. I felt so down at the fact that it had done absolutely nothing for me! I started exploring other options and considered coming off this antibiotic but thought I’d stick it out for the final month. I’m so glad I did, as I’m now on my final week of the third month, and my skin is practically clear! The only thing I now worry about is whether my acne will come back after finishing the course... but we will see."