Bactrim DS User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)
Bactrim DS has an average rating of 4.8 out of 10 from a total of 356 reviews on Drugs.com. 33% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 45% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Bactrim DS
- Kays
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 1, 2019
For Urinary Tract Infection "Can’t sleep for more than 2/3 hours at a time even after taking melatonin. Pretty severe nausea and even worse restlessness. Seems to be working for the UTI but at the cost of side effects which are leaving me exhausted and bed ridden with no energy."
- Yoyo
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 25, 2017
For Urinary Tract Infection "This is my first time commenting on any medicine. Anyways I almost didn't even take this medicine because all of the bad reviews but thank God I did!!! Please don't let these negative comments stop you from taking this medicine. The ONLY side effect I currently have is a bit of nausea and that's only because I do not eat much as I am on a calorie restricted diet. Maybe these people are having bad reactions because of an allergy to sulfa drugs or it is just the symptoms of the really bad UTI . IDK....I'm on these pills and have 1 more day left and it has brought my kidney pain down tremendously. I usually react badly to antibiotics but not these so thumbs up!"
Frequently asked questions
- Does Bactrim cause headaches?
- What drugs should be avoided with a sulfa allergy?
- Can I drink alcohol when taking sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim DS?
- What dose of co-trimoxazole is used in a patient with a UTI?
- SAano
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 25, 2020
For Urinary Tract Infection "This is the second time for me that this has been prescribed for a UTI. The side effects are beyond terrible. Every joint in my body ached, major fatigue, rash, eyes very bloodshot. The worst thing though was the dry , cracked lips, and loss of mucus membranes in vulvar, vaginal area. I have never heard of this kind of side effect and neither did the urologist. This has happened both times I was on Bactrim. I stopped taking it and never will again."
- james...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 3, 2020
For Bacterial Infection "Was on the Bactrim antibiotic for 1 week to clear up epididymitis. It took around 4-5 days to notice any difference and I didn't really experience any sort of side effects other than anxiety which is something I already struggle with anyways but it seemed to amplify it and at times I felt confused and kind of dizzy. Make sure to drink lots of water and also I would recommend taking with food to avoid any stomach problems. Overall, the pain from epididymitis is gone and that is all I care about, I think the side effects are worth it and remember they are only temporary"
Are you taking this medicine?
- Heather
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 10, 2019
For Urinary Tract Infection "I was put on Bactrim for a UTI. This did not work for me after 5 doses, 800mg. I felt like I had just had a baby I was so very sore. Nauseous, tired, headache (possibly from not sleeping well on it). Amoxicillin always worked for me, I wish my dr would listen to me. I know my body."
- richard...
- November 8, 2017
For Prostatitis "Prescibed Bactrim for prostatitis. Was showing good improvement after 5 days. Day 9, big full body hives develop and had to stop. Dr. thought I was allergic to the sulfa component of bactrim so he prescibed Trimethoprim(the other component in Bactrim) by itself a week later. After 1 pill the hives start again... Was switched to Cipro with slight improvement and then to Doxycycline which is significantly helping after 4 weeks. Going to continue it as long as I'm improving . 70% better now."
- Mr Dean
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 12, 2017
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I'm on my fourth 800/160 pill of bactrim treating MRSA infection which has also caused my lymph nodes behind knee and groin to swell and hurt. I initially took doxycycline for about 4 days with worsening infection. Bactrim worked day 1. The infection started to clear and lymph swelling and pain is going away. Unfortunately I had severe anxiety including shaking tightness in chest very dizzy and feelings of doom. It's possible this was brought on by me overreacting to a slight side effect but this is a very strong antibiotic. It works but you might have to suffer through it. Not fun"
- Grayg...
- May 7, 2016
For Bacterial Skin Infection "Super bad reaction. TERRIBLE! High fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, brown urine, LIVER INFLAMATION. NO RASH. After 7 days on Bactrim DS, feeling beyond terrible, I did some internet research and suspected drug fever. Ceased taking. Went to my doctor who ran blood tests which confirmed my suspicions. Liver enzymes: AST/SGOT 335 H (mine) 14-36 (unit/L) (normal range) ALT/SGPT 581 H 9-52 (unit/L) Alk Phos 307 H 38-126 (unit/L) Levels started to go down after I stopped taking it; it took 3 months for levels to return to normal. A lot of information says you have a rash with drug reactions. I did NOT. My skin infection did clear up. It wasn't that bad to start with. I asked him for something topical. Was not my regular Doc who prescribed it. My Doc said it was overkill. Just because the guy's a doctor doesn't mean he is a good doctor! Be your own advocate. Another round of this crap--who knows! Sulfonamides are one of the drugs that can cause a severe reaction"
- Big...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 25, 2015
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I had an abscess that had been draining for about 6-days without end and finally went to the ER and had it lanced and packed. The ER doctor prescribed Bactrim DS. After two days I become dizzy and nauseous and pretty much bed ridden. Based on the reviews here and other sites I have discontinued using the drug. (10-day dosage) The abscess has stopped draining seems to be doing okay after taking the meds for 5-days. Also the ER doctor failed to notice that my HBP med conflicts with this med. (Lisinopril) Next time I will do more research. Normally, I do but I felt so miserable, I assumed they knew better."
- Ickyyyy
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 22, 2016
For Urinary Tract Infection "Just got prescribed this drug yesterday. 2 a day for 3 days. Took my first dose in the morning and the second at night, I fell asleep soon after. A few hours later I was woken up with terrible stomach pain and serious nausea. I ended up vomiting several times. After, it felt a little better but then the pains came right back and nausea persists. Cant sleep, don't think I want to deal with another night of this, hate this medication"
- Anonymous
- June 19, 2009
For Urinary Tract Infection "Any antibiotic used will put you at risk for a yeast infection. It depletes the normal flora in the vaginal area. Bactrim DS is a great antibiotic to get rid of many forms of infection though. Weigh your pros and cons. You can always add yogurt to your diet which assists in helping to prevent yeast infections."
- Anonymous
- September 7, 2009
For Urinary Tract Infection "Little did I know, I am horribly allergic to Sulfa. After two pills, I began experiencing horrible leg and arm cramps. They were so bad, that I was unable to stand for longer than a couple of minutes. These symptoms took about a week to fully disappear and this was from taking only 2 pills!"
- Anonymous
- June 7, 2011
For Bacterial Skin Infection "I have been on Bactrim for 1 week now and my skin is almost completely clear. I had a very bad infection across my chin and up to the right side of my nose, small red pumps, and and itchy rash that would peel over and got infected. Within 2 days I noticed a huge difference. This medicine saved my life for sure. Dermatitis and skin issues on the face can really do a number on your self esteem. I am back to almost clear skin and so so happy. A little tired and was dizzy at first but promethazine helps with that if your doctor can prescribe it, helps with nausea. other then that, this medicine rocks."
- Anonymous
- May 10, 2011
For Bacterial Infection "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."
- Christo
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 8, 2019
For Sinusitis "Developed sinusitis with heavy pressure in ears, drainage, swollen throat/glands, etc Prescribed Badtrim-DS for seven day course, twice daily. Within 12 hours swelling was nearly gone, pain reduced to minimal. Did experience restlessness, sleeplessness, and some dehydration despite drinking a lot of water. Seems like it dealt with the infection itself, but still dealt with sinus problems ( drainage, congestion in ears, and coughing due to drainage) for several days after. **Bactrim is a Sulfa- product, so doc made sure I wasn't allergic before prescribing."
- Finally...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 26, 2016
For Urinary Tract Infection "I had UTI, usually it goes away with OTC Azo and water, but this time I could not get rid of it. So I went to the ER. They gave me Bactrim. 2 a day for 5 days. I took the entire round of them and nothing changed. The medicine itself made me sick as a dog. I could eat with it or not eat with it and it didn't matter. I was still so nauseous. It gave me chills and made me dizzy as well. I wouldn't give this to my worst enemy!"
- Anonymous
- May 20, 2009
For Urinary Tract Infection "I get bladder infections a lot so I have a standing script for them but my Doctor said to only use them until symptoms were gone. It works wonderful fast no side effects. My urinary tract infections are usually gone in 3 days and better in one."
- e6ano
- November 29, 2015
For Urinary Tract Infection "only took the medication for 5 days, had read about it online after being prescribed it and got really worried at all the awful side affects. I experienced nausea and headaches and slight itchiness while on it and was glad to finally get off of it. It is my 3rd day off of it and the itching has got worse and all over now. I only have a few tiny redish bumps though and I am experiencing anxiety on and off randomly and just feel weird and have also caught a cold (sore throat/cough). will never take this medication ever again and I severely advise against it."
- Carly
- November 10, 2020
For Kidney Infections "If you are someone with any sort of stomach sensitivities, food sensitivities, IBS, etc. I strongly recommend you DO NOT use this antibiotic. I am someone with a very sensitive digestive system and am prone to stomach bugs. I had a really bad UTI that led to kidney infection. My first course of antibiotics were gentle, but the infection returned after finishing the course. My doctor recommended Bactrim to get the infection off completely. I suppose it worked, because my urine sample came back normal. However, I could not finish the course because of extreme side effects. Complete loss of appetite, constant vomiting, diarrhea, chills, shaking, panic attacks, the works. I will never take this antibiotic again. Now almost a week later, I still can hardly eat and have constant abdominal pain."
- Mandyc
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 27, 2012
For Acne "I have been taking this medicine for a week and my pimples are significantly smaller, which is a plus because I've had severe acne for 3 years now. The only problem is that it gives me insomnia, sweats, headaches in the mornings, stomach sickness, and nausea. The side effects are brutal, and I'm considering finding another solution. This is the third acne medicine I've tried and has helped the most, but also affected me the most negatively."
- Anonymous
- June 3, 2008
For Acne "I've been using this product for a little over a week now and already my skin is clearing up! I've dealt with acne and post-acne scarring for about 3 years now. I am 16 and I'm so glad i found something thats working! I used it along with finacea (azelaic acid) and my skin just keeps improving!"
- Anonymous
- December 6, 2010
For Urinary Tract Infection "This medicine improved the quality of my life. I have interstitial cystitis. I have to use this twice a day for 20 years. It's hard when I change doctors to get it prescribed but I always get it. I would not live with the pain of this disease if it was not for this medicine."
- Hhh
- November 15, 2018
For Bacterial Infection "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"
- angel...
- June 20, 2013
For Urinary Tract Infection "I have frequent urinary tract infections and I've taken this many times but hadn't in five or so years because my urinary tract infection became resistant to it. Now since I'm taking it again its given me the jitters and acid reflux but those are still better that cystitis. "
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.
More about Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)
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For Urinary Tract Infection "This antibiotic did horrible for me, it gives me bad migraines even though i drink a ton of water with it, I'm on the second day and have a horrible migraine my spine hurts to walk, server leg cramps, joint pain too.. it's awful.. i will know now to never take this again... my body did not react well. the side effects are not worth it... next time i will be sure to tell my doctor to never prescribe me this again!"