Trimethoprim and Headaches: What Users Say

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I got this antibiotic, trimethoprim, and have been taking it for two days, but have stopped taking it now. I thought I was seriously ill until reading these reviews. The side effects symptoms it caused were constant nausea, blinding headaches, flashes, all wrapped up in excessive anxiety. NEVER AGAIN!"

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 5-day course of 300mg trimethoprim for UTI treatment when I walked in at Emergencies (there was blood and total incontinence). I have had the worst days ever: insomnia, massive throbbing headaches, my hands are shaking, and bloating on the face and legs. I feel so tired, depressed, and I've been having obsessive-catastrophic thoughts. Is it just me? The blister contains 7 pills, unsure whether to finish or stop at 5, as I don't want the UTI back."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Got diagnosed with a urine infection and was prescribed Trimethoprim for 3 days, twice a day. The bladder infection stopped after 2/3 doses of antibiotics. Finished the course now and completely back to normal. Didn’t get any serious side effects other than a slight headache on the second day, but didn’t experience anything like nausea or anxiety. Overall, pleased with the antibiotic and feeling much better now because of it."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "On this trimethoprim medication for 3 days for UTI, and OMG, the side effects are horrendous. How can they give out medication to people that is supposed to make you well but ends up a total nightmare? I couldn't sleep due to burning up and feeling really nauseous all night. No appetite, feeling weak, dry mouth, headache, anxiety, painful back. Have stopped taking them as there are a lot better medications out there. I think doctors should really read up about some of the stuff they hand out so easily to people. Hoping these horrible feelings pass soon."

• X20...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2023

For Urinary Tract Infection "I am from the UK, and I have taken this drug in the past with no issues. However, this time, trimethoprim 200mg 2x a day for 7 days. As with other people here, I got horrible jittery internal trembling within a couple of hours. Terrible burping and no appetite at all. Horrid tingly sensations all over my body, as well as creeping pains up my back. Also, back pain, stomach ache, dreadful anxiety, insomnia, horrible morbid thoughts, no concentration, lightheadedness, fatigue that bad that even going to the corner shop left me out of breath and sweating. On the last day, I developed an awful feeling of hypersensitivity in my genitals (I'm female), a constant and very unwelcome throbbing, it was all-consuming. Eased off a bit by nighttime, but I couldn't sleep. I also had frequent urges to pee, but I can't seem to 'let go,' and only a thimbleful comes out. Finished the course and praying that this stuff leaves my body soon."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was on trimethoprim for 7 days, taking 1 pill twice a day. From about day 2-3, I was getting nauseous and headaches and felt very ill. I could not go to the toilet, and by the morning of day 4, I felt extremely weak and nauseous. However, I was able to go to the toilet from day 4, but I had the shakes and was weak. Each night after my second tablet, around 6 PM, I got pain and spasms where my kidney is. Not sure if this is working."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "There are better antibiotics with less severe side effects than trimethoprim. I take medication regularly, which I've not had side effects for, however, Alprim gave me a headache that got more severe 'til I was throwing up in my car leaving work, ever so nauseous. The pain was so severe in the temples of my head and cramping all through the base of my neck. I couldn't move nor ease it. My jaws were clenched so much I had to put my tongue in between my teeth to alleviate this cramping sensation. Threw up all night 'til bile was all there was left. I was scared and anxious, no energy."

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was given a 3-day course of 200 mg tablets for a bladder infection, and I was dubious about taking them, and now I know why. I took my first one yesterday evening, and my side effect symptoms began with itchy skin, blurred vision, and the start of a headache. I went to bed early because I felt weak, then kept waking in the night, and each time my mouth was extremely dry. I woke with a bad headache today and will not be taking any more of that antibiotic. I think we are all just lab rats."

• Bad...
• November 9, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I’m on day 6 of this medication, trimethoprim, for a UTI, and I can’t wait to get off it. I am waking up all night long, headaches, trembling fingers, aching bones. It seems to be interacting with my blood pressure tablets, and it’s making me feel on edge. The first day was okay, the second day started having these side effects, and as each day passes, I am literally getting worse. In order to take this last tablet tomorrow, I have had to stop my blood pressure tablets. My dosage is 300 mg per day. The UTI seems to have gone, but I want to finish the course, scared in case it comes back. I'll have to find some other antibiotic, I can’t tolerate this any longer."

• Chr...
• October 21, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "First 7 days of taking Trimethoprim made me feel ill, nauseous, vomiting, shaking, sweats, and headache. Felt better once the course ended, but 2 weeks later, UTI back. Further 7 days prescribed, this time raging temperature, vomiting, mouth sore, throat sore, runny nose, and breathless shaking, clammy skin, and rash. Urine test showed clear of UTI. Told by GP to immediately stop taking Trimethoprim. 24 hours later, still feeling ill with intermittent above side effects, wondering how long it will take to leave my system."

• Dhf...
• October 27, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I had other antibiotics before and other medicines, but never had side effects or allergies till I was prescribed trimethoprim. Took 1 tablet, and after a few hours, I started to have a headache-not that painful, but after the second tablet, it was really bad. I woke up during that night. The next morning, the headache was better, and I thought I should take another tablet to see how I feel. I had it with food to be sure I wouldn't be sick. I regretted it after 1 hour or so when suddenly I got nausea, a bad taste in my mouth, and the worst throbbing headache ever! Couldn't do anything, just stayed in bed. Eventually, I started to feel better and stopped taking these. Reading other opinions on here, I think they should ban this antibiotic."

• Dhf...
• October 27, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I had other antibiotics before and other medicines, but never had side effects or allergies till I was prescribed trimethoprim. Took 1 tablet, and after a few hours, I started to have a headache-not that painful, but after the second tablet, it was really bad. I woke up during that night. The next morning, the headache was better, and I thought I should take another tablet to see how I feel. I had it with food to be sure I wouldn't be sick. I regretted it after 1 hour or so when suddenly I got nausea, a bad taste in my mouth, and the worst throbbing headache ever! Couldn't do anything, just stayed in bed. Eventually, I started to feel better and stopped taking these. Reading other opinions on here, I think they should ban this antibiotic."

• Bay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2019

For Bladder Infection "Took this antibiotic many times and never put two and two together that the bad tummy and headache, sore throat was the tablets. The last time I took them, I had salmon pink skin, rash, swollen eyes and lips, and diarrhea. Was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Would suspect if I took again it would be anaphylaxis. Steering well clear of this awful drug."

• Blu...
• October 9, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took a three-day course. From day 2, a bad headache, weariness, and aching. Had to sleep on day 3. After stopping, was ill for 2 days with exhaustion, terrible headaches, toothaches, and pain throughout my body. I will never take this dangerous drug again."

• Blu...
• October 9, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took a three-day course. From day 2, a bad headache, weariness, and aching. Had to sleep on day 3. After stopping, was ill for 2 days with exhaustion, terrible headaches, toothaches, and pain throughout my body. I will never take this dangerous drug again."

• Flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Had trimethoprim for a UTI, one a day. The first night, I had the most horrible acid reflux all night, woke up the next morning with the sorest throat in the world and about 2 hours of sleep. Then, after night 2, I experienced a massive headache where I couldn't put my headset on to work, and I felt so tired. By night 3, I was a bit itchy on my arms, and a rash developed, but the UTI had gone by then, so I stopped treatment. If a doctor recommends alprim again, I'm going to say no."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Awful medication. Took for 2 1/2 days and had to stop taking. Symptoms: - Acute pain in arms, legs, groin. Difficulty in moving fingers, etc. - Fever - Headache - Red eyes - Rash on leg - Stiff neck - Back pain - Unable to sleep. To make matters worse... bladder pain still there. Will never take again!"

• sof...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Prevention of Bladder infection "I’ve suffered from UTIs and chronic cystitis for about 8 years, and finally, I’ve been taken seriously and been given ultrasounds and put on a 3-month course of trimethoprim as a preventative measure to take 200 mg at night. 4 days in, I became really constipated and got bad headaches. 6 days in, I began waking up early in the morning vomiting, and subsequently felt nauseous the whole day and could barely stomach even the tiniest amount of food. Convinced myself I may be pregnant, 2 negative tests later, and after choosing to stop the medication after calling my GP, and now I'm 100% fine again, no nausea, headaches, or anything. Probably important to note I also got really bad aches and pains in my whole body too. Now been switched on to 50 mg of Nitrofurantoin at bedtime instead, so fingers crossed!"

• Cli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed a 3-day course of Trimethoprim here in the UK for a UTI (I have a history of these infections). I managed to complete the course, and it does appear to have resolved the infection, but by day 2, I had developed a crippling headache that nothing would shift-so bad it sometimes hurt just to move my head. Don't know what I would have done if the course had been longer. I advise caution, as the headache is deeply unpleasant."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "My GP gave me 3 tablets of Trimethoprim Mylan. I wish I had never taken them, the side effects are not worth it! The headache was so bad it just didn’t go away, unable to do anything, constant nausea, chills, and shaking. I cannot believe they can market this drug without extreme warnings. There was no pamphlet inside to notify of side effects. I am deeply upset about this, and I won’t ever touch it again. I am not exaggerating. Thank you."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Took this medication (trimethoprim) for UTI. Never again. Had a burning sensation in my stomach and awful pains. I was trembling and had the worst headache on day two that lasted all day. Nothing would shift it. By day three, I was so fatigued I could barely move. Should have stopped this tablet on day 1."

• Edw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I’m on a 3-day course with these tablets for a UTI. Since taking them, I’ve had the worst throbbing headaches. I’m dehydrated and can’t seem to quench my thirst. I’m exhausted (really fatigued). I have a stiff neck and a sore throat. I’ve taken these in the past and never had side effects like this. They have changed somehow."

• JB6...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "Cleared up the UTI, but 5 weeks after taking the final tablet, I'm still having side effects. First noticed that I had a sore throat and stiff neck after taking tablets for 5 days (was given a seven-day course) but did not make the connection with taking antibiotics. Continued to take medication. I then developed a sensitive scalp, neck pain got worse, and on-and-off headaches plus shoulder and back pain. Felt awful. I was on holiday at the time, and it seemed to ease after about a week. Reported to my GP on returning to the UK. Now, 5 weeks later, on holiday again, neck pain, sore skin, and head pains are all back. Hope this helps others. Not sure if I should seek medical attention or just hope problems go away with time."

• JB6...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "Cleared up the UTI, but 5 weeks after taking the final tablet, I'm still having side effects. First noticed that I had a sore throat and stiff neck after taking tablets for 5 days (was given a seven-day course) but did not make the connection with taking antibiotics. Continued to take medication. I then developed a sensitive scalp, neck pain got worse, and on-and-off headaches plus shoulder and back pain. Felt awful. I was on holiday at the time, and it seemed to ease after about a week. Reported to my GP on returning to the UK. Now, 5 weeks later, on holiday again, neck pain, sore skin, and head pains are all back. Hope this helps others. Not sure if I should seek medical attention or just hope problems go away with time."

• Fem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "This antibiotic has left me really unwell. I was prescribed 200 mg 2x daily for 3 days. I only took 3 tablets (1 a day). Firstly, felt like my kidneys had been battered, followed by severe stomach pain, extreme shivers and anxiety, also bad insomnia! Getting sharp shooting pains (like an electric shock all through my body)! Bad muscle aches as well. Warning! If you suffer mental illness, please avoid, as these pills really heighten everything. No more for me, it is an awful drug. Not forgetting headaches, facial pain, and horrendous nausea. I feel for all the patients experiencing these unwanted side effects. It's been 1 and a 1/2 days since stopping them, praying this will all pass real soon. In my opinion, they should be taken off the market pronto. Hope doctors realize what toxicity they cause. I never will take these again, not worth the suffering."