Making the switch

[dee45]

Hi,

After much hesitation I have switched Anthony form Augmentin 500mg twice a day to Zithromax 250 mg once a day. He was dong much still had some isolated tics and his numbers were still increasing so Dr. Latimer thought we could try this to see if we got better results. I started the Zithromax on Saturday and I have noticed some increase in tics. Do you think its just because we are starting a new med or should I have left well enough alone??? I hate this its like you question everything there are so many variables as well like allergies ughhhhh!!! any insight would be appreciated.

 

 

Deanna

[Santi]

Hi,

After much hesitation I have switched Anthony form Augmentin 500mg twice a day to Zithromax 250 mg once a day. He was dong much still had some isolated tics and his numbers were still increasing so Dr. Latimer thought we could try this to see if we got better results. I started the Zithromax on Saturday and I have noticed some increase in tics. Do you think its just because we are starting a new med or should I have left well enough alone??? I hate this its like you question everything there are so many variables as well like allergies ughhhhh!!! any insight would be appreciated.

 

 

Deanna

My son's tics increased on 500mg Azith. and we took him off. He did ok on 140mg Azith. Andrea

[sf_mom]

Deanna,

 

Hang in there with the Azithromycin for a little bit, it could be a reaction to 'die off'. Herxheimer's Reaction....... If it is 'die off' it could last up to several weeks.

 

What Is The Herxheimer Reaction?

 

The Herxheimer Reaction is an immune system reaction to the toxins (endotoxins) that are released when large amounts of pathogens are being killed off, and the body does not eliminate the toxins quickly enough. Simply stated, it is a reaction that occurs when the body is detoxifying and the released toxins either exacerbate the symptoms being treated or create their own symptoms. The important thing to note is that worsening symptoms do not indicate failure of the treatment in question; in fact, usually just the opposite.

 

A Rose By Any Other Name

 

Technically known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction, this syndrome goes by many names, including JHR, the Herxheimer Effect, the Herxheimer Response, a Herx Reaction, Herx or Herks. The most common terminology used is the Herxheimer Reaction. It is also often referred to as a healing crisis, a detox reaction, or die-off syndrome.

 

History

 

The phenomenon was first described by Adolf Jarisch (1860-1902) working in Vienna, Austria, and a few years later by Karl Herxheimer (1861-1942), working in Frankfort, Germany. Both doctors were dermatologists mainly treating syphilitic lesions of the skin. They noticed that in response to treatment, many patients developed not only fever, perspiration, night sweats, nausea and vomiting, but their skin lesions became larger and more inflamed before settling down and healing. Interestingly, they found that those who had the most extreme reactions healed the best and fastest. The patient might be ill for 2-3 days, but then their lesions resolved.

 

A Medical Example

 

The Herxheimer reaction is caused by the release of toxic chemicals (endotoxins) released from the cell walls of dying bacteria due to effective treatment. The Herxheimer Reaction is well recognized in medical circles and is certainly not confined to the world of natural medicine or supplements.

 

For example, a recent study report (Feb ’04) on the treatment of Sarcoidosis found that, “. . . without exception, the improving patients are reporting periodic aggravation of their symptoms as an apparent direct response to the antibiotics. In other words, these patients say that their treatment makes them feel much worse before they experience symptom-relief.” The abstract of the study goes on to say, “This phenomenon is known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction (JHR) and is often referred to informally as Herx. JHR is believed to be caused when injured or dead bacteria release their endotoxins into blood and tissues faster than the body can comfortably handle it. . . . This provokes a sudden and exaggerated inflammatory response . . . . In Sarcoidosis patients, the Herxheimer reaction seems to be a valuable indication that an antibiotic is reaching its target.” In the conclusion, the author states: “In my work with Sarcoidosis patients, it is my experience that recovering MP patients understand and welcome the Herxheimer reactions even when they must endure temporary increased suffering. They accept it as the price that they must pay in order to get well and they even seem to find it gratifying to experience tangible evidence of bacterial elimination. “

Edited April 22, 2010 by SF Mom

[dee45]

Wow thanks I have never heard of that very informative. appreciate the info.

 

Deanna