Can Septra/Bactrim cause weakness in the hands/forearm ?
Posted , 3 users are following.
So I just recently started my course of Septra/Bactrim for suspected acute bacterial prostatitis, the first three days I didn't have any side effects, however the fourth day, I started to notice a strange weakness in my right forearm and hand and is noticeable during typing. It is also accompanied with a slightly shaky/unsteady feeling, I'm not sure If I should stop taking the Septra, as right now I am on day 7 and still feel these symptoms, and have to take it for another 7 days to complete the course. Has anyone heard of permanent nerve damage from Septra/Bactrim? I doubt this is a allergic reaction as I have not experienced any fever, nausea or rashes, just don't know what to do. Also before taking the septra I did take cipro, but stopped 2 days into it, due to adverse effects such as ankle and calf pain and burning. As for background info, I'm not on any other medication, I'm 24 years old and my diet is super clean.
0 likes, 4 replies
curly4068 praj7
Posted
praj7 curly4068
Posted
My doctor didn't find anything in the urine test, and I haven't had a semen or prostate fluid test yet. However he did a digital rectal examination and said the prostate gland was a bit enlarged and boggy for a 24 year old. The main reason I took the septra was because, after I stopped taking the cipro, I had improvement in my urinary symptoms for two days, then the symptoms started to come back. When I told my doctor about this, he said that since the symptoms improved for a short amount of time after cipro, most likely it is bacterial in nature. I don't want to stop septra prematurely as It could cause me to have antibiotic resistance and there isn't any other drug other than septra and cipro to treat acute bacterial prostatitis, and since cipro is unbearable and dangerous to me, septra is my only option. It's a tough spot to be in, because without the medication I feel horrible in terms of urinary symptoms and, with the medication it seems like I'm having neurological side effects. I just hope that these side effects don't stay after treatment and worsen.
miriam65408 praj7
Posted
I agree with what Curly says but also want to remind you that Cipro problems don't go away just because you stop taking the tablets. Tendon and muscle pain, weakness, burning (amongst many other things!) can be indications that the Cipro is working it's way round your body - hopefully on its way out!
I strongly suggest that you don't take and NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen) or steroids for at least a year as these can make the Cipro symptoms come back with a bang. Also, stay away from alcohol and junk foods - anything that your liver has to work hard to clear as it's busy with the Cipro and other antibiotics at the moment. Also, take probiotics for your gut as all you friendly bacteria will have been wiped out along with the bad.
praj7 miriam65408
Posted
I was thinking that as well miriam, especially because most people don't often report hand weakness with septra, as the usual side effects are allergic in nature such as hives, rashes, and fever. The strange thing is that my calf and ankle issues have subsided, which made me think that the effects of the cipro have wore off, however I'm worried now that maybe the septra/bactrim that I'm taking is somehow making the cipro damage my body more, or the cipro effects were prolonged and are now just surfacing. I have been diligent in eating probiotics while taking this new antibiotic and have made sure to have a very clean diet, with lots of water, and don't drink alcohol at all. Strange thing is that most people report burning and pain with neurological symptoms of cipro damage, is weakness a common thing people experience after taking cipro ? and have you heard of people making a recovery from neurological symptoms of cipro ?