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Rifaximin headache ... do side effects change over time

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 4/17/2015 5:06 AM (GMT -8)
My inflammatory markers and other test results came back normal except for some anemia for which my GI prescribed weekly compound B and other vitamins injection. For bloating and d, he decided to put me again on Rifaximin for the 5th time. This time, I have to take it as an abx 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Before, the only side effect it used to cause was tenesmus. This time, I have a terrible headache for which I took panadol extra but in vain and have vomiting, too. This episode of bloating, vomiting and headache, I always get it from time to time. It could have coincided w the Rifaximin this time. My GI is abroad. So, should I stop the Rifaximin though I need it badly for my crazy d or wait for some time and tolerate the headache. Whenever I stop any abx abruptly w/o finishing the round, my GI gets infuriated since I have minimal options of abx as the others cause me allergy and ciprofloxacin and the other quinlones cause me esophageal bleeding.
Posted 4/17/2015 6:31 AM (GMT -8)
I think you are answering your own question. You say that you didn't have headaches with Rifaximin in the past and you do get episodes on your own, separate from the antibiotics with headache, bloating, etc. So it makes sense to stay on it for several more days and see if the headaches subside. When is the last time you had a colonoscopy or small intestine imaging? I would want to know why you are anemic. My inflammatory markers rarely elevated and I ended out with a bowel obstruction and needed surgery. You can have significant disease and not have elevated inflammatory markers unfortunately.

But I am wondering if he tested your stool, or gave you the breath test for bacterial overgrowth? It seems like before taking an antibiotic for two weeks, I'd want some documented proof of an infection?? Sorry you are suffering. I'm sure you are completely out of patience with this rotten disease!
Posted 4/18/2015 10:51 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Gumby, well, yes, the headache could be caused by the episode I get though it's prolonged this time. Lately, whenever I take a new medicine or one that I haven't taken since a long time, I get a reaction of headache, vomiting and d.
Yes, a stool test was one of the tests I have done though I don't think I have iron deficiency since my HB is 11.5 for the first time (it has always been lower). I think he meant I have vitamin B deficiency as the other blood indicies are very low.
Take care :)
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