What is medication treatment for Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is the most common sickness that tick bugs cause. Some ticks carry certain bacteria that cause Lyme disease. If one of these ticks bites you, it's possible you'll get the illness. The bacteria enter your bloodstream and make you sick. When this happens, your doctor can give you certain medicines to take that kill the bacteria and clear up the infection.The type of medication treatment you need for Lyme disease depends on your age and how long you've had the disease. If your doctor is able to diagnose the illness early, you'll likely take a cycle of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil.
Different types of medication for Lyme disease
Doctors prescribe different medications for children and adults and for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You'll take antibiotics for 10 to 21 days, depending on your doctor's advice.
Medication treatment is more intense if the bacteria show signs of progressing into your central nervous system. This is what happens with time when Lyme disease is left untreated. Instead of taking pills, you'll be given an antibiotic through a needle. This is called intravenous (IV) treatment. The medicine will work faster by going straight into your bloodstream. People are given IV treatment for two to three weeks.
What to expect with medication treatment for Lyme disease
You might have some side effects from both the disease and the medication treatment. Your doctor might suggest other things to make you feel more comfortable. Antidepressants and pain relief treatment may help. You might also be asked to do physical therapy, stretching or exercises or change your diet.
Some people still have symptoms of Lyme disease after being treated. This is call post-Lyme disease syndrome. Doctors don't know why some people get it and others don't. It usually makes you feel tired and have sore muscles. Using more antibiotics doesn't help, but other treatments may help you feel better.
Common conditions requiring medication treatment for Lyme disease
Lyme disease requires medication treatment. If you don't take proper medication, your condition can get much worse. It is important to continue seeing your doctor, even if you are feeling better, until your doctor says you are free of the disease. Be sure to share if you are getting new symptoms or have found your symptoms are not improving.