Doxycycline is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial or parasitic infections. Like any other antibiotic, this can cause users to experience various unpleasant side effects. Perhaps, the most common side effect is a headache. But, how to get rid of doxycycline headaches?
There are many ways to get rid of doxycycline headaches depending on the intensity of the headache. While the milder headaches can be relieved with good sleep, a gentle massage, or even light exercise, stronger headaches may require over-the-counter medication or a doctor’s help.
Doxycycline headache treatment is not complex, but the temporary hindrance it causes in your daily life can be pretty frustrating.
There’s no reason to settle for suffering with doxycycline headaches when relief is just a few simple changes away! Pick any of the ten tips to get rid of doxycycline headaches.
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10 Methods of How to Get Rid Of Doxycycline Headache
The most common side effect is doxycycline headache, which can be as minor as a dull pressure or as severe as migraines and discomfort to nausea and vomiting.
No matter what your particular doxycycline headache symptoms are, there are multiple ways you can treat your doxycycline headaches, so you don’t have to spend the rest of your day miserable in bed.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is a popular stimulant that can help to perk you up and reduce the effects of a headache. If you’re taking doxycycline, you should limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day. Tea and coffee are best suited for this.
If you are not used to consuming caffeine, you may want to start with a small amount to see if it suits you.
2. Staying Hydrated
It’s essential to stay hydrated when you’re taking doxycycline. Not only will it help prevent headaches, but it will also help your body absorb the medication better. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and avoid alcohol.
Also, drink lots of water before bedtime to ensure you don’t wake up with a headache. If needed, you can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. Light exercise
One way to get rid of a doxycycline headache is to exercise light. This can help increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension. Try taking a brisk walk or doing some gentle yoga poses. Deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth can also help reduce pain.
4. A Warm Bath
One way to get rid of a doxycycline headache is to take a warm bath. This will help relax your muscles and ease the tension in your head.
You can also add some Epsom salt to your bathtub to help reduce inflammation. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your bath, as this will keep you hydrated.
5. Low-sugar Candy or Gum
When your blood sugar drops, it can cause a headache. To prevent this, try chewing on some low-sugar candy or gum.
This will raise your blood sugar and hopefully eliminate headaches. You can also drink juice with no added sugars or fruit. The natural sugar from fruits will do the job.
6. Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a pain reliever and can be bought over-the-counter at pharmacies. It’s generally considered safe to take paracetamol while taking doxycycline but always check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Suppose you are suffering from a severe headache. In that case, doctors usually suggest painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen before bed so that they will have time to work before you fall asleep.
7. Sleep
Good sleep and a well-rested body can kick off any type of headache. One of the best ways to get rid of a doxycycline headache is to sleep it off simply. If you can, take a nap or go to bed early and let your body rest.
8. Massaging Your Forehead
Gently massage your forehead in a circular motion for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. This will help increase circulation and may help relieve and relax some of the tensed muscles and help in reducing pain.
Massaging also releases endorphins to calm you down. Another good idea would be applying cold or warm compresses on your forehead for 15 minutes at a time.
Rather than ask your partner how to get rid of doxycycline headaches, tell them to help you with it!
9. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is one of the most effective essential oils for headaches. It has a cooling and numbing effect on the head, which can help relieve tension headaches. Plus, it’s refreshing and can help improve your mood.
Just massage two drops of peppermint oil into your temples or forehead. Alternatively, you can mix two drops with two tablespoons of carrier oil (such as olive or coconut) and apply them to your forehead, temples, neck, or chest.
10. Mint Vapor
Mint vapor can help relieve a doxycycline headache by cooling and soothing the scalp. To use, simply add a few drops of mint essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the vapors.
Alternatively, place your head over a bowl containing crushed peppermint leaves or make an iced tea with fresh peppermint leaves.
Also Read:
Doxycycline Sunburn: 5 Best Tips to Keep Your Skin Safe While Using Doxycycline
Why Does Doxycycline Cause Headache?
Doxycycline has been used to treat skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and other body systems bacterial infections.
This antibiotic belongs to the family of tetracycline. Consumption of tetracycline is known to cause intracranial hypertension, leading to headaches. Headache is not related to doxycycline. Some people experience severe headaches while taking doxycycline.
How Long the Headache Lasts
For most people, the headache will go away within a few days after they stop taking the medication.
However, some people may experience headaches that last for weeks or even months. If you’re one of those people, don’t despair! There are several things you can do to get rid of your headache.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are other common side effects of doxycycline. These side effects usually go away after a few days. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any questions about these symptoms.
Related Reading:
Doxycycline Weight Loss: 10 Critical Side Effects of Doxycycline
Other Side-effects of Doxycycline
While on doxycycline medication, if you see any other side effects besides or instead headache, don’t get panicked. Well, you won’t get it all at once as it varies from person to person.
The side-effects are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Double vision
- Nosebleeds
- Inflamed joints
- Abdominal ache
- Shortness of breath
- Bloating
- Swollen muscles
- Increased pulse rate
- Tender lymphatic glands
When to See a Doctor?
You must visit the doctor if:
- Your headache has been persistent for more than a week
- You want to stop the dose of doxycycline for any reason. Don’t stop it on your own.
- The severity of the headache is unbearable from the first day.
- You are facing several symptoms together alongside headaches. One or two symptoms at a time are alright.
- You have other medical issues and cannot rely on over-the-counter medicines or painkillers on your own to relieve headaches.
Related Reading:
Doxycycline and Eating Eggs: 10 Side Effects of Doxycycline
FAQs
What is doxycycline used for?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic growth inside the body. Like any other antibiotic medication, it is also prescribed by the doctor and should not be taken without consultation. Doctors provide doxycycline for treating adult acne, bacterial pneumonia, malaria, cholera, syphilis, and Lyme disease.
Should I stop taking doxycycline if I suffer from headaches?
Since headache is one of the side effects of this antibiotic, you should not stop it immediately if the headache starts. Instead, try to reduce the headache with some light massage, sleep, or caffeine. If the severity increases, consult your doctor about whether or not to continue doxycycline.
What are the side effects of Doxycycline after it is stopped?
You will still retain a side effect if you have stopped taking doxycycline due to course completion or severity of symptoms. Diarrhea usually lasts a few weeks. You must make sure your body is well-hydrated with water and salt-infused water.
How long do the side effects of doxycycline take to go away?
It depends on how severe or the type of side effects you have due to doxycycline. Side-effects like nausea, bloating, and weakness can go away within two to three days. In contrast, more severe side effects like joint pain or headaches may take more than a week to relive. If the intensity of side effects is too much, you may want to consult your doctor.
Final Thought
If you experience headaches while taking doxycycline, we have suggested several things you can do to lessen or relieve your symptoms.
You can get rid of it naturally by trying ten methods to stop that doxycycline headache. Or, you can talk to your doctor about other medications that may work better in your situation.
I am sure you won’t have to ask how to get rid of doxycycline headaches.
