Can you stop your antibiotics early when you have Lyme disease?

Answer by  billfrist (99)

Never stop a course of antibiotics without consulting your doctor first. A lot of people stop taking antibiotics because they think they are cured or because they don't like the side effects. This leads to the creation of drug-resistant bacteria- one example is MRSA, which is widely spread in hospitals and very difficult to get rid of.

Answer by  SallyJ64 (3121)

Doctors will never recommend to stop taking antibiotics early, even for a minor infection. Even if you feel better the bacteria can still be looming. If the side effects are unbearable, talk to your doctor about switching to another drug.

Answer by  HH (404)

No. If you stop the antibiotic treatment early, you risk the comeback of the disease - which would be much more awful - and the development of resistant bacteria.

Answer by  Darry (3853)

You should never stop your antibiotics early for any disease unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Stopping the medicine early could mean you will not completely kill off the disease and requiring you to start the regimen over from the beginning.

Answer by  bubbyboy (9929)

All antibiotics must be taken as prescribed for Lyme disease. Your doctor will tell you when you can stop. You don't want the symptoms to come roaring back and you have to start all over.

Answer by  PAtobeDU12 (239)

Discontinuing antibiotics for any infection is dangerous because if the infecting organisms are not completely killed, they can continue multiplying in your body and, through mutations, become resistant to antibiotics.

Answer by  Tracy74 (229)

No. It is very dangerous to stop antibiotics on your own as they may become less effective the next time you become sick. Follow your doctors directions to the letter. If you are showing signs of Lyme disease becoming worst contact your doctor immediately.

Answer by  newgeneration (699)

Antibiotics kill the organism that causes Lyme Disease. Stopping antibiotics early for any infection encourages resistance, which means the germ or organism can become stronger and more resistant to antibiotics. Then, stronger drugs would be needed to kill the organism. Symptoms of Lyme Disease may last after the course of antibiotics is finished.