Help

[Rose26]

I was diagnosed with H. Pylori last week. I am on day 6 of bismuth quadruple therapy. My throat hurts a little. I feel miserable, nauseous, lack of appetite, brain fog, headache, little feverish, and dizziness. My mouth tastes weird. I am also very anxious and cry a lot. Are these symptoms normal with my condition? When will I feel better?

[Helico_expert]

I am so sorry you’re going through this. Bismuth quadruple therapy is notoriously difficult, often described as a "blitz" on the system, so what you are feeling is very common, though that doesn't make it any less exhausting to deal with.

It sounds like you are having a really rough time, but please know that everything you described is a documented side effect of the quadruple therapy. The "weird taste" (often metallic), nausea, and brain fog are classic reactions to the antibiotics and the bismuth. Even the anxiety and crying spells are frequently reported by people on this regimen; it can really take a toll on your nervous system. While these symptoms feel overwhelming, try to view them as "mild" indicators that the medication is active in your system. As long as you aren't experiencing severe allergic reactions, these are typically considered manageable, albeit miserable, side effects.

The most important thing right now is to stay the course. You are on day 6, which means you are likely more than halfway there. It is incredibly important to complete the full treatment to ensure the H.pylori is fully eradicated. Stopping early is the primary cause of antibiotic resistance, which could make the bacteria much harder to treat if you were forced to undergo a second round. Think of this as a short-term "battle" that is an investment in your long-term health and the prevention of future gastric issues.

To help get through these remaining days, try to maintain positive thoughts and use distraction as a tool. When the brain fog or anxiety feels heavy, lean into low-energy activities you enjoy, like watching a favorite comfort movie, listening to a lighthearted podcast, or doing some light reading. Shifting your focus can help pull your mind away from the physical discomfort. Most people find that the "dark clouds" begin to lift within 48 to 72 hours after the final dose. You’ve got this, just a few more days until you can put this treatment behind you.

[Rose26]

Thank you much for responding. I feel so alone suffering from this. It seems like my doctor doesn’t care. I couldn’t even get them on the phone to explain my symptoms. I had never heard about this infection until I was diagnosed. So it’s overwhelming do deal with that without any help. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I will try to be strong and finish the treatment. God bless you

[Rose26]

I called my doctor about the symptoms, and she wants me to stop the bismuth quadruple therapy. She prescribed a different treatment (Voquezna Dual Pak) for another two weeks. Today is my 10th day on the current treatment.

Should I accept the new treatment? I only have 4 days left on the current one. Should I endure the side effects to finish it, or stop now? Will continuing the current treatment despite the side effects affect my health? Also, won’t the Voquezna Dual Pak have side effects too? I’m really unsure about what to do.

[Rose26]

If I stop do you recommend starting the new medication immediately or wait 6 weeks to get tested and if still infected then I can start the new medication? I am scared of taking so many antibiotics back to back.

[Helico_expert]

We should treat this systematically.
So, complete whatever you are taking now. wait for 4 weeks. follow up with UBT.
if negative, then end of treatment.
if positive, then you can start another treatment immediately.