Medications There are accepted pharmaceutical treatments that have been found to be effective for LD, but with possible side effects. • Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Avidoxy, Monodox, Doxy 100, Doryx, Oracea, Adoxa) Doxycycline inhibits protein synthesis and thus bacterial growth by binding to the 30S and possibly the 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria. This agent interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active multiplication, causing cell wall death and resultant bactericidal activity against susceptible bacteria. • Tetracycline – Tetracycline is used to treat gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, as well as mycoplasmal, chlamydial, and rickettsial infections. This agent inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. • Penicillins provide effective treatment of Lyme disease. These agents are used in patients who are intolerant of doxycycline and in pregnant women and children under the age of 8 years, in whom doxycycline is contraindicated. • Intravenous antibiotics. If the disease involves the central nervous system, your doctor might recommend treatment with an intravenous antibiotic for 14 to 28 days. This is effective in eliminating infection, although it may take you some time to recover from your symptoms. Intravenous antibiotics can cause various side effects, including a lower white blood cell count, mild to severe diarrhea, or colonization or infection with other antibiotic-resistant organisms unrelated to Lyme. • NSAIDS – Like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), to relieve pain and inflammation. Alternative Treatment Nutrition and Supplements • Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus – Probiotics, or “friendly” bacteria, help maintain intestinal health. If the patient takes antibiotics to treat Lyme disease, the antibiotics will kill the “good” bacteria along with the bad. That can cause diarrhea or yeast infections. Taking probiotics may reduce these side effects. People with weakened immune systems, or those who take drugs to suppress their immune systems, should ask their doctors before taking probiotics. • Beta-glucan – This is a kind of fiber, is sometimes used to help fight Lyme disease. Beta-glucan is thought to stimulate the immune system, so people with weakened immune systems, or those who take drugs to suppress their immune systems, should ask their doctors before taking it. Herbs • Garlic (Allium sativum) – This has antibacterial effects, and one study suggested it may help prevent tick bites. In that study, people who took garlic reported fewer bites than those who took a placebo. Garlic may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if the person also takes blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Garlic can potentially interfere with several medications, including drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, and even some birth control medications. Speak to your doctor. • Essaic – Burdock root (Arctium lappa), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), slippery elm (Ulmus fulva), rhubarb (Rheum palmate). It helps to treat Lyme disease. Essaic is a formula that contains several different herbs and may interact with many medications and potentially cause some dangerous side effects. Schedule an Appointment with our Experts at COEM and get the most comprehensive treatment for Lyme Disease.