Title
Antibiotic treatment of post-Lyme syndrome is ineffective
Abstract
Post-Lyme syndrome happens in patients who received standard treatment of 2-4
weeks of antibiotics, but still have chronic symptoms. These symptoms include muscle
or joint pain, fatigue, memory or thinking difficulty, irritability, difficulty sleeping,
depression, headache, or limb weakness. These symptoms occur without lab evidence for
them such as markers of inflammation. Some clinicians suggest treatment with months of
antibiotics. However, in three large clinical trials, long term treatment with antibiotics
was the same as placebo in the treatment of these symptoms.
While there currently is no treatment to cure post-Lyme syndrome, it is important
for the patient to work closely with their physician to manage the symptoms.
Description
The information provided in this handout does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians and faculty. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider. You use the information provided in these handouts at your own risk.
Suggested Citation
Batdorf, Bjorn.
(2008).
Antibiotic treatment of post-Lyme syndrome is ineffective.
Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
https://hdl.handle.net/11299/45385.