Considering Dapsone For Persistent Lyme

Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multisystemic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Standard treatments for early Lyme disease include short courses of oral antibiotics but relapses often occur after discontinuation of treatment. Several studies have suggested that ongoing symptoms may be due to a highly antibiotic-resistant form of B. burgdorferi called biofilms. Recent clinical studies reported the successful use of Dapsone in combination therapy for the treatment of Lyme disease. This article serves to educate about the treatment regimen and should not be contrued for medical advice.

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Lyme

Background

Dapsone is a sulfur-based drug originally used to treat leprosy. It has been adopted for treating Lyme disease because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, ability to attack persister cells, penetration into the central nervous system, as well as increasing patient’s immune responses.

This treatment is typically recommended for any person who has tried various oral herbal and prescription antibiotic regimens over the course of a year or more and did not have good improvements. It may also be used by those looking for an alternative to IV antibiotics.

@projectlyme Have you been considering trying high-dose dapsone to treat Lyme disease? Here’s what you need to know. Learn more on our website: https://projectlyme.org/use-of-double-dapsone-to-treat-lyme-disease-w-dr-richard-horowitz/ #tickbornedisease #lymediseaseawareness #health #medicine #lymewarrior #resources #reels ♬ Virus, illness, medical treatment, nervous song(859440) – Yuuki Hirose

How Does It Work?

Dr. Richard Horowitz has pioneered the use of a high-dose Dapsone protocol in combination with other antibiotics such as doxycycline and rifampin for short-term, pulsed treatment. Dapsone works by blocking folate metabolism in germs, but it can also block folate metabolism in red blood cells which will lead to severe anemia.

It is important to note that Dapsoone is a harsh drug. A percentage of patients may not tolerate this medicine and have to stop taking it. Side effects can include severe Herxheimer reactions and anemia Because of this, Dr. Horowitz’s protocol utilizes a number of supplements to help mitigate potential side effects. You should work directly with a doctor to develop the best regimen for your side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does treatment take? The high pulse dose can last up to 4 days, with the entire treatment lasting 8-10 weeks.
  • How effective is it? High-dose dapsone treatment has about a 50% remission rate as long as patients dont also have persistent Babesia or Bartonella.
  • What are the potential side effects? Patients may experience Herxheimer reactions, anemia, rashes, and methemoglobinemia. That’s why it is so important to take prescribed supplements.