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What Causes Mood Swings While On Vancomycin?

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Posted on Thu, 6 Jul 2017
Question: My daughter is on 500 mg iv vancomycin 3x daily. She has been on it 4 weeks today. I've noticed changes in her moods. She's very emotional and over reacts about almost everything. She cries and gets very upset about almost any question or redirection I give her
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Why was this started and for how many more days would she be on this drug?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Mood changes are possible with this drug. Because it is often used when for severe infections, I would be recommending that she continues on it because another source of hope is that these mood changes lessen eventually as patients continue treatment.

If the ID doctor, however, thinks that we can conveniently switch this antibiotic given the disease being treated, then I will concur.

Endeavor to limit any sensitive or prolonged discussion with her. Hopefully, the disease would soon be addressed and the medications discontinued.

I wish your daughter a speedy recovery and wish to get updates on how she responds moving forward.

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (47 minutes later)
She had osteomyelitis in her lower tibia near the growth plate. Debridement and oral antibiotics started Feb 18. 4 weeks of cephalexin. Then 4 weeks of clindamyacin. May 18th a second surgery with debridement and a vanco wash. Piccline inserted and vanco started. She will have about 2 more weeks. She also takes oral rifampin 300 mg 3x daily.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
We could do all to continue Vancomycin!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Osteomyelitis is dreaded and we would want to use our best drugs out there. Vancomycin is one of them and I will strongly recommend that your daughter stays on them. No one wants to take second chances with osteomyelitis. Her treatment with rifampicin is well adapted and it is my hope that it helps with the full recovery.

Your daughter has been sick for a while. Her mood changes, though contributed to by Vancomycin, the illness itself is to blame for a greater part. Be nice to her, avoid any controversial or ambiguous acts and remember she would be more sensitive to previously normal stuff because of her disease state. Try to understand and accommodate this, at east while she’s being treated.

I hope this guides. I wish your daughter a speedy recovery. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Mood Swings While On Vancomycin?

Brief Answer: Why was this started and for how many more days would she be on this drug? Detailed Answer: Hi, Mood changes are possible with this drug. Because it is often used when for severe infections, I would be recommending that she continues on it because another source of hope is that these mood changes lessen eventually as patients continue treatment. If the ID doctor, however, thinks that we can conveniently switch this antibiotic given the disease being treated, then I will concur. Endeavor to limit any sensitive or prolonged discussion with her. Hopefully, the disease would soon be addressed and the medications discontinued. I wish your daughter a speedy recovery and wish to get updates on how she responds moving forward. Regards