Yes, it made for rage tantrums in my son.

And to answer the question that you asked, we discussed it with our doctor and any other time she’s needed antibiotics they’ve prescribed alternatives. Never had the same issue again. I would certainly give it and deal with the behavior if it was necessary, but it does not seem to be.

I’ve never posted here before, but my 6 year old had a 180 degree behavior change the one time she was on amoxicillin for strep at age 4. She’s been sick plenty of times and has NEVER before or since had the rage induced screaming fits she had during the course of that treatment (even after her throat felt better). So yes, I believe this is absolutely possible!

Antibiotics are really rough on your gut. An upset gut can absolutely make you grumpy, sad, tired, anxious. Same for kids. The probiotic suggestion is great. More water, easy to digest foods - especially at time of meds, more rest and lots of patience from grown ups will help. Hope they feel better soon!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone’s child seem to have a behavioral reaction to amoxicillin? Mine has terrible tantrums while taking it. If yours did, too, what did you do? Do you continue to use it?

Or...your kid has terrible tantrums because they're sick?

Honestly I was going to say this. Ear infections in particular. And the antibiotics don’t help as fast as you think so you are wondering why they aren’t back to normal…

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone’s child seem to have a behavioral reaction to amoxicillin? Mine has terrible tantrums while taking it. If yours did, too, what did you do? Do you continue to use it?

Or...your kid has terrible tantrums because they're sick?

Anonymous wrote:Could be the dye. I know most people won't believe me but I don't care. It's a thing.
Look up polyphenols in food dyes. Most kid amoxicillin has it (as does so many other food)

Are found in every single plant. If you eat anything plant related, you are eating tons of polyphenols.

But out of curiosity, which specific polyphenolic compounds might be bad?

For OP, no, amoxicillin is not associated with behavioral changes. Now the more potent quinolone antibiotics are yes, but not something like amoxicillin.

It’s white not pink.

Could be the dye. I know most people won't believe me but I don't care. It's a thing.
Look up polyphenols in food dyes. Most kid amoxicillin has it (as does so many other food)

Behavior could be because of pain and not feeling well.

Also, what probiotic did you use? My child won’t drink the packets of Culturelle.

Call the doctor and ask for something different.

Thanks. Did it cause hyperactivity, too?

Yes. We added probiotics in case some of the issue was not feeling well. We continued to give it, but gave a lot of grace around behavior and reduced demands as much as possible. It's only 10 days, most of the time.

Does anyone’s child seem to have a behavioral reaction to amoxicillin? Mine has terrible tantrums while taking it. If yours did, too, what did you do? Do you continue to use it?