A treatment guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology finds conventionally recommended courses of antibiotics are highly effective for treating nervous system Lyme disease. However, there is no compelling evidence that prolonged treatment with antibiotics has any benefit in treating symptoms that persist following standard therapy.

Evidence shows that using antibiotics for two to four weeks is highly effective for treating neuroborreliosis (when the nervous system is affected by Lyme disease). Some people with Lyme disease who have received accepted antibiotic regimens for have persisting symptoms, often referred to as Post-Lyme syndrome (PLS). This guideline states that long-term use of antibiotics does not improve the outcome in people with chronic symptoms after customary treatment of Lyme disease. Specifically, further treatment does not improve overall health quality of life, memory, or depression. Long-term antibiotic use can be associated with such side effects as diarrhea, blood stream infections, and blood clots.

To learn more about Lyme disease and how it affects your joints, visit the Disease Center.