Post Marketing Reports April 2003

Wed, 30 Apr 2003 11:50:16 -0400 by Guest, #2081

My wife was prescribed Levaquin for her sinus and ear infection. Took one dose two nights ago and within an hour she developed severe stomach cramps, diahrea, metallic taste in her mouth, vomiting and memory lapses. This stuff is bad medicine, she is still having stomach cramping, weakness, sour taste in her mouth and overall fatigue 2 days after taking just one pill. This is bad medicine and should be removed from the market.

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Tue, 29 Apr 2003 22:53:21 -0400 by Guest, #2072

I am on my 8th day of Levaquin for pneumonia and have had no side effects. I am a 35 year old female who have NEVER been sick in my life other than strep throat twice. I do feel a bit more tired than usual but I have to believe it is from the pneumonia. Went for a somewhat vigorous walk with my daughter tonight - no aches, no pains, no weakness. Levaquin seems fine for me. But to me, it is important to go with what you believe. If your instinct tells you something isn't right - don't give up, keep calling your doctor.

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Tue, 29 Apr 2003 18:17:23 -0400 by Guest, #2069

over 2 months later, after taking 500 mg of levaquin for 10 days, I still have pain in my right shoulder. it's severe, and arthritic-like. it hasn't improved. it's worst at night.
my doctor put me on 1000mg cipro for 7 days because of a necessary surgical procedure, and I had no problems with the cipro.
levaquin has long-lasting painful side-effects. ask your doctor to choose another antibiotic. (don't go without, though!!! infection isn't worth the risk.)

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Tue, 29 Apr 2003 17:24:15 -0400 by Guest, #2067

I was prescribed Levaquin by my doctor to treat pneumonia. I did a little research on line to find out about pneumonia and Levaquin and I found this site. I must say it REALLY scared me. I trust my doctor very much and decided to take the pills as prescribed. I took 500 mg for 10 days. I did not suffer any side effects from the pills and I am much better now. I just wanted people to know that at least for me it worked great. Good luck.

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Tue, 29 Apr 2003 16:59:24 -0400 by Guest, #2066

And here I thought what I was feeling was my illness not getting better. Seems that many people suffer some of the same side effects that I am. I have been takine Levaquin for Pyelonephritis for 10 days now. I run fever in the mornings, I am always achy, my joints hurt, I'm tired all the time....maybe (hopefully) now that I'm through with my meds I'll get better!

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Tue, 29 Apr 2003 15:34:01 -0400 by Guest, #2065

After having a fever of 102+ for three days, my doctor prescribed Levaquin 250mg PO QD. I got nauseated and dizzy, but my fever broke with in 12hrs andnow,less than 24 hours later, I feel great. I am a nurse and I tell my patients the side effects. Be an educated consumer and ask questions of yous nurse, doctor and pharmacist.

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Tue, 29 Apr 2003 12:23:36 -0400 by Guest, #2060

I have taken Levaquin several times and I got s sleepless night with the first time. I learned to take it in the morning and drink a fruit glass of warm milk before going to bed so I could sleep. This last dose of Levaquin I am taking, I have nausea and burning stomach as well as back aches. I don't know what to take for my burning stomach as the directions from the pharmacy says not to take anti-acids with Levaquin.

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Mon, 28 Apr 2003 10:10:39 -0400 by Guest, #2034

I am taking Levaquin for the first time, for a sinus infection. This is my 4th dose and I am supposed to take it for 14 days but I won't make it. I am super tired, can't sleep at night, dizzy, it's awful. This drug must be very very strong.

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Sun, 27 Apr 2003 23:14:31 -0400 by Guest, #2028

Ths past week, I ended up in the emergency room with severe stomach pains. Turned out to be gallstones and I had my gallbladder removed. That was Tuesday I was admitted to the hospital. My DR. perscribed Levaquin by IV. The next morning, my entire face and throat were swollen, I was itching and had hives and rashes all over me. Today is now Sunday, and I'm still itching from head to toe. My worst itching is my head and hands. I had the same reaction to PCN, and I have added levaquin to my allergy alert.

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Sat, 26 Apr 2003 21:24:42 -0400 by Guest, #2005

After 1 dose (500mg) of Levaquin I couldn't sleep all night, but the worst thing is that after 2 days I am itching from head to toe. How long will this last? Any
suggestions for relief?

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Sat, 26 Apr 2003 17:13:02 -0400 by Guest, #1998

My entire body turned yellow/orange. Had extreme itching all over. Eyes didn't turn yellow. It last over 12 hours. I had no idea that I was allergic to anything.

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Fri, 25 Apr 2003 17:13:31 -0400 by Guest, #1985

This probably isn't new, but I would like to add that within a day of beginning Levaquin I was "shuffling" instead of walking. The tendons in the back of my legs by my feet felt so tight that I could not walk normally. I finished the 7 day prescription and only found this website after the fact. My legs/feet are still not completely normal, but improving. All that and the antibiotic did not work on the upper respiratory infection it was prescribed to treat. I will decline the use of this drug in the future.

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Fri, 25 Apr 2003 15:20:32 -0400 by Guest, #1984

I just finished taking 10 days of Levaquin for a sinus infection. I have had the sinus infection for about 4 months, and it finally knocked it out. I had only minor side effects (joint pain). I finished the Levaquin 2 days ago and I am feeling much better. The one thing that I want to say is to not take ibuprofin or drink caffeine while taking Levaquin. If you have to drink caffeine, do so at least 6 hours after taking it. Caffeine enhances the effects on the nervous system. I hope you all get to feeling better.

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Fri, 25 Apr 2003 10:40:45 -0400 by Guest, #1979

I would like to know what is the longest that anyone has been suffering from the side effects of Levaquin. I took it in May of 2001, and am still having problems. I was tested for arthritis, lupus, and just last week for MS. All were negative, but I still have the problems. Only one doctor thought that it might be from the levaquin but that don't think that it should have lasted this long.

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Thu, 24 Apr 2003 02:00:23 -0400 by Guest, #1963

I am a 41 year old male, and was in good health, I did get sick with a upper respetory infection, I was put on Levaquin 500mgs for 10 days. I have a chough,i sweat at night,I cant sleep, have pain in my right arm,it feels like it is being twisted, I have had no desire to have sex, cant even get an erection, i am always tierd,and i get low grade fevers in the evening, my body does not feel normal,and i am always hot and feel slugish. i even have a hard time remembering how to spell or what i was thinking about. I am very sensetive to the sun and have no dsire to do anything.

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Wed, 23 Apr 2003 23:39:44 -0400 by Guest, #1962

My father is 85 and ended up in the hospital with a bacterial infection that started in the blood and went to the bladder. They put him on Levaquin. He received it intravenously for a couple of days. Then took it in pill form for three days. He was weak and didn't have much appetite in the hospital. When he went home he took one pill a day, in the morning. In addition to still having no energy he was nauseous all the time and felt lousy. Once I saw this website I was immediately alarmed and printed off all of the side effects. The main thing that made me insist that he call the doctor and be taken off the medication is this: He has been on medication for seizures since last August. They are very slight brain activities that come and go very rapidly. He hasn't had any episodes since being on various seizure medications. He experienced 4 mini-seizures within 2 days. This happened the last two days he was on the levaquin. On the long list of side-effects seizures is one of them. The doctor switched him to sulfamethoxazole to continue with an antibiotic. I didn't get to personally speak to his doctor, the night we called we got a partner and she immediately agreed that he should stop the levaquin. The levaquin had 2 refills on it; I wonder how long he would of had to take it if we didn't interfere. Before we called the doctors office we called an 800 number that his Blue Shield provider supplies for questions. We got a registered nurse and I specifically ask her if she heard much about this medication, I was surprised that she said no? I didn't get the impression that when my father went to see his doctor that the doctor said much about the levaquin. I tried to get my father to give him the entire printout of these articles but he didn't. What really gets me about this happening to him is the fact that we've been fighting with his specialist about his seizure medication because he has had such bad side effects taking them. He's on his fourth. Finally when he went in the hospital his family doctor met with the specialist and got him on a seizure medication that isn't as new and doesn't seem to have as many warnings BUT THEN the same family doctor that knows we've been concerned about harsh side effects, turns around and puts him on something like this, I almost flipped out when I saw the side effects and the stories on this site. I agree with some of the previous statements about the pharmaceutical companies being out of control, pushing new and expensive medications on doctors and then onto unsuspecting patients. I'm hearing more and more that people are having side effects that are giving them serious problems. My advise to everyone is to talk in depth about any medication you are being prescribed and check the side effects before filling the prescription. Take as little medication as possible, try to find quality vitamins and herbs to help with medical situations, only take prescription drugs if necessary. Watch out for any older people that you are involved with and help them to check things out. My father has been on Shaklee vitamins for over 20 years and I believe it has helped him get through many medical situations better then he normally would have. I think this whole thing would have been worse if he hadn't had the reinforcement of nutritional supplements and a good pro-biotic.

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Wed, 23 Apr 2003 15:10:07 -0400 by Guest, #1947

My Dr. proscribed 500mg Levaquin for my UTI which was giving me lower back pain and fever. I could not sleep at all that nite. This drug seems dangerous.

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Wed, 23 Apr 2003 12:43:52 -0400 by Guest, #1943

My doctor prescribed Levaquin 500mg at a duration of 7 days for liver infection problem. After taking this prescription drug I had intense psychological dreams with a strong desire of rage. Mentally I felt out of body and had a very difficult time sleeping. I have never in the past had this type of feeling of rage and intensity of dreams. I felt dis-connected from my self. I would never take this medication again and I would advise others to do as well.

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Wed, 23 Apr 2003 12:23:19 -0400 by Guest, #1942

I started taking levaquin (250mg) for 3 days because of a kidney stone. After the first day I noticed soreness in the back of my neck, puffiness in my face and crazy dreams. I called the pharmacist and she said it's really not a good prescription for the elderly or anyone with kidney trouble. I'm a 42 yr. old female with infrequent UTI's and really think they could have prescribed something else. Glad I found this site so that I know to stay away from this stuff!!

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Mon, 21 Apr 2003 18:20:39 -0400 by adrvictim, #1915

I have been seriously ill for 8 months now after taking 3 500 mg. doses of Levaquin for a simple uncomplicated UTI. My doctor assured me that the antibiotic was perfectly safe. I trusted him, to my regret. I have been plagued with Severe Central Nervous System neurotoxicity. I also have severe tenonitis in both wrists and both ankles. My veins bulge. I have blurred vision, visual distortions, headache, muscle spasms through my whole body, abdominal pain with indigestion,,nausea, acid reflux, memory loss, confusion, agitation, abnormal dreams, tingling in my feet, toes, legs, arms, head and back. Severe back pain. Lumpy large muscule tissue in lower back. Pain upon walking. Difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light and sound. Ringing in ears. Neuromuscular pain in chest, underarms,legs, arms, shoulders, all over body. This nightmare is ongoing and getting worse. I hope that I can help others with these problems. I flew to Indianapolis, Indiana to see Dr. David A. Flockhart, Chief of Clinical Pharmacology at IU School of Medicine. He was the only person that I read about that had background and experience in fluoroquinolone antibiotic adverse drug reations. He told me that this class of drugs, when not eliminated from the body, binds to the nerve endings/gaba receeptors in the brain. He stated that the drug does not metabolize much and sits in the brain and causes events to happen. He also stated that the drug binds to the nerve endings throughout the body including the stomach and also binds to the ends of the bone. He stated that it would take time for me to get better. He stated it would take three years if everything went ok. He prescribed Valium in as low a dose as possible to control tremors,seizures, and muscle spasms. If that did not work he recommended the gabapentin/Neurontin that my current neurologist had me on. The valium does help with the muscle spasms and nausea. The Neurontin helps me to sleep better and helps with the nerve pain. I still need further testing to determine the possibility of front temporal lobe partial epilepsy. I have already experienced two episodes of full body convulsions. Don't let your doctors tell you that its all in your head or dismiss your syptoms. If you have tendon problems, refrain from strenous exercise and lifting heavy objects as you are at risk for tendon rupture. I take low dose valium and 1 Neurontin at bedtime to help with nerve pain. The set back to these types of drugs are that your body builds up a tolerance and you eventually need to increase dosage. They are hard to come off of and can cause increased seizures if withdrawn too quickly. Dr. Flockhart told me that I would need to check in to a drug rehab center to come off of valium after prolonged use. I think that all victims of fluoroquinolone antibiotics should come together and work to get these drugs removed from the market. That's what it will take. The FDA cannot ignore publicity in numbers. Thanks to all for listening. Jessica/adrvictim

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Mon, 21 Apr 2003 00:09:58 -0400 by Guest, #1900

This is my second day on Levaquin. It is after midnight--I cannot sleep. I will be contacting my physician in the a.m. for a change of antibiotic. Levaquin was given to me in Urgent Care for acute sinusitis and throat infection. I have no appetite as well. Surely another antibiotic is effective for this infection that has fewer side effects. Thank you for this site.

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Sun, 20 Apr 2003 23:53:39 -0400 by Guest, #1899

Just started Levaquin yesterday. 500mg. 1x a day. I can hardly walk today. I feel like I can't straighten out my legs. The tightness and pain in the back of my knees is just terrible. Tonight I just noticed my heels are aching so badly, I can hardly put my feet on the ground. I will call my doctor tomorrow, to tell him I am NOT taking this anymore.

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Sat, 19 Apr 2003 07:10:04 -0400 by Guest, #1875

First I would like to thank everyone here. I thought I was going crazy,until I find this site. On April 8, I was taken to the hospital and was put on 500MG of Levaquin once a day for 10 ten days. (As a precaution). After reading some of these stories about this drug.I started calling my doctors. The nurses would tell me it is not the drug and to continue to use it. Finally after calling all the time ,a nurse told me I needed to be seen Stat. I was then given an emergency appointment with a new Doctor.He look at me and asked what medicine I was on. (Levaquin). He took me off of it right away and gave me three different medicine in hope that this can help. (My Doctor had a reaction to Levaquin also). I been off Levaquin for 4 days and I am not feeling any better.My face is still numb, I have a red rash from head to toe. welts, muscle pain, and cramping,it hurts just to walk.nothing stays in. I feel this drug should have some sort of warning with it. I wish you all a speedy recovery and God Bless you all


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Sat, 19 Apr 2003 00:30:43 -0400 by Guest, #1872

About 3 weeks ago I was given a 30 day course of Levaquin (500mg) for a recurring case of prostatitis. At first I had no problems whatsoever with this medication, but about a week after taking this medication I started to get welts and a very irritating itchy rash all over my body. I tore apart my bed looking for bed bugs, treated myself for scabies and lice thinking I must have picked up something somewhere. My regular doctor confirmed that I don't have anything like that. Now I have this unbearable itch rash of welts all over my body. I'm going to stop taking this med and hope that this side effect diminishes in time. Does anyone have any experience with this?

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Fri, 18 Apr 2003 17:11:57 -0400 by donnastauch, #1866

My husband has had large hives all over his body for a month. He was on a 7 day dose of levaquin. On the 7th day the rash started. As the hives grow they develope into large rings. They itch but yet some are painful. How long will it last? What can he do?

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Fri, 18 Apr 2003 16:04:22 -0400 by lablover, #1865

I was prescribed Levaquin to treat a sinus infection. I took 16 of 21 prescribed doses. The side effects I had were severe muscle and joint pain and what felt like swelling of my knees and ankles. In the beginning, my shoulders were particularly painful but now, about 5 weeks after my last dose of levaquin, the problems are in my hips, knees and ankles. I have troubled getting up out of a chair and starting to walk. The prescribing doctor did not seem to think that my symptoms were especially unusual or necessarily related to the drug. Another doctor, a friend, said he had not had any patients experience the side efffects I had. I am telling any doctor who asks me that I am "allergic" to levoquin and related drugs. I am a lot better (but not back to normal) than I was when I stopped taking the drug and am now taking motrin at night to ensure that I can sleep pain-free.

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Fri, 18 Apr 2003 11:46:47 -0400 by Guest, #1859

Maybe what we need to do is gather all of this information and the added medical expenses of using Levaquin and present it to the insurance companies. If we cannot get the FDA to listen because the board members are making too much money from stocks in the company that manufactures Levaquin and other conflicts of interest that have been publicized in the newspapers, maybe we need to convince the insurance companies that this product costs them a great deal of money because of the side effects it causes. Get it publicized in the papers to make people aware of the dangers of this drug that is supposed to heal.

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Fri, 18 Apr 2003 11:27:31 -0400 by Guest, #1858

Thank you so much for this site. I thought I was crazy. I developed pneumonia,doctor prescribed LEVAQUIN. I have many of the same body aches that other have discribed. I can hardly lift my right arm, severe shoulder pain, I can hardly standup because of the pain in my knees, feel like swelling behind the knee. Very tired, I still have a lot of conjestion in my chest and I have finished my (10) days of LEVAQUIN. During this I have had Dexascan, EKG, (2) chest Xrays, Complete blood work, my EKG had some abnormalities,(HEART RATE WAS VERY HIGH)Another side effect? so I had to have ECHO-CARDIOGRAM,no results yet. I was convienced that I was getting rheumiod arthrithis. Hope we all recover soon.


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Wed, 16 Apr 2003 23:25:13 -0400 by Guest, #1839

my husband stated taking levquin on april the 8th 2003 he is still in the hospital and most of the time does not know who he is irritable and sees things its been a week tomorrow and he does not know me most of the time


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Wed, 16 Apr 2003 01:42:28 -0400 by Guest, #1813

On April 8,2003. I was put on 500 MG of Levaquin for what they said could be a Breast infection. This medicine is the worst thing out there. I been sick since day 1. I have a red rash from head to toe,also have welts all over my body. Burning in my face.I am itchy all over my body. My left eye hurts,diarrhea, can not even keep fluids in.Head-aches,muscle pains and cramping . Depress all the time. I have trouble focusing,need family to read simple things to me.I cannot sit still for any length of time,iI have to keep moving around.The worst part is it may not even be an infection I have. This was given to me as a precaution.I had none of these problems before I started taking this drug.


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There have been almost a hundred aditional post since I brought the following to your attention, therfore I am sending this information once agian:

Those who continue to suffer the adverse side effects of this drug may find the following to be of some help:

The following is the link to the quinolone adverse drug reaction discussion forum:

groups.yahoo.com/group/quinolones

The following is the link to the fluoroquinolone research forum:

groups.yahoo.com/group/fqresearch

The following is the link for the database forum maintained by the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation for reporting such events:

groups.yahoo.com/group/fq_adr_reports

The following is the link to the homepage of the fluoroquinolone toxicity research foundation where you will find over 4000 articles documenting the damage these drugs can and will do.

www.fqresearch.org

I do hope that you will find some answers to all of your questions by using these links. You are far from being alone for your name is "Legions". These sites are independent of medications.com and have no relationship what so ever with medications.com

David T Fuller
Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation


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Tue, 15 Apr 2003 19:22:46 -0400 by Guest, #1809

In July 2002, I was given one dose of Levaquin (250mg I think) in the ER for asthma and bronchitis along with prednisone. I was also given a prescription for Levaquin to take home. The next morning I felt greatly improved as far as the bronchitis was concerned, but the calf of my left leg was hard and sore and I could barely walk. I assumed I must have injured myself some way without knowing it, so I took the second pill. The following morning I could not walk. I looked at the paper that the pharmacy had given me with the prescription, and it said if your calves hurt STOP MEDICATION IMMEDIATELY. I spoke to a nurse that sounded concerned but reassured me all would be okay and just drink a lot of water. I have days when it doesn't bother that badly, but every morning when I wake up the pain is there. My doctor and the pharmacy act non-chalant. I don't think it's worth the risk taking this medication, because the problem never goes away. People over 65 should never take this medication. It is worse on them. I think I will try seeing an osteopath.

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Tue, 15 Apr 2003 08:08:52 -0400 by Guest, #1795

Boy, how many people have to have the same reactions before this drug is removed from the market? A respiratory infection got me a 7-day round of Levaquin. Major fatigue and muscle soreness, constant metallic taste causing a loss of appetite, major stomach upset with cramps, etc., some vomiting. Next time, I'll also insist on one of the old stand-by medications I've taken before. I've gone from just having a bad cough, but being relatively fine otherwise to feeling like I've got one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel...not good.

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Mon, 14 Apr 2003 22:05:30 -0400 by Guest, #1792

After being prescribed 2 rounds of Levaquin,after a shot of Rocephin, for Bronchitis turning into Pneumonia, I have experienced side effects. Restlessness, bad dreams, Fatigue,
and now have a red itchy rash on my body, which is so annoying, it is almost unbearable.I am so glad that I looked for the side effect of this Medication. I have had headaches also. As a matter of fact, I am absolutely miserable. Never want to take this Medication again.

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Mon, 14 Apr 2003 13:56:24 -0400 by Guest, #1782

I was prescribed 500 mg. Levaquin for 10 days for gall stones. I am to have my gall bladder removed in about 5 weeks. My reactions started after my second pill. I have felt extremely tired, my hands are achy -- I can barely open a jar --, and I've been totally depressed. I stopped taking the drug yesterday, after 4 pills.

Until my gall bladder attack, I was completely healthy. I am physically fit -- walking between 4-6 miles most days, combined with weight lifting and yoga. I am so tired since taking Levaquin, I am not exercising at all. On the third day of the medication, I made myself take a 4 mile walk -- not at my usual brisk pace -- more like a stroll. I completed the walk but was totally exhausted and spent the remainder of the day and the next day in bed. My tiredness has to be a reaction to Levaquin. I certainly wasn't feeling this way prior to taking the medication. I will never take this medication again.

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Mon, 14 Apr 2003 02:51:18 -0400 by Guest, #1778

Horrible itching after 5 days. After I read this I stopped taking levaquin. I just want the itching to stop. Does anyone know how long it takes?

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Mon, 14 Apr 2003 00:09:05 -0400 by Guest, #1776

On Monday, April 7 I went to my doctor because I had developed bronchial infection and a nasty cough. My doctor, to whom I have been going for at least 15 years, prescribed levaquin. Monday night, around 8 pm, I took my first dose. The levaquin was in a vial with 7 500 mg tablets, one per day. By 8:30 pm I began to have stomach pains, nausea, and a headache. I felt lousy. I went to bed around 9 pm because I felt so bad. The symptms got worse. By 11 pm I had rapid heartbeat, extreme perspiration (I was soaked), complete sleeplessness.........could not sleep at all, muscle pains and aches, extreme anxiety, face welling, continued nausea and stomach pain. I didn't know what was going on! At around 2 am I awoke and went to my PDR The Family Guide to Prescription Drugs, 6th Edition, Three Rivers Press, NY. On Page 319 of this book I found levaquin, and under the section: Most Important Fact About This Drug, I read the following, "Levaquin has been known to cause dangerous allergic reactions as soon as you take the first dose." This blew my mind..........if I had read this first, I would never have taken this poison. Cyanide also has been known to cause dangerous reactions as soon as you take the first dose!!! What are these pharmaceutical companies and these doctors trying to do with us? Make us their guinea pigs?? On Tuesday, I was completely washed out.......no energy at all, nauseated, in pain, shivering, heart beating like crazy, restlessness, huge headache.....very sick. I called my doctor and he told me to not take another pill!! Believe me, I didn't need a doctor to tell me not to take another pill...........he then proceeded to prescribe an antibiotic which I had taken a few years ago when I had pneumonia, which caused to ill effects, and which took care of the problem quickly and well. Why in the world, didn't he give me the same medication?? Could it be that the doctors are wined and dined by the pharmaceutical companies to encourage them to push certain new drugs and try them on their patients? This levaquin is new, no generic......costs alot........the one that I was finally prescribed is 10-15 years old, generic, doesn't cost much...........could that be the bottom line? If so, we all had better read our prescription guides very carefully and question our doctors very thoroughly before taking any new medication. The Prescription guide places levaquin in the quinolone family of drugs, there are five other drugs in this family: cipro, floxin, maxaquin, noroxin, penetrex. I have advised my pharmacy to place all of these poisons in my profile so I will never be prescribed these drugs again. Today is Sunday, March 13, and today I am starting to feel like myself again. The bronchitis has been relieved because of the new oldie but goodie medication...........and today the effects of the levaquin have finally startd to diminish. This drug took one week out of my life........one painful, nauseous, anxious, restless, tired, sleepless week. It's a shame what the medical and pharmaceutical professions are doing to their patients.........making guinea pigs out of us.........if we are stupid enough to let them.

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Sun, 13 Apr 2003 10:45:55 -0400 by Guest, #1769

Was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection, today would have been my 5th day taking it, but NO THANK YOU....this is a nasty antibiotic. I'm utterly exhausted, crampy, have stomach pains, and just feel generally "out of it", as if I'm in a fog all the time. I also followed all the rules that go along with this pill. I drank tons of water, ate alot of food, avoided coffee and dairy, yet, I feel worse now than I did with the sinus infection. Glad I found this site to post.

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Sun, 13 Apr 2003 10:44:56 -0400 by Guest, #1768

i was taken off zithromax and put on levaquin for a severe upper respitory infection. i have felt weak and dizzy since i started taking it. i can't stand up for long periods of time or even sit up. i feel a little better but can't leave the house because i feel like i am going to pass out when i walk around too much. i am nervous and anxious and have been having trouble sleeping. i get hot and cold flashes throughout the day as well. don't take this medication...

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Sat, 12 Apr 2003 16:55:04 -0400 by JohnEdens, #1762

In the Atlanta area this spring there has been a terrible bronchial virus going around. I took Levaquin for ten days and it finally snuffed it out. I had zero side effects and all I have to say is that it worked for me. I am a very active person and it took something strong to get me better. My doc told me that it was strong but that I needed it to get rid of this bug. He told me to stay active while I took it and more than anything else to take it with food. I endorse this product if you use it right.

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Sat, 12 Apr 2003 13:01:03 -0400 by Guest, #1759

took my first dose and last dose of levaquin yesterday up all night sweating and cramps in the arches of my feet today i have sore knees and hips when i walk my skin fills itchy and the chest heat is really bad. was in the hospital 2 months ago for chest infection and was on levaquin then had some of the same side affects but had no clue that was the problem but after one day of levaquin again it all started again and there will be no more of that drug for me

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Fri, 11 Apr 2003 09:47:06 -0400 by Chelle, #1740

I have been sick for going on 5 weeks now. I started with Bronchitis and was put on a Tri-pac (Arithomycin) for 3 days. After 10 days of my last pill started with what felt like a sinus infection. My doctor prescribed Levaquin. I've only taken 2 pills and have experienced loss of sleep the first night, EXTREME dry mouth for the last 48 hours and a heart palpitations. After reading the info on this site I have decided not a good med for me to take.

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Wed, 9 Apr 2003 20:21:00 -0400 by Guest, #1718

arms shake alot,never had this problem before I took Levaquin

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Mon, 7 Apr 2003 20:06:12 -0400 by DetroitBobby, #1689

I think is such a broad spectrum antibiotic it kills of good and bad bacteria and can lead to a yeast overgrowth. Yeast overgrowth in men and women can lead to extreme fatigue and many colon problems. I get sinus infections frequently 3-4 times a year; and I make sure when I take this I also take a good pro-biotic and eat plenty of yogurt and continue 2-3 weeks after I have finished my course of Levaquin.

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Mon, 7 Apr 2003 02:55:53 -0400 by Guest, #1679

Well, it's 3am and I'm wide awake. I'm taking Levaquin for recurring strep throat. Today is day 3 and I just found this site. I've been feeling tense and anxious and obviously can't sleep. I also have a horrible metal sort of taste in my mouth that will not go away. Calling doc tomorrow to get a medication switch and will do more research in the future before taking an antibiotic. I never thought that an antibiotic could give you these weird side effects.

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Sun, 6 Apr 2003 19:03:31 -0400 by Guest, #1676

I appreciate this sight. I have been feeling weak and I have been experiencing body aches and pains. After reading many comments by people here, I feel like Levaquin is probably responsible. I have also had the headache and heartburn that others mentioned. I am not going to take any more of the pills and I will call the doctor tomorrow.


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Sat, 5 Apr 2003 17:34:59 -0500 by Guest, #1667

Very cold hands and feet. Can't seem to get them warm. Not a new side effect, but I'm also having some vision problems. I went to the ER about seven days ago for chest and sinus congestion and I believe they gave me a shot of Levaquin and that's what's causing the problems. When I came home and took the prescription for the 500 milligrams to my pharmacist he told me that the ten pills would cost a hundred bucks and I said I didn't believe I could afford that. Then he checked and came back and said he didn't have that medication. And didn't even offer to try to find it for me. So I just left. Now I believe he probably knew there would be some very bad side effects for me and didn't want to risk maybe a lawsuit. I have been trembly and jittery ever since I was in the ER on March 28th. And believe that the shot they gave me is the cause of it. A friend of mine who is a nurse really got on me because I didn't get the prescrip filled but am I ever glad I didn't. If I can just get over the effect of the shot I'll be okay. I am taking Benadryl for my sinus congestion and it seems to work pretty well. Thank goodness I never took any pills and only have to try and work through this shot.

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Fri, 4 Apr 2003 23:07:17 -0500 by Guest, #1660

i have been taking it for 3 days. My first dose was in the hospital as an I.V. Then from the pharmacey. I have heat in certain parts of my body at different times. Like sides of arms(hot to the touch like a burn).
Different places at different times. Really weak and confused. Haven't sleep for 3 days I will not take another pill would rather die. Really. That's what it feels like . It is horrible . Heartburn non stop. Just pain everywhere. Bones and muscles are very sore to the touch .Gosh this is scary

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Fri, 4 Apr 2003 23:00:25 -0500 by Guest, #1659

i had to start taking levaquin because i had a kidneystone.so they prescribed it to me just incase of infection.ive been taking it everyday for 9 days now and i feel worse everyday.i get dizzy chest feels heavy and i cant stop vomiting.so i am officially done with levaquin.i hope nobody else has to put up with this garbage.

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Fri, 4 Apr 2003 20:33:17 -0500 by Guest, #1657

I was given Levaquin (500mg) 1 a day for pneumonia, and today is my third day of usage. I can't really say that I have any sides to talk about. I was pretty messed up when I started. I do have light headedness, weak and still basically feel lousy. I was shocked and supprised to find these testimonials. I certainly am glad to be aware of all the pain a suffering out there and hope that I don't fall victim to it. I will post again if and when stuff happens.

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Thu, 3 Apr 2003 22:40:25 -0500 by Guest, #1652

I started taking Levaquin last Thursday for a minor sinus infection. I have never had a drug reaction prior to this one. I have never had an anxiety or panic attack. By Friday I was in ER with dizziness, heart palpitations and fatigue. I was released, told I was okay. I didn't even think of the Levaquin as a possible problem and the doctor never mentioned it as a possibility. I continued to get sicker. Iwas so fatigued I could not make it through the day without 2-3 naps. I am 43 years old and walk on the treadmill 6 times a week. I couldn't even walk up the steps without alot of effort. Thank you for this website. I started to suspect the reaction yesterday and looked at this website. I didn't take my dosage this morning. I didn't notice much improvement until about noon. Tonight, I went on a 40 minute walk. I'm not all the way back but I sure feel alot better. I am also a Type I diabetic. That was the most fatigued I have ever been, just like when I was diagnosed with diabetes. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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Thu, 3 Apr 2003 09:58:46 -0500 by Guest, #1648

I have taken Levaquin many times for sinus infections and the more I take it the worse the side effects are. I can not sleep and have anxiety. I have a MVP so this does happen to me sometimes but, it is well under control....so, I know when I take Levaquin it is from taking it.....This time I can not take it. I have to be on it for 3 wks---I will never last. Last night I had to take a zanax to get to sleep. I have a very bad sinus infection. It has recurred 3 times since Feburary. I will be calling my MD today for sure..........

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Thu, 3 Apr 2003 00:19:21 -0500 by Guest, #1645

Everyone with a complaint about Levaquin needs to go to these websites and make your complaints like I did. This website is the manufacturer's - Johnson & Johnson:

[ Click to see link: Link ]

The following form is the FDA's form for reporting adverse reactions to drugs. Give 'em hell and ask for compensation!

[ Click to see link: Link ]

-Robin

P.S. I accused them of intentionally putting drugs on the market that they know are harmful so that they can create customers out of healthy people, who will then need additional drugs (for the pain and arthritis Levaquin causes) so they can make more money. Why else would they put such products on the market? Because they care about us? Or because they want to CREATE new customers. When I said this to my Osteopathic doctor, she said "Welcome to my world." Please Blast them with criticism and get it in the papers and in the news.

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Wed, 2 Apr 2003 22:19:44 -0500 by Guest, #1643

I have taken Levaquin for one week and the only major side affects I have encountered have been dizzines, having lack of energy, and being tired no matter how much sleep I receive. Other than that, I haven't had any major problems. As long as it takes care of the sinus infection, I will be satisfied.

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Wed, 2 Apr 2003 22:16:19 -0500 by Guest, #1642

I have taken Levaquin for one week and the only major side affects I have encoutnered have been dizzines, and having lack of energy, and being tired no matter how much sleep I receive. Other than that, I haven't had any major problems. As long as it takes care of the sinus infection, I will be satisfied.

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Wed, 2 Apr 2003 16:07:09 -0500 by Guest, #1639

I took my first dose at 9am this morning. By noon, my hands were shaking. By 1pm I felt like my skin was crawling and I was completely unable to think clearly. It is now 4pm and I just located this website. I am finally able to type fairly well and I might be able to drive home today. Fed the rest of the medication to the disposal. Other side effects include severe diarrea, bloated stomach. Fun medication

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Wed, 2 Apr 2003 12:30:02 -0500 by Guest, #1636

I sent in my side effects of hip and knee joints pain when it first occured after taking only 2 days days of 500 mg tablets. After quitting the antibiotic I immediately began having severe diarrhea and intestinal gas with the accompanying pain. This occurred over a period of 4 days. Other side effects included weakness and severe chills. I have been off Levaquin for 4 days and still have joint pain and trouble walking, although it is not as severe as at first when I could not walk at all. How can this drug remain on the market?

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Wed, 2 Apr 2003 11:01:55 -0500 by Guest, #1633

I am on my last day of a 10 day prescription of levaquin 500 mg. I have hardly been able to move for about 5 days now. Every muscle in my boby aches and I have no energy. I was beginning to think I had Lupus or something horrible and decided to check the side effects of Levaquin. Hopefully this will all go away soon. I have to hold on to some kind of support with both hands to even bend down. This is ridiculous. They should take this off the market.

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Wed, 2 Apr 2003 10:39:28 -0500 by Guest, #1632

I took only two days worth, and after the second day I was so exhausted I could hardly get out bed. Fatigue seems to be a common side effect here, but it is particularly annoying because of the long hours I put in at work where I desire nothing more than to fall on a bed and fall asleep for the rest of the day.

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Tue, 1 Apr 2003 16:28:05 -0500 by Guest, #1623

For anyone just experiencing adverse reactions to Levaquin: My wife had, and after 4 months continues to have, a bad reaction from Levaquin. Symptoms include very sore and swollen joints (still here), tingling in her extremities (gone after about 3 months) and mood swings (mostly gone). The doctors she is seeing were very emphatic - stop taking Levaquin at the first sign of any adverse symptoms - it can only get worse.

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Tue, 1 Apr 2003 15:43:39 -0500 by Guest, #1622

I took Levaquin for 2 days 500 mg once a day. After the first dose had muscle pain/weakness, tired, chest tightness and dizzy. I also had diarrea after the 2nd day. My chiroprator figured it out it was this med. I took myself off this med after day 2 and feel somewhat better but not quite 100%.
I would do some research before taking this med. or check into alternative medicine.



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Tue, 1 Apr 2003 11:26:02 -0500 by Guest, #1618

I put a message in here stating that deeep tissue therapeutic massage got rid of my intense muscle and joint pain. I was the one who when I sat up or rolled over in bed felt like someone was stabbing me in the chest with a knife. It was excrutiating! And I had severe pain in my muscles, joints and ribs so it hurt to take a deep breath. All this was from taking Levaquin Feb. 8 - 17th, 2003. Yesterday I ran sprinting races with my 9 year old son and felt GREAT! I am a 42 year old woman. Granted I used to workout a lot and did personal training for 5+ years, but had not exercised regularly in 3 years. I am telling you this so you can realize how much the following program helped me recover from the side effects of Levaquin. I told you that my osteopathic doctor recommended a heavy metal detoxification program - hot baths with epsome salts, alkaline diet(protein & vegies - no dairy or breads/pasta), massage, exercise and stretching to remove the metals - because Levaquin combines with metals in the body to form another compound. Aluminum is it's first choice to bind with, and I already knew my aluminum level was at 35 when the normal range is 0-9. I also started using "Heavy Metal Cleanse" by RenewLife Company. After 3 massages I was still feeling vague discomfort in my back and occassional sharp pains in various places, plus absolutely no energy. I have been on the detox program for about 3 weeks now doing all of the above and finally my energy is back and all of the pain is gone. I highly recommend this program to everyone. An Osteopathic Doctor graduates from med school just like an MD but they also learn some alternative medicine depending upon their interests, such as chiropractic, naturopathic, acupuncture, oriental medicine, etc.

An MD I went to wouldn't even discuss metal toxicity because they did not teach him about it in med school. He has the blinders on like a lot of MD's who think that western medicine (taught in US med schools)holds all the answers. But it does not. My getting healthy again is proof of that. There are still a lot of people out there suffering from this. Please try this program. The Heavy Metal Cleanse product just requires taking 1-2 capsules first thing in the morning and just before bed and drinking lots of water to help flush the metals out of your body. The instructions inside also outline the alkaline diet and say that you will have greater success if you follow this diet while doing the Heavy Metal Cleanse. I am now planning to get back into Personal Training. I could not even consider this if I was still in so much pain that I had to live on pain killers 24 hours a day like I was. Reminder: Tylenol hinders clearing the metals out of the body by clogging up the liver. My D.O. prescribed Hydrocodone for pain. Taking this also allowed me to start exercising because it relieved the pain enough so that I could walk, try to expand my lungs and do some upper body exercises and stretching. Don't take it before you go for a massage though or they won't be able to identify as well, what areas they need to work on. The first massage was very painful, so be ready. In fact I cried because I had been off the pain med for hours before and just couldn't stand any more pain. But she just said "you have to take it to get better". And it was well worth it because the massages were crutial in healing me. Best of luck! - Robin

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Tue, 1 Apr 2003 11:07:34 -0500 by Guest, #1617

My doctor prescribed me Levaquin for a UTI. I suspect that she prescribed
Levaquin because this is my third course of antibiotics in the last 1.5-2
months (not all for the same thing), and I imagine that she was probably
worried about resistance to some of the more common meds.

Anyhow, I've had the following side effects:
- Sleep disturbance.
- General fatigue.
- Muscle soreness.
- Decrease in aerobic capacity.
- Possibly worse mood.

The first day, I picked up the prescription on the way home from work,
and took it in the evening. Big mistake! I didn't fall asleep until
about 3 or 4 AM. Ugh. Since then I've been taking it in the morning,
and I've been sleeping fairly well, although maybe a little worse than
normal.

The really big problem at this point is the muscle soreness. I've taken
the Levaquin for 11 of the prescribed 14 days, and today I'm sore enough
that it's interfering with normal activities such as walking. The soreness
has been getting gradually worse over the time I've been taking the
Levaquin.

Just about all antibiotics seem to decrease one's aerobic capacity (probably
something only those of us who are athletes really care about). The
Levaquin seems worse than most, though. I'd say my power at anaerobic
threshold is probably down 10-15%.

I've been fine as far as any gastrointestinal effects.


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Tue, 1 Apr 2003 10:19:38 -0500 by Guest, #1616

I was given doctor's sample packs of Levaquin for my pneumonia. Mistakenly thought the dosage was two x 500mg per day and took same for 3 days. Pneumonia is much better, but dreams have been pretty vivid, first night hard to reach sleep , but after could sleep easily. 4th day reduced to normal dosage, no apparent side effects other than vivid dreams.