Post Marketing Reports July 2003

Thu, 31 Jul 2003 14:02:34 -0400 by Guest, #3128
I have severe allergies and was prescribed 30 days of Levaquin for chronic sinusitis. After months of ineffective treatments, this drug is a godsend. I have not had any terrible side effects. I did have night sweats early on, but I can't help but think it was my body fighting the infection since I tend to sweat a lot while breaking a fever. I did get a yeast infection, but that is a common occurance when you are taking antibiotics for a long period of time. Many people have asked what happened to amoxicillin and such? Frankly it's people like most of you who just stop taking their medicine without speaking to their doctors. Bacteria have become resistant to the older drugs which is why they have developed stronger ones which unfortunately have more side effects.

Thu, 31 Jul 2003 00:14:19 -0400 by Guest, #3124
I was given Levaquin for a toxic spider bite. I was given Levaquin & Clindamycin to remove the toxins from my body. I have a wonderful doctor. She would have NEVER given me this drug, had she known about the possible side effects. For over two weeks, every muscle & joint in my entire body has put me through agony everytime that I moved. Please, let's get drugs such as this off the market. When I finally found information on the drug, it stated: During & even after you are taking this medication you run a risk of tearing tendons in your body. The main ones being in your shoulder & your achilles tendons. THE COMPANY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO WARN ALL PHYSICIANS OF THESE SIDE EFFECTS!! Some of us are already in enough pain without adding to it with an antibiotic that is SUPPOSED to help you. WHAT A JOKE!!

Wed, 30 Jul 2003 21:42:00 -0400 by Guest, #3122
hi!
i took my first dose 4 hours ago (unfortunately before finding this website), so far i'm ok
but..... i have a little advice for ppl who have upset stomach, vaginal discomfort and some other side effects...

i'm from europe and our doctors always give us meds that replace the good bacteria in our systems.
basicallyhow antibiotics work is that they kill ALL the bacteria the good and the bad so you need help with replacing the ones you need.
i think that most of them are over the countrer in us. ask the pharmacist.
hope i'm not gonna get any of the side effects listed in your msgs.

Tue, 29 Jul 2003 15:53:47 -0400 by Guest, #3115
Started taking Levaquin July 9. Ten day supply of 500 mg. On the 8th day woke up with little control over legs. Pain in knees (especially left knee) and difficulty walking. Still experience pain and fatigue in legs - as though there is nothing holding the knee joint together - although there is improvement as time goes by. Also experienced other symptoms described -- night sweats, difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, etc. - but since I also have IC and CIS it is difficult to know what these symptoms are ascribed to. Will be seeing my urologist this week and visit about it.

Tue, 29 Jul 2003 04:09:24 -0400 by Guest, #3111
I was perscribed Levaquin on 7/25/03...500mgs for 10 days for pneumonia. My illness has subsided a little after 3 days, but I started dealing with insomnia and my hands, feet, legs, even my butt cheeks itch like crazy. It keeps me from even grabbing a wink of sleep. Is there anything to combat this?

Mon, 28 Jul 2003 10:47:51 -0400 by Guest, #3101
Levauin was prescribed for me as an anti-diarrheal when I received my yellow fever vacinnation for a trip to Nigera. On my third day in Abuja I took one 500mg tablet because I was experiencing gas. Within a few hours I experienced such extreme heart arythmia and tachtycardia that I thought I might die. This has continued for three weeks, in addition to severe lower back pains. There was absolutely no need for me to have received such a powerful and potentially fatal medication when an over the counter would have been sufficient. I have made an appointment with my primary care physician because my distress continues.

Sat, 26 Jul 2003 21:46:38 -0400 by Guest, #3096
Levaquin did me more good than harm, It made me cough less and less phlegm, caused by chronic brochitis and lung infection. The 500 mg pill made me throw up once, sweat a lot, short of breath, tired, dizzy and depressed. But I could tolerate all those problems. I also found out that if u eat a lot before u take the pill, the nauceation and dizziness can be decreased. Overall, the side effects are not nice but toleratble and the drug seemed to do its job.
good health to all of u.

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 02:20:02 -0400 by Guest, #3080
I was prescribed Levaquin (28 days 750 mg. day) for infection of subcutaneous sutures following joint replacement surgery. I have developed a severe itching on my skin. I don't have any energy and I can't sleep at all at night. I feel anxious, and my joints hurt all over. All these symptoms began after I began the Levaquin. The infection, however, began to clear up by the second day. I have to finish the Levaquin because of the dangers associated with infection of the replacement joiint.

Fri, 25 Jul 2003 00:05:12 -0400 by Guest, #3079
In June I was prescribed Levaquin for a urinary tract infection. Didn't have any problems at that time, but two weeks later my UTI was back, so they prescribed me Levaquin again. The day after I started taking it, I was experiencing sharp pains in the palms of my hands and the arches and heels of my feet. Since I've been on Levaquin many times before, it didn't even occur to me. By the third day my feet hurt so bad it was painful to walk, and I started breaking out in hives ALL over my body, and I experience some nausea. I obviously had developed an allergic reaction to Levaquin. I was able to look online at my pharmacy's website and track all the times I've been on levaquin. Six times in eight months for ear infections, UTIs and sinus infections. Wow-do you think maybe the doctors rely a little too much on this drug? I'm thinking my body had had so much of it that it finally rejected it. And now I just want to crawl out of my skin-four days of prednizone plus a shot and the hives will NOT go away. It's been a week since I've been off the Levaquin. How long does it take to get it out of my system already????

Thu, 24 Jul 2003 13:27:10 -0400 by Guest, #3073
after 9 day's on this drug, I had a sever reaction and had to go to the hospital. I was swollen from head to toe, bright red from head to toe, pain in my left wrist, and stomach,big red welts on my legs and arms headaches. amonth latter my left wrist went out and I had to go in again, I was diagnoised with cysts on my wrist. And no doctor will treat me, because of this drug and I have no insurance! so here I am in pain all the time headaches anxiety constantly, sever moodswings, my fiance is always asking what the _ _ _ _! is wrong with me. And I feel like I am losing my mind! The big kicker is that I cut hair! which this makes it hard to do my job. Lots of pain at the end of the day. I no longer have any trust for doctor's.

Wed, 23 Jul 2003 17:20:03 -0400 by robmartin, #3063
If you do have to stop talk to the doc and get a replacement.

I have been taking it for almost four weeks, will be glad when i stop as i am tired sweat irritable out of it, none of it too bad exept for the tiredness, but i have had an infection for years which was hidden in my prostate, some symptoms but never could find the bactiria, then durring a period of greater effect got tested and they found it was staff, so lots of levaquin 500 mg for four weeks, i will be glad to be rid of the infection and its effects, so it is worth it. If i had really bad effects from the levaquin i would have gone back to the doc and gotten something else.

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 13:29:00 -0400 by Guest, #3050
I can understand some peoples concern for others stopping their medication without completing the full peried of time.. However, sometimes, it is unavoidable.. My mother is terminally ill. She has a bed sore that involves a staff infection. They put her on Levaquin for one week. She experineced sever stomach pain, overall body pain.. You couldn't touch her without her crying out in pain.. She would barely eat or drink. At one point the nurses thought she might be having a heart attack as the whole left side of her body had shooting pains up and down it.. I asked then if they thought it might be the antibiotic as it started the day after she took the first dose. They didn't think so.

A couple of weeks later, the infection in the sore resurfaced, and they started her on another round of Levaquin. Same exact symptoms, only this time she started getting body swelling, she could not hardly swallow, and was terribly short of breath.. It was horrible, but again dispite my concerns, they made me continue the med with her and even wanted her to have an extra weeks worth..

After 8 days, I had had enough.. My mother was suffering extensively, it was as if this medication would kill her before her terminal illness would.. I INSISTED that they take her off this med...Three day have passed.. She has some of her appitite back, the swelling went away, you can touch her now except that her heel is still very sore. She is alert and can swallow again.. NO ONE will tell me is wasn't because of Levaquin.. No more shortness of breath.. All the serious side affects have diminished greatly.. I have recently read that people with heart disease as well as mild renal failure should be watched closely with this med.. My mother has both as well as COPD...Why did they even prescribe this med for her??

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 11:55:10 -0400 by Guest, #3049
I just wanted to add to the few positive experiences here.

Recently, I had an intense cough which one night led to some kind of injury to my rib. I decided to go to an Urgent Care doctor who ordered x-rays. A radiologist discovered what appeared to be a small infiltrate in my lower left lung. Suspecting that I may have actually had a mild case of pneumonia, the doctor put me on a seven-day course of 500mg Levaquin to rule out the possibility of something more serious.

I am four days and four doses into the course and have experienced only mild side effects. It feels as thought the Levaquin deminishes my energy levels a bit, slight difficulty in mental focus within the first few hours after dosage and a couple of mild night sweats have been noted. Other than that, there have been no ill effects to speak of. I suspect that this site has become a collecting pool of negative experiences. There are no doubt many, many others like myself who experience little to no side effects.


Mon, 21 Jul 2003 07:27:09 -0400 by Guest, #3048
I had an acute case of Kidney Infection and was in a great deal of pain from the Kidney Itself and from the burning sensation when urinating.

My Doc gave me 500Mg of Levaquin and FloMax to help promote urine flow.

All drugs have some side effects,but In my case the only one I had was fatigue.I'm a very healthy runner in great shape and I found that my work effort was higher and I got tired quicker than normal,BUT the Meds did their job so I'm over the infection.

Considering my condition with the infection,Levaquin was good choice for me and I would take it again under similar circumstances.

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:38:21 -0400 by Guest, #3047
I was prescribed Levaquin at 500Mg, 10 days duration, for an acute inner ear infection. I am a 44 year old male with a history of heart problems including arythmia. I am experiencing dizzyness, headache, lethargy, and muscle soreness as well as sore ankles. On a very positive note, my ear infection has improved dramatically a few hours after taking the first dose. I have had a recurring problem with ear and sinus infections. Two years ago I took Levaquin intravenously for the same problem after three other antibiotics failed to work. One thing I find to be very disturbing is the reactions of some people who have posted here. Levaquin was developed to combat the newer virulent forms of antibiotic resistant super bugs (bacteria). These "bugs" gain their resistance to antibiotics because people do not finish taking their medication. The bactetria become exposed to the new antibiotics but are not completely erradicated and some modify and become resistant. The people who stop taking their medication without first going to see their doctors are the cause of all the new resistant superbugs. Smarten up people. I have to use Levaquin now because of people like you.

Sun, 20 Jul 2003 18:54:59 -0400 by Guest, #3045
After being prescribed Cipro by an emergency room doctor while we were on vacation, my husband reacted with dizzyness and anxiety. He quit taking it on the third day. We came home and he saw his usual physician who prescribed a sulfa drug (Roy's problem was a feeling of rawness in his urinary tract, though no urine test EVER confirmed any bladder or unrinary tract infection). Roy had side effects from the sulfa drug.
Then he saw a third doctor, a urologist, who perscribed levaquin. (The doctor told him his symptoms were caused by "Prostatitus" - a psa test was normal.) Roy reminded the doctor that he had dizzyness with Cipro, and levaquin is a "relative" of Cipro. Roy took one tablet and felt the dizzyness come back. He phoned his doctor who encouraged him to "put up with the side effects" because levaquin would help his condition - whatever that was. It is now the third day of levaquin and Roy's dizzyness is unabated, his blood pressure is 156/97 and sometimes higher, (very unusual for him as his bp is usually low) and he had diarrea. He had vowed to take no more levaquin.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE Doctor's oath "First DO NO HARM. In reading these letters on the internet it seems 5 out of 6 people have adverse reactions to this drug. Certainly the people in the studies the drug company (hopefully) did before releasing this drug to the general public had adverse reactions in the same number. SO WHY DID THE FDA approve it? It is really scarry when you cannot trust your doctor, the pharmacists, or the FDA. Merilly

Sat, 19 Jul 2003 01:31:21 -0400 by Guest, #3037
I started on levaquin just over 24 hours for a severe external/internal ear infection and I have not noted any adverse effects and i am already starting to feel much better.

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 23:54:04 -0400 by Guest, #3036
I am a 62 year old female, in great shape (or at least I was) until I took 6 doses of Levaquin for a UTI. After the 6th dose, I went to sleep perfectly normal and when I woke up, my arm muscle or tendon located about 2 inches from the shoulder could not move. I immediately knew it was the Levaquin, because my husband took this medicine and could hardly walk due to the achilles tendon soreness and he power walks every day. His tendon did eventually get better so I decided to wait it out, of course, I didn't take any more of the medicine. It is now 2 months later, I am starting physical therapy, and my arm cannot move without pain. It has made me very depressed because it was no unnecessary and is causing me so much difficulty. Why arn't we told these horrible side effects by our doctors before we take this horrible medicine. I urge everyone NOT to take this medication, there are others around, so please don't take the chance I took.

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 23:40:55 -0400 by Guest, #3035
i was taken to emergency room and major probelem was a sever uti infection, was given 10 day dose of levaquin of 500mg. First day i took in am with full cup of water during day had upset stomach and then by nite started to feel maybe a yeast infection. 4 day have a sever rash on my private parts my urine is green with at times i see blood.
I also am in treatment for anemia called scullies anemia , also a sever yeast infection why would i be given an antobodic which has only made my private parts filled with rash to the point where i shpwer daily and can barely walk with its progress am wondering if they saw yeats infection why give again something to make worst. The worst part for me on a fixed income is the 110.00 price for 10 tablets and now i see with others comments i may also not be able to finsh taking.

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 18:03:53 -0400 by Guest, #3031
Hi..I am the guy who wrote in with insomnia (among other things) and compared taking one dose of levaquin with psychedelic drugs. I wanted to tell everyone that after a week and a half or so I now feel much better. I can sleep without Benadryl and I feel like my brain and body are back to normal.

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 16:37:53 -0400 by Guest, #3029
I was given samples of Levaquin for a U.T.I. and read this site before beginning the pills. I was scared out of my wits by reading the postings and drastic and lasting side effects. I went to see 2 pharmacists, who assured me there were very few people who developed these reactions. I decided to try the pills, just taking the first one to see how I did, as I was in such tremendous pain from the infection and it was getting worse rapidly. I felt no side effects, other than a slight metallic taste in the early morning, and felt 100% better just a little more than an hour after taking the first one! I took one per day for 7 days and never had any side effects. I am now done with the pills and would recommend that people consider taking Levaquin and not being freaked out by the messages on this site- tho I realize each person is different, Levaquin worked well for me and I had less side effects than I can remember ever feeling from any antibiotic.

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 13:14:54 -0400 by Guest, #3026
I took only 1 dose of Levaquin, 500mg, at 7pm. Within 3 hrs I noticed tingling in my arms and hands and increased urination. Was wide awake all night, developed rash on abdomin, very red neck and face, ringing in my ears, dry mouth, back and neck pain, clenching of jaw and unable to relax it, and a disjointed/out of body feeling. I called my Dr. the next morning and quit taking the Levaquin. Day 2 and still having insomnia, twitching of muscles at corner of mouth, itchiness on palms and soles of feet, anxiety, abdominal pain and joint pain.

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 11:27:11 -0400 by katrina, #3025
I have been taken levaquin sine July 7,2003 for a boil that I had. My doctor said that some
boils has become immune to some of the antibodies out there so she was going to treat it
like it was aggressive and gave me levaquin 500mg 7days I started taking them that night
and it took my so long to go to sleep and my heart was racing when I finally got to sleep
my stomach started bubbling and I wasup again in the bathroom all night. I got to work I
was tired had really bad headaches and nause just took over my day when. I went back to
the doctor on 7/7 I told her how I was feeling she just said some people have different
reactions to the medication and she wrote me another prescription just to make sure the
infection was out of the boil on 8th day my knees and wrist, elbow, all was hurting I call
the pharmacies and ask was muscle pain one of the side effects to levaquin he said no he
haven’t heard of muscle pain as a side effect so as of right now I will not be taken levaquin
again as I’m writing now I’m having pain in my neck thank you so much for this website it
help my out alot

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 10:42:16 -0400 by Guest, #3024
I was prescribed levaquin, 500mg 1x/day for 10 days, for an ear and sinus infection on Monday 7/14. After the first dose I felt "weird" in general. Fuzzy mental processing, muscular weakness....I didn't attribute these symptoms to the medication right away. After the second dose my scalp became very irritable, pins and needles to the point of numbness sometimes. I also had several bouts of the sweats and patches of numbness on my arms and legs and torso. I experienced insomnia and anxiety near panic. I quit taking the medication, but I have an amazing headache that is lingering. How long does this last?

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 08:13:15 -0400 by Guest, #3021
I took my third dose of Levaquin (for bronchitis) just before finding this site during insomnia. I woke up with my heart pounding, sweating all over, in nearly a panic attack. I calmed down while playing a handheld game (keep the concentration away from the symptoms to ease anxiety) and noticed my vision greying a couple times, but attributed it to being tired at the time.

I've been experiencing tightness in the neck and non-bronchial-related difficulty breathing since my first dose, but I did not attribute this to Levaquin at the time.

I've only taken three doses and am disturbed by what I've found in this list of messages, especially since some of the effects seem to be permanent! What should I do now to help prevent symptoms from recurring?

Fri, 18 Jul 2003 02:50:05 -0400 by Guest, #3018
There have been numerous 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


Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation




Thu, 17 Jul 2003 14:31:04 -0400 by Guest, #3014
I was prescibed Levaquin for a UTI. These are something I get pretty often so I figured my dr. prescribed this to me instead of Bactrim or Cipro as a result. As of now, day 7/7, I haven't suffered from any of the symptoms that I've read about on this site (muscle pain, increased heart rate, trouble sleeping, etc.) and the infection has cleared up. As of this morning, I have noticed that I'm itching a little on my arms though. Hopefully, this is not due to the Levaquin. That has yet to be seen.

Wed, 16 Jul 2003 22:56:19 -0400 by Guest, #3009
I have had sinusitis(es) for 12 years, and been prescribed most of the different
antibiotics. Sometimes, they do a culture and sensitivity, but usually not.
They just roll the dice, and pick their favorite one.
I have had confirmed sinusitis that responded only to Levaquin (or Tequin), and some
that didn't, but did get cured under Augmentin (amoxicillin +), or one of the others:
Biaxin, penicillin, Cipro, you name it.
The side effect I noticed most with Levaquin, though, is the stomach upset.
When I remember to eat yogurt everyday, though, I am fine.
Why don't Americans know about yogurt?
In Europe, I am told, the pharmacist "prescribes" some pills that have the same
cultures as yogurt, when you get antibiotics.

Wed, 16 Jul 2003 21:28:10 -0400 by Guest, #3005
im a 29yo female.i was prescribed levaquin for a sinus infection on 7-14-03.that night i started having bad stomach cramping and diarhea.all day on the 15th i had a headache and nasty abdominal pain.called doc and they called me in something different BUT! i had to go to e.r. last night at about 1:30am for severe abdominal pain.had to get shots of heavy duty narcotics and iv pepcid.im still very ill today.still very sick and cramping.havent taken anymore levaquin but the er doc says its from the levaquin.i havent eaten very much in 3 days.please be careful if you take this drug.is your infection that severe that plain old amoxixillin wont take care of it?please read before you take this drug all of the possible effects.

Tue, 15 Jul 2003 15:32:42 -0400 by Guest, #3001
I started taking Levaquin on July 8 to treat sinusitis. I am a 35 year old woman with Systemic Lupus. Immediately I began to feel dizzy, confused, lethargic. I thought that my body just needed to adjust to the medication. I had insomnia on Friday night, July 11 - literally no sleep at all. Then on Sunday night, July 13, I awoke with severe intestinal cramping, diahrea, sweats, almost blacked out, scared my husband half to death. I really thought I was going to die. Scared me, big time. I had the severe cramping all through the night and couldn't get comfortable. At about 5:30, right after my husband left for work, I had severe bloody diahrea - lots of blood. I freaked out. Also having lupus, I wasn't sure what the deal was. I had another very bloody stool at about 7:00 the same morning. Went to the doctor and she said it is most likely caused by the levaquin. I am hoping that the test she did for toxicity will come back that it is indeed the levaquin that is causing this and not my lupus. It's very frustrating. How can they make a drug with these types of side effects and market it to the public? Scary. I just wanted people to know how it affected me. Be very careful before taking this drug.

Mon, 14 Jul 2003 14:33:34 -0400 by Guest, #2996
I am a 33 year old female, about 5'6 and 115 pounds and very athletic and take very good care of myself. On July 1st I went to my Dr. because I was so sick I thought I might have pneumonia. Sure enough, I did and was given 10 days of 500 mg. Levaquin. I took the medicine around 4pm. I woke up the next day with a headache, nausea, and before I even got out of bed, my heart started racing as if I was exercising. This lasted for an hour and a half......then I had to get up because I thought I was going to throw up. By this time I was sweating to death. I went into the bathroom and sweat some more, never threw up and my heart rate returned to normal. I was able to take a shower and then took some Advil and felt much better. I took my second dose later that afternoon. The next day I woke up with many aches and pains including swollen achilles tendons, a swollen elbow, hip pain, and very sore knees. I also noticed 5 hives on my arms, chest and neck. I compare them to mosquito bites, only bigger. I was a little slow on the up-take and took Levaquin until 7/8. It is now 7/14 and my joints and tendons are still VERY sore......I can't get through a day without taking Advil 2 or 3 times. I still have the hives and am ready to kill someone! I have taken a lot of medication throughout my life as I am asthmatic and I have never experienced a side effect. I called the pharmaceutical company to complain and to report my side effects to the FDA. My quality of life has been seriously tampered with and I am pretty resentful. My kids are small and active, not to mention I have a full time job. This drug is ridiculous, and in my opinion, should be taken off the market. What ever happened to good old Amoxicillin?

Mon, 14 Jul 2003 11:06:48 -0400 by Guest, #2995
I am a 56 year old female given this drug after gall bladder surgery I left the hospitaL feeling almost decent I woke up in the hospital with sweats after they gave me my dose. When I took it at home my first dose I took a nap woke up with no strength in my legs in the middle of the night I had two episodes of sweating profusely. My thinking has slowed I fell like my life was zapped from me. Now I know why my potassium was so low in the hospital. I am sitting here wanting to cry. I have to support a family this is awful that no one knows anything about these drugs. I am mad get this stuff off the market. It is taking me so long to just think of what to write. Wow what if I wasn't smart enough to figure out what it is.

Mon, 14 Jul 2003 08:58:45 -0400 by Guest, #2994
WM 34

I have been on this stuff for 5 days for sinus infection....felt great the 1st 3 days, then caught a cold from my 2-year old son. Now I feel worse than before. I guess my immunne system was wiped clean? Avoid this drug.

Sun, 13 Jul 2003 23:28:03 -0400 by lucie73821, #2993
I have been on levaquin since 7-9-03. I am 24, and in pretty good health except for some asthma (under control) and some mild arthritis. I was put on this drug for a UTI. On the second day on the meds I experienced some pain in my left knee, but contributed it to my arthritis. Day three had both my knees hurting. It's just gotten worse, and now on day 4, my neck, fingers, knees, and toes are all VERY painful. It hurts just to walk, or hold an object. My throat also feels a bit swollen, and it's hard to swallow. I finally got sick of feeling worse than I had before I went on the meds, so I was thinking about what could have been making me feel this way. After doing some research on this drug online, I am a bit upset that my dr. didn't warn me about the possibility of these side effects. I admit, the meds did come with one of those small disclosure sheets that come when you get a perscription from CVS Pharmacy. I have also had headaches (at least one lasting one a day) since taking this drug. Nothing I've taken has helped with any of the symptoms. I am planning on calling my dr. the FIRST thing in the morning. I wouldn't say this drug is bad for everyone, I would just STRONGLY warn anyone who is considering taking this drug to talk to their dr. about the side effects. Oh, finally, I have no pain from the UTI anymore, but honestly, I'd rather have that than all the other stuff I've experienced since taking this drug.

Sun, 13 Jul 2003 22:56:45 -0400 by Guest, #2992
My 62yr. old husband has been on a 10 day run of Levaquin.
He has become verbally violent, and abusive. Could this have caused the problems?

Sun, 13 Jul 2003 16:31:32 -0400 by Guest, #2989
insomnia, anxietyconfusion, loss of focusconcentration, intestinal gas, loss of appetite, weakness, sweating, and labored breathing , restlessness, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, nightmares, and a feeling of being in another world. How can one be awake so long and time seems to fly by so quickly but your not sure what you were doing...I was afraid to move.... The nice doctor gave me 7 pills with no papers. Told me to make sure I took every one . Gave me a prescrition for predisone. I stopped the predisone thesecond day thinking that was the one causing the weird things to happen.... I knew the next morning at 3 a.m. When I found this site. I only took four of the pills . I want my old self back.

Sun, 13 Jul 2003 11:31:26 -0400 by Guest, #2987
i woke up mon july 7th with a cold and then tues july 8th i felt horrible, so much pressure in my head, bad sore throat, wanting to gag and maybe throw up, severe pain in my chest especially when i cough or sneeze, it hurt so bad i felt like crying every time i would, i had to blow my nose every 5 seconds and on top of all that i can't sleep cause i'll cough or my nose would run so bad i had to stuff tissue up there and leave it. also on top of all that mess this was the week i had to work mon-fri at 12 hrs a day since my bosses were up north all week. i went to the docter that tues (8th), i thought maybe i could kill it before it got bad. my doc checked me out, did x-rays and i had the first satage of phemonia. total bummer since i haven't had a cold in two years. my doc gave me levaquin 500mg and tussi-12, i went home that day at 4 pm, sleep, woke up around 8pm ,went for ice cream (sore throat), sleep at 12:30am and i have to say i got great sleep that night, next i felt good 9th, same thing that night too, next day 10th felt even better, everything was clearing up already it was amazing to me, no pain in my chest, barely had to blow my nose, gunk in my chest was clearing up, everything everyone has been complaining about didn't happen. it is the 13th and i feel great besides a little cough here & there & at night but a little nyquil kicks that in the butt & some tiredness but i am truly impressed with this drug i don't want to use all of it so when i have cold again i can get rid of it fast but i have too. the only complaint i do have is that my doctor didn't explain any side effects or good effects she just said take this once a day. maybe doctors fail to tell people the risk of side effects cause their so bad people won't want take. i usually can't get over a cold for 2-3 weeks so i love this stuff. thanx

Sat, 12 Jul 2003 19:46:55 -0400 by Guest, #2983
Having been diagnosed with COPD, I am prone to respiratory infections. I take Levaquin every few months for 10 days at a time and also anytime I am in the hospital by IV drip.

The medication sure does the trick and I probably owe my life to it many times over. However, I do get a rash, mostly on my arms, every time I use it. The rash is crusty and blistery and itches like crazy. I have some ointment a doctor gave me but it really doesn't seem to help.

I was never told anything about side effects of this medication and figured out myself, even after doctor visits for the rash, that it was caused by the Levaquin. Doctors aren't too smart sometimes.

It's a great medicine but, as with all medications, people should be careful and pay close attention to any changes in their body anytime they take any medication.

Sat, 12 Jul 2003 14:46:54 -0400 by Guest, #2982
Wow, after taking Levaquin, I became allergic to work!


Sat, 12 Jul 2003 11:52:40 -0400 by Guest, #2980
I was 500 mg Levaquin daily for 7 days started June 12, 2003, skipped the 19th and took my last dose 20th for sinus infection. I quickly developed an irregular heart beat and chest pains. I am already am on medication for these symptoms so I continued to take the Levaquin. Toward the end of my 7days I had wild dreams at nite, moderate to extreme joint and muscle pains, neck pains, stomach pains, a rash on both my arms up to my clothing line that is still getting worse at this writing July 12th, 2003. I have dizziness, incoordnation, and my mouth clamped so hard shut one nite that it woke me up and and I chipped a tooth!
I am so exhausted that I can barely get around! It has effected everything I am doing!
I returnrd from the doctor yesterday and he agrees is severe allergic reaction to the medication. It feels more like toxicity to me. This stuff needs to be taken off the market!

Fri, 11 Jul 2003 19:53:23 -0400 by Guest, #2975

I have taken Levaquin in the past with few side effects, dizziness, lack of concentration, it was for a UTI, so I drank more water than usual, and at 500 mg, I started to feel like it was just a little too strong after 2 days, then I cut it in half to 250 mg, and did pretty well.

I recently, 10 months later was given Levaquin for a sinus infection, I have experienced several side effects at only 250 mg's. I took one at 8:30 AM and felt ok for the first couple of hours, then I started to urinate more and more, I felt like I had taken a diruetic and being as I am mildly dehydrated most of the time from not being able to drink enough fluids during the day as I have difficulty swallowing, this frighten me, I became weak, confused, cold sweats, dizziness, panic attack, felt faintness. I then decided to drink down some orange juice as I know how it feels when my potassium level drops, after the orange juice I felt somewhat better, so I truly believe the overproduction of urine and lack of adequate fliud intake caused my potassium to drop. My stomach is a little upset at the moment and I generally don't feel well, SO I would say, I will not be taking this drug again.

Fri, 11 Jul 2003 17:48:09 -0400 by Guest, #2974
I took 250 mgs for a foot problem. It was not getting well so I went to 500 mgs. My foot is better today but I haven't slept in 2 nights and my leg jerks all nite keeping my husband awake. I also had toe cramps where my toes stood up. scarey.So I have gone back to the 250mg. Only because I need to get my foot well.
Char

Fri, 11 Jul 2003 09:18:42 -0400 by me, #2970
Yep...........I trashed mine last night.
Did not take a second pill. Even though I did not get
any rashes, itching or other serious side effects my body
was just telling me "there ain't something right about this
drug". The side effects I had were total insomnia two
nights ago and frequent peeing yesterday. Never peed
so much in a day? Last night I got some sleep and I woke
up today feeling normal as I usually do. I think this drug
is terribly dangerous for anyone with rheumatoid or joint
problems to begin with. It is too powerful. My doc said
the same thing to me....let's try it..........wrong answer.
I probably don't even have a sinus infection since they
feel alright today. The only thing I have had for the past
two months is a feeling like my head is warm inside alot
but I don't have a fever? I am pretty sure it is all due to
allergies since I have environmental but went on immunotherapy again this spring.......3rd year in a row..take
9 shots. They definitely helped but I still take an antihistamine
but I find my joints and sinuses are always a little done in
this time of the year once again probably due to inflammation?
Anyhow......Thank you all for the input on this drug. I am
grateful it was here. I have heard so many horror stories
on this drug the past few days. Good luck to you all who
did suffer physical or mental ailments. Hang in there and I
hope you get peace of mind, body and soul.
Later............

Fri, 11 Jul 2003 02:03:39 -0400 by Guest, #2969
I went to see urologist today and he prescribe me levaquin 500 mg tablets. I did not take the medicine yet, and after reading this site makes me wonder wheather I should consult with another physician before taking it.

Thu, 10 Jul 2003 22:45:18 -0400 by Guest, #2966
I guess I am a 1% too. I went to the Doctor, who told me I had an infection. He prescribed me levaquin, gave two trial boxes and told me to take one then and go down the hall and fill a script. I took it and walked down the hall (there was no paper in the box describing it or the side effects. Within 15 minutes I was sneezing and itching, felt like my face was starting to swell up...serious metallic taste in my mouth. It happened fast. As I was getting the prescription filled, I asked the pharmacist if anyone reported being allergic to this stuff. He said, "Highly unlikely, this is the best antibiotic you can get in my opinion." I thought, OK..I'll take your word for it. How stupid is that? Fast forward to 36 hours later and I still had not gone to sleep. I was WIDE awake. I was so awake I could have run a marathon. I have some experience with psychedelics and for hours 2 through 24 I felt like I had taken LSD or mescaline. I was hallucinating, colors were very vivid, sounds sounded like I was in a tunnel, very rapid and circular thinking. There was definite pressure built up in my head...bad headache and my ears would pop if I would yawn, like I was on a plane. If I had no psychedelic experience I would have really lost it I think. I became alternatingly anxious and depressed. It has been 4 days and I can sleep if I take 50 mgs of Benadryl. I have no muscle pain from it that I can tell...just a highly affected nervous system..and it has affected it more and for a longer duration than any illegal drug I have ever taken. If you are researching this drug take it from me..tell you Doc to shove it, ask her if she is getting a kickback for it. I am scared for people out there...I am fairly experienced with drugs...don't mess with this levaquin stuff...please don't give to your kids!

Thu, 10 Jul 2003 12:16:35 -0400 by me, #2961
I only went on this drug because it seems the allergy season
has caused a sinus problem. I have the foul odour when
i rub the tip of my nose. Very dry green discharge if I blow
my nose hard. Usually sinuses too hard..not running.
I have dull aching in my head and sinus and teeth sometimes
ache. Symptoms been going on for about two months. Flonase
decongestants don't completely fix so doc prescriped
levofloxacin...as I said took one pill yesterday at 7..10 day
dosage. These stories have my head spinning..but like I said
so for I feel no worse than I did before. Usually anti biotics
work well for me if I need them...always try to rough it out
first.

Thu, 10 Jul 2003 12:03:29 -0400 by me, #2960
I am very scared after reading this.
I just started levofoxacin last night because I seem to have
a sinus problem all the time (fullness).
So far I feel fine..just a little less sleep but I don't sleep
well anyhow...will keep you posted.

Thu, 10 Jul 2003 11:08:44 -0400 by Guest, #2959
Initial entry:July 2. Was experiencing severe tightness in joints -- unable to make a fist... all muscles and joints ached. Now, it's July 10 and I'm much improved, but not yet 100%. Tightness is gone, joint pain is gone, but muscles still ache! It's hard to get up from a crouch position, or carry heavy things (like my 3 year old!). I wake up achy -- ibuprofen helps by my stomach is sick from it.

Spoke with a pharmacist family friend who said that joint pain/muscle aches are found in only .05% of 100 people (less than 1%). Also a cousin / ER Dr. of mine found a few similar cases but said they were rare. He initially recommended seeing a Rheumatologist if the pain persisted.

Hope everyone else is feeling better. Incidentally, the sinus infection I had is gone. It only took 5 doses and I had a prescription for 14 days! Oy!

Wed, 9 Jul 2003 23:45:00 -0400 by Guest, #2957
I was put on Levaquin for a severe infection in my leg. I was given 500 mg. once a day. Immediately after taking my first pill I became nauseous. On the second day I again became nauseous and dizzy. That night I was very restless and could not sleep. I thought I would adjust to the meds so I continued to take it. each day I continued to feel the same after taking my Medication. I started getting cramping after eating on day 5 and suffered Diarrehea with hard cramping. the symptoms continued each day. I revisited my Health Center and was put on 250 Mg. after explaining how I felt. I thought I would adjust as it was clearing the infection in my leg so well. On my second dose of the lesser dosage I experienced some additonal problems. Asfter eating dinner I started having SEVERE stomach pain. I suffered Diarrehea for several hours with the severe apin im my stomach along with nauseousness and had not slept normally since starting this Medication. Later that night I started having Bloody Stool and continued this for the rest of the night and into the next day. Needless to say I stopped the Medication immediately and was put on a bland diet and plenty of liquids. I have been off the Meds for 4 days now and am finally getting back to normal. I started sleeping normally again and the nauseousness and bloody stool have subsided. I was so scared to think a prescription could do this to you. I will never take this drug again and advise anyone that takes it and experiences any of the side effects to get off it immediatley. My experience with this drug has been a nightmare.

Wed, 9 Jul 2003 16:52:56 -0400 by Guest, #2952
29 year old male who has taken levaquin the past 3 days for a possible bacterial infection of the throat and for an infection of the glands..ive suffered insomnia, some unsteadiness on my feet and a definite metallic taste in my mouth..but what concerns me is the amount of sores that have developed along the roof of my mouth and below my tongue.im not sure if its due to this but i did not get these before.

Tue, 8 Jul 2003 09:43:15 -0400 by Guest, #2948
I am a 45 yr old Triple A+ female (allergies, asthma, arthritis and GERD). Meds that I am already taking are Allegra, Flonase, Prevacid and Lodine.

I went to my clinic on July 2 and after many tests and an overnight stay in the hospital in was discovered that I had pneumonia. I was being released from the hospital with a prescrition for Tequin. My released instructions were not to take my Lodine while on Tequin.
When I talked with my pharmacist my insurance would not cover Tequin but did cover Levaquin. I asked the pharmacist on duty if I could take my Lodine with Levaquin because with Tequin the doctor said not to and she knows of no drug reaction but I should not since the Dr said not to and it is from the same family.
I received a sheet called Human Link from my pharmacy with every prescription that lists:
common uses
how to use
cautions
possible side effects
contact your Dr. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if.......IMMEDIATELY if you experience........
of the drug being prescribed.
I always read these papers.
I have been on Levaquin 500mg since July 3 and have a 10 day prescription.
I am happy to report that I have had no side affects at all.
I did call the doctor and asked about taking the Lodine and was told that taking any anti-inflammatory drug even Advil or Motrin causes severe nerous system problems.
I always research medications I take online and that is how I came to this website.
All the symptoms I have read on this site were listed on the sheet I received from the pharmacy.

See the following.

SIDE EFFECTS: nausea, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, vomiting, change in taste, headache, or dizziness if bothersome contact your Dr.

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if:
experience tendon, joint, or muscle pain or swelling, "sunburn" ( sun sensitivity), vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, or vision changes.

CONTACT DR. IMMEDIATELY if:
seizures, mental/mood changes, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, change in the amount of urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not intented to cover all precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects.

You should always contact your doctor if you are concerned about any reaction or symptom to any medication you may be taking.

I hope this will help.

Sun, 6 Jul 2003 18:29:14 -0400 by rkbroome, #2938
I started taking Levaquin 500 mg. for a 5 day period for swollen glands and sinusitis. The first day did not bother me. However, the second day was awful. I took the pill at noon like I had done the day before and I went to bed around 10:30 PM. Next thing I know I have severe cramping and diarrhea. This lasted from midnight until 3:00 AM or so. Have not taken this since. I'm glad I looked at this site because I was thinking I had a 24 hour bug and was going to take my third day dosage. FDA needs to know about these severe side affects. I am going to inform them.

Sat, 5 Jul 2003 23:21:26 -0400 by Guest, #2936
I had a UTI last week and was prescribed Levaquin - a two day dosage. I was sick to my stomach with cramps and nausea, and as the day progressed, I found myself reaching out to the walls, to chairs, to anything that would keep me upright. All day I felt as though the room were spinning and that any moment, I was going to fall off the world. Thinking perhaps I had an inner ear infection, I went ahead and took the second day's dose of Levaquin. Again the same symptoms, but I added hot flashes in the night and poor sleep. The pharmacist did not mention the side-effects, and I was stunned to find this site online when I went looking for answers to my questions about this drug.

Sat, 5 Jul 2003 13:39:10 -0400 by Guest, #2934
I have been taking Levaquin for three days now for a recurring sinus infection and so far have not had any side effects even after spending all day yesterday out in the sun. I have 11 more days to go and will keep posting if anything abnormal happens to me.

Fri, 4 Jul 2003 11:25:52 -0400 by Guest, #2930
i went to DOCS on July 3rd, for Pink eye and a sore throat, thy prescribed drops for my eye and LEVAQUIN for the infection in my eye and throat, i got home took 1 pill and about 4 hours later woke up with a terrible headache and mild palpitations. i called them back on the 4th and i was told palpitations were not a side affect and if i was still experiencing it to go to the emergency room. i feel fine now i only took the 1 pill and the rest will be flushed down the toilet bowl where they belong. my uncle who works in a pharmacy told me that LEVAQUIN was also linked to a local man trying to jump off a bridge. i WILL NOT take them anymore i have an 11 month old son to take care of. im so glad i got up and checked out the side effects or i would have taken another pill today

Fri, 4 Jul 2003 10:25:10 -0400 by Guest, #2929
Levaquin was prescribed to me for Prostatis and the medication is great.
I will never be without this medication ever.
I wish it was cheaper though.

Thu, 3 Jul 2003 17:23:35 -0400 by bon, #2927
my husband took this stuff for only 2 days while in the hosp for bronchtits, how wrong it is for the drs NOT to tell their patients about the side effects, but patients should ask about side effects. He has had muscle aches and pains, bad metalic taste in his mouth, insomina, he sat in the sun less then 1 hr and he looks like hes going to explode. Thank you for this sight. I also find somehitng disturbing, most of the people that have taken this were prescribed 500 mg. That is very disturbing considering meds are prescribed by weight of the patient.. Why then so many of the same amounts? Hmmmm.......

Thu, 3 Jul 2003 15:01:06 -0400 by mollyofmine, #2926
I was given Levaquin over 2 weeks ago for a bronchial infection. I have had to go to a relative's doctor, because I am far away from home.
Three days after into taking the medication, I started to experience very bad pains in all my muscles and my feet are so swollen I can hardly walk. My hands are also very swollen.
When I get up in the morning, it is very difficult to move, and I walk with pain and swelling all day. I have been off the medication over a week now, and there is no improvement in my condition. The doctor has sent me for blood tests to check my kidneys, and I do not have the results yet.

Thu, 3 Jul 2003 15:01:00 -0400 by mollyofmine, #2925
I was given Levaquin over 2 weeks ago for a bronchial infection. I have had to go to a relative's doctor, because I am far away from home.
Three days after into taking the medication, I started to experience very bad pains in all my muscles and my feet are so swollen I can hardly walk. My hands are also very swollen.
When I get up in the morning, it is very difficult to move, and I walk with pain and swelling all day. I have been off the medication over a week now, and there is no improvement in my condition. The doctor has sent me for blood tests to check my kidneys, and I do not have the results yet.

Thu, 3 Jul 2003 14:55:11 -0400 by cliffy, #2924
I went to my doctor for UTI and was given 250mg of Levaquin I took the first pill at 6pm. At 11p.m. I was showing signs of anxiety, irritability, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. I was up until 3am. I got up at 6a.m. went to class for four hours and was still feeling aggitated and restless. It felt as if I had an ulser, my stomach was churning. I will never take this medication again. I don't recommend it. I was also given samples from my doctor which had no information regarding side effects. Next time I will ask for literature before I take anything. Live and learn....

Thu, 3 Jul 2003 10:56:36 -0400 by Guest, #2923
I was given two days worth of Levaquin, as well as a precription for another seven days, for recurring acute sinusitis. I took one tablet, and within two hours was having cold clammy sweating spells, a headache on one side, and was unable to sleep. The next morning, I had aches and pains all over. Called the doctor and got a different prescription, but the aches and pains continued for two more days.

I later realized that the samples that the doctor gave me had no drug information included, but upon looking at Ortho-McNeil's website, they have no information about the types of side effects I was experiencing.

I have told everyone I know to avoid this drug like the plague. I know it works for some people - but my three-day experience with it was more than I could handle.

Wed, 2 Jul 2003 01:49:52 -0400 by ruth, #2917
Was being treated with daily 500 mg of Levaquin for bad sinusitis by ENT Dr. Metallic taste started day 2; but was helping infection. After day 5 I noticed a rash on my body and severe aching of my joints and muscles. Stopped taking medication. Now, 48+ hours after stopping, the joints in my hands are so tight and achy I can't sleep! I have pains in my neck and knees. Muscles are tight all over. How long does it take for this med. to wear off and does any body have any treatment ideas? It's now 1:45am ET... and I can't sleep. I have 2 young children at home and it's summertime and I'm dead on my feet! HELP!