Sun, 18 May 2003 16:21:27 -0400 by Guest, #2374

very bad bladder spasms. blurry vision,dry itchy eyes, fatique,
bad dreams, bad taste in mouth,just generally really feeling bad an not myself......i will NEVER take this med again!!

Mon, 12 May 2003 18:22:47 -0400 by Guest, #2271

I received a 14 day course of Levaquin to treat a severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease as a result of a forgotten Tampon on the 14th April.
I am 48 not had to take any form of medication for over 10 years, I go to the gym at least 3 times a week, never suffered from depression. The past 2 weeks I have suffered Anxiety, Mental Confusion, eyesight deterioration, and recently bouts of extreme depression. Thought I would investigate in case it was a side effect of the Levaquin, I am now worried if this will get worse...........It did knock out the infection however but at what cost and could I have been given something else???

Sun, 9 Mar 2003 11:10:46 -0500 by Guest, #1388

i have levaquin for 4 days, i have never felt so weard. eyes are bothering me so much, like they feel like sometimes i can't focus, they ache, they are very dry. my hands started trembling too after my first dose.also my right forearm aches.after reading all of this, i'm taking myself off of it, would rather deal with the sinus infection.

Fri, 31 Jan 2003 10:12:49 -0500 by Guest, #1014

I took levaquin almost two years ago for four days for a bladder infection, and I have had severe joint and muscle pain all over my body and especially in my neck, shoulders, and hands. I am still having problems, some days are worse than others, I was tested for rheumatoid arthritis and for lupus, and the doctor finally said that is was from the adverse reaction from the levaquin, I also have dry eyes, mouth sores, and nose sores. Does anyone have any answers?

Tue, 29 Oct 2002 10:40:03 -0500 by Guest, #246

A a year and a half after taking Levaquin for only 4 days, I still have lots of pain in my hips and thighs. It is difficult to stand up and walk without leaning on someone or something. I have constant ringing in my ears and my eyesight has deteriorated rapidly. My doctor does not believe that the Levaquin caused these problems but they began to happen almost immediately after taking the first pill. Before that I was a very healthy person with lots of energy.

Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:48:37 -0500 by Guest, #255

It has been over a year for me,I still have severe dizziness,muscle pain in arms and ankle,pain in left eye if I use it too much like reading and twitching of muscles.I had nothing wrong with my health before Levaquin.

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 19:17:33 -0400 by Guest, #3544
I took Levaquin in June for a sinus infection and had no side effects. I am now taking it for a sinus/tonsil infection. This is my 7th day. Three days ago I started feeling pain in my chest, like someone is standing on it, I am having trouble breathing, I feel as if I have the flu because all of my bones, joints hurt. I have trouble sleeping, and my vision is blurred. I also sleep whenever I can and when I wake up I feel fine for about 30 minutes, and then I am exhausted again. It finally dawned on me that since I have no fever, that maybe I was having a reaction to the Levaquin and checked out this site. I hope these symptoms disappear soon so I can really start to feel better. Thanks to all of you for your input.

Fri, 1 Aug 2003 17:20:40 -0400 by Guest, #3147
I took Levaquin in April for a sinus infection that was pretty severe that the medicine worked and I don't remember major side effects. However, I have the sinue infection back in one ear, went to the dr. yesterday and she prescribed again 500mg for 10 days. I took the first pill last night and w/in a few hours was nauseated, my vision was blurring (thought it might be time to change contacts), did not sleep well and got up several times in the night to urinate (which is rare). I woke up feeling very achy and my right forearm, shoulder and neck were very sore. I thought maybe I slept on it wrong. Today I am nauseous, urinating frequently and having vision problems not to mention very lethargic at work. Not good. After seeing all the negative comments on this website I feel better that I'm not losing my mind and it is the Levaquin, which I plan on not taking anymore and will call my dr. for another alternative.
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?

Wed, 21 May 2003 15:35:30 -0400 by Guest, #2421

It has been 3 months since I took levaquin. I took it after my TURP. I had anxiety, spaced out feeling, shortness of breath, vision problems, dizziness, irratibility. Also, I noticed in the recovery room that after taking it my lungs hurt with the least bit of exertion. And now, after 3 months, my lungs still hurt with very little exertion. I feel there has been permanent damage to my lungs. Why is levaquin being used when there are other drugs, that have passed the test of time, available.

Mon, 19 May 2003 13:17:24 -0400 by louie, #2391

Oh my gosh-thank god I found this website-I started taking this medication last Thursday for a UTI and I thought there was something really wrong with me-headaches, tiredness, feeling generally spaced out, vision problems, not sleeping-I felt good this AM and then took my dose and same exact thing-I'm not taking the rest of my doses and just called my doctor to complain-this is a terrible anitibiotic-get it off the market-NOW

Sun, 18 May 2003 16:21:27 -0400 by Guest, #2374

very bad bladder spasms. blurry vision,dry itchy eyes, fatique,
bad dreams, bad taste in mouth,just generally really feeling bad an not myself......i will NEVER take this med again!!

Tue, 13 May 2003 20:19:36 -0400 by Guest, #2302

I took Levaquin for five days in early April as a preventative after minor surgery. I had been prescribed a 7 day course, but stopped after I suspected the side effects were from the Levaquin. It all began with a low grade fever, then extreme anxiety, mental confusion, depression, intestinal gas, loss of appetite, weakness, sweating, heart palpitations, and scariest of all, central nervous system disturbances, strange currents in my left arm and leg, twitches, shaking, jitters and vision problems. I was the most scared I have ever been in my life. I went to my GP and he told me it was "self-perpetuated" because the half life of the drug had passed and the effects should have subsided quickly. (But he was surprised to see my liver enzymes were elevated even after the drug was supposed to have left my body...hmmm.) Well, I was in pure hell for almost three weeks after stopping the drug, desperately wanting to get better, but it had a grip on me that only someone who has experienced it can understand.
I went to a psychiatrist and a neurologist. Both told me it could have something to do with the GABA receptors in the brain. My biggest fear was that it had caused permanent harm. Well, I'm happy to report that now a month and a half later, I feel like myself again. It was a gradual improvement, but it finally subsided at the end of the third week.
I just wanted to share my story in case there is someone who is as worried as I was a month ago, seeking comfort in this forum. (There is not much comfort, I know.) But although everyone is different and the side-effects run the gamut, at least it seems to go away in time for most people. Of course I'm not completely sure that there was no permanent damage...but I feel pretty confident that my body got rid of this poison. My liver enzymes went back to normal as well.
I feel each of us must report everything Levaquin has done to us to Medwatch (the FDA), to our doctors (although they will probably doubt you), and to anyone you care about in case they are ever given this over-prescribed time-bomb. Levaquin is a life saving drug, but it should only be prescribed for people in dire need. It is being marketed to doctors as a preventative and for minor infections, and that is where the real problem is. Ortho-McNeil knows more than they tell the doctors, I'm convinced. There are just too many of us. Imagine all the people who never figure out that the Levaquin caused thier ailments! Or they believe thier doctors who say "It's all in your head."
I hope my story has been of help...and to all who suffer...hang in there. It takes time, but chances are it WILL go away.

Thu, 1 May 2003 22:21:13 -0400 by Guest, #2112

Took 28 days of levaquin in summer 2001. Had all the side effects imaginable. Tingling/numbness, tinnitus, vision problems, cold hands and feet, metallic taste, hair loss, sun sensitivity, muscle twitching, and horrible full body pain in tendons, muscles and joints. Two years later, I have seen some recovery--especially the nervous system problems. However, the muscular skeletal problems continue to plague me. They are getting better, but it is VERY SLOW progress. Stay away from this drug, and if you have any type of reaction, please file a report directly with the FDA and the drug company.

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

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.

Henrietta Carter - Sun, 28 Dec 2003 17:01:07 -0500 - #1315
Seeing yellow from Levaquin or Avelox
A year ago my son was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection by the clinic at his university. Three days later his medication was changed to Avelox. Based on the empty bottles he left at home, he finished the 10 500mg. Levaquin tablets, but left 2 of the 5 400mg. Avelox tablets. I hadn't heard of either drug before then. One of those drugs caused his entire field of vision to turn yellow, which was very upsetting to us. Has anyone else had such a reaction?

adrvictim - Wed, 1 Oct 2003 12:41:23 -0400 - #1151
Re: Re: Horrible Side Effects to Levaquin
Dear Marylee,

I also suffer among many, many others from Adverse Drug Reaction to the antibiotic Levaquin. I have been ill since Labor Day 2002 and am getting worse, not better. Your doctors denial that this drug is causing your problems means you need to find another doctor or try and educate this doctor about the ADR's, specifically tendon, joint, and muscle pain that this drug does inflict. Exercise will just aggravate your condition and put you at risk of tendon rupture. This drug actually binds to the nerve endings and ends of bone throughout the body. You need to find out more about what this drug has done to you because you will probably require medication to help yourself get better. Do you have strictly muscle pain or do you have other problems as well? i.e. Central Nervous System, insomnia, blurred vision, hand tremors, muscle jerks while laying down or standing, memory loss, confusion to name a few. Write down every thing that has happened since you took the pills and how it progressed and this will help you to get a better idea of your condition. Do not take any steroids; prednisone or cortisone shots. This will worsen your tendonitis. I will be happy to tell you what I have learned from experts in this field.

Hope this has helped;

adrvictim


Roy - Wed, 16 Jul 2003 15:25:07 -0400 - #867
Levaquin side effects
I began taking levaquin on June 13th for a urinary tract infection, My doctor prescribed levaquin 500mg 1 a day for 30 day's. I took all medication as prescribed now that I am done taking my medication I have swollen feet, hand's,insomnia,joi-nt pain, muscle pain, excessive weakness, vision problems, It hurts to even stand. At first I thought it was from my high blood pressure medication, Does anyone know how long this reaction might last

John - Wed, 26 Mar 2003 00:34:17 -0500 - #456
Re: strange side effects?
I understand fully how you feel. I am on my second round of Levaquin for supposedly a 10 day course for a sinus infection and have never felt so sick in my life. I am constantly running a low grade temperature, sweating constantly, and have developed a rash on my elbow and on my genitals. Moreover I have had the dizziness and disoriented feeling along with blurred vision and various muscle aches. I'll live with the sinus infection and will NOT take another 500mg pill!!!!

Fri, 17 Oct 2003 08:03:41 -0400 by Guest, #3647
Have taken 500Mg Levaquin for bronchitus or bacterial pnemonia. Experiencing four days of night sweats and symptoms of paranoia, wandering the house hold and causing general upset. I am also a diabetic Type 2 which was considered during the diagnosis. I find nothing good to say about the drug and consider it detrimental to my ongong health issues. What with halo vision and nausia.
The couse of Levaquin treatment was prescribed for ten days. Will discontinue today. How do these drugs get recommended by physicians without clear warnings.