Atrial fibrillation symptoms and conditions

Chest Pain (external), shallow breath, shortness of breath, anxiety, mild depression, lethargy.

I have just started taking Toprol XL 50 MG because of a scary Atrial Fibrillation episode last week.

When I was 30 my Doctor opter to put me on Norvasc to "control" my BP. My BP was 130/73. A couple of years later my new doctor changed me to Lotrel 5/10. My BP stayed in the same range despite me exercising less and gaining weight, and drinking more. Basically, I did all the wrong things. Despite that I never had any side effects from either Norvasc or Lotrel. Only other thing to note is I do have sleep apnea, untreated as of yet.

Well, last week as I stated, I had an episode and went to the ER. They pushed Lopressor and eventually Toprol to get my A-Fib back to level. I was completely freaked out of course. I went to my doctor the next day and he prescribed Toprol XL 50 MG at bedtime, and to stop the Lotrel.

I have been taking this drug now for 4 days. Here is my experience...

I take the pill with dinner at around 9 pm. I then go to bed soon after. While I lie in bed, I feel like I need to consciously breath or I will stop breathing. If I get up this feeling goes away. My breaths are very shallow. I have sleep apnea, so I can visualize myself falling asleep and not breathing. I do have some anxiety surrounding this, but I would not say it is out of ordinary. Right now it is 3:33 am and I cannot sleep due to this issue. Every time I start to fall asleep I jolt back awake because I feel like I am not breathing.

In the past three mornings, I wake up and feel anxious and downright depressed. I feel tired and wrung out. This appears to last until approximately 1 pm and then things start looking up. Then at 9 pm the whole cycle starts again.

My mother and father take this medication. My father takes 2 * 100MG and he does not complain of side effects. My mother takes 2 * 50 MG and she has similar side effects as what I have described.

Am in my second month of taking Metoprolol to control atrial fibrillation. Have been increasingly dealing with disturbingly vivid dream, headaches, slight nausea, abdominal discomfort and overall achiness. What is an alternative med to treat atrial fibrillation? I have glaucoma and a cardiac pacemaker for complete heart block. All suggestions welcomed. I'd like to dump the Metroprolol but appreciate that since starting to take it, I've had no problems with fibrillation (which my pacemaker isn't designed to control).

I have been on Securon Verapamil for over 5 years,together with Digoxin and warfarin, prescribed for atrial fibrillation.
Have been having problems of pain in my biceps, and more latterly pain in my hip joints. Has anybody else had these symptoms

I recently posted on July 20th under Toprol XL side effects (45-yr old Male, USAF) and at the time was scheduled for a Cardio-version procedure for Chronic Atrial Fibrillation.
The procedure was successful and I am now on Betapace 160mg twice a day to maintain sinus rhythm. The drug took a little getting used to for the first few doses, but now has settled into my system pretty well. I did experience extreme fatigue, some light-headedness, a little blurry vision (Not bad, just when trying to read really small print in magazines and stuff) and general "weak" feeling for about two days. Now (4-days after Cardio-version) I am feeling very decent and have my energy level back.
I have one of those, Homedics Wrist based Heart/B.P. monitor cuffs and I've been crusing in normal beats with great B.P. on the Betapace. In my previous posting I explained that I'm pretty drug intolerant, but so far the Betapace has been amazing! I am not on Betapace AF, just Betapace Regular. Hopefully, I can stay in normal rhythm for a long time, but we'll see I guess.
I would recommend folks with Heart Rhythm issues like A-fib try Betapace, if their Doctor says it is an option. Oh, I have also been sleeping like a baby on this stuff, which is wonderful.

Hello all,
I'm a 45-yr old Air Force Major (Male) recently diagnosed with asymptomatic chronic Atrial Fibrillation (As in I have it and was walking around not knowing it). When I went to see the cardiologist, my B.P. was only 120 / 74 (Which, until they changed the rules, used to be normal)and he puts me on Diovan 80mg once a day plus Coumadin 5mg. Well the Diovan almost made me faint and I had numbness in both arms, plus a funky rash, kind of like chicken pox showing up on my arms and thighs.
I went online and read horror stories of Diovan so I stopped taking it immediately (I had only taken four doses and never had any horrible symptoms until after I took the meds!). Then the Dr. put me on an Event Monitor and it showed I was indeed in A-fib all the time, plus at night, my heart was racing briefly to 200 a minute while I was sound asleep. So he puts me on Toprol XL 100mg once a day.
Immediately I had trouble sleeping (Which I never had before, ever!) with crazy dreams and tossing/turning. My B.P. dropped to 88/65 and my fibrillating heart rate was 64!!! I was so mad because I actually felt better before the meds. I found this site and saw what everyone was posting and immediately took myself off the Toprol XL.
The day after stopping the Toprol I had slight chest pains (Like angina or gas bubble) but they went away on their own. I slept fine the next night.
I'm having an Electro-Cardiversion done on the 21st July to see if I can stop the A-fib and get in normal rhythm. I know the Dr. is going to be mad at me for stopping the Diovan and Toprol, but I'm sorry, I'm convinced there is a better way to beat all this (Namely exercise and eating right). Being in the service means you have to be Mr. Physical and Mental "perfect" all the time. I cannot afford to be diagnosed with depression in my line of work! Thanks to all on this website and I wish you the best.
PS. for those who think I'm being ignorant of my medication, I have a nice fat insurance policy and Power of attorney for my wife and kid in the event I keel over!!! I may be medication intolerant but at least I took care of my family.

Hello folks - thought I would post here as well.........I am on 20MG of LISINOPRIL 1 time daily. I notice during regimented times of the day I get the side effects. I take it when I wake up in the morning. I have been on this for about a year now...........it has lowered by HBP from 150's/80's to about 130/80..............regular........I am a 37 year old Male

Problem is the multiple side affects:

1. Tiredness - comes and goes all throughout the day - almost like I could just close my eyes and go to sleep anywhere.........feels like someone threw sand in my eyes.......
2. Shortness of breath
3. Sore Muscles - everywhere - it doesn't discriminate!!!!
4. Pain in the chest mostly the left side but sometimes the right
5. Headache in one spot in the head - doesn't last long
6. Wake up often in the middle of the night with dead hands or legs
7. Sometimes I just have a total memory blank on things I should know right away - usually only occurs when I'm getting tired.
8 Of course the panic from thinking something is wrong with me!!!

Anyone else with these set of symptoms????

Drop me a note!!!!

55 year old male and used to be in excellent condition. I had radiation and Lupron Depot injections for prostate cancer and even though my PSA is down to .032, the hot flashes, joint pain, weakness, weight gain and atrial fibrillation caused by Lupron sucks. Now I am on medication for the a fib and it's really horrible.

I am sitting here is shock as I read the posts here. I have been taking Toprol XL for about 5 years now. It was 50MG and went up to 100MG when I had some heart arrythmias. Except for some dizziness at first no other side effects were noticed. For some reason my cardiologist switched me to me metprolol. I am currently scheduled for colonoscopy, a look into my stomach as well as blood test and stool test and on a strict diet.. why?, because I have been having serious gastro problems for 2 months now. (Diarrea, gas, stomach pain, blood )I told m first gastro guy about my meds and he said Metoprolol would not cause it. Yet I have just read here and on a side affect site, that gastro problems happen to 5 out of 100 people!!! This problem started very soon after I switched meds. Yesterday I skipped m meds accident. I went 48 hours without meds. NO problems! I took m meds last night and this morning my stomach is in turmoil. Tomorrow I cut my meds in half. Then call my cardio guy and change back to Toprol. There is an obvious difference in the drugs.

58 years old male with atrial fibrillation. 2 years taking 7mg of warfarin and several months ago began getting an itchy purplish rash on my lower legs. Very annoying and I often scratch my skin until bloody. Seems to be getting worse.... wife says it's better than a stroke.... I guess so, maybe.

atrial fibrillation

I took 75 cmg of Synthroid after having my thyroid destroyed by radiation, then two months later dropped to 50 cmg. Within a month I was hospitalized for atrial fibrillation. The Synthroid was reduced to 37 cmg by my physician. I am experiencing dramatic hair loss and want an alternative to this poison that has ruined my heart as well as my appearance. In less than two weeks, I have gained 3 pounds. I should have left the thyoid alone but three "experts" said the hyperthyroidism would kill me. I had lost 14 pounds and had a thick gorgeous head of hair. Thanks to Synthroid, I am fatter and have gross hair loss. What hair I have is dry and thinning.

I have been on Atenolol (only 12 mg a day) half a pill, for 4 months now. I have had dizziness most of the time, ice cold hands and feet, numb feeling in my legs, severe pain in my chest, which turned out to be costachondritis. Very slow heart rate 50 bpm. Low blood pressure 98/54. Dull pain in both my sides and back. I did not have any of these symptoms until I started Atenolol I hate the way I feel. However, when I try to stop it, my heart starts racing. I have been taking it only for my racing heart (as the Dr. says I have atrial fibrillation.) I wish there was a better med without these bad side effects.

I received four injections of kenalog into the spiny processes in my lower back on May 26th 2005. On waking from the procedure, my heart rate quickened, my blood pressure fell drastically, my oxygen saturation in my blood fell to 84%, and I was in and out of consciousness. Two hours later, I began vomiting, developed a migraine, and began having heart palpitations. I was admitted to the emergency department the following morning where I was diagnosed with UNCONTROLLED ATRIAL FIBRILLATION and had to be cardioverted twice to get my heart working correctly. I was on betablockers for my heart for 2 months and am fine today. Like other posters, I also had erratic and extended menstrual cycles for about 3 months post injection. At the time, I was a 32 year old, healthy female with no history of cardiac problems.

I could not take Lotrel due to retension of fluid and so Heart dr. put me on Lisinopril twice daily. I do not find a cough. I do however feel more tired. I had not other side affect and I have been on it for 3 months now and it is to aide in my atrial fibrillation. I had a cardiversion and so far rhythm is ok but time will tell. I am also now on Rythumol twice daily 225 sr. this is a medication to help hold rhythum steady. What a problem as one needs be on the coumadin for ages in case the a fib goes out of rhythm. I just don't have much energy and felt bettter before I added the rhythumol to the other drugs I am on for Bl P... My heart is good generally at age 69. Thanks, Kay

I have been taking Toprol for 5 months and have experienced several unpleasant side effets. I have become unusually anxious, am very tired most of the time, my hair is dry and thinning rapidly, I also have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, and my mind at times is foggy. Prior to Toprol I was taking Tenormin for my atrial fibrillation, but the former seems to be working better. However, with all the above side effects I am very seriously considering ablation or another drug, but definitely not an anti-arrythmic one. The side effects are much worse.

My only side effects other than headaches and great breathing. I have found sigular to be much better than my asthma medications and with less side effects. My puffers would cause atrial fibrillation but since I have been off them the afib is much better and breathing is better than the puffers!

Good medication in my books

I have been taking 10 mg of Lipitor for several years now. I was on Zocor before that and had aching muscles in my thighs and couldn't even walk around the park like I used to. Doctor took me off that although I don't think he was convinced that was the problem. One year ago I was in therapy for pain in my shoulder which the doctor said was the muscle that goes into the rotator cup. About a month ago, my right calf started hurting when I walked and it felt as though the muscle was tight and when I got up to answer the phone in the middle of the night it felt like it popped or tore or something. I iced it, elevated it, etc. and when it didn't get much better (I was walking stiff-legged not to contract the muscle), I went to the doctor. They send me for a doppler just to make sure it wasn't a blood clot which it wasn't. I am on Coumadin for occasional Atrial Fibrillation and they did find a hematoma (bruising) probably caused by an injury while on Coumadin. Anyway, the doctor gave me some muscle relaxers and this helped for a couple of days. Then, last week the leg started hurting again and I started to have the same pain in my left leg. Now I have pain in both calves and it is painful to walk or contract the calf muscles. I also feel a tiredness or achiness in my top, front thighs and my arms.

After my experience with Zocor I decided to look on the web for anything about Lipitor and muscle pains. I was shocked by all the posts and information I found that makes me believe the problems I have been having are from the Lipitor. I didn't even think about the problem with my shoulder until I read these sites and put two and two together (especially since I didn't do anything to injure it). I have now missed two doses and I have an appointment at the docs in a week. I am hoping by that time I will feel some improvement in my legs.

My brother is on 20 mg Lipitor and he experiences light headedness, swollen lips, tongue and genitals. My other brother takes 80 mg and his wife has complained of his moodiness and I wonder now if that has something to do with it. This drug is not for everyone.

I had only taken this monster for three days when my head felt like it was going to burst, pressure in my head was so bad I couldnt think. I am a cardiac nurse with high blood pressure and an irregular heart rate. I took my blood pressure which is ususally 120/80 and what do you know it was 230/122 it was the paxil making me have high blood pressure. I have atrial fibrillation so a rapid heartbeat or higher blood pressure is definitely a bad bad thing..I called doc and told him how my pressure went up so high and he said go on and increase to the 25 mg from the 12.5mg i ws currently on. I told him I was not taking any more Paxil cause it was not goingg to help with depression, it was going to give me a stroke. He said Paxil doesnt have any affect on heart or blood pressure, I told him he better study up on his drugs because they do cause highblood pressure and irregular heart rate in some patients. He told me he could not be my doctor anylonger as i was not compliant with the treatment...lol who is he kidding I dont want a doctor so ignorant.....nita

I have been prescribed Verapamil and am very reluctant to take it. I take digoxin for atrial fibrillation, (makes no difference) They both control the calcium on a cellular level and yet are counter in effect. The requirement is that both be taken together! Seems a madness to me given the potential toxicity of both and neither cure my condition anyway, at best moderate it. I would be delighted to hear from anyone who has gone down this path and is free of their heart condition. I take Hawthorne & Ginko tinctures daily to keep me going and do not know of or feel any side effects from these. I am still alive but this is in in spite of the various pharmaceuticals administered. Betablockers, Sotalol made me zombie-like. Diltiazem, another calcium channel blocker made me feel awful. Flecainide, put me into intensive care in hospital. Well from my empirical experience I would say avoid these poisons like the plaque and if you can find an alternative. You may of course have found benefit, I and others might say there is nothing like the placebo effect.

I have had 4 shots of Lupron, after having surgery for endometriosis. I am 39 years old and had the surgery for a suspicious ovarion cyst found on ultrasound. Turns out I had significant endometriosis, but have had 3 children despite this. My side effects have been hot flashes, insomnia, back, spine and hip pain and most distressing, an increase in migraines. I tried taking the add back therapy but that just increased my headaches. After recently vomiting during a migraine, my heart started racing and beating irregularily. My husband brought me to the ER and I was given IV's to get my heart back in rhythm and was also given numerous tests to see what was wrong. They were all normal. The atrial fibrillation may have been caused from vomiting, from the Lupron, who knows. When I went to my OB after all of this, she took me off of the Lupron. My advice is to think hard before taking this drug. It definately helped my pelvic pain, but as a mother with 3 small children, I felt the side effects were too difficult for me.

For 3 years have ben taking Amiodarone to prevent Atrial Fibrillation and Lisinopril for high BP. A month or twoago I was completely exhausted after playing only 13 holes of golf with a cart (had taken both meds early that morning) I was convinced Amiodarone was the culprint, Today I walked a brisk mile, went to the golf driving range and worked around the yard for an hour. Felt fine. Took both meds arund noon and went in to take a shower. Felt extreme exhaustion for an hour. Blood pressure went to 80/47, pretty low. It's normally around 115/60 Now I'm convinced it's the lisinopril. Next step is to try taking it in the evening and the effect should be less the next day. If that doesn't work I'll see if the doctor can change it. I may even skip taking it for a few days to get the reaction. My wife is on Lisinopril too and she and I now have different metabolisims when it comes to temperature in the house, and she perpsires, which she never did before. We're both 80 and in pretty good shape otherwise. Incidntally any cough is minor.

I experienced increased libido, restlessness and then atrial fibrillation that landed me in the ER; the ER docs told me to stop taking it immediately; I don't miss it! I'm also on Xanax now.

The following are the known, listed and published adverse drug events associated with fluoroquinolone therapy. Levaquin is a chemotherapuetic antibiotic belonging to this clas:

Adverse effects related to fluoroquinolones
Asthenia

Edema

Fever

Malaise

Rigors

Substernal Chest Pain

Syncope

Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiac Failure

Circulatory Failure

Hypertension

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Abnormal Coordination

Coma

Convulsions

Seizures

Hyperkinesia

Hypertonia

Hypoaesthesia

Involuntary Muscle Contractions

Paresthesia

Paralysis

Speech Disorders

Stupor

Tremor

Vertigo

Gastrointestinal System Disorders

Dry Mouth

Dysphagia

Gastroenteritis

G.I.Hemorrhage

Pancreatitis

Pseudomembranous Colitis

Tongue Edema

Hearing and Vestibular Disorders

Ear Disorders

Tinnitus

Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders

Arrhythmia

Atrial Fibrillation

Bradycardia

Cardiac Arrest

Heart Block

Palpitation

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Tachycardia

Ventricular Fibrillation

Hematology

Decreased Lymphocytes

Liver and Biliary System Disorders

Abnormal Hepatic Function

Cholelithiasis

Hepatic Coma

Jaundice

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders

Aggravated Diabetes

Mellitus

Decreased Glucose

Decreased Magnesium

Increased Calcium

Dehydration

Hyperglycemia

Hyperkalemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypokalemia

Increased LDH

Weight Loss

Musculo-Skeletal System Disorders

Arthralgia

Arthritis

Arthrosis

Muscle Weakness

Myalgia

Osteromyelitis

Rhabdomyolysis

Synovitis

Tendinitis

Myo, Endo, Pericardial and Valve Disorders

Angina

Pectoris

Coronary Thrombosis

Myocardial Infarction

Neoplasms

Carcinoma

Parosmia

Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders

Abnormal Platelets

Embolism

Epistaxis

Purpura

Thrombocytopenia

Psychiatric Disorders

Abnormal Dreaming

Aggressive Reaction

Agitation

Anorexia

Anxiety

Confusion

Delirium

Depression

Emotional Liability

Hallucination

Impaired Concentration

Impotence

Manic Reaction

Mental Deficiency

Nervousness

Paranoia

Sleep Disorders

Somnolence

Withdrawal Syndrome

Suicide

Red Blood Cell Disorders

Anemia

Reproductive Disorders

Ejaculation Failure

Resistance Mechanism Disorders

Fungal Infections

Genital Moniliasis

Respiratory System Disorders

ARDS

Asthma

Coughing

Dyspnea

Haemoptysis

Hypoxia

Pleural Effusion

Respiratory Insufficiency

Respiratory Failure

Skin and Appendages Disorders

Erythema Nodosum

Genital Pruritus

Increased Sweating

Skin Disorders

Skin Exfoliation

Skin Ulceration

Urticaria

Urinary System Disorders

Abnormal Renal Function

Acute Renal Failure

Face Edema

Crystalluria

Cylindruria

Hematuria

Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders

Cerebrovascular Disorder

Phlebitis

Vision Disorders

Abnormal Vision

Conjunctivitis

Diplopia

Retina Damage

Cornea Damage

Ophthalmologic Abnormalities

Cataracts

Multiple Punctate Lenticular Opacities

White Cell and RES Disorders

Granulocytopenia

Leukocytosis

Leukopenia

Lymphadenopathy

WBC Abnormal Count

Allergic Pneumonitis

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactoid Reaction

Dysphonia

Abnormal EEG

Encephalopathy

Eosinophilia

Erythema Multiforme

Hemolytic Anemia

Multi System Organ Failure (Death)

Increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) Prothrombin Time

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Tendon Rupture

Torsades de Pointes

Vasodilation

This is but a small sampling of various adverse reactions associated with such therapy.

This list goes on and on and on and on and on. The physician has no clue as to what these drugs can and will do to a patient. There is no known treatment for a majority of the severe reactions. Such reactions DO NOT abate once therapy is discontinued in a subset of those so treated and the current research indicates that such events are to be considered permanent in nature.

David T Fuller
Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation
davidtfull@aol.com
www.fqresearch.org

The following are the known, listed and published adverse drug events associated with fluoroquinolone therapy. Cipro is a chemotherapuetic antibiotic belonging to this class:

Adverse effects related to fluoroquinolones
Asthenia

Edema

Fever

Malaise

Rigors

Substernal Chest Pain

Syncope

Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiac Failure

Circulatory Failure

Hypertension

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Abnormal Coordination

Coma

Convulsions

Seizures

Hyperkinesia

Hypertonia

Hypoaesthesia

Involuntary Muscle Contractions

Paresthesia

Paralysis

Speech Disorders

Stupor

Tremor

Vertigo

Gastrointestinal System Disorders

Dry Mouth

Dysphagia

Gastroenteritis

G.I.Hemorrhage

Pancreatitis

Pseudomembranous Colitis

Tongue Edema

Hearing and Vestibular Disorders

Ear Disorders

Tinnitus

Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders

Arrhythmia

Atrial Fibrillation

Bradycardia

Cardiac Arrest

Heart Block

Palpitation

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Tachycardia

Ventricular Fibrillation

Hematology

Decreased Lymphocytes

Liver and Biliary System Disorders

Abnormal Hepatic Function

Cholelithiasis

Hepatic Coma

Jaundice

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders

Aggravated Diabetes

Mellitus

Decreased Glucose

Decreased Magnesium

Increased Calcium

Dehydration

Hyperglycemia

Hyperkalemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypokalemia

Increased LDH

Weight Loss

Musculo-Skeletal System Disorders

Arthralgia

Arthritis

Arthrosis

Muscle Weakness

Myalgia

Osteromyelitis

Rhabdomyolysis

Synovitis

Tendinitis

Myo, Endo, Pericardial and Valve Disorders

Angina

Pectoris

Coronary Thrombosis

Myocardial Infarction

Neoplasms

Carcinoma

Parosmia

Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders

Abnormal Platelets

Embolism

Epistaxis

Purpura

Thrombocytopenia

Psychiatric Disorders

Abnormal Dreaming

Aggressive Reaction

Agitation

Anorexia

Anxiety

Confusion

Delirium

Depression

Emotional Liability

Hallucination

Impaired Concentration

Impotence

Manic Reaction

Mental Deficiency

Nervousness

Paranoia

Sleep Disorders

Somnolence

Withdrawal Syndrome

Suicide

Red Blood Cell Disorders

Anemia

Reproductive Disorders

Ejaculation Failure

Resistance Mechanism Disorders

Fungal Infections

Genital Moniliasis

Respiratory System Disorders

ARDS

Asthma

Coughing

Dyspnea

Haemoptysis

Hypoxia

Pleural Effusion

Respiratory Insufficiency

Respiratory Failure

Skin and Appendages Disorders

Erythema Nodosum

Genital Pruritus

Increased Sweating

Skin Disorders

Skin Exfoliation

Skin Ulceration

Urticaria

Urinary System Disorders

Abnormal Renal Function

Acute Renal Failure

Face Edema

Crystalluria

Cylindruria

Hematuria

Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders

Cerebrovascular Disorder

Phlebitis

Vision Disorders

Abnormal Vision

Conjunctivitis

Diplopia

Retina Damage

Cornea Damage

Ophthalmologic Abnormalities

Cataracts

Multiple Punctate Lenticular Opacities

White Cell and RES Disorders

Granulocytopenia

Leukocytosis

Leukopenia

Lymphadenopathy

WBC Abnormal Count

Allergic Pneumonitis

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactoid Reaction

Dysphonia

Abnormal EEG

Encephalopathy

Eosinophilia

Erythema Multiforme

Hemolytic Anemia

Multi System Organ Failure (Death)

Increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) Prothrombin Time

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Tendon Rupture

Torsades de Pointes

Vasodilation

This is but a small sampling of various adverse reactions associated with such therapy.

This list goes on and on and on and on and on. The physician has no clue as to what these drugs can and will do to a patient. There is no known treatment for a majority of the severe reactions. Such reactions DO NOT abate once therapy is discontinued in a subset of those so treated and the current research indicates that such events are to be considered permanent in nature.

David T Fuller
Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation
davidtfull@aol.com
www.fqresearch.org

The following are the known, listed and published adverse drug events associated with fluoroquinolone therapy. Floxin is a chemotherapuetic antibiotic belonging to this class:

Adverse effects related to fluoroquinolones
Asthenia

Edema

Fever

Malaise

Rigors

Substernal Chest Pain

Syncope

Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiac Failure

Circulatory Failure

Hypertension

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders

Abnormal Coordination

Coma

Convulsions

Seizures

Hyperkinesia

Hypertonia

Hypoaesthesia

Involuntary Muscle Contractions

Paresthesia

Paralysis

Speech Disorders

Stupor

Tremor

Vertigo

Gastrointestinal System Disorders

Dry Mouth

Dysphagia

Gastroenteritis

G.I.Hemorrhage

Pancreatitis

Pseudomembranous Colitis

Tongue Edema

Hearing and Vestibular Disorders

Ear Disorders

Tinnitus

Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders

Arrhythmia

Atrial Fibrillation

Bradycardia

Cardiac Arrest

Heart Block

Palpitation

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Tachycardia

Ventricular Fibrillation

Hematology

Decreased Lymphocytes

Liver and Biliary System Disorders

Abnormal Hepatic Function

Cholelithiasis

Hepatic Coma

Jaundice

Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders

Aggravated Diabetes

Mellitus

Decreased Glucose

Decreased Magnesium

Increased Calcium

Dehydration

Hyperglycemia

Hyperkalemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypokalemia

Increased LDH

Weight Loss

Musculo-Skeletal System Disorders

Arthralgia

Arthritis

Arthrosis

Muscle Weakness

Myalgia

Osteromyelitis

Rhabdomyolysis

Synovitis

Tendinitis

Myo, Endo, Pericardial and Valve Disorders

Angina

Pectoris

Coronary Thrombosis

Myocardial Infarction

Neoplasms

Carcinoma

Parosmia

Platelet, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders

Abnormal Platelets

Embolism

Epistaxis

Purpura

Thrombocytopenia

Psychiatric Disorders

Abnormal Dreaming

Aggressive Reaction

Agitation

Anorexia

Anxiety

Confusion

Delirium

Depression

Emotional Liability

Hallucination

Impaired Concentration

Impotence

Manic Reaction

Mental Deficiency

Nervousness

Paranoia

Sleep Disorders

Somnolence

Withdrawal Syndrome

Suicide

Red Blood Cell Disorders

Anemia

Reproductive Disorders

Ejaculation Failure

Resistance Mechanism Disorders

Fungal Infections

Genital Moniliasis

Respiratory System Disorders

ARDS

Asthma

Coughing

Dyspnea

Haemoptysis

Hypoxia

Pleural Effusion

Respiratory Insufficiency

Respiratory Failure

Skin and Appendages Disorders

Erythema Nodosum

Genital Pruritus

Increased Sweating

Skin Disorders

Skin Exfoliation

Skin Ulceration

Urticaria

Urinary System Disorders

Abnormal Renal Function

Acute Renal Failure

Face Edema

Crystalluria

Cylindruria

Hematuria

Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders

Cerebrovascular Disorder

Phlebitis

Vision Disorders

Abnormal Vision

Conjunctivitis

Diplopia

Retina Damage

Cornea Damage

Ophthalmologic Abnormalities

Cataracts

Multiple Punctate Lenticular Opacities

White Cell and RES Disorders

Granulocytopenia

Leukocytosis

Leukopenia

Lymphadenopathy

WBC Abnormal Count

Allergic Pneumonitis

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactoid Reaction

Dysphonia

Abnormal EEG

Encephalopathy

Eosinophilia

Erythema Multiforme

Hemolytic Anemia

Multi System Organ Failure (Death)

Increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) Prothrombin Time

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Tendon Rupture

Torsades de Pointes

Vasodilation

This is but a small sampling of various adverse reactions associated with such therapy.

This list goes on and on and on and on and on. The physician has no clue as to what these drugs can and will do to a patient. There is no known treatment for a majority of the severe reactions. Such reactions DO NOT abate once therapy is discontinued in a subset of those so treated and the current research indicates that such events are to be considered permanent in nature.

David T Fuller
Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation
davidtfull@aol.com
www.fqresearch.org