Exacerbates symptoms and conditions

I began Lipitor shortly after a mild heart attack 20 months ago. Initially the ere were no side effects and I resumed normal physical activity gradually. After 8 months, I was able to get back to running 8 - 10 kms. per day. HOWEVER, about 5 months ago, I began experienceing tingling in my feet and lower limbs, primarily on the right side. Cholesterol levels were acceptable but bounced around a bit. I also found that I couldn't run as far or as fast - in fact, had to cut the distance down to less than half. The tingling has increased and runs from hip to toes. The toes are becoming increasingly numb. I have also developed a debilitating ache in my right gluteous. It's so painful that sleeping only on my back decreases the discomfort. Any other position is impossible. Sitting is painful and exacerbates the pain. It takes nearly an hour each morning before I am able to move about with bearable pain. The doctor had increased my dosage to 40 mg three weeks ago just prior to the increase in the intensity of these symptoms. I've taken myself off this drug because my quality of life has suffered dramatically. My fear is that these symptoms may not disappear but may be permanent.

No new side effects, just want to reiterate what Levaquin did to me. What I resent is that no doctor involved ever mentioned problematic and painful side effects of the drug, yet when I had to be admitted to the emergency room for severe muscle and joint pains, the first thing the ER doctor said was "Levaquin causes painful, swollen joints and severe muscle and tendon pain, including rupture of the Achilles tendon."

Amazing that an unknown ER doctor, who had seen my case for less than 5 minutes, immediately caught and explained the cause of my problems. Thank God I hadn't forced myself to exercise, which I had considered doing, as I have now read on this website that exercise exacerbates the problem and could have caused ruptured tendons.

My main symptoms, which gradually grew worse as I continued the drug for 10 days, were metallic taste in my mouth, feeling of tiredness and heaviness in my body, increasing muscle and joint pain, especially in my knees, eventually spreading down the back of my legs toward my ankles. When I finally gave up and went to the Emergency Room, I could barely walk in; had to hold on to walls, chairs, etc. just to stay upright.

The ER doctor stopped the Levaquin and started me on Ibuprofin to combat the inflammation of the joints. (yet another drug??) So far it has been 24 hours since I stopped the Levaquin and I feel a little better - can almost walk again. I hope and pray the side effects will go away quickly, but I'm concerned since reading other people's lingering problems.

Thank you for this forum; I wish I had discovered it sooner!

PS: Restless Leg Syndrome: Probably caused by magnesium and calcium depletion, as the diuretic-effect of Neurontin exacerbates electrolyte imbalance. You should fast-fast have your doctor check this, and see what supplements you should take (potassium also affects muscle function, as erll, but it's a complicated and delicate balance.) JanK