October 20th
2008
10:45 PM
I started taking Femcon Fe a month ago (I'm wrapping up my first pack now). I wanted to make this post because prior to starting this pill, I like you, did my online research to see what others had to say... and it seriously freaked me out. I was horrified, but I already had the prescription so I figured I'd give it a shot. After being well informed of all possible side effects and aware of what to look out for, I began the pill and just waited for the problems to begin. NOTHING HAPPENED. I never got a headache or nauseous. I actually lost a little bit of my appetite (which I was actually quite excited about) and my period... which has always been a full and heavy SEVEN days long quickly turned to FOUR LIGHT DAYS! And this happened instantly. The fact that they're chewable is awesome and they taste fine... the brown pills are gross... but I just take them with a glass of water to avoid chewing. I would definitely recommend giving this pill a try and seeing how YOUR body reacts because everyone is different. I hope it goes well for you as it has been for me.
-- By gurlie | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 25th
2008
3:50 AM
Boy, this could take a while. Have been on generic Levoxyl for more than 7 yrs(can't say exactly how long since I stay "fuzzy headed" all the time). Anyway, about a yr ago I became so depressed I went off all my meds -- I'm a diabetic on insulin and also have high blood pressure. I felt good!To try and make this story a little shorter, I went on a diet and lost 70 lbs -- went from 310 down to 240. Then I went back on meds. In less than a yr, have regained all the weight I lost. Also, my legs swell and ache so badly it makes walking painful. Hands, wrists and knees throb constantly. Intermittent headaches so bad I have to wear sunglasses just to tolerate indoor lighting. Hair loss is so severe I'm considering a wig. Skin is dry and itchy and lotions help not at all. Any work I have to do I must accomplish before noon because by early afternoon the fatigue is debilitating. I'm currently on 300mcg of Levothyroxine (up from 250mcg 2 months ago) and doctor wants to increase dosage even more. Had no idea there were other people suffering the same problems until I stumbled upon this site. I take the medication as prescribed (with perhaps less than the recommended full glass of water) but plenty of coffee. Discovered on another site that the coffee may be inhibiting the drug's absorption. I feel so helpless/hopeless. Am considering going back off the Levothyroxine but am seriously worried about high T3/T4 levels. Thanks for listening; guess I just needed to vent.
-- By lorrieps | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 21th
2008
7:54 PM
Yes, I have been taking Vytorin 10/40 for about 10 months, and it did reduce my cholesterol and triglycerides to 'normal', however, I slowly developed (initially) some 3 months back, problems in my left solder, diagnosed eventually as 'rotator cuff' ligament damage, however, it came on slowly and progressively worsened. I had not done anything strenuous to develop such a condition. It became so bad that I was basically redd to using my right arm. On top of this, the muscles in my lower arms became sore and felt strained even lifting a glass of water was painful. My Doctor was informed of increasing on-going muscle problems, did an emzine muscle test, which turned out to be 'clear'. And I also lost my sexual drive gradually.
I went off taking Vytorin a week ago on my own gut feeling, and my arm muscles and left shoulder have improved. I am also hoping no permanent damage. I am moving to a much higher exercise regime to 'burn' cholesterol and reduce triglycerides, and in the mean time look for 'natural' solutions as well.
I am not impressed with the medical responses I got, along with miss-diagnosed muscle / tendon supposed 'rotator cuff' serious problem that developed in my left shoulder, which I suspect may never be the same functionally. I recommend looking at other alternatives and natural remedies, this is my course of action. MM
September 19th
2008
8:53 PM
Hi- I was on Lopressor 50mgs. twice a day for my slightly elevated BP, MVP, SVT, palpitations, and anxiety attacks. Started having some intermittent chest pain (not bad, just annoying). Dr. switched me to Toprol XL 100 mg/day. Of course, insurance made me get Metoprolol ER 100 mg/day (the generic) but I haven't had a problem with it!! I love taking just 1 pill a day instead of having to juggle the two pills and remembering if and when I took them. I take the pill every morning with breakfast (which is usually an apple and a small bowl of cereal and a glass of water). I have gained some weight since being on the Lopressor, but I started the Dash Diet and have lost about 8 lbs. in about 4 months, not too good but I'm not following the diet as well as I should be! I also get tired and occasionally have problems with hearburn and gas, but anytime you take any kind of medication you will have side effects. Wish I didn't have to take any meds but am not willing to subject myself to the effects of high blood pressure, I would rather have the side effects from the meds. My BP is usually 110/75 now and my heart rate is around 70-75. I'm 47 years old and feeling like I might make it into my 90's now!!
-- By suzzyquzzy101 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 11th
2008
9:09 AM
I am currently taking levaquin for a sinus and double inner ear infection, i have also taken this antibiotic before,i am 35 years old. I think this drug works wonderfully and tell the doctor this drug works the best for me.i have noticed a harder time falling asleep if i take it too late in the evening and some mild stomach cramping if i do not eat at least 2 hours prior to taking it.i also take it with a full glass of water.some of the side affects listed in this blog that people are describing are normal if you read your insert that comes with the medication.And if you follow the directions and eat and drink with a full glass of water the side effects are not as severe.Unless you are allergic to the drug,i do not find it bothersome knowing i will not be taking it forever and it is just temporary that i will be having a hard time falling asleep.i do eventually fall asleep.My suggestion while taking this medication if you are in reasonably good health,is to read the directions about eating and drinking plenty of water and don't panic,that just makes things worse.
-- By cherylathomas | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
September 2th
2008
8:12 PM
I think some of the severe symptoms reported here are just that.. severe, and as advised on the drug information insert they can happen, and should be reported to your doctor. We are led to believe our doctors will stop the meds and try something else. If they are not willing to do that, or try to convince us it's all in our heads then... we should stop the meds ourselves and find another dr. These side effects are real, and scary. I've stopped cholesterol meds for that reason. I don't need a dr. to tell me to stop... I know my body, and how I feel and know when something isn't right.
I've been on Lisinopril for two weeks now. I was initially on the diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide, but had so much arrhythmia that I thought my heart would jump out of my throat. The dr. discontinued that after less than a week, and put me on Lisinopril. I am a bit dizzy sometimes, and do have a mild cough, but I had the cough before the meds so I can't really blame it on that. However, for all those with the problem of coughing and headaches... I read at drugs.com that you should take this medication with a full glass of water, and drink lots of water throughout the day. This tip was not in the drug handout and I thought that odd. Something so easy, and yet left out. Luckily, I drink water at my desk all day at work. This weekend while home I didn't drink water and had a horrible headache the entire time. I never connected it until I read that you should drink lots of water. Back to work today and drinking water and my headache is gone. It's worth a try, it might help. My husband is on Lisinopril/HCTZ combo, has been for at least 3-4 years with no adverse side effects.
We are all different, medication effects all of us in different ways. I hope I never experience the kinds of side effects I'm reading about here. If so, I'll be off the drug in short order. My dr. told me there are loads of other medications we can try. While there are side effects to everything we take, mild is ok but no one should put up with life altering and/or life threatening side effects like what I am reading here.
-- By laurel08 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
July 3th
2008
10:17 PM
I am a 56 y/o female who started on Fosamax last Sunday. I have a dx of osteopenia. I followed the directions of taking pill with full glass of water and remained upright for 30 minutes before having anything to eat. I was fine on Sunday but on Monday I woke with SEVERE bone pain! My whole rib cage, back, knees and heels were hurting so bad. It felt like I had pain in every bone in my body. I could not take in a full deap breath as my rib cage was hurting so bad. I could not bend or turn without terrible pain. My energy level was zero. I immediately called my doctor who told me to hold the Fosamax (ya think?) and ordered Vit D lab levels. Apparently when you Vit D levels are off (don't know if too high or too low) you can suffer this bone pain. I am awaiting the results. The pain is better today and I was told it takes 5 days to get out of your system. I only wish I had done my homework and found this site before taking this poison. I have to say I'm a registered nurse and know that ALL medications have side effects and everyone responds to meds differently. Some side effects subside as your body gets use to it and some can experience severe allergic reactions. But it's important to weigh the risk vs the benefit. I would rather deal with osteopenia in another way. So my search begins for alternatives to Fosamax for good bone health. Has anyone had good results with other supplements/meds?
-- By ldyjanern | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 2th
2008
2:25 PM
been taking chantix for about 6 weeks now. finally stopped smoking a week ago although was down to a pack a week instead of a pack a day. I really only smoked those because I had them and I think I was smoking them just to get rid of them. Went to a wedding yesterday outside - people were smoking at my table and I didn't want one. I honestly feel like I've never smoked before except for one craving a day which lasts for a few minutes - before I know it - it's gone. I have been experiencing heart palpitations but it's HOURS after I have taken the pill - I had a pill at 8 am and it's now 2:30 and its like I'm having an anxiety attack. The dreams are vivid - bizarre - none scary though. nausea sometimes when taking the pill - I find that a LARGE glass of water helps.
-- By ihopethisworks | Reply | Private Message me
May 24th
2008
12:28 AM
my husband had never been one to go to G.P.s or have reason to take prescription medication( not even an aspirin ) . Finally had a medical test- Cholesterol was high- was not given a chance to change his eating habits- and was placed on LIPITOR ( this was 18 months ago ) and since- everything has gone downhill from there. He has suffered nausea, blacked out, had headaches/tingling sensation,chest pains, aching/fatigue to legs/feet and arms. - shoulder pain- has problems getting up from bed or from sitting position- has generally lost power in his arms and legs. His doctor was advised over the past several months of his pains- but had no idea what caused them and changed the script to Crestor. ( still a Statin drug ). Have ( on good avice from chemist assistant ) now got him on daily dose of Q10- and he ( 2 weeks ago ) decided to stop taking the Lipitor or any other cholesterol lowering statin drug- of his own choosing. He has had several visits to podiatrist to help alleviate the pain to his feet - which are sore and swollen. His liver levels were also high at on stage. All this has happened to him sine he started the Lipitor statin. Prior to this- He has never had previous medical conditions or medication. Seems to point the finger at one reason- LIPITOR !!!!!- THEY CANT BLAME IT ON ANYTHING ELSE. Just want him to get back some energy. He is 56. One more story to add to the thousands of complaints, Why isn't anyone in the medical field / lawyers commenced a full investigation to all these complaints? thousands of people cant be wrong. Bring on Erin B.
-- By tkphelan | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 22th
2008
11:04 PM
FOR THE LAST 2 YRS OFF & ON I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE KILLER DRUG DIOVAN 160/12.5 MG AND, YES IT'S BEEN TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!! WHERE DO I START ....... CHEST PAIN,HAIR LOSS, LEG CRAMPS, SORE FEET, BACK PAIN, ARM PAIN, KNEE PAIN , SHORTNESS OF BREATH . LAST YR MY LEGS HURT SO BAD MY DOCTOR STARTED TO PUT ME ON MEDICATION FOR RLS ( RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME) ......PLEASE IF YOU JUST STARTED THIS MED STOP RIGHT NOW !! GET YOU SOME APPLE CIDER VINEGAR W/ MOTHER(MOTHER) TAKE 2 TEASPOON W/ 8OZ GLASS OF WATER OR JUICE 3 TIMES A DAY AND, WATCH YOUR BP DROP AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS YOUR BP SHOULD BE NORMAL THEN START TAKING IT ONLY IN THE MORNING AND AT NIGHT
-- By cunningham | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 13th
2008
1:03 PM
My doc assured me that it wasn't possible that my hoarseness was due to a residual build-up of the med on my vocal chords. I raised the question, "If there could not be any build up, why the need to rinse ones mouth after each use." I was told I needed to do that to prevent thrush. That's all well and good but still leaves my query a bit open. It stands to reason that if one could get thrush from the medication being in ones mouth, one could also have other problems from it being in ones system.
I've been doing research on asthma and other medical issues. If you want to do some good reading, look up Dr. Mercola. Also, look up MMS. Interesting stuff. I also found one woman's recommendation that at the start of a wheeze, let some sea salt dissolve in your mouth and then drino a glass of water. (Those with problems taking salt in should be careful about that.) And also, drink more water and check out your overall nutrition and fitness levels. Positively impacting those may make changes you'd be surprised by!
Jack Lalanne spoke against refined sugars and becoming fit way back in the 50's and not many listened. Look at a current photo of him today, a man in his 90's, and think about it. Look up sugars on Mercola's webpage as well. I had no idea the things sugar can do to ones body.
Blessings
-- By unicycle_granny | Reply | Private Message me
April 25th
2008
7:07 PM
I have been on Doxy now for about 6 weeks for a couple chronic infections. I have noticed it does make me sick to my stomach when I take it on an empty stomach. Well, about three days ago I started to feel like maybe I was having heartburn but it was a different feeling. I felt like I had food stuck in my esophagus and it hurt right at the end about where the breast bone ends and up in my throat. I felt like it was spasming and the pain would refer to my jaw. I have never had heartburn much and certainly nothing like this. I hurt all day long and the pain was worse when I ate or drank. Of course I was freaking out until I saw on this site that Doxy can cause damage and apparently a lot of pain. I think it was my fault though because I didn't always take it with a full glass of water and I often took it right before I went to bed and sometimes while I was still in bed. No one told me not to lay down after taking it or anything. The only info i got was a little explanation that it can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting so take it with some food if that occurs. Well, i would definitely recommend taking it with some food an apple or something and not before you go to bed, and drink a lot of water with it!!!
I have a Dr. apt next week but I am going to try not taking it for a few days to see if the pain lessens.
April 20th
2008
9:15 PM
For only three days I have been taking 2 squirts of Nasonex in each nostril once a day. At the end of day 3, I have developed terrible hand tremors (like Parkinson's) whenever I pick up a glass of water or something heavy.
I know it's from the Nasonex because I didn't have this ever before!
It's very scary. Also, I have had really confusing, freaky dreams at night.
It's going in the garbage!!!
April 3th
2008
7:47 PM
I have been taking this medicine for a UTI for a few days and today all of the sudden I had an uncontrollable need to pee every few minutes. When I did there was a burning sensation and the immediate need to pee again. So I looked up the medication and saw online that you are supposed to drink a whole glass of water with each pill. I started chugging water and the burning and need to pee went away after and hour or so. Very strange, but maybe it will help someone else.
-- By blackstar | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 8th
2008
9:29 PM
hi,
i have been on 100 mgs twice daily for bulls eye rash. i am awaiting initial lab results.
anyhow in the morning or whenever my stomach is empty.(told to take on empty stomach via enclosed pamphlet courtesy of pharmacy) The nausea takes over i try to get a piece of toast down it is agonizing! then when the nausea calms down, i them have burping problems the rest of the day also having slight boughs of dizziness. i want to quit after 9 days. i am really not eating because of the discomfort. these are my synopsis of issues with this med.
cc
February 26th
2008
9:49 AM
The drug insert for Doxycycline says to take the medicine with a full glass of water, and it warns not to lie down for a half hour after taking the drug. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. Doxycycline, along with a number of other drugs, is quite corrosive.
I was on doxy for about a week when I woke up with the feeling of something caught in my throat. I had taken it with a full glass of water, but I had laid down immediately. I guess the pill had found its way back up to my throat. That night, I went to the hospital, did a barium swallow, and I eventually had an endoscopy to check out the damage. Thankfully it subsided after a couple weeks, but I had horrible pill-induced Esophagitis. I couldn't even drink water without pain and a feeling that I was choking. I didn't eat solids for 2 weeks, took double-dose Nexium, and I had to sleep SITTING UP because I also have silent acid-reflux, but when this happened, I could feel it intensely. I was lucky it wasn't perforated.
Anyway, lesson learned. Always follow the instructions. This can also happen with NSAIDs like Advil, btw.
-- By sarie8712 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 6th
2006
1:15 PM
Feeling like I was choking. I felt like something was blocking my windpipe and it was from swelling in the throat.
-- By missbarb | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
Doxycycline Hyclate (3) Sulfamethoxazole (1) Advair Diskus (1) Levaquin (1) Chantix (1) Fosamax (1) Levoxyl (1) Nasonex (1) Diovan (1) Femcon FE (1) Vytorin (1) Lipitor (1) Boniva (1) Lisinopril (1) Synthroid (1) Toprol-XL (1)
November 13th
2008
9:50 AM
Took my Boniva pill on a Saturday morning, like it said, empty stomach big glass of water, by 10pm that night, I was doubled over, cramping, wanted to puke but couldn't, I would have sworn I had the flu but no fever etc. The next week, I could hardly walk, I hurt every place, my chest and upper back were really bad, if I didn't know better I would have sworn I pulled a muscle or was having a heart attack, I had very bad jaw pain....it took several weeks to feel better, I felt like a grandma and I am only 45 y/o, with osteopenia, and a history of stress fractures...I would rather have my skin peeled off then ever take this again! I am eating yogurt like crazy and munching on tums. I found another website with HUNDREDS of complaints, of the drug along with complaints of all the others like this...I do not understand how they even still have this on the market....honest to god I want to sue....trying to find a class action suit...not for money..I just want this off the market!!!!
-- By momof3_grandma3 | Reply | Private Message me