August 24th
2007
5:51 AM
I've been on Lisinopril for about five months. I'm a female, age 47 taking 20 mg once a day. My BP was 150/90 but now low at 100/62. Doc says my young age can support low BP for now. The chest pain and leg twitches are the worst. I'm constantly tired and find a lot of times that I just can't think clearly. I often awake at night with arms that have gone to sleep. Not sure though if the symptoms are from Lisinopril or the low blood pressure that it creates.
Wish me luck because I've decided to stay on the meds but try some lifestyle changes instead. I quit smoking two days ago but have often gone over a week and then caved for a cigarette. Only smoke about five cigs a day anyhow. Started walking when I quit, starting at a mile first (1/2 uphill.) Technically, I"m not overweight by charts but have never weighed this much in my life before. I"ve always had a slender, tall frame until just six years ago (turned 40?).
Also, not sure how much is stress related at every level of my symptoms. Working through a separation and hopefully divorce.. For now doc says stick with this med and lifestyle changes will win out.
-- By letitia | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 31th
2004
6:42 AM
leg twitches when at rest. I am liptor 10 for four months. There are a sudden onset (1 week). I dont know for sure what is wrong. Anyone with similar symptoms, I would be really interested in hearing from you.
Thanks
-- By rsaric | Reply | Private Message me
May 13th
2003
5:19 PM
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.
April 28th
2009
5:57 PM
I have had Type 1 Diabetes for many years (54) without any complications of the disease - until I had a mild stroke. Which didn't affect me. Now my doctor makes me take Lipitor. From the very start of taking 10mg Lipitor per day, I got muscle cramps and leg twitches whilst in bed; muscle weaknesses; I even got Plantar Fasciitis and now I limp slightly in that foot. Before I took Lipitor I used to sleep like a baby. Lipitor has made me from a relatively healthy person despite having Diabetes to what feels like an old lady at aged 55. I know it is Lipitor as when I stop taking the drug all unpleasant side effects mentioned above cease. The trouble is my doctor won't give my Insulin without Lipitor and I need Insulin to live, of course. So I am forced to take Lipitor. I find that exercise such as a good long walk during the daytime helps; without it (eg in bad weather when I cannot get outside) the effects of Lipitor are much worse. My cholesterol readings and blood pressure are always good (even before the stroke) so why should I have to be almost crippled by Lipitor?
-- By frantee | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me