Strep throat symptoms and conditions

I started taking 750mg of Levaquin last Thursday, March 20, 2008, for a strep throat infection that was not responding to 500 mg. of Penicillin. I took Levaquin last summer due to another bad throat infection and had absolutely no side effects. However, this time I am experiencing a raft of them, from awful insomnia and sluggishness and tiredness, to sever headaches and coughing. I suffer from depression and this is effecting my reaction to the depression medication. I am feeling more depressed.

A few days ago, my head started to hurt near my left eye, and my skull became very sensitive on the top left side, midway between the middle of the skull and my left ear. If I cough, it feels as if my head is about to explode. To make matters worse, whenever I try to speak, I start coughing , which in turn hurts my head. My head is painful to the touch.

This is awful. Can anyone help me out with some pain relief or something?

Mikal

Here is a new one...I have most of the above mentioned as well, mainly stomach upset..but has anyone else had problems or extreme bloating from IV narcotics or painkillers?? I broke a rib and went to ER..they gave me IV Dilaudid, another time I went to ER for severe strep throat given same IV painkiller..both time after about 10 minutes I bloated up like I was nine months and my lips turned blue and cold..I thought i was having a heart attack. Very painful...I thought it was because I no longer have my gall bladder...ER docs said that is no correlation....is it the YASMIN??? Anyone??

Hello,

I have just gone through a series of tests and a heart cath over the holidays. I have MVP and two other leaky valves. I have known about these since I was 28, I am now 62. I have had problems with the valves, skipped beats, faster beats early on in diagnosis. Just this Nov., I started with problems again, thus the tests were completed. They found Ven. Fib, fast and skipped beats, therefore putting me on the Toprol XL Tab SA. I have only been on this 7 days. New Year's Day, 4 days after the heart cath, I started with fever and chills, only to find out 2 days ago I have full blown strep throat. This makes me wonder if I had this before the heart cath was performed, as I had complete exhaustion,.... anyhow, I took myself to my family doc and she is taking me off of the Toprol and after reading all of your reports I am very glad. She treats me with herbs and has for years, until this episode, I have been very well, I am actually an energizer bunny due to her efforts! So I am working with her on herbs to build my system back up and support for the heart. I hope the rest of you can find a way to wellness that works for you. I know many people don't believe in herbs but I firmly do! Don't be afraid to try herbs if you can afford it! I am 62 and don't look it or act it, like I said until this episode and it truly makes me wonder if it wasn't the infection playing the biggest part. What concerns me is why that was not caught in the first place? Anyhow, take heed to your own body warnings, other people do not know what is transpiring inside of you, only you can know this. Thank you Doctor ** for keeping me well!

I started taking Levaquin for strep throat. I am 22 years old and it good health. I was supposed to take it for 5 days. During the 5 days my stomach felt a bit uneasy, but I was expecting that because i usually have a small stomach ache when taking anti-biotic. On the fourth day i ended up bed ridden. I woke up with severe diarrhea, and threw up. I attempted to go to work, but my symptoms got worse. I ended up in bed with severe stomach and body pain for the rest of the day not able to move or hold anything down. If i tried to drink or eat anything i either threw it up or had diarrhea. It was worse than the flu. I then looked up side effects of Levaquin and found the following: feeling restless or anxious; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain; headache, drowsiness, dizziness;sleep problems (insomnia). I fell under each of those categories. This drug is evil. They said keep taking it but consult with your Dr... yea right. I was DONE with it. I'd rather get strep again than go through that again! DON'T TAKE LEVAQUIN!

I was prescribed Loratabs due to strep throat and an ear infection, these are the side effects I've noticed:

Happiness, difficulty to sleep, itching (Benadryl helps) two doses in the span of about 10hrs I became extremely nauseous.

I was prescribed Levaquin for seven days in August for a strep throat infection. I took a "frontload" dose of 750mg and four doses of 500mg. I got off it after the 5th day due to strange feelings of tingling, burning, stiffness, and pain in my feet, ankles, knees, and hips.

For the first week or so after discontinuing Levaquin, I could barely hobble around due to the stiffness and pain in my legs. I took an Aleve every twelve hours for about 10 days, which helped a lot. As someone on this board suggested, I also tried drinking Ensure (apparently the calcium and magnesium helps to counteract the effects of the drug). Can't really say whether it did much, but at least I felt like I was doing something to repair the damage. I laid off vigorous exercise but tried to maintain some moderate activity so as not to let my muscles weaken.

I'm relieved to report the symptoms diminished over time. After about two weeks off Levaquin, I finally had a pain-free day. It's now been six weeks and I'm pretty much back to normal (though still being careful not to overstress my joints).

My heart goes out to anybody suffering from the side effects of this drug. I hope with care and patience you're able to recover. I feel lucky to get out of this without being crippled. I will NEVER take Levaquin again.

I was given seven days worth of Levaquin for a bad strep throat infection. I was frightened reading about some of the side effects, but I've had strep before and had a very hard time getting rid of it. The doctor at urgent care said Levaquin was "primo" for getting rid of infections, so I took a chance.

About the third day on the drug, I started to have minor tingling, burning, and "pins and needles" feeling in my hips and ankles. My knees were also slightly affected. I quit Levaquin after five days. I'm recovering, but my achilles tendons are still stiff and sore. I've definitely lost a step or two on this drug and wish I'd tried something else.

My doctor said joint pain was a "rare" side effect of Levaquin, but it sure doesn't sound like it reading this and other boards on the subject. This is scary stuff and should be avoided if there is any possible alternative.

Personally, after suffering a week with strep throat, fever, chills, throat and ear pain, nausea, and weakness, I would rather deal with the side effects for the five days I have to take this medicine anytime. At least then it will all be over.

I had strep throat, they gave me erthromicine- sorry about the spelling- I took it for two days, the worst two days of my life- I threw up constantly, couldn't sleep and gas like you wouldn't believe. Went back to doctor got sulfameth /trimethoprim. Have been taking it for 9 days, twice a day, almost done with the perscription and broke out in a huge rash. My internal temp is very hot but I get the chills and my throat muscles hurt now. Not like strep on the inside but when I turn my head- this sucks!

please help, I have been taking doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 7 days (strep throat). Today is the 4th day and I don't feel any better. I have stinging in my thumbs and index fingers it hurts very bad. can anybody help?

I've been taking Biaxon XL for the past week for strep throat. It has given me terrible nausea and diarrhea for most of that time. Called the doctor, but they claim there aren't a lot of antibiotics that treat strep and they won't give me anything in the penicilin family because I once had a rash. At this point I would risk the rash to not feel like crap.

I have taken many zpaks before because of repetitive sinus infections or strep throat. Had my tonsils removed 3 years ago and got bronchitis recently and was on a 3 day 500 mg per day dose of it and felt fine the first 2 days and just got hit with MAJOR diarrhea....felt like I lost 10lbs in bathroom for 15 mins. YUCK! Hopefully its flushing the sickness from me.

I was prescribed Omnicef for Strep throat and an ear infection. I have had strep throat several times in the past but this was my first time taking Omnicef. Besides not feeling better until about the 5th day of taking it, I got severe diarrhea and nausea. I contacted the doctor and he told me to "stick with it" and he was confident it would make me better. Two days after finishing every last pill the strep throat was back. I would never recommend this antibiotic to anyone and I refuse to ever take it again. I am now on Penicillen and began feeling better immediatly.

Let me tell you guys It has been horrible for me.
a) My doctor gave me a Zpak for a strep throat it was gone in a few days.
But a few weeks later I had a stomach pains that would not go away so then the doctor did a test for H Pylori the antibody test came back positive so then I was on PrevPak(which has Azithromycin) after the 2 week period of these drugs I had a infection come up in my growing area, had burning pain for peeing. It sucked because I was on a trip to Universal Studios and was in Miami for New Years Eve. Well after this went away I had another infection come again in the growing and now its finally starting to go away after the doctor gave me some fugal pills and medications for it. What a nigthmare. With all this going I had diary and hemoroids nasty situation and normally have mouth ulcers so can you image the past two months have been hell for me!!!

My 19 month old son was given Omnicef for strep throat. Within a day he broke out in a rash all over his body and his lips were swollen. He also had severe stomach pain. Dr. took him off the drug immediately and told me to give Benedryl. Told us to be prepared to take him to the ER if his swelling continued. He then switched to Zithromax and seems to be doing better but the rash is worse. I will never use this drug again.

I am not sure -- Trying to investigate-- Shortly after starting the med, I had strep throat and developed an unusual sinus condition where my sinuses do not drain in either direction. I have such "fullness" in my sinuses and throat that at times I feel as though I am drowning on my own secretions. I have had septoplasty and allergy testing to no avail. Now I think I can trace the symptoms back to beginning treatment with Lamictal.

Was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg tablet for 10 days to treat strep throat. I had never taken it before. I have finished it two days ago and now have a severe yeast infection. I've never had one from antibiotics before and it is to the point that I can't sleep. Has anyone else had this as a side effect before????

I took a Kenalog injection for allergies 9 years ago and swore I would never take another one. I had anxiety, depression, heart palpations, mood swings, high b/p and on and on...thought I was loosing my mind. Blood work showed I was post menapause and was put on hormones as well as anxiety meds and b/p meds. It took a few months to get somewhat back to normal. I could never get a medical professional to say the shot did it...but my "gut" said it did.

Nov. 15, 2006 I took another one, how STUPID. I had had strep throat, upper respiratory infection, seasonal asthma and was having a hard time bouncing back, before I knew it I had taken it again. It didn't seem to bother me for the first two weeks but then the blood pressure increase ( I was already taking a mild b/p pill), more anxiety than usual, rapid heart beat, mood swings, depression etc. returned. It took me a couple of days to figure out what was going on. My medical professional thought stress from the last few months was the contributing factor ( both my parents have died in the last 6 months and I had been caring for them for 2 years). I did not think that had caused the onset of all the above. I contacted my pharmacist who agreed with me that the shot was most likely the cause. Now I am stuck with all these horrible feelings until the shot wears off. I have been put on a much stronger b/p medication, which isn't working to it's full potential and I am taking zanax three times a day just to keep the anxiety at bay. Needless to say I have had them mark my medical chart..."ALLERGIC TO KENALOG". I will NEVER take another one.

Hi,
Earlier this week, I started taking Levaquin for strep throat. My regular doctor was out of town , so I went to a walk in clinic. Anyway, two later, I woke up with the worst spasms in my left shoulder and arm. I could barely lift my arm without screaming out in pain. The next morning, my right arm and shoulder were affected as well. I have had depression and bouts of sudden tears over the past five days. I read what you wrote after looking up side effects on the internet, and called my own doctor asap, since he had returned to work by then. He said that Levaquin was a very strong drug, and overkill medicine for strep throat. I mentioned my pains and he said that he knew Leva quin caused damage to children and teens, but not to adults. So I took it again, but the next day, the pain increased. It was a Saturday, so I called the covering doctor who said it was probably my Lipitor causing the pain. I told him I had taken Lipitor for three years without difficulty, he said that side effects from it can suddenly crop up. However, he did take me off the Levaquin and gave me the 5 day Z-pack.
When I picked up the new prescription at the drug store, I asked the pharmacist about Levaquin, and she said that more and more cases of damaged Achilles tendons and shoulder and arm problems were being reported due to Levicon. She asked if she should put it as a drug I am allergic to on my chart at the pharmacy. I said emphatically to list it. I went home and through out every levicon I had left. Obviously the makers of Levicon have kept this side effect pretty quiet. It is listed as a precaution, but it doesn't seem to stress enough what damage it can do.
If doctors aren't aware of this, the general public certainly wouldn't know, and yet so many cases are written up on the internet.
I think that it wopn't be too long until there IS a major law suit.
I hope my pain doesn't last, but if it lasts more than a week, I won't sit back and do nothing. I care too much about others who could be affected adversely by a dangerous drug.

Mary

Hi,
Earlier this week, I started taking Levaquin for strep throat. My regular doctor was out of town , so I went to a walk in clinic. Anyway, two later, I woke up with the worst spasms in my left shoulder and arm. I could barely lift my arm without screaming out in pain. The next morning, my right arm and shoulder were affected as well. I have had depression and bouts of sudden tears over the past five days. I read what you wrote after looking up side effects on the internet, and called my own doctor asap, since he had returned to work by then. He said that Levaquin was a very strong drug, and overkill medicine for strep throat. I mentioned my pains and he said that he knew Leva quin caused damage to children and teens, but not to adults. So I took it again, but the next day, the pain increased. It was a Saturday, so I called the covering doctor who said it was probably my Lipitor causing the pain. I told him I had taken Lipitor for three years without difficulty, he said that side effects from it can suddenly crop up. However, he did take me off the Levaquin and gave me the 5 day Z-pack.
When I picked up the new prescription at the drug store, I asked the pharmacist about Levaquin, and she said that more and more cases of damaged Achilles tendons and shoulder and arm problems were being reported due to Levicon. She asked if she should put it as a drug I am allergic to on my chart at the pharmacy. I said emphatically to list it. I went home and through out every levicon I had left. Obviously the makers of Levicon have kept this side effect pretty quiet. It is listed as a precaution, but it doesn't seem to stress enough what damage it can do.
If doctors aren't aware of this, the general public certainly wouldn't know, and yet so many cases are written up on the internet.
I think that it wopn't be too long until there IS a major law suit.
I hope my pains don't last, but if they persevere for more than a week, I won't sit back and do nothing. I care too much about others who could be affected adversely by such a dangerous drug.

No real side effect yet. This is my first day on the Zpak. I have had strep throat and was initally treated with keflex. After 9 days on Keflex, today I was put on the pak. So far I have a mild headache, but hopefully I will see a difference with my ear and throat soon. No major side effects noticed so far.

i am 22, and before the levaquin and tequin i was healthy and normal.
Last november while visiting family for thanksgiving, i came down with strepthroat. i couldnt get an appt with tricare so my mother gave me some tequin, she had used it for strep throat. Since then my life has been a living nightmare and it has been the worst year of my life. I took the tequin for 4 days. on the 4day, i left to go back to VA where i live. I got horribly sick that day, but thought nothing of it as my husband and son had gotten the 24 hr bug while we there. pretty soon i started having anxiety attacks and chest pain left and right. The came the stomache PAIN. I thought i was having appendicitis. I ended up going to the er once sometimes 2x a month for things like severe abdominal pain and chest pain, anxiety attacks going out of control, and unbearable migraines (which i had never had before.) i was diagnosed with lots of different things, IBS, Ulcer, pulled muscles, chest wall pain, and once even gall bladder dysfunction. So as a result of all that i have been perscribed all kinds of things for the pain the nausea the headaches the unbearable insomnia etc.
These things caused a major rift in my marriage. My husband has at a few times talked of divorce bc he couldnt stand the hypochondriac *as he put it* that i had become. I have thought i was going crazy, have contemplating hospitalitizing my self etc. Recently my PCM and I decided to try a perscription for depression. One of the major symptoms of depression is"persistand physical symptoms that DO NOT respond to treatment. Such as Headaches, digestive disorders and headaches." so i tryed it. Then a week ago i stepped on something outside and went to get a tetanus shot. They perscribed levaquin 750 mg a day for 5 days, and gave me a 750mg dose at the hospital. That was Monday. it is now 430 am on friday and this week has sucked. My side effects have included insomnia(even with my nightly ambien), nausea, burning/tingling in my entire right arm, chest pain, a sinus infection, knee pain, back pain, shoulder/neck stiffness, headaches, jitters, something kinda like blurred vision..like right on the verge of not being able to focus. Constipation, pain in my hands, and almost overwhelming fatigue.
regretably i had already taken todays dose, and i started feeling bad again so i decided to look up all my current meds online to see if maybe it was an interaction of sorts. I tried the levaquin last, as it is an antibiotic. After reading 9 pages of nothing but negative comments i decided to flush the remainder of the bottle of pills down the toilet. I plan on filing a compaint with the FDA. This is poisin and I cannot belive with all the side effects it is still on the market. I cannot believe that for almost a year my life has been a living, tormenting hell. And all b/c of something that is supposed to make things better? If you read this please stop taking the pills and see your doc about another alternative. I agree that the drug should be taken off the market and soon. i also agree that a class act lawsuit should be filed. These side effects LAST A LONG TIME, they interfere with your ability to function on a daily basis. I am very interested in talking with others about the problems with the side effect, and the longevity of them. My yahoo email/ID is ******* i would appreciate and be thankful for any advice, and i would also like to be in contact with others who have suffered as i have suffered.

I have been taking the med for about one week and things have gotten worse each day. I searched on the internet and found this website yesterday. I was experiencing extreme pain in my head, neck, and back. I was developing a red rash on my legs as well. It hurt to open my mouth or breathe and my throat felt like strep throat. I decided to go to the ER due to bizarre symptoms. It was a little similar to a really bad sinus infection. The Dr. checked everything and said I was completely healthy and had no infections in my body. He said he could not explain the fever and was concerned that it may be an exotic illness or a reaction to the medication. I quit taking the med and I am feelings much better. Why do people prescribe this terrible med, when there are so many other options for antibiotics?

I am taking Zpak for strep throat. I was treated with it because I am 23 and have had strep throat/ear infections very frequently lately and the other antibiotics do zip for me. I also work in child care, and wish to get my tonsils out ASAP! The first day I had eaten nothing all day, except for drinking water. (Because my doctors office sent me to the ER, they thought I had menengitis. I DID NOT!) The medication said may take with or without food... DO TAKE WITH FOOD. Even the CVS pharmacist said so after my boyfriend called and said that I had thrown up from it. Eat with it. It has made me 1) Throw up, 2) Feel Nautious, 3) Have Diarrhea, 4) Not Feel Better Yet. It's day 4 and I better feel better soon!!! Also, I was told these are not allergic reactions. If you don't need this medication, ask for SOMETHING ELSE!!

My daughter was given Avelox for strep throat. She took one pill and vomitted. She even took it with some food but it didn't matter. Even when she was instructed to take 1/2 a pill, with food, she still vomitted. Had to change to another medication.