I took 4 500 mg doses of Levaquin for a sinus infection on Aug 19...

Read all Levaquin side effects

Posted at 9:16 PM on Jan 10, 2009 by kvon, #37901

I took 4 500 mg doses of Levaquin for a sinus infection on Aug 19-22 2008. I am now almost 5 months out. I suffered multiple adverse reactions and have been waiting to post to see how things resolved. I am 39 years old and in excellent health. I rarely see doctors and have never had anything chronic. This is what I experienced: extreme fatigue, all over muscle soreness/stiffness, severe headaches, tingling/numbness in hands/feets, serious shoulder problems requiring ortho, physical therapy and chiropractor, irregular heart rhythm, irregular kidney function, constant ringing in my ears, impaired vision. Currently most of these are resolved except irregular kidney function (although this has improved), shoulder issues (not normal yet) and ringing in my ears. You can't judge the full scope of your reaction by your body's initial reaction. As time unfolds you will get the big picture of how this drug harms the various systems of the body. I can not begin to explain how taking this drug has impacted my life and my family. I have 3 children to take care of. I thank God that I am healing and have now resumed almost all of my daily activities. I pray that I will soon be back to full health. This is absolute madness. I am so sorry that so many of us have been injury in such a way.

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Reply 10 months ago on Jan 11, 2009 by rosaria67, #15884

Unfortunately, the medical community in general, does not believe that antibiotics can do this to people. It's so hard to find a doctor who will believe. I, like you, suffered multiple adverse reactions to this terrible drug. It's been over a year now, and while I am also recovering, I still have some lingering problems. I wish you well. I believe we need to continue spreading the word about what these fluoroquinolones can do. They should only be used in life or death situations, but they are handed out for the mildest of infections.

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Reply 10 months ago on Jan 11, 2009 by antileviquin, #15904

I am sorry to hear this has happen to yet another person. You are absolutely correct in everything you said. I wish there was a way we could get people to understand the nature of these reactions. I keep seeing people who ask "how long until this stuff is out of my system". If only it were that easy. As you said, the DAMAGE done by this stuff is long term and you can't possibly predict what is yet to come. The "second wave" was the worst for me. Please be careful with the shoulder. I thought I was almost over it when my distal bicep tendon ruptured. BE CAREFUL!!!

I wish you well.

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Reply 9 months ago on Jan 14, 2009 by carmichael1950, #15987

I am experiencing tremors and terrible headaches after taking 500 ml Levaquin from Dec 16 to 20 2008. I wonder if I will survive this condition.

When I went to ER on Dec 20 I was trembling like a tree in a storm, more on the right side than the left, without control. I was having difficulty breathing and talking, and walking was a challenge. I was diagnosed with anxiety and given Atavan, which did help the symptoms for a time. I stopped the Levaquin after 4 doses on Dec 20.

I have very poor focus mentally on day to day details. I drift in my mind over memories of the past without any real pattern. I remember events I have not thought about for many years, and most often sad memories.

I hope I will recover from the neurological effects I am having including dark thoughts and depression soon.

These "rare" Central Nervous System side effects I am now having are not rare at all, and I thank you for posting the real story.

You appear to be better and that is very encouraging. I wish you well and may your message reach others soon.

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