Biaxin side effects

I took biaxin for HPylori & it was terrible. I had the most disgusting taste in my mouth, I was constantly brushing my teeth, flossing, it was so gross. Then my brain started getting fuzzy. I was driving my daughter & her room mate back to college & we are on the interstate & all of a sudden I cannot remember where I am or how to get to the college. It was so scary & I didn't want the girls to know they had a wigged out driver. When I finally got back home OK thank god, I emptied the RX out on the kitchen table & counted how many pills I had left & just started crying & freaking out. I called my dr & she put me on another RX. Then I called the drug manufacture & complained & they actually refunded my money, after I had a return phone call & they asked my 5 million questions. That is a terrible drug & I will never take it again! One stupid Dr even told me once later, oh that is not an allergic reaction - like people should live feeling like crap while taking that drug.

Took this drug for a sinus infection... all of the above nausea, throwing up, horrid feeling all over, extreme headache, finally figured it out when I was getting worse and couldn't even get out of bed by the third day. My system was apparently waning on its supply and the headache was clearing enough to get up. I went to the meds and took the pill and with in the hour felt horrid all over again went back to bed. Doctor says it isn't an allergy to the medication just an intolerance ????
Recently was given CiproflaxinHCL 500mg for a UTI and had flashbacks to the Biaxin THE first day. Stopped it immediately

First, let me say I am loathe to attribute problems to being medication side effects and am always skeptical when people are swearing they got seemingly everything from hangnails to pregnancy to near death within 5 minutes of taking their first dose of something. I have a lot of sinus infections and have had a lot of antibiotics over the years. I have never had a bad reaction to an antibiotic--including Levaquin--until I took the generic biaxin. Disclaimer - I have chronic depression issues but was not having problems at the time I took biaxin.

On day 3 of the biaxin, I flipped out at my husband over something insignificant and screamed at him insanely in front of my 4 year old (I NEVER do something like that in front of my child) and was slamming dishes around (which I never do and have never even had the urge to do before). By day 4 or 5, I was noticing extreme difficulty concentrating (completely unacceptable as I work as an attorney and just cannot have this and be able to function), extreme irritability, anxiety, slight heart palpitations, feeling generally "spacey" and out of it, slight vertigo, weirdly vivid dreams at night, extreme sleepiness during the day to the point where I couldn't keep my eyes open. Even though it didn't feel the same as my usual depression episodes, I thought that must be what it was. However, it fels so different and, now that I have done some looking into biaxin on the web, I am convinced this has been caused by the biaxin.

Another disclaimer - I have had chronic back pain issues for years although it is usually just general pain, not debilitating. On day 5 of biaxin, I had the most excruciating back pain I have ever had in my life - could hardly move or walk (I don't necessarily attribute the back pain to the biaxin, but still seems like a coincidence that this happened while on the biaxin).

I guess different people react differently to different things and biaxin is definitely not for me.

I was diagnosed with a double ear infection, sinus infection, and bronchitis. This has happened before so I asked to be prescribed Keflex. It's my wonder drug. I have never had a problem with it and it has always cleared my infections up. Instead, my doctor gave me some story about how Keflex is pretty much obsolete now and she was going to prescribe me Clarithromycin (500 mg, 2x daily for 10 days). Since being on this drug, I have strange, vivid dreams (no nightmares), sometimes about people I haven't thought of in 20 years, I have that horrible taste in my mouth (eat some dark chocolate before you take it, it helps some), I sweat A LOT at night, I did have some insomnia the first few days I was on it, I had a panic attack at work yesterday which should not have happened seeing as that I'm on Paxil for my anxiety, and to make matters worse, I feel sicker than I did before I went on it! Despite my sinus infection, I didn't have any sinus problems before but now I can't seem to get rid of this thick, white snot that clogs up my nose 30 seconds after I blow it and my chest is still congested. I'm on day 6. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow to get my Keflex!

I was prescribed Biaxin for what was diagnosed in about 1 minute as, chronic sinus infection. It was a walk in clinic and I did not know the doctor. After taking this medication I had slight diarrhea for about 2 days. The odd pain in my lower abdomen, which didn't last. But....about day 10 I began to experience excruciatingly painful tongue. It was all red and white patches with burning so bad. Even the roof of my mouth felt like parchment. The metallic taste is awful and usually lasts all day and I wake up with it. After reading all these other reports about Biaxin XL I wonder if the doctors really know what they are prescribing. I still have a sore throat, lots of mucus running down the back of my throat and cough, cough, cough...bringing up greenish and sometimes tan gunk. WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT. I pray it goes away, and I'm not finishing this prescription!!

Prescribed BiaxinXL 500mg 2x/day for a mild case of pneumonia. Never taking it again. It's almost 3am right now, I am physically exhausted but mentally alert and it doesn't look like I will be sleeping tonight. I'm hungry all the time but everything tastes awful because of the taste in my mouth. Nausea (no vomiting so far) and headache also contribute to the insomnia. Also paranoia/anxiety that won't let me sleep in the dark (i'm all of a sudden terrified of the dark!). Not looking forward to when I do fall asleep because of the strange dreams people on here are describing (I haven't had a nightmare in years, ideally I'd like to keep it that way) This is only my second day taking it and I will be talking to my doctor first thing tomorrow morning to find something else. This is much worse than pneumonia.
Also, a tip to those with the awful taste in their mouth: minty gum has helped me so much, it gets rid of the taste and helps with the hunger!
Also, does anyone know if being a 15 year old is contributing to the paranoia/anxiety? I am also having mood swings but it is hard to tell if that's the meds or the hormones talking :) maybe a bit of both?

my 13 year old daughter was prescribed Biaxin 500mg 2 times a day for 10 days for a ear, nose and chest infection while she was suffering from an asthma attack. Her stomach always gets a little upset while on antibiotics but this time was crazy, She was in constant pain, the doctors still told me to give it to her , Her stomach burned every time she ate or drank, she slept 14 to 16 hrs a day and was so exhausted. 7 weeks after she stopped taking the biaxin she is still in a lot of pain 24/7 she now has a nasal gastric tube and is fed Ensure 2 times a day . It still hurts to eat or drink . She is always nauseous. The doctors dont know what is wrong but she was fine until she went on biaxin . now we face a long recovery . She has lost 15 pounds , uses a walker to walk. exhausts very easily and is always in pain. Biaxin is not a wonder drug , it is a nightmare!!!!

I was prescribed Biaxin 500mg BID for a sinus infection. I experienced a feeling of energy he first day. The second night I couldn't sleep (insomnia) and felt anxious, "out of breath", and shaky. I felt like I drank 3 or 4 Red Bull energy drinks. I also had hip pain, but I may have pulled a muscle coughing. I called my doctor and she said stop and take some Benadryl. I hope I get to feeling better soon.

This is a very potent antibiotic. Poisonous, IMO. If you absolutely need to take BIAXIN (I was on Biaxin XL, 2 pills once daily) please buy a probiotic like BIO-K to replenish the flora in your intestines and lessen the side effects. This is suggested for all antibiotics, but for Biaxin I think its absolutely necessary. Very good probiotics are expensive but it will lessen the side effects and mitigate the fact that the antibiotic is killing every bit of good bacteria in your body, which can result in some of the very scary side effects. If you can, do what I did and ask your doctor for something else - there is always an alternative antibiotic. I dont know why they continue to prescribe this, I suppose it is effective at killing bad bacteria, but it seems to be too strong. No other antibiotic that i've researched (amoxycillin, penicillin, cefprozil, Azithromycin aka Zithromax or z-pack) has nearly as many horrendous reviews- 3 people have actually died and about 30 were hospitalized in the recent past. Biaxin XL seems better than regular Biaxin, and the generic sounds like POISON. Do your research, but with my experience and readings, I would go with something else right away, DO NOT WAIT for more intense side effects, and NEVER GIVE BIAXIN TO A CHILD, NEVER. Please take probiotics if you are on antibiotics, if you cant afford them, buy yogurt and eat it constantly - starting about 3 hours after your antibiotic Good luck and warmest wishes for good health.

I had gone into ER on a Sunday night to get confirmation of and medication for pneumonia. They prescribed Biaxin and gave me one pill to start me. It was as if I had taken 4 Benadryl pills at once. My sinus drainage stopped, but then my sinuses swelled horribly and felt as if they were cracking. Even my ear passages were swollen and the pressure was very intense and painful. My throat was raw and sore. I thought maybe this was the way the drug was supposed to work and the next day went to a different location to get a less painful medicine. I was told that what I experienced was an internal allergic reaction. I had no idea. I'm also allergic to Avelox, but what I did was flush all over, was bright red and my skin temp so hot I could have toasted marshmallows. So it didn't even occur to me that the effect I had with Biaxin was also a type of allergic reactions. My sinus cavities were sore and painful for almost 2 days after that 1 pill!

I took two doses of Biaxin the day before yesterday and my stomach started cramping. The next day I woke up and felt so depressed. I took another pill and a little bit later my stomach was cramping like i have never felt before. By that night it was on fire! I wanted to vomit but I couldn't because I didn't eat anything all day. I was on it for sinus infection, called my doctor and she called in another anti biotic but I am not going to take it! I am too afraid now. My stomach today is better I started taking acidophiles to see if it could help, but it still feels strange, like a burn in it..better then last night though! Does anyone know when this stuff gets out of your system??

The information I was given didn't list insomnia as a side effect, but I have experienced a terrible case of insomnia only after taking this medicine for 2 days. I wouldn't let the Dr. give me Levaquin for the sinus infection because of the insomnia side effect, but this is just as bad!! I will stop taking it and see if I can get some rest this weekend!!!!! Another on my list of medications to NOT take!!!

Today is day five of 14 on Biaxin for a severe sinus infection. I have had NO side effects other than the bad taste in my mouth and chewing mint gum relieves that.

sore irritated skin on face and hip. Severe bad medicine taste in the mouth at night. Strange vivid dreams, with no meaning. Sleeping is intermittent but I do sleep. Still have a sore throat and discharge from my throat, but its really not too bad except for the medicine taste at night, also today it was in the morning. There was no headache thought.

Was prescribed Biaxin on Wed, December 2nd after a tooth extraction. (One pill in the AM, one before you go to bed) Usually I do expect some nausea and diarrhea with any anti-biotic and this is no exception with this prescription. But the next day – Thursday, I had a case of the hiccups, not a big deal it went away. Early Friday night, the hiccups returned and lasted all night non-stop. Saturday was far worse, it lasted from the time I woke up, until very early this morning - somehow managed to fall asleep around 2am – as I was hiccuping! 6:45 (Sun Dec 9th) it woke me up..chest aches a bit, and going on hour five as I type. It’s like clockwork – every 6 seconds. All the small remedies are not helping (ex. holding your breath, breathing into a paper bag, even eating a teaspoon of sugar)

I’m beyond frustrated and it’s not only annoying - unable to hold a conversation or talk on the phone..but this is becoming physically painful. Not having the “foul taste” many are experiencing thankfully or vivid dreams. I read on other sites if other people have had this exact same side-effect, and found a few are after taking Biaxin. This was the only thing I was prescribed, I used Advil for the pain. So this prescription is the only thing that makes sense of why this is happening!

After reading some of the stories here and other horrible side-effects to this, I’m through with this drug. I will call my dentist tomorrow and ask for something else.

I was prescribed Biaxin 500 mg about three days ago. I was informed to take two pills at the same time everyday for seven days. As soon as I began taking this medicine, I felt funny. Every since then none of my symptoms have went away. I am constantly having sharp stomach pains that seem to be starting at the bottom of my sternum all the way down. I have fluttering in my stomach, I have a god awful taste in my mouth constantly, and to top it off my headaches are awful. I overall have not felt the same since beginning this medication. And on top of this, my urine is really yellow and cloudy. I do not recommend anyone to take this medication and I am not going to continue my doses. I am going back to the doctor tomorrow and will demand something different!

A great medication. Having COPD I take it rather frequently, no side effects, no adverse reactions whatsoever. It keeps me from getting pneumonia, clears up my lungs, and has much less severe side effects as Cipro and Levaquin. I guess all medications have side effects for some. I think this is a dream antibiotic.

I have been taking Biaxin XL 500mg for three days now for bronchitis. I have been sick to my stomach, I have had the runs, and the WORST taste in my mouth ever, no matter how much I brush my teeth or chew gum. Another shock came when I got my period. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and do NOT get a natural period. Unless I take birth control and induce a period, I do not get one. Plain and simple. While I wiped after peeing, I noticed that the wipe felt a bit 'slimey' (gross I know) I pulled the tissue up to see what was the matter, and there it was, a bloody mucous mixed with my urine, and what looked like they could be blood clots, in the toilet, however they looked more like balls of bloody phlegm. Doctor said, sit it out and keep it clean.

I was diagnosed with a bronchial infection 1 week ago today. I was prescribed Clarithromycin (500 MG tablets) and Advair. About 3 days into treatment, I started having a bad taste in my mouth. In the last 4 days, the taste seems to be getting worse. I've also been feeling jittery, my heart feels like it's racing and I keep a dull headache. On the 3rd day of taking this combo, I ran a fever between 101.3 and 102.3. I thought I had the flu, but the fever broke with some Tylenol and never came back. I was told I did not have the flu, although my husband and son both got it 2 and 3 days later. After a week of taking medications for an infection, I would think I'd be feeling better, but I'm not. I have 2 more days left of the Clarithromycin, but I'm not sure I want to continue. I think I'll probably cut out the Advair first and see what effect that has on me.

I was given biaxin on Wednesday for the worst sinus infection I have ever had. I only took 3 doses 12 hours apart. First night I was fine it seemed to instantly clear up my infection. Second night I started itching uncontrollably from my feet like fire ants swarming all over my body. Then I couldn't sleep at all.
Definitely never ever taking this stuff again. Especially considering the comments I've read on this page.

Just finished my 4th pill-500mg. each. Woke up to ringing in my ears, panicky feeling, and horrible taste in mouth. Am concerned b/c am on pills for blood pressure, and don't want it going up! Will not take 3rd day dose before getting my blood pressure checked and talking to pharmacist. The drug has already cleared my sinuses and my upper chest infection, though.

I'm only two pills into Biaxin for streptococcal pharyngitis (Allergic to Penicillin). Prescribed 2 pills a day for 10 days. It's 5 am and im really happy I found this site. Thank You all to start. After my 7 am and 7pm dose, I have already noticed insomnia and restlessness. Physically lethargic, but mentally energized. Like some others, I find I can't stay in one position in bed long before I have to move. One person noted sharp pains in legs and arms. I'm actually not looking forward to 9 more days of this. After only one dose, I experienced a sharp pain in my skin above my ankle. Felt a lot like a small hot ember was on my skin or a insect was stinging me. I have never felt something like this except for a time or two where I actually had an ember on me. I had no clue what it was and chalked it up to "getting older". I'll post again in a few days. Going to call my family Physician tomorrow since I was prescribed this in emerge away from home.

I am pissed that this drug is given out, my son is in a hospital because of this Biaxin, he has temmors, sweats on hands and feet , blood pressure elevated , cannot talk, nightmares, intense stomach pain, headace, rubbing hands , rubbing face , rubbing head , itching, chest hurts, feet sweats, cannot focus, fear of death, cannot sleep, we do not know if he is going to come out of this, we discontinued the Biaxin 9-22-09 he in lock down and being watched 24hrs. He was on this Biaxin for 6 days. Please do not take this product. The Doctors will defend this product since they get money from the drug companies to push there product. I will be looking for a lawyer!

I was told at the doctor's office that I had bronchitis and I was given Biaxin 500mg x 2 a day (generic form is Clarithromycin), I took it the first day wasn't sure if the side effect was from the bronchitis or from the medication. By the 2nd day, I took the first pill, after that it was downhill from there. I suffered anxiety, metallic taste in mouth, severe nausea, dizziness and vertigo. I feel completely horrible. I stopped taking the medication yesterday and I still have vertigo and nausea feels awful. The side of effects are worse than the sickness itself! Never again will i take this horrible pill!

i have had depression almost my hole life but when i took biaxin my depression went away.
i do get side effects like a bad taste on my tongue, dreams,the runs
but i would gladly live with these side effects if my depression was gone.
i have been taking effexor xr generic brand as well as biaxin but i feel great.

I was prescribed biaxin for bronchitis a little over a week ago. I took the first two pills and the next day I had a sore tongue with red patches and ulcers all over it and I felt like I had bladder infection. I didn't stop taking them. I took 2 more of the pills and woke up the next night with severe depression and anxiety. I stopped taking the pills altogether and I haven't slept good, it has been a week. I have anxiety every day, panic attacks and nightmares in the night. I am extremely moody, irritable, I have crying spells for no reason. This is really scary, I will never, ever, ever take this medication again. The doctor gave me lorazepam to help with the anxiety and told me it would take 2 weeks to leave my system, one can only hope and pray......

This stuff sucks I never knew a antibiotic could effect ones sleep and sanity. The bitter taste is terrible. They gave me this for the flu but i'd rather take the chance of it coming back than to keep taking this crap. NEVER AGAIN

I went to the doctor with complaints of possible mold/fungus in my lungs which got better on it's own - but progressed to a throat infection. Later, my right nostril was runny for a while, which progressed into a blockage/infection of my middle ear. The doctor agreed - I have no compacted wax or anything wrong with my outer ear, so it seems to be a middle ear infection. He prescribes Biaxin XL 500mg for seven days, for my combination of ailments.

By the first day, I had a very vivid wet dream. Awesome, I guess. Then the second day I start with diarrhea, and another vivid dream. Today is the third day, and I slept before work. Had another vivid dream about someone building a house for me - and really runny stool. I can hardly call it diarrhea - more like urinating from my anus. Anyway.

Blockage in my ear went away the second day, but it's back again. I searched the net to explain the diarrhea (hopefully find something explaining the expulsion of bacteria causes this, but no, just a 'side effect' I suppose). I'm going to take some Imodium as soon as I can to battle the diarrhea, and hopefully things will get better by the end.

I can't complain about the dreams though. No nightmares yet, and I enjoy remembering my dreams, so...

I was on Biaxin for over a year to treat a re-occurrence of a serious lung infection. I am very sensitive to meds, but the only side effect I had with this drug was the horrible taste.

I have had no side effects. I've seen the infection go away, and feel that this drug is very effective. I find these sites much like travel sites in that people never leave feedback unless it's bad feedback. I've had no issues with this drug at all, and I have to assume that is the case for most people.

This reaction is to the entire "PrevPak", vs. just the antibiotic Biaxin. The PrevPak, used to treat H. Pylori, also contains another antibiotic, Clarithromycin; along with 2 capsules of Prevacid in prescription strength, "these are proton inhibitors" which reduce stomach acid by preventing certain actions to take place in the stomach. The side-effects of the proton-inhibitor include the potential to block the absorption of Vitamin B, calcium and an enzyme needed to process and use iron in your body. Therefore, the following symptoms or behaviors may occur, once you begin the Prevpak. a) anemia/tiredness (take some slow-release iron) b) confusion and anxiety..(B12 deficiency); c) craving for milk and dairy (calcium deficiency).

Long-term, bone breakage, and other issues arise if you continue long-term use of a proton-inibitor.

I am posting this here as many of the reactions people are associating to Biaxin seem more attributable to the Proton-inhibitor that usually accompanie's Biaxin's use for gastrointestinal issues.

Biaxin's reaction, in my case, I would say was isolated to sleeplessness feelings, strange nightmare-like wakings, disorientation, a metallic taste in my mouth, and dehydration.

All of these are considered traditional symptoms of Biaxin.

I also had itching on day 12-14 for the PrevPak dose. This is probably attributable to the proton-inhibitor possibly affecting my histamines. However, it could also be an allergic reaction to either Biaxin or clarithromycin.

I have been taking this for 5 days for Bronchial infection, and i started losing where i was going.. I mean am at the age to forget, I forget where i put stuff, can't sleep, just getting more and more depressed.. and the taste is driving me nuts, am eating just to be rid of taste as long as has food in mouth and chewing i can't taste.not going to take it till see my Dr.. and the headakes, i don't have many till now

4 weeks ago my aunt was prescribed Biaxin for a sinus infection. After finishing the meds she developed musical ear syndrome. She now hears music, wind and ringing in her ears. It never stops. She can't sleep because the music never stops. Has anyone heard of this?

Same thing here. I have a sinus infection and pharyngitis that just wouldn't go away for 3 weeks. I was prescribed the generic version (Clarithromycin) 500Mg twice daily. The antibiotic does seem to work. I have had a bitter taste from it almost from the beginning. I took the fourth dose on an empty stomach in the morning with little fluid and 10 minutes later started to eat. 20 minutes after taking the antibiotic I had experienced an uncharacteristically severe panic attack. My heart just instantly started racing, confusion set in. The whole time while I am taking it I have difficulty breathing which eases off as dose wears out. Luckily for me I had some lorazepam laying around which I took to suppress this reaction. I skipped my 5th dose in the evening but my infection is still an issue. Now I am unsure whether to continue taking it or not. I am about to see my ENT today so I think I will not be taking it until I see him.

Began taking Biaxin 500mg 1x a day recently for acne...have had a history in the past of migraines, but couldn't figure out why all of a sudden I was getting migraines EVERY day. I also had some stomach problems, but knew from looking up side effects that this was to be expected - but couldn't find anything about headaches/migraines being a side effect. I had also noticed that things weren't tasting quiet right, most especially my diet Pepsi, but couldn't figure out how that was a side effect - but am guessing that is the "abnormal taste" other's have described. I have called my doctor to asked about changing prescriptions, because I don't think I can handle a month of daily migraines - just to deal with acne!

My son was prescribed Biaxin XL for bronchitis. After the first day taking it he began feeling very moody. Crying all the time, not sleeping. Then the paranoia set in. Feelings of wanting to hurt himself. Kept saying he felt like he was losing his mind. Not in touch with reality anymore. Saying he felt like something was eating him from the inside out. Finally after looking up on the computer was able to discover it was this horrible medicine. Had he taken his ten day dosage I am very afraid he would not be here with me today. STAY AWAY FROM THIS HORRIBLE DRUG! IT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET, AND THE DOCTORS PRESCRIBING IT SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS THAT COULD HAPPEN BY PRESCRIBING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG I have never felt so bad on a drug as I have on Biaxin. I have taken it for 6 days now and am going to stop taking it because I just can't stand the headaches anymore. My cough has gotten worse instead of better, I have the bad taste in my mouth too but the worst is the debilitating headaches. I can't do anything because my head hurts so bad. Feels like a migraine, with the light sensitivity etc.

I hate this drug and will NEVER go on it again!! Just hope the side effects go away reasonable quick.

My first day on Biaxin wasn't so good because it made me light-headed. But then I felt wonderful and slightly elated. I guess the "may cause mood swings" warning affected me in a good way because I was extra cheery and energetic. The bad side to that was that I had insomnia and felt a little more scatterbrained.

Right off, my main suggestion is if you are experience these symptoms, just simply tell your doctor you don't like the side effects and to prescribe something else. I just finished taking Prevpac which contains Biaxin. I never did get diarrhea or stomach cramps. Day 1 and 2, I did not much of any problem. Day 3 I had a headache all day and then at night my hands and feet were freezing, I couldn't get warm. In the morning, I felt nauseous and my heart was racing. I made it to work, but then got the shakes and had a trouble concentrating. I ate extra food which helped a little. But I think it was on night 4 when I went to the ER in the middle of the night because I woke up with a strange taste in my mouth, then my heart started racing. I felt sick, wide awake, dizzy, faint and generally didn't feel well, so I panicked. I stuck with the medicine because the doctors told me that the side effects were not from the medicine. My general doctor gave me generic Xanax which calmed my nerves (I only took it a few times throughout) and sleeping pills, which I did not take take. All my doctors (the ER doctor, my general doctor and my gastroenterologist) told me that these drugs are not causing my symptoms: anxiety, nervousness, shaky hands, cold hands & feet, racing heart, etc. I resorted to Reiki and Meditation, which helped somewhat. Every day at some point, I get the shakes, jitters and anxious and still some problems at night. On my twelve day, my daughter suggested drinking a large mug of warm milk with honey and cinnamon in it (I added a little carob powder too) about 45 minutes before going to bed. She said it would help with nausea and I would sleep better. It was the first night that I had a good night's sleep. My daughter told me she also had a similar side effect and went to her doctor the next day and asked for something else. I just finished the 14 day therapy. We'll see how long it takes now for me to get back to normal. I'm going to print out these posts and hand them in to my doctors.

I have many of the same symptoms as everyone else... miserable stomach pain, diarrhea, terrible headache and heartburn. this drug is awful. I've never had this sort of reaction to an antibiotic before. Today is only day 4 and i'm afraid to take the pills. Has anyone heard that the side effects get better as your body gets used to the drugs?? I'm in the middle of taking exams and I was worried about this throat and ear infection interfering with my studying. I think I could have managed the infection better than these drugs.

I am on biaxin xl...2-500mg once a day. started it today and have nasty taste in my mouth, feel like my heart is pounding, mild headache, anxiety, increased salivation, increased urination....this sucks

I am on Biaxin for Laryngitis and an upper respiratory infection. I went to the ER because I felt I couldn't clear my chest congestion and I was miserable. He prescribed me 500mg of Biaxin twice daily. I have just taken my 4th pill. Day 2 over. I have the stomach aches like everyone talks about. They feel like im starving, but I know im not because I just ate. Strange. The taste in my mouth is disgusting no doubt. It's a metallic taste, but not too bad. I keep drinking flavored waters and sucking on candies and that helps with the taste. I have had mild diarrhea today, twice. I actually have, previous to taking this medicine, a heart racing condition known as PSVT. I take medication for it to slow my heart down and lower my blood pressure. So far, thankfully, I have had no reaction in my heart to this medication but I am worried. I will keep this updated as it seems that most people started having more problems in days 3 and 4. hmmm. I have taken the Z-pack several times, (im always sick it seems like) and have never had any problems with it. I used to take amoxicillin, but it never seems to work on me. I think my body is now resistant do to taking it so often. I also take Zoloft for anxiety, so im pretty worried, ha ha, that I might have this severe depression or anxiety attack problem a lot of people seem to be having. Ill wait and see. I called the pharmacist tonight to tell him about my stomach problems and he said (Walgreens Pharmacy) that it was not an allergic reaction and would probably be fine, but to consult my doctor just in case. I will call tomorrow and update this if I end up having any other reactions or if he prescribes me something different.

I have REALLY extreme metallic taste in my mouth..

I took Biaxin when it first came out on US market in the early 90's - never linked it to nightmares then as it was my first time to take the medication. I was prescribed Biaxin this past Tuesday and ended up with the generic (same difference). After 60 hours - five 12 hours doses, last night I had a 'recurring' nightmare that I have not had since I took the product 15+ years ago. Anyone else find this effect?

I've been taking Biaxin XL 500 mg. 2 pills together once a day for a sinus infection. Today would be day 4. The infection is improving but since I've started this drug I've been feeling totally crappy. I've had a headache and haven't been able to sleep at all for 3 nights. I lie there with pressure on my chest. The pharmacist said that is a very potent antibiotic, hard on the body but they said it's best antibiotic - but at what cost? I certainly don't want to feel like this for another 7 days. After reading all these postings I'm definitely calling my doctor to chance medications. Thanks for all the postings.

I have been on Biaxin XL 500 mg - 2 pills taken at the same time once a day. Today would be the 4th dose. I was sure to take the pills on a full stomach. My sinus infection seems a little better but I'm feeling totally lousy. I've had a headache and I haven't been able to sleep at all for the last 3 nights. I lie there with a pressure in my chest. Even after missing only 1 night of sleep I felt horrible and I'm sure it wasn't only from missing the sleep. Biaxin is definitely affecting my whole body. I've been on antibiotics before and never had any kind of reaction like this. I had called the pharmacist and they said that this is a very potent antibiotic, hard on the body but best on the market. True it may clear up an infection but at what cost. After reading all these side effects I'm definitely calling my doctor today and asking for a different medication. Thanks for this website.

My time on Biaxin was one of the most TERRIFYING experiences of my life! (And I’m a cancer survivor, haha).
It all started when a doctor put me on Biaxin (500mg) for having Pneumonia. I was to take one pill at night and one pill in the morning for a week. The 1st day on the Biaxin was fine. Then the second night, I started to experience changes in my behavior. I began to cry and become extremely emotional to minor things.
The 3rd day I woke up and took my pill and started to feel extreme pressure pushing on my brain. I also got very agitated, grumpy, hyper, and over stimulated. That night I took my Biaxin pill and got 0 hrs of sleep. I was up all night paranoid, scared, hallucinating, crying, shaking, nervous energy, pacing back and forth, thinking in my head “what is happening to me!” The next morning, I took my Biaxin pill and then experienced the same horrific side effects. I was calling my family and telling them that something is going wrong in my head and I need help. It was as if I was having a panic attack. My stomach cramped up, my head hurt, and my heart was beating 10x its normal pace. I also felt hopelessness, couldn’t concentrate, shortness of breath, and worst of all the feeling of paranoia and the thought that my mind is being possessed.
Finally, I got on the internet and looked up “side effects of Biaxin”. Thank god I found this website and was able to see I wasn’t alone. I called my family and told them it’s the Biaxin making me crazy. That day I went and saw my doctor and he said, “Yes, Biaxin can cause emotional distress and all of those other horrible things you are going through." He says it is rare to get that many crazy side effects, but it is possible. He said to stop taking it, and go home and rest. I needed to allow my body to recover from what has happened the last 4 days.
I will never take Biaxin again for as long as I live. I literally thought I was going insane. The feelings and thoughts I was having was absolute torture and an emotional rollercoaster. I thank this website and all of you for your posts. This website truly helped me discover that Biaxin is a dangerous drug that is not intended for everybody. Especially not me!!!!!

I started Biaxin for a strep throat infection. I took it for a total of 20 days as I had back to back infections. The first time I took it I just had the metallic taste reaction. The second round which was just a couple of weeks later things were much worse. By day three I could not sleep and was having traveling pains all through my body. One day my neck hurt, the next day my back, my arm etc. The worst is the anxiety and inability to sleep. I called my doctor and she said to taken ambien for the sleep problems. I finished all ten days taking ambien the whole time because if I tried not to I would wake up feeling totally alert and activated and unable to get back to sleep. Those initial two hours I would get were filled with nightmares. It has been a week since I finished this medication and I still have severe anxiety and sleeplessness. I tried to wean myself from a half a 12 mg ambien to a 1/4 but with this I am still waking up with the same issues and having trouble getting back to sleep. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this problem and how long it took to get this drug out of your system and back to a normal sleep pattern. I feel anxious during the day as well, but am managing. This drug is really terrible.

On day 8 of 500mg/2x day of Biaxin, yesterday, I woke up with large red patches in my mouth, along with that white cottage-cheesy stuff I always associate with thrush. Went to doc and she said, nope not thrush, another virus (I've been sick with one upper respiratory virus after another for 2 months). She gave me Nystatin, "just in case" it is thrush.

Now I'm reading this site and thinking perhaps my mouth sores are a reaction to Biaxin. I've also been experiencing the weird dreams, mild anxiety and been wondering about it, but hadn't associated it with Biaxin until reading the posts here. Hmmm.

Before being on the biaxin, I was on Levaquin and had an allergic reaction to it--hives all over my body.

I went to the doctor's office recently because I was pretty sure I had a sinus infection...and it turns out I did. My doctor prescribed me biaxin and told me that I should stay on this for at least 3 weeks until the infection clears up.. When I first started taking this medication, everything was fine....but now things seem to be worse.. I am on week two of this medicine, and my sinus infection has developed into a terrible cold.. I have a funny smell in my nose(I don't know if it's because of the cold or the medicine) I have an AWFUL metallic taste in my mouth, sometimes I have severe abdominal cramping, and for the last two weeks I've had difficulty sleeping.. I will fall asleep around 12:00 p.m but find myself awake by 4 am and then I have trouble falling asleep(when I do sleep I have terrible nightmares).. Almost every time I wake up in the middle of the night, I have this nasty taste in my mouth... I do find that when I eat certain foods it helps to stop the metallic taste.. I have adhd/ocd and I have noticed that this has gotten much WORSE since I started taking the medicine...I feel space out all the time and dizzy and my vision is blurry.. I have a funny smell in my nose right now and difficulty breathing sometimes.. I am about to call the doctor and find out if I should stop taking this, or just keep taking it for the next 5 days.. I just can't handle it anymore because I feel like I'm going insane.. I don't even know as of now if I still have a sinus infection.. Please do me a favor-if you are considering taking this medication please avoid it at all costs because it will make you feel like complete crap.. There are other medicines that you can take I am sure.. I don't even know why this is on the market....it's worse than the birth control pill!