Biaxin side effects

I have had a chronic dry cough for the past 5 years. Now they are saying I have whooping cough. I have been taking Clarithromyn ER TB 500 mg. the generic for Biaxin XL 500 mg. Last night I had to go to the ER. I felt like I was having a heart attack. I could not catch my breath, my left arm was tingling, kind of going numb. Also felt like I might pass out. On the way to the ER I was trembling, and very jittery. I felt very STRANGE!!!!!! The ER said it was just a panic attack. I have never had panic attacks!!! The past few day I have been telling my co-workers how I felt like my throat was closing up. I am calling the doctor today to see about not finishing my last 4 days of the medicine. I am glad I found this site to see that other people have experienced the same symptoms and I am not going crazy.

Soon after going on Biaxin for an upper respiratory infection, along with Sudafed, I was having SEVERE dreams (normally don't know about my dreams), bordering on Halucinations, then even waking state effects of seemingly startling consequences impending doom or distorted reality... never happened with Sudafed... so either combination or Biaxin

Augmentin caused severe retching, vomiting, not being able to swallow the Augmentin, feeling it was stuck half way down my throat, and then after five days vomiting up the Augmentin plus food taken with it. Have finished course 3 days ago but still feeling nauseous, with a bitter taste in my mouth.

Have pneumonia currently and given generic Biaxin for 10 days. I am only on the second day, but I do currently have a headache (rarely ever get headaches normally). Also, this taste in my mouth is awful, but I can tolerate that alright. I do already feel a measurable difference in the infection in my lungs already so that is good. I am not depressed or anything else (yet). I had a nightmare about an oversize centipede on my bedroom wall. I was convinced it was there. I turned the light on, looking for this thing that in reality, was not there at all. My stomach is fine as I take 4 or 5 probiotics every time I have take a Biaxin tablet. I am also on Prednisone.

Abyone experience excess salivating?? I have all the above symptoms and they are horrible! I felt better before the prescription. I am on 1000 mg once and day, 2000 mg of Amoxicillin once a day and a Prilosec OTC 2x's a day. I'm taking what's called a Prevpac for a stomach bacteria called H Pylori. This has been a 2 year journey to figure out what was causing my GI issues! I had a period of about a month with no stomach issues, BUT, as soon as the Biaxin it started right back up within 20 mins! The taste in my mouth is making me sick to my stomach and I'm trying to decide if I should stop. I'm trying to hang in there because in the long run it will work in my favor, but this is only day #4 and I have 10 more to go! Any suggestions?!

I was prescribed Biaxin for a sinus infection and I was only able to take it for 3 days (out of a 10 day prescription) because of the ungodly taste it left in my mouth. I couldn't sleep at night because the taste of hot garbage in my mouth would wake me up. I tried chugging water, gargling with Listerine - NOTHING helped. It was so disgusting! I will NEVER take this nasty med again!

One week ago I started a 10 day Biaxin 500MG 2x daily for a sinus infection. 4 days after beginning the Biaxin, I started a cough syrup with codeine. I am sleeping deeply at night, no more coughing keeping me awake, have dreams- but not nightmares, but am still tired all day long. No energy at all. My appetite has increased tremendously - which doesn't thrill me! The good news is, NO metallic taste, no stomach problems, no anxiety, etc. I will complete the rx and hope it knocks out the infection. Some are super-sensitive to meds, others just mildly affected.

My wife and I both on 14-day Biaxin XL for bad flus. We both have an absolutely completely disgusting tastes in our mouths. Have tried everything drinkable & edible for relief to no avail! My wife with some diarrhea, myself some sleeplessness. The worst is this taste! We are both hoping that we can last another 6 days until we finish. Will never take this med again if we can take an alternative!

Hi All

Don't know what to do.. Been daignosed with Pneumonia, completed 7 days of Amoxicillan 500mg and now on day 4 of Clarithromycin 500mg, and 7 day course of Prednisolone 40mg per day.
Like everyone else, the most horrific taste in my mouth tried everything to rid of it. It is Sat night and I am NOT going to take my next dose of Clarithromycin as it is upsetting me so much. I will have to wait until Monday am to speak to my doctor and hopefully he can give me something else. I am still struggling with pneumonia however I will take the risk. The bad taste, and upset tum must be the worst side effects ever what do you all think? The companies surely mus be able to something about this and put us patients out of our misery!!

I have a sinus infection, and my doc gave me biaxin. My first dose didn't affect me, I went to bed as soon as I got home from the urgent care center, I slept well into the afternoon. When it came time to rest, I went to bed at midnight, laid there restlessly, with a very sore throat even more sore than I began with. I grabbed a throat lozenge, fell asleep for 30-45 min, weird dream but I can't remember it well. I woke up with a sore dry throat again, not even tired, frustrated, I decided to take my meds again, not having checked this website first!!! D: now my heart is racing, I'm wide awake, its 4:45 in the morning. I am crying on and off. The pain in my throat has subsided, its still scratchy, and my lymph nodes are very swollen. I can't breathe through my nose and it feels like there is still drainage in the back of my throat. I have no appetite either, I force my self to eat b/c I get stomach pains. I am wondering if I should hold off the biaxin for a couple of days and see if I improve.. because I feel like I'm simply getting worse.

Prescribed for sinus infection/flu; stomach cramps developed, metallic taste, spacey. I'll try some lacto pills (to replicate the good bacteria found in yogurt to protect my stomach. I tried to use hard candy to combat the taste in my mouth to no avail...) Hope everyone feels better soon.

I was prescribed Biaxin 500 mg, for bronchitis, to be taken twice a day on 2/26/08. It is now 2/29/08 and I have not had relief from a massive headache which occurred within 2 hours of taking my first dose of Biaxin. And even worse, I still do not have any relief from my original illness. I have had bronchitis many times before and have always been prescribed Azithromycin, which cleared up my infection and I started feeling at least a bit of improvement within 24 hours. Along with the severe headache I am experiencing a bad taste in my mouth that won't go away, as well as sleeplessness, tremors and numbness in my extremities.

I was on a ten day course of Biaxin for Bronchitis. I also take Wellbutrin (150mg a day). No side effects until the eighth day of my course. I was in class, in the morning, and squatting down talking to a friend. As I got up, I was extremely dizzy (like a drunken dizzy) and seeing double (over/under).
Walked myself to the hospital (across the street), doc suspected a middle ear infection, and shot me up with Gravol, put me to rest for 2 hours. When I got up, I was still seeing double, metallic taste was there also. Got a ride home, and rested more. CT scanned that night with no conclusive evidence of any abnormality. Doc performed a variety of tests...made me walk an imaginary line (Like DUI test) and I kept stumbling to the left side. Had 9 vials of blood taken the next day, they suspect might be something wrong with my blood. Going for an MRI soon. Took 9th day of course, then found this site. Flushed the last days dose. I sure hope it was the Biaxin making me dizzy! Other than that horror, no other side effects.

CRANBERRY JUICE CUTS THE METALLIC TASTE.

I've taken Biaxin a few times and each time my Dr. tells me to drink cranberry juice off and on throughout the day to prevent the metallic taste and it works great for me.

Of course, all of the gastrointestinal and other side effects are a bit harder to manage.

hi,
I was on Biaxin for approximately 6 days, by the 5th day I noticed a lot of pain in my gums, and it was like my gums were receding. I quickly discontinued use and it took like 3 weeks for my gums and teeth to stop hurting again.
It has been probably 6 years since this incident, and gradually year by year and especially now my teeth have been rotting out of my face. I have good oral hygiene, and I am positive that Biaxin has caused this. Unfortunately I can't do anything about it.
Please reconsider before taking these pills!!!!!

Ive been taking Biaxin for 11 days now - about to finish up my 12 day course of the stuff. The doctor gave it to me to treat a staph infection on my leg. Staph infection appears to be going away.
I haven't noticed the metallic or gross taste at all, which is weird, because of so many accounts of it here. I have noticed an increased appetite and really intense gas - sleepiness, lack of motivation, dreaminess, blahness. My dreams have been vivid too, but not nightmares. I just noticed swollen gums today. Its strange that I didn't experience the anxiety that is frequently reported - as I used to have panic attacks and constant anxiety back in the day. I guess a mild restlessness is pervasive.
The main thing is the increased appetite and the gas... But this could be possible tapeworms or parasites as I just got back from Guatemala. Maybe I got off easy with this drug? After reading this, not sure if I want to take the last 2 pills in my possession. hmmm..

I was prescribed Biaxin XL 1000mg x7 days for a possible secondary bronchial infection (I have had the flu and am coughing up beige sputum). I took the medicine for the first time last night. I made sure to drink yogurt along with it and took it with food as I was worried about GI effects. Wow! Within 2 hours I had major episodes/waves of severe nausea, stomach gurgling/hunger. I definitely developed a dry mouth and metallic taste. I became lightheaded (this is still going on the next day) and dizzy. I feel spaced out completely. Last but not least I had a really bad nightmare last night. I do not ever have nightmares!!! I am an RN, so I am not a "crazy" patient having psychosomatic symptoms. I am never taking this drug again unless my very life depends on it. I will take my chances and let my body heal naturally. Awful drug.

It is funny to see so many side effects to Biaxin. I am normally very lightweight on any drug, but Biaxin has been awesome. I have been on it one year or Lyme Disease and co-infection treatment and I love this drug, I sleep like a baby, never had bad aftertaste, ever. Chew gum the say if "metal" taste happens. I would recommend this drug in a second. Just wanted to post something positive, because we are all so different.

I started taking Biaxin on Dec 21 2007. Started feeling better. But for the last 2 nights I've had trouble being able to sleep. I can't seem to swallow at night. It's made me sick at the stomach prior times I've taken it, but the back of my throat hurts and I have the worst dry mouth ever. I'll be calling my doctor & pharmacist to add to my list of medications I'm allergic too. I thought at first it was just me getting sicker, but not after reading of others having the same problems.

I am taking extra strength Sinutab tablets, 1 or 2 per day. The side effect, if caused by this medication seems to make me so tired. I wash the dishes, am played out. Make up my bed, am played out. Go downstairs and back up, am played out. My breathing seems to be natural. I walk for 30 minutes or more some days and I am no more tired at the end of the walk than I was after washing the dishes. Is it the Sinus tablets or is there something else
that is my problem?

I felt the same as many of you, a little heart fluttering, never have this usually with any other medications. Nervousness, but also could be caused by reading too much about the medication, etc. I felt very tired, again could be caused by sinus infection, but very lethargic, couldn't turn off brain as someone mentioned above, very good analogy, exactly how I felt. The taste is unbearable alone and then I am not sure if this is connected, but I discover a bump on the back of my tongue, which made me feel funny swallowing, after taking medication for 3 days, and called pharmacy, b/c of symptom , they told me to lay off of it, horrible feelings!

I've been on Biaxin for bronchitis for 5 days now, and I've been noticing this DISGUSTING taste in my mouth. It never crossed my mind until about 5 minutes ago that it could be from this antibiotic and now I see that I'm not the only one. This taste is horrible !

I've been on Biaxin for bronchitis for four days now, following a trip to the ER for breathing problems. I thought it was allergies. The first two days weren't too bad except for the extreme thirst and not being able to sleep (and the gas). If I happened to go to sleep I would have weird dreams and wake up again. I don't know if was the Biaxin or the hydrocodone cough syrup. With the third day, I couldn't think straight and I couldn't remember words. Could be lack of sleep, I guess. Conversations were difficult. I felt spacey. At the same time, I felt like I was on fast-forward: hurry up, hurry up, gotta go, gotta go, gotta get it done, faster, faster! This is the fourth day. I'm still on fast-forward and still dizzy and spacey. My blood pressure is up and my heart rate is down. My pulse is 55. It's time for another dose, but I'm not taking it. In fact, I'm going off all my meds except the blood pressure pills in case it's a drug interaction that's not mentioned. I'll call my own doctor in the morning and talk to him. I trust him more than the anonymous ER doc.

Help! Is there anything I can do to stop this bad taste in my mouth??? Like take with a teaspoon of honey or (even bleach may taste better jk) to coat it while in my stomach? thanks

Headache, nausea, terrible taste in the mouth, constipation and stomach pain. But by far the taste and headache the worst. 500mg tablets two times daily. I feel almost as bad as I did before taking the medicine from all the side effects. My throat infection is gone but I still feel terrible.

-Unable to sleep
-Awful taste ALL THE TIME
-Nausea
-Dizziness
-Sensitivity to light, and sound
I have an upper respiratory infection, I'm unsure if the Nausea, and Dizziness have something to do with that, but I've taken this stuff before, not the 500Mg, and have never had the nausea, and restless night. My eyes are extremely sensitive, as well, after only 2 1/2 days

Biaxin Side affects were mild for the first four weeks. I've recently experience fast heart rate, headache, pins and needles in feet and hands, tremors in hands and the medicine isn't working on the infection. I will consult my doctor about stopping the use. The first four weeks were actually pleasant. No real side affects. I would take this drug again but only for a short duration.

Yup, all of the above... I have been dizzy, restless at night, nausious, but like you have all said, the worst is the TASTE that is in your mouth all day and night, it tastes like a combination of grass and metal and it gets worse every time I cough (I am taking Biaxin for a very bad lung infection). I wake up in the middle of the night gagging and I have to run to the bathroom to basically drink mouthwash so that it will go away for an hour or so and give me some relief. It is disgusting and if it weren't for the fact that I NEED to get rid of this infection I would definitly stop taking it if only to just get rid of the taste in my mouth.

Oh My God !
This is Madness.I just read all these comments and there is not single one of them that I do not have! I`ve been on Biaxin for 20 days now , and I went through every single step that you guys wrote. What the hell am i supposed to do with the Dizziness ? he gave me another one to use which is called Meclizine 25mg ? and IT DOES NOT WORK.
Luckily i finished 10 days of theraphy of Biaxin today.

Let me know if this dizziness will go away PLEASE !
Appreciate it.

I have been on Biaxin for 3 days now (for laryngitis & sinusitis) and BOY does it leave the worst metal taste in my mouth and especially on my tongue. Seriously. I feel like I have quarters in my mouth. Gross! It also makes me dizzy and nauseous.
Luckily, I've had no problems sleeping.

Hello,

I was prescribe Biaxin 8 or so days ago for a rather severe infection of the sinuses. Two pills a day, which I took both at once, I have stopped after the 7th day for the following reasons. Here I will discuss the worst side effect of the drug for me so far. Along with paranoi and anxiety, and an in general spaced feeling, Im having the worse insomnia of my life.

Ive always had sleep issues ever since I can remember, but on this stuff I got NO SLEEP AT ALL for two days. After that I quit the medicine altogether as the doc said it would be ok. My last dose was yesterday, its 2:28 AM now, I couldn't sleep so I got on the computer to look for reports on this drug.

Hopefully since I quit the meds this insomnia thing will lift. God I hope so. Anyway, If anyone else has had this kind of terrible insomnia from Biaxin post your experience please.

Thanks,
Me

im currently on my 4th day with biaxin. i can say this is the worst ive ever been sick. the dr said i had acute pharyngitus and this would clear up the infection and to take it for 10 days. so far i think the infection has spread to my lower throat, my right ear and who knows where else so far. im in so much pain it hurts to swallow water, im dehydrated, havent eaten anything except a half a bowl of soup and icy pops in the last 5 days, and im begining to wonder if this stuff is gonna kill me!?! ive thrown up a few times, i have a horrible metalic taste in my mouth, the right side of my neck seems to be effected the worse. im scared to go through with the full 10 day treatment but im not sure what else to take.

Wow,
I"ve been on biaxin for 4 days now. The first day I took it I felt very irritable. Got up the next morning and felt anxious too, then by 10 hours after that first pill I felt normal. I was afraid to take the next one 2 hours later, but knew I had to. I've had no more symptoms since then thank goodness.Nothing at all, no bad dreams, nothing. I had been reading alot of posts about side effects and that made me quite paranoid since I'm only 5' tall and around 110 lbs. I really thought I would be one of those with all the side effects, but nothing. The first couple days I took a full 500mg twice a day then that was cut in half

Currently on Biaxin XL on a 10-day medication for a Pneumonia infection. Experiencing: increased heart rate, sweating all day long with no fever “Chills” and a bad taste in my mouth.
A possible side effect that concerns me is I have been sweating “night and day sweats” all day long with no fever, since I started BIAXIN XL, I asked my Dr. and I was told sweating helps the body to get rid of bacteria but today is my 8 day of sweating, Strange !!!!
I have never had a problem with side effects in the past on any medication!!!
Anyone else experiencing sweating? Your comments will be appreciated!!!! Thanks,

Being a registered nurse, I know that all medications have potential for side effects. And with this type of forum, it is important to know that people who do not have side effects often don't write in BLOGS so there is a very biased view of the totallity of effects. Having said that, I've been on Biaxin XL for 4 days. This medication has really messed with my stomach since day 1. Starting day 2 was the night sweats and vivid nightmares. Nighmares puts it lightly- it was more like night panic. Day 3 started with diarrhea. So now I'm at day 4 with all my sweat, shakes, nausea, cramps, diarrhea and I can't wait to go to bed to have more nightmares. What can happen to me next?

my extremeties are cramping up...hands and feet like stress.

Discoloration and dark spots on dental fillings and crowns, metallic taste, night sweats, vivid dreams, insomnia, racing pulse.

i'm taking biaxin for an upper respitory infection. I have cramps, dihherra, sad, funny taste in my mouth but now that i've been taking it for 3 days i've developed a bad rash on my thighs, buttocks, legs on my knees and behind my knees as well i also have it on my arms. The rash is red with small and large bumps is this a side effect cause it's the only thing i've taken or done differently. PLEASE ANSWER

Not sure if it's a side effect but after being on the drug Biaxin XL - 1,000 mg / day (single dose) for 2 days my feet hurt, my right forearm is very sore, my right wrist is swolen and the left-center part of my lip is really swollen. Can't sleep. My couch is productive however.

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 was prescribed Biaxin XL for URI about 5 days ago. The first couple nites of taking it I didn't notice any side effects b/c I was also taking a cough syrup. The past 3 nights though I have had insomnia. I sleep for like 3 hrs and then just lay there wishing myself to sleep for the rest of the nite. Then during the day I have no energy and terrible headaches from my lack of sleep.

I've had a HORRIBLE nasty iron taste in my mouth. Tastes like I have morning sickness again but I can't get rid of the taste. YUCK.

Also, I think I had a panic attack yesterday evening. I've never had one before but I couldn't seem to catch my breath and started freaking. It was not an asthma attack, I've had those before. This was different.

I feel jittery and light-headed too.

I don't like this and I'm thinking about stopping the prescript. My sinus infection was not worth this.

I was freaking out wondering what was causing the lightheadedness/difficulty breathing and after reading all the side effects on here I see it's normal. Doctors should warn of all these side effects. I wouldn't have started it.

I have been taking Biaxin for seven days. Thank goodness this is my last dose. I've had all the regular symptoms (naseau, upset stomach, diarrhea, metallic taste in mouth morning, noon and night), but I also have noticed a severe break out with acne, night sweats and tiredness. I feel like I can hardly keep my eyes open. I forgot one dose and felt almost like myself again, guess that's what triggered me to finally take the medicine. I will not take this medicine again. I'd rather get a yeast infection from some of the other antibiotics than feel like a walking zombie again. This is some strange stuff. I even quit taking my zoloft while taking this antibiotic thinking it was the interaction of the two drugs, but it didn't help.

I was prescribed the XL 1000 mg for bronchitis and sinus infection. I immediately did searches on this medicine before taking it because I hate taking meds. Well I read some of these and IT FREAKED ME OUT. I needless to say still took it but instead of taking it all at one time. I take it once in the morning and once at night. It is giving me headaches I am pretty sure but it could be the sinus too. It messes my stomach up too. It makes my mouth really dry for a while after taking it too. I have noticed a few heart palpitations too, but I am very prone to having them. I am supposed to take it for 10 days but I might just hand in there for 5 days with it. Reading these messages SCARE ME TO DEATH. Then of course I think that we are a few out of thousands that probably do fine on this medicine. I bet every drug gives certain people side affects?? I HATE BEING SICK. I wanted him to give me the Z pak but he said biaxin works better and more for a sinus infection than z pak.

I felt like I was loosing my mind until I started taking this medicine. My heart is racing and I sweat, and I am sick to my stomach. Lord heal your child because this is horrible!

I have some of the worst side effects. I noticed the problems after the 4th day. I had depression, paranoid fears, appetite depression and some horrible stomach sensations. Reflux and an overall feeling of blah.

I just want to sleep!!! I've been taking Biaxon for four days. There is a bad taste in my mouth but not too bad. Sometines my throat feels strange. It's as though my wind pipe wants to close up. This doesn't last long and I wonder if it's anxiety...I've never experienced this with any other med. I have an aweful ear infection and plan to suffer through these side effects unless they worsen. I just wish I could sleep...I don't know how I'll work tom.

I've been prescribed biaxin XL before and had no serious side effects. However, I was recently prescribed this antibiotic on 1000mg once a day for seven days. I've experienced diarrhea, vomitting, pain in the chest, sleeplessness. The worst side effect is the nasty taste in my mouth...and the constant vomitting to the point where I can barely swallow my own spit. Totally disgusted with this medication.

Bad metalic taste
headaches
depression
upset stomach with cramps and diarrhea
breakouts (pimples/acne)

I've been on it for 5 months for an infectious disease caught while boating. I'm unable to stop taking the medication because the infection will spread on my legs. I'll never take this medicine again. I've asked to put on something else but the ID doctor refuses.

I also have had some of these crazy side effects but but most of them are just the effects of having an infection and I think the Biaxin perpetuates those effects. I have the Metallic taste in my mouth and the first couple days I got nuasiated after taking each dose. The sweats and nightmares too!! Wow I thought it was just something else. Let me tell you though I have not been able to sit down. Which is a good thing I guess but I guess that is just anxiety. After a couple days on this drug the side effects went away other than the metalic taste and increased energy. I cleaned my house for 12 hrs for 2 days. I am not going to complain but I find this to be very weird. Energy and motivation from a antibiotic... It does seem though that I get rare side effects from any medication I take but this is a trip. I sure which it didn't feel like I sucked on steal for a whole day!! I find these side effects to be very bizare but I guess when I need some energy I'll just take a Biaxin..well that is i'll feel better after the nausiated feeling goes away. Ha ha taking for reason other than precribed, isnt that abuse LOLOLOLOL