Levaquin and abated

I took this drug for 9 days of a 10 day prescription. I suffered from insomnia, but didn't connect that to the meds. On day 9 I awoke with slight pain in one knee. As the day wore on, that pain got acute and spread to the other knee, elbows, shoulders and hands. I thought perhaps it was a severe attack of osteoarthritis, but that didn't seem right. Three days later in a newspaper column called "The People's Pharmacy" I read about Levaquin causing severe tendon problem. A light went off in my head and I heard a "Boing!" It is now day 5 of my symptoms, some of which have abated. I still have to wear a knee brace on one leg, can't bend either knee very far, and am in acute discomfort. I took some naproxin to alleviate the inflammation and it seemed to work, but I won't take NSAIDS for a long period of time. I'm furious. Neither the doctor nor the instructions for the medication warned me of this side effect. Now I'm left to hope this goes away with time and I can walk comfortably again without this giant brace on my left knee. I remind myself of Igor in "Young Frankenstein!" Sleeping is uncomfortable as well - I awoke in severe pain last night because I had rolled onto my side and my right knee was resting on my sore left knee. Not good. I'm furious.

I'm a 45 yr-old male in pretty good health. Start Cipro for prostatitis, 500mg x2 / day. Eight days into therapy, starting experiencing tinnitus, tingling in hands & feet, and anxiety++. On day 9, actually experienced a significant facial 'tic'. Stopped drug on day 9; anxiety faded out 95% in less than 2 days, tingling has abated about 1/3 after 4 days, but still remains very noticable (of course, now I'm focused on it). Tinnitus remains at the same level. Have taken Floxin & Levequin several in the past with no adverse effects.

I was prescribed Levaquin (500mg x 10 days) for bronchitis and ear infection. I'd already taken heavy regimen of Augmentin a few weeks prior, but my symptoms only abated temporarily and then returned 'full force'. My case is a little different from the typical poster, as I was not ignorant of the possible nasty s/e of this drug. In fact, when the Levoquan was first prescribed for me, I read this message board (among others) and was scared enough by what I read that didn't start this medication right away. I went back to my MD to discuss my concerns; he acknowledged that some people do experience some bad side effects from this drug but indicated that these effects tend be pretty rare and didn't think I would have a problem - given my age (32) and otherwise good health.

After waiting a few days and debating whether to try this medicine, my upper respiratory infection worsened and my ear pain became so tormenting that I finally decided it was worth the risk to at least try Levaquin...hoping I'd be one of the lucky one who experienced few, if any, side effects.

After taking the first pill yesterday, everything seemed fine for several hours. In fact, I almost immediately noticed improvement of my URI and ear ache. However, last night before bed I noticed that both of my knees felt swollen and walking felt uncomfortable. I also noticed an audible "clicking" sound in my knee joint when using stairs. Today, I called my MD to report my symptoms. My doctors nurse called me back and suggested I not taking any more doese until she was able to discuss this matter with the doctore (who was out of the office but due to return tomorrow). By the time the nurse gave this advise, I'd already taken the second dose of Levaquil earlier in the day. Tonight, my knee pain (especially right) is much worse and it hurts to get up and walk around. I'm starting to feel like an old man. I've never had any joint problems or tendonitis prior to taking this medication. Tomorrow I intend to ask my doctor for advice. I don't plan on taking any more of this medication. I do fee a little conflicted though, because now after taking the second dose of Levaquin, my upper respiratory infection seems almost gone and my ears have completely stopped aching.

If anyone has any suggestions, it would be appreciated. Should I expect that my knee pain will resolve in a few days after stopping this med? Again, I'm a health 32 year old male, and hope that this drug hasn't done anything irreperable (sp?). Thanks for listening.

Started on Levaquin 500 mg five days ago for a sinus infection and suffered severe cramps in my back after on it for less than 12 hrs. The cramps have fortunately largely abated by now, but last night I woke up with acid reflux and decided to take OTC Prilosec for it. An hour later I experienced the most vivid and horrific nightmares of my life! I couldn't get out of them and they felt like waking hallucinations. Would be interested in whether anyone else has experienced nightmares with Levaquin alone, or in combination with other drugs like Prilosec.

I took Levaquin (500mg) for 10 days for a sinus infection with a nasty cough. (non smoker)
My heels began to hurt as did my right shoulder at day 4.
I had strange transient pains in my right index finger at day 6.

It took two weeks AFTER the last dose before my joint pains abated.

This antibiotic was very effective against my sinus infection.
I read about the possible side effects and I avoided exercise during the course of this drug.

All, in all. I am happy with the results. I am so glad to be rid of my sinus infection. It was worth the transient side effects (joint pain).

Any drug has side effects. This illustrates how important it is for people to be responsible for their own health and to
insist on complete information from both thier doctors and their pharmacists.

Be well.
TP Lathrop