Levaquin and antibiotic

To the best of my knowledge I never had any of the 'immediate' symptoms.
My problems are probably due to the fact that I was prescribed Cipro 3 possibly 4 times from Aug 06 - Dec 07 and then finished up Dec 07 with a round of Levaquin. My father is over 60 and was recently given Levaquin and had immediate and serious problems. He is seeing a doctor recommended by the CDC today. Yes, he is even working with the CDC on
this one. Due to all he is being told he is convinced that the medication is behind my medical decline as well. Since taking these medications (symptoms started slowly in 07), but after taking the Levaquin at Christmas time I never got up from the couch. My thyroid gland has quit working, my adrenals are shot, I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, blew out 3 disks in my back, vision is deteriorating rapidly, and really so many things I can't list them all. I had a complete physical
in Oct 05 and was given a perfect bill of health. Through Aug 06 I was riding my bicycle 33 miles per week. I'm still trying to figure out what hit me??
What my father has been told is that in some individuals Levaquin will attack the glands (like the thyroid) and will compromise the immune system. This damage appears to be permanent. All I know is that I went from being extremely healthy to terribly sick. If in a day's time I have enough energy to load and unload the dishwasher it is a banner day. I can
not work and seem to get worse instead of better as each day passes.

My husband also had pneumonia at Christmas and took Levaquin but does not seem to have had an problems. I suspect it was possibly the cumulative effect of having basically 4-5 rounds of the antibiotic in a years time. According to the people at the CDC that have spoken to my father the symptoms that I have can all be traced back to the medication. One never knows what effect a medication will have. Just please be careful when taking this medication, and limit how many times you take it.

I have been prescribed Levaquin multiple times for bronchial infections. The most recent being approx. a month ago. I have NEVER suffered a side effect from this medication. The types of side effects everyone is reporting here sound very bizarre. I know a number of people including my husband, friends, grown children, etc that have taken this medication multiple times as I personally have with no side effects whatsoever.

I knew it had to be that antibiotic!! My family doctor put me on Levaquin for a urinary tract infection a few days ago and the night before last I woke up in the early a.m. shaking all over and hurting in every joint in my body, and I have a foggy memory of it all too. It was very bad. I could not stand up without holding on to the wall because I was to weak and my legs felt like aching jello. I could barely move my neck and I thought I had meningitis it was that bad. I called 911 and the ambulance came for me. The doctor at the ER took blood work which was all normal and he told me I had a panic attack!, neck pain, and fatigue...I couldn't believe he told me I had a panic attack...I was asleep for goodness sakes. I have been hurting so bad that I was thinking I had something really serious. I hurt all over so bad that I can't even express it. I am so glad that all of you posted these side effects or I would not have known what was causing my problems. I will NEVER take that stupid drug EVER again and I hope they take it off the market. I hope someone will do something about this drug before it hurts more people like it has hurt all of us...I pray that you all will heal from the problems this medication has caused you.

I am a healthy female with little to no history of adverse reactions to medications. I was prescribed a 10 day dose of Levequin (500 mg) for a minor but stubborn skin abscess. After the third day, I woke up with significant joint soreness in my fingers. Progressively the soreness spread daily to my wrists, elbows, ankles, knees, hips, etc. I did not suspect the antibiotic at first, but I know my body, and I know something was WRONG.
After my 8th dose I decided to look online...it is at least good to know that what I'm experiencing is definitely from Levequin. Thank you all for sharing your stories.

I especially found MERCEDESLANE posting on April 15th interesting. I guess this person works in the health care system. Considering this uncompassionate individual, who apparently wants everythone to know he has a Mercedes, can't spell (whine), and does not have basic grammar skills. Wow...my faith in the our health care system is stronger than ever. But what do I know, I'm just an "IDIOT" with shingles that needs to have a couple of glasses of whine while I pop my remaining Levequin.

I was prescribed LEVAQUIN 500mg/day for 30 days. In that duration this is the list of side effects: diarrhea, sleep disorders, insomnia or excessive, and I mean excessive fatique, washing the dishes made me want to nap. heart racing, trouble breathing, tingling sensation either on my left or right side of my body, headaches. I actually finished the script, and now I have a yet undiagnosed skin condition which looks similar to MRSA, but the culture came back negative. The skin sores are very painful, so my doctor put me on DOXYCYCLINE 400mg/day for 2 mos, it didnt help the skin condition and only worsened the effects of LEVAQUIN, now my doctor has me on BACTRIM, because he is convinced it is MRSA. I am also suffering from severe depression, i never contemplate suicide, yet i would drift in and out of daydreams of wanting to quit, dizziness, when I was on LEVAQUIN my equilibrium was completely off. This skin condition is very painful, and I am on my 3rd antibiotic since June. I think I need help too!

Add me to the list. The funny thing is, I've taken Levaquin 4 or 5 times in the past without noticing any problems, but last week I was put on Biaxin for a sinus infection and had a terrible time with it, so the Dr. changed me to Levaquin, and now after 3 days I'm back in the same boat...heart racing, unable to sleep, elevated blood pressure, nauseous. It feels like my heart is on fire! I'm stopping this one today (only had 2 left.) This is awful, I know I was very sick and had to have some antibiotic, but after these two experiences I think I'd stick with the sinus infection!

I am 23 years old. I was prescribed Levaquin 750mg for a uti. I took my first pill at 3:00pm yesterday. That night, I wasn't able to sleep. I layed in bed, so tired, just wanting to fall asleep but couldn't. Then the cold sweats and trouble breathing started. By 2:00 a.m. I was having what I can only describe as a panic attack. It's 1:00pm the next day, and i've never felt this bad. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT GOOD.

I am currently taking levaquin for a sinus and double inner ear infection, i have also taken this antibiotic before,i am 35 years old. I think this drug works wonderfully and tell the doctor this drug works the best for me.i have noticed a harder time falling asleep if i take it too late in the evening and some mild stomach cramping if i do not eat at least 2 hours prior to taking it.i also take it with a full glass of water.some of the side affects listed in this blog that people are describing are normal if you read your insert that comes with the medication.And if you follow the directions and eat and drink with a full glass of water the side effects are not as severe.Unless you are allergic to the drug,i do not find it bothersome knowing i will not be taking it forever and it is just temporary that i will be having a hard time falling asleep.i do eventually fall asleep.My suggestion while taking this medication if you are in reasonably good health,is to read the directions about eating and drinking plenty of water and don't panic,that just makes things worse.

I started Levaquin 500 MG on Thursday Aug. 29, 2008. I did not have any problem the first night. But the second day at about 3:00 PM I was working on my computer when my finger joints started to get stiff and my hands and arms started to shake. I just thought I was tired and forgot about it. At 1:30 AM August 30, I was awakened by someone shouting in my ear , You are going to die. I woke up in a sweat and my heart pounding. My hand were stiff and my knee joints were very tight. I also was in a very bad panic attack.
I went to my desk and wrote my wife a letter telling her how much I loved her and my dog Abby. I then proceeded to give her funeral instructions as to which funeral home church and buriel plot.. This writing was 3 pages long. I called my doctor and they as much told me this could not happen. My blood pressure was 240 over 120 when I took it. I took a valium and this calmed me down in 10 minutes. They gave me a new antibiotic for my Bronchitis. So I thought the nightmares and pain was over. Not so quick last night at 2:20 AM I was awake by the screaming in my ears you are going to die. I tried to call my wife but I could not get the word out for help. I tried to move my hands and fingers they would not move. Finally I rolled off the bed and yelled my wifes name she did not hear me.
This drug has set back my recovery from my panic attacks. This drug should be badded by the FDA. But as usual the government does nothing to help the public only big business.

I was prescribed 750 MG of Levaquin after a ER visit on Saturday, August 16th for a sinus infection. Both Saturday and Sunday I had diarrhea. I took the second pill on Sunday and I did not sleep the entire night. I was sweating so much. I felt out of sorts and scared in my own home. I started to turn on the lights. I even tried to sleep with my bedroom light on. It was an awful night to say the least, I won't go into all of the details. But I did start to question not only my physical health but mental. I knew I had been stressed out, but this never happened to me before. I was not able to work Monday. I took the third pill Monday not realizing this was all a reaction to the antibiotic. I was speaking to a close friend late Monday afternoon about my horrible night. I did not tell her what I was taking. She informed me that one time she was taking a antibiotic, Levaquin, and that she had a similar reaction and even hallucinated. I was relieved to know that I was not loosing my mind but it was the medication. I called my doctor's. office and they said stop taking it. They said they were aware that this had happened to some patients. Gee, thanks for telling me in advance. They suggested I take Benadryl to help me sleep. Needless to say, what a horrible experience I had. And this night was worse. I was sweating even more, could not sleep, tried to take a shower to cool off and then I started to hallucinate. I tried talking myself out of it, but the medicine was too strong. I called my God Mother and she talked me through it. Again, all the lights had to be on, I felt very anxious and scared. IT WAS AWFUL. If you have a sensitive system I would not take this! It is now August 21st and I still can not sleep. I am still out of sorts. I wish I knew in advance. All I know is I am telling everyone I know, DON'T TAKE LEVAQUIN!!!

UPDATE from Yesterday)))>>> well thanks to everyone i quit taking it yesterday BUT!!!---> today when i woke up i had a horrible head ache and it seemed to be coming from my left eye. i looked in the mirror and i have a really weird yellowish glazed tint in both my eyes and in my left eye a blood vessel has burst. i also noticed ive developed a skin rash on my right side of my stomach and on my left calf. My joints kept me up all night in constant pain which felt like someone was ripping apart my ligaments. I had a minor anxiety attack last night (Ive NEVER had anxiety before) and my body just feels weak, drained, and i keep getting really weird muscel spasms in my upper thigh. I tried to go out to the store earlier and as soon as i stepped into the sunlight a migraine hit me, and ive never been sensitive to light....Ive had a feeling of helplessness and worthlessness more in the past 24 hours than i have in a year. Im also experiencing horrible lower back pain and stomach pain around where my kidneys are.... I did have a small amount breast tenderness when i woke up and im not sure if that's another side effect...(no im not pregnant, had multiple urine tests in the last week)...I think ive only went potty maybe once today...and that was at like 9am...its now almost 9pm. Im pretty sure if this isn't over with or doesn't improve by 10pm im going to the hospital.....i cant drink water and im pretty sure im getting dehydrated....my skins turning pale, i have dark rings around my eyes.....etc.......has anyone else suffered with these things? Levaquin is by far the MOST painful, riskful, antibiotic ive been on...They should definitely take this sh*t off the market!!! =[[

After my vasectomy I developed a horrible infection called epididymo-orchitis which is extremely painful accompanied by horrible swelling of the testicles. The ER Dr. put me on 500mg of levaquin once a day for 14 days. I am on day 6 of the antibiotic and for 2 days now I am experiencing extreme abdominal pain to the point of crying and collapsing, sever diarrhea but feels like I can't empty my bowels which makes the abdominal pain worse. Until I read some of these other stories I didn't realize that my knees and hands ache like I have horrible arthritis may be due to this med. I would much rather deal with the pain and swelling of my testicles than the side effects of this drug.

I was given a 750mg Levaquin rx for recovery from pneumonia on 7-17-08. I was sent home and lost all my appetite and forced myself to eat. Next I never slept at all for the following four days, it was like I was wired to the max and nothing I tried could induce rest of any kind. I called the doctor who switched me to a new antibiotic, my appetite returned the next day and finally I got some sleep. I would say this drug should not be on the market. My recovery was slowed by four days due to this drug and my head is still a little foggy at times as the drug wears off.

I have had progressive muscle weakness, pain in my joints with swelling of the knees, ankles and hips. My doctor said it is not related to the antibiotic and to continue taking it. The symptoms are so disabling I can barely make it to the bathroom alone and I have had to miss work. I also told him the inside of my throat felt swollen, and my tongue is turning white. It just isn't a pleasant drug to be on.

Saw Levaquin on the news yesterday. I was very pleased to see that they are putting a warning on this med. I thought it was just me with a problem with Levaquin. I have allergies to antibiotics anyways so I attributed my problems to just another allergic reaction to an antibiotic. Wow!
I took Levaquin in April 3 years ago for a respiratory infection of some kind. I then had the same experience I have with allergies where my tongue felt swollen. I called the nurse and she told me to take the next dose anyway. I did so and my chest/esophagus felt like it was on fire. I couldn't breathe. I went into the Emergency room and they gave me a lidocaine/maalox combo that would take the pain away for a while and diagnosed me with reflux.
I went on some reflux medications later that caused more problems for digestion. The more we tried to solve it the more my system reacted. I ended up in the emergency room about 5 times that year. Two were for chest pain from the esophagus and two were from severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). I became allergic to many categories of food and lost down to 110 lbs. I went to naturopaths and other specialists and none of them could pinpoint any problems. I was tested for Celiac and had two upper GI and one lower GI that year alone, My Dr. bills totalled more than $5,000 for that year.
The next year I had given up. The only doctor that I would go to was the allergist and the new GI doctor I had found. I still worked but was in such severe pain that I did nothing but sleep when I got home. I cried and begged God for death or healing all night long. I was losing my hair in great handfuls. They put me on ativan and I became addicted to the stuff. I was allergic to most foods. I had a diet of about 6-10 foods that I would cook homemade and I would never eat out unless I knew what and how the food was prepared. I took vitamin c in very high doses and that took the pain away.
I slowly re-introduced food back to my system. Now I have a less restrictive diet but it still is limited. I am now allergic to all nuts, rice, sunflower seeds (sunflower oil is used in most potato chips), some other grains, and melons. I still have problems with legumes and some other foods.
It took 2 years for the pain to subside and I still have digestive problems with diarrhea on and off. I am fine just as long as the pain stays away. I don't mind being limited on my diet.
I had noticed that my legs and joints hurt during that time too- but the other pain was so severe and my diet was so limited that I attributed that to diet.
If there is a class action lawsuit on this stuff I would like to be involved.

Muscle weakness, pain, tingling

After taking levaquin, I still suffer from muscle weakness, pain, and tingling several years later. My doctor who is one of the top specialists in New York has seen what this drug has done to me and is doing research for an article in a medical journal to put the word out of the horrible side effects of this drug as well as increasing the knowledge to hopefully figure out how to counteract this.

If you are/have suffered similar results, please contact me at ****** and we can discuss how you can send your case information to my doctor for the study and medical journal article. We need more scientific studies and literature out there about this drug and the side effects.

I was diagnosed with pneumonia 12 days ago and put on Levaquin because of it. I have felt like a totally different person and not in a good way. I have not slept more than 2-3 hours per night since beginning this antibiotic, I have been depressed, crying and fatigued. I am normally very emotionally stable but the insomnia has been a nightmare. I will never take this medication again. I appreciate all the postings on this site that helped me know that I wasn't going crazy - Levaquin was doing that to me.

Symptoms: joint pain, blisters on tongue, low blood pressure, dizziness, loss of vision. I started Levaquin 750 mg orally 11 days ago for diverticulitis, along with Flagyl. I had taken Levaquin in the past for this same condition without any side effects. I am also on Benicar 25 mg for high blood pressure. This time after spending $106 dollars AFTER insurance, I started having problems with dizziness where I would lose my vision for a few seconds every time I stood up from a sitting position, or sat up from laying down. My arms and legs felt very heavy and I was exhausted and felt like I could hardly walk. Since I had taken this drug before without complications, it didn't occur to me that this might be a side effect of the Levaquin. My doctor recommended I stop taking the Flagyl, which I did. Nothing improved. After several days of this I finally went to an after hours clinic and found that my blood pressure was 90/50. The nurse told me to stop taking my blood pressure med for a few days, that maybe there was a reaction. (She stated she had never heard of blood pressure being affected by an antibiotic). I stopped taking my blood pressure medication and it came up to normal within about 36 hours. Approximately 4 days ago my tongue broke out with little blisters all over, top and bottom and my lips are cracking. Yesterday my joints started aching and I feel like I'm 75 every time I take a step. (I'm 46) I took my last Levaquin yesterday and I still have the blisters and the joint pain is worse. This morning my blood pressure was back to my normal "mild high" range of about 130/83. I took my blood pressure med and it came back down to what is normal for me, 122/77. I haven't done anything different (meds, food, products, etc.) that should be causing these blisters, and I don't feel sick other than the joint pain, so I'm assuming these are side effects related to the Levaquin. I'm hoping they will clear up now that I'm done with the medication. I find it interesting that I spoke with two different pharmacists and two different physicians and none of them indicated there might be contra-indications with Levaquin and my blood pressure med. The good news is that the diverticulitis seems to be gone!

I took this antibiotic for 2 days. I have no history of mental illness whatsoever and I thought I was losing my mind for 2 days. I had a panic attack 2 nights in a row and stayed up all night starring at front door afraid that someone was going to break into my home and hurt my children. I can not believe that this "antibiotic" is even on the market. This is an extremely dangerous drug. I called the doctor and he sounded like he didn't believe me- maybe I should share some of this stuff with him so he can experience the crazy too!

took Levaquin 500mg x 5 days end of March ,2008- no problems except still with bronchitis sx.Saw Allergist who said not enough,long enough-put on 750mg x 21 days, again no side effects and got better. after 5 days off, started productive cough so placed on another 16 days of 750mg. On day 13, awoke with terrible pain in knuckles, knee. Completed med as drug book only listed tendon pain not joint pain. Now 4 days after completing, pain in elbows as well as knees, less in knuckles. None of joint pain sx listed on Pharmacy info either.

It's 2 am on my 7th day of taking Levaquin. I was prescribed the antibiotic after being diagnosed with a UTI. I still have a UTI even though I am finished with my dose. I am awake not because of insomnia, but because I've had my 5th nightmare this week. This one was so bad I woke up screaming and crying. I went outside for some air to try to cool off. I still felt terrible anger for the people in my nightmare and really felt like I was ready for the psych ward. Finally it hit me, the only thing I've done differently this week is taking Levaquin. These nightmares are intolerable! One was understandable I suppose but every night two bad nightmares a night! And these aren't just "someones chasing you" nightmares...these are terrors! After figuring this out I would stop taking this right away if I wasn't finished already. No one I know will ever take this medicine, I will tell everyone of this crazy medicine.

I had a viral infection and was put on Levaquin 750 mg. After being on it for 5 days my joints began to hurt. I didn't think the medicine caused it and I continued to take it. Until the 7th day I began to research and found this web site. I quit taking it. I was unable to stoop down and it hurt really bad to walk up or down stairs. Regular walking was some painful. I also had some pain in my wrist. I've been off the medicine for 6 or 7 weeks and I'm still having bad joint pain in my knees. I'm unable to perform normal activities. I'm not saying Levaquin caused it; but it's just that when this started was while on it. If anyone knows how long this might last or if it causes permanent damage, please let me know! I will be going to a specialist in 1 week to get this checked.

Absolutely the worst antibiotic on the planet. I am a healthy 35 year old male who was given levaquin to combat a sinus infection. After 3 pills, I had a reactions which included red rashes forming all over my body. Very, very dry mouth, joints started to hurt. I immediately stopped the levaquin and let my body fight it naturally. As you know you are never suppose to stop antibiotics mid way as the infection will only come back stronger which it did....but I just bared through it, drank lots of water, and 7 days later I feel better. The red rash has mostly gone, but left me with very dry peeling skin, like I had sun damage. My face was so dry even after repeated moisturizing it, i could feel the dry skin just flaking off. Amazing how this drug is allowed to stay on the market. Please do not take this antibiotic

I took Leva-kill last November, 500mg for 10days due to a resistant ear infection. On the 3rd day, my back felt like it was on fire. Went to ER, did one blood test for muscle deterioration, came back fine.Told to keep taking. I thought I was going to die. I felt and still feel like I was poisoned. Seems to be permanent. Some days worse than others. Check out FQVICTIMS.ORG.Any doctors and dentist I have seen says not Levaquin {about ten]. One ENT said "I bet" when told levaquin made me feel like dying, but that was it. Has anyone heard of any hope? Is this really permanent?

My dad who's 52 had a fever and flu last week. The doctor gave him 10 pills of Levaquin (500mg) and said this was a very good antibiotic. After taking each pill, my dad felt more nauseous and told me that everything (delicious food, cigarettes, perfume, etc) smelled like burning garbage. Apparently this was caused by Levaquin, and I'm pushing him to see the doctor with me tomorrow. I'll post what the doctor says once we come back.

I have taken several rounds of Levaquin, and recently Avelox. After taking 2 rounds of levaquin for a sinus infection last spring I experience many of the myalgia type symptoms, and was tested for Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lyme's disease, all negative... eventually felt better. I never attributed to the medication. Last fall I again had a sinus infection levaquin again, 2 rounds of 5 days in February, and then Avelox early April. I have never been sicker in my life. I have had many of the CNS effects, and the joint and muscle pain. Agonizing pain that I had never experienced. worse than passing a kidney stone. I am feeling a bit better, and heading back to work today after being unable to go for 10 days. I have also developed some eye problems, that are being managed with drops. I am trying to eat naturally and drinking lots of water. I pray this will go away, and want to warn everyone not to take this medication! Still have back and hip pain, pain in my feet, insomnia, headaches, and anxiety...but is not as severe as 10 days ago. My prayers are with all of you suffering from the side effects of these dangerous drugs.

Are you guys for real? In reading through the side effects blogs it really reads like it is all the same person writing, maybe someone trying to beat up on the competition or something. It did scare me out of letting my 24 year old son take it for severe sinus infections, however and I just hope that two days of a 750mg dose per day doesn't show forth the negative effects in the days to come!! Please tell me it's not as bad as it sounds!

If people would stop referring to this poison as just another antibiotic, we would be much further ahead. This is not just another z-pak or even a penecillian or sulfa based antibiotic. It is poison. The side effects are MUCH greater than people want to admit (especially those making a buck on it). That is why there are lawsuits and sooo many complaints. Look people, let's stop with the "you can have side effects from Tylenol" crap and get to the heart of the matter. I believe this drug serves a purpose.... for those that are not responding to anything else, for those that need to take tremendous risks to save their life, for those that might die otherwise. I DO NOT believe it should be a "Drug of choice" or a larger market share for some drug rep. My bicep meant much more to me than that. Yes I'm angry. Not just for the lack of information I was provided but for the denial that I was fed while it was going on. Perhaps I could be just as cold as some of these remarks if I said.... "go ahead, if you feel that way take it I hope you suffer too." Is that what you want? We need to stop this before others keep getting hurt. Please.

Well after all the hype of the negative side effects of levaquin I did the 7 days and tho I felt like crap mainly due to the flu I think I seem to be fine a week after stopping. The side effects I did experience were wrenched stomach. This could of been a flu symptom or maybe a side effect of the antibiotic. Knowing that antibiotics can cause pretty much most of the symptoms that people here complain of and having experienced ten years of allergies due to antibiotics from 93 to 03 and curing myself thru education on the subject I knew before hand that taking any antibiotic is a gamble. I think the reason most people have bad experiences is due to an already compromised out of balance system. Candidiasis is a controversial subject that a lot of doctors do not believe in but recently it has made a lot of headlines both on tv and in the holistic field. So knowing I did not want another ten years of hell I bought good flora, probiotics from a health food store. I have been taking about 5 a day with meals. So far i have no side effects. I feel good. I will take probiotics for a month or so to make sure I get enough good flora back into my system. Anyone taking an antibiotic needs to know that it will kill most all benificial bacteria but does not kill candida so without the good flora which keeps candida in check candida can grow and leak into your blood stream and attack any part of the body. I personally do not agree that antibiotics should be used in a lot of situations but sometimes you have no choice. If one does not have the knowledge to use them responsibly I do believe your life can be altered dramatically. Its easy to blame the pill which in most cases you are correct in your assumption but its also your own fault and the doctors to of not educated yourself beforehand.

Well, I am not posting a side effect. I actually stumbled upon this website while trying to look up whether hypoglycemia is a side effect of Levaquin. I am a physician assistant and routinely prescribe this medication. Unfortunately ALL medications have the potential for causing many many many different side effects. Obviously one has to weigh the benefits of using the medication with the risk of side effects. And certain side effects are obviously more common than others. While I appreciate the point of a website like this, it is very frustrating for me, as a clinician, to read someone posting things that are absolutely untrue which can potentially cause undue distress or worry for everyone who may read it. I am referring to the person who wanted "to let everyone know of the relationship between levaquin and vancomycin." Her only source for this WRONG information is a nurse who told her daughter. Did she ever think that the nurse could be wrong and that maybe before posting something like that she should ask a pharmacist or a physician. Vancomycin and floroquinolones are not related pharmacologically!!!!

My finance was prescribed Levaquin for a food borne bacterial infection. On day 4 of the antibiotic, he broke out into a horrible body rash. It is all everywhere from scalp to toes. It started as a small rash under the arms and by the next day it was a small bump-like rash all over. Then it got splotchy...red and white... we went to the ER and they gave him the usual steroid and anxiety control drugs to help but he now looks as if he has a sun burn and is developing bruse-like purple patches all over his legs and groin. He is almost convulsing due to the pain. Has anyone had this reaction?

Well just started yesterday on the 500mg levaquin tablets. Ended up with the flu and waited 6 days before going to see the doctor. I have known for a long time that any antibiotic is bad for you due to the fact they kill all benificial bacteria also. I had severe food allergies for ten years due to them. Only by accident did i find out that what had happened was candidiasis which is also a bacteria that we all have in our system was allowed to grow out of control due to all the good bacteria being wiped out. With this information at hand I was able to treat my what you would call long term side effects. By reintroducing good bacteria back into my system I was finally able to beat all the symptoms. Now I know that with levaquin I will have to reintroduce all over again. The important thing to remember is you have to reintroduce right away. Its the candida that in most cases that causes the problems most people experience. Anytime you kill something in your body you will create toxins that must be eliminated. Anyone not educated about candidiasis should read up on it in whole. Most doctors do not recognize this condition or even believe. I have posted on curezone.com in the candida forum under ( crapshot ). I firmly believe that when probiotics are (good benificial bacteria) reintroduced ASAP the recovery time from the side effects of levaquin or any antibiotic will be diminished greatly. I do not believe that any one probiotic works better than the other but when used rotate brands to allow a better assimilation into your system. Tho dairy products due have good bacteria added for our benefit when candida has grown out of control at this point your better off with a product like Three Lac or Primal Defence or the likes.

Recently took a twenty day run of 500 mg Levaquin for a cellulitis infection that popped up after a knee surgery. It seems that unlike most people I tolerate the drug pretty well. The only side effect I have noticed is a little muscle stiffness when I wake up which is quickly remedied through light stretching and a warm shower. After being put on this medication I looked up it's side effects and was frightened by how many people have had terrible and debilitating side effects. Next time I'll trust my doctor and not look them up. I think any lost sleep and nervousness can be attributed to worrying about side effects that never came up.

started Levaquin 2 weeks ago for pneumonia & pleurisy (had been prescribed 5 day kpack but that didn't work). after a couple of days started the insomnia, joint pain in left elbow, knee & hip. then started having problems walking, dizzy, nausea, headache, called my docs and they had me come in. they sent me to emergency room to make sure I wasn't having stroke! no stroke, but stopped Levaquin (it was helping my pneumonia) and switched to another antibiotic. my side effects were not going away, though, and the night before last I took a vicodin. DO NOT TAKE VICODIN! woke up crying in the morning and could not lift my arms cause of the pain. my husband had to hold a glass so I could drink water to take pain meds. couldn't even type! I did go to acupuncture, and last night I took Advil pm (2) and today slept till 2pm! I feel MUCH better, though side effects still not gone. I am mid 40's, fairly healthy, (had breast cancer last year, though, w/mastectomy & chemo, and had radiation for hodgekins in my early 30's) so my immune system is a bit weaker than most, but I get around and am VERY active, so this threw me for a loop. any advice anyone? gmf

I was prescribed Avelox for pneumonia, which I had a severe reaction to. I was driving in my car with my kids and suddenly didn't know where I was. I was so confused and pulled the car over and vomited. I rushed home and was launched into a full-fledged panic attack. I was then given Levaquin and I was fine with it other than some mild malaise and a little dizziness for the 7 days of 750mg, but my symptoms just came back soon after and I developed a sinus infection and was put back on the Levaquin. I took one 250mg pill yesterday and had the same thing happen, severe fatigue, weakness and numbness in my hands and arms, dizziness, confusion, panic attacks, blurred vision and severe diarrhea. I felt floaty and out of it for the rest of the day and night. I woke up this morning and I feel much better, other than some left over anxiety about taking the prescription. THE GOOD NEWS is that my symptoms are gone now that the antibiotic has been metabolized and secreted from my body. I did see some floaters in the shower today, but I believe they were because I strained my eyes when looking to far to the right. I drank 2 glasses of wine to help with the increased heart rate and insomnia that the drug caused--worked well!! I would never, ever take this antibiotic again.

I have been on Levaquin for 5 days and have had an ache and tightness in the back of my neck since the first day. I have slept very poorly for the last three nights and over the last two days have developed significant chest pain..feels like the muscles in my chest and upper abdomen are in a constant contraction. I went to my internist yesterday thinking it may be an unfamiliar type of asthma attack. I used my inhaler on the way and blood oxygen was fine when I got there but the chest pain continued. I was given a chest Xray and an EKG, both of which were fine. My doctor did not feel that it could be the Levaquin and advised me to continue it. The contractions in my chest have continued, almost crushing at times. The neck pain has been continuous. I am stopping the Levaquin and willing to risk having the infection return.

Hi,

I took Levaquin for one day, the first pill out of a pack of five.
Next day I had severe pain in legs back, shoulders and across my chest,
I thought I'd had a heart attack. I immediately suspected the medication
because it was the only one I had taken.
The pain is still with me but it only three days out, am hoping that it
will go away. Recently today I have begun to notice knee pain.
Anyway I have warned everyone I know not to take Levaquin under any circumstances.

For all of you suffering on this board I strongly suggest you log unto www.fqresearch.org where you will find over 4000 medical journal entries, case reports, etc., that detail the horrendous damage these drugs are capable of. You will also find a link there for a support forum hosted by yahoo that everyone here is invited to join.

We have been fighting with the FDA since 1999 to get "Black Box" warnings as well as "Dear Doctor" letters sent. Had this been done I doubt that most of you would be suffering like this. This class is a drug of LAST RESORT, and it is not approved as a first line agent for ANY disease state.

It is both shocking and appalling that we see people coming on this site promoting the use of these drugs and chasing you for suffering a reaction. I can assure you this is not "in your head" by any means. These severe adverse reactions have been documented since 1982 within ALL of the leading medical journals. They are THE most toxic and dangerous antibiotic in clinical use today.

But the FDA refuses to provide adequate warnings within the package inserts and Public Citizen has had to SUE them in Federal Court to even have them review their petitions seeking, once again, "Black Box Warnings and Dear Doctor Letters."

Recently Bayer issued a "Dear Doctor" letter in Europe regarding the severe adrs to Avelox. But we find no such letters being written here in the United States.

Anyhow, just a brief note to let you know that you are no alone, your name is "Legions", and we have been fighting on your behalf since 1999.

Regards,

Mr. David T. Fuller
Director
Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Research Foundation
www.fqresearch.org

I've had bronchitis for approximately a month. I finally went to the doctor on Feb. 7th for treatment. He put me on Prednisolone and wrote me a script for Levaquin. He told me not to take it unless I presented with fever and green mucous discharge, so I never filled it. Five days later I had 103 fever and felt like crap. My husband took me to the doctor where I got a chest x-ray, which was clear, a shot of Rocephin (sp?) antibiotic, a shot of Decadron steroid, Ambien to help me sleep, and 12 days of 750 mg of Levaquin. I truly believe my problems are caused from the Levaquin. I've had nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia even with the Ambien, night sweats, headaches, mini panic attacks, shall I go on.....Today will be day 7 of treatment. I can't continue taking it. I can't function this way. I'll be glad to get another shot of Rocephin for treatment. NO MORE LEVAQUIN!!

Was prescribed Levaquin during the flu for the "possibility" of an infection. Developed severe leg cramps and swelling. Insomnia, have slept a total of about 3 hours in 3 nights. Episodes of depression, crying and anxiety with racing heart. If this was the only drug available to save myself from a severe sinus infection, or even death, I would chose the infection! Stay away from this antibiotic, it's unbelievable this drug is legal and even more so that doctors actually prescribe it to people. I guarantee they wouldn't take it themselves or give it to loved ones.

Hello fellow sufferers,
Several years ago I had a CT of my face and head due to frequent migraines...They had thought maybe there was a tumor or blocked blood vessels, but to my complete surprise all of that was normal, but I had all the sinuses on the right side of my face completely blocked...The doctor @ that time asked me some questions about my breathing and pain...Of course my breathing through the nose wasn't that great, but I had always taken that as a bonus since I work in the hospital...NO pain really either...Due to the fact that sinus infections have a direct pathway to the brain they decided that I needed Levaquin...On the second day of taking the medication I was in complete tears...The bottom half of my body ached like someone had kicked the %^&* out of me...First off I thought that maybe it was because I had my leg in a full cast and that had just been adjusted so stupidly I continued with the med another 2 days and the symptoms got to the point that I couldn't walk...I called the pharmacy right away and told them of my symptoms and they said they had no documentation of such side effects so I continued thinking it was something else ( they always tell you to complete the full course of an antibiotic so you don't kill off half the "bug" and the other half goes resistant)....Stupid....I finally made an appointment and had my husband literally carry me cast and all down there...The doctor had no explanation for the symptoms I had but did lab work to kinda shut me up and low and behold it reviled that I had full blown arthritis so off to a rheumatoid specialist...We went through my health history and other that the sinus infection, migraines and a broken leg I was fine except for the constant pain from the waist down........It took 7 months to return to "normal" blood test went back to normal too...I had made a second trip to the pharmacy and insisted on filling out a form for side effects and had proof of it with the weird lab tests that had since gone back to normal...This form was supposed to be sent to the drug company (not sure if it ever was).....Thought I would just share my experience with you and hope it helps others...I am an RN with 15 yrs surgical experience and thought I was going nuts when on this stuff...Since then I have always included this as an ALLERGY since it is one of the best and most common drugs used for things like sinus infections and I don't ever want to take this again.
Sincerely,
Debbie

I don't know what to do, I have been on Levaquin (750 mg) for approx. 8 days now, I have 6 more days to go. I was prescibed this drug due to being diagonosed with MRSA. However the infection has gone away, I began to have extreme pain in my both knees. Sleeping has been difficult as well waking up with night sweats. I will bare the pain for the 6 remaining days. But if the pain tends to get worse, I will need to consult my physician

I am a very healthy 21 yr old. I have always had a slight problem with urinary tract infections, nothing major tho. Doctors in the past always prescribed an antibiotic, usually Macrobid. I went in to see a doctor at MEA that gave me 3 samples of LEVAQUIN. They were each 750 mg. Within 3 days of taking the pills I was unable to get out of bed. My stomach pains were so severe I had to constantly bend over to relieve some of the pain. I had no appetite. My chest hurt so bad I couldn't talk loud, laugh or cough without crying from the pain. My fingers began to swell and became numb. I could barely sleep and when I did it was a very restless sleep. I woke up during the night one night and couldn't feel anything in my left shoulder. It has been close to 8 months since I took LEVAQUIN. I still have problems with my joints hurting horribly. I see spots like you would see after a camera flash in my eyes all day everyday. The bottoms of my feet still hurt if I stand still for a long time. LEVAQUIN is so dangerous. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!

How long will my pain last knees, legs, feet arms all my joints,,,, I feel like I am 100 years old! How long will it take to get better, my doctor took blood Friday to see what was going on but I haven't heard anything yet

Taking Levaquin for pneumonia discovered through Xray as I had a nagging cough for a few weeks. Into 10th day of 14 day 500mg regimen and have had what feels like muscle tears in my calf muscle. First one happened after a weeks treatment during athletics and seemed to get much better in a few days. Second 'tear' happened today while walking. I can't really tell if these pains are muscle or tendon (achilles) but massage and heat helps. Sure am surprised to learn about all the side-effects from taking this drug and think I better end the treatment.

I got sick. It lasted longer than usual. I was coughing up phlegm and I had sore throats on and off. It would get a little better then get worse. After about a month of this I developed a Pleurisy or a Pleuritis, in which I had a terribly painful cough.
I finally went to the doctor.
First my doctor prescribed an antibiotic which was not Levaquin. It didn't work.

Then she prescribed Levaquin. I had instructions to take 10 pills, once a day. After the first couple of days, I developed a skin rash, all over my torso. I went to several websites including this one to read up about Levaquin and its possible side effects. Most said, to stop taking it.

I tried to stop the rash by taking Benadryl, at night. So I took Tylenol PM. I found that the rash was smaller in the morning. So I stayed on the Levaquin. At the end of the 10 days of Levaquin, my chest still hurt a little when I coughed. About a week after finishing my prescription, the pleurisy pain was gone. I am so glad I stayed on the drug.

I was prescribed Levaquin for Chronic Sinusitis and ended up with gout like symptoms in my left big toe. It has made it very difficult to walk and carry out everyday responsibilities.I am only 29 years old and have two young children to tend to and this has made it very difficult. It is very difficult to walk and stand and I am unable to wear shoes due to the inflammation and swelling. Does it get better?

Struggling with a sinus infection that threatened to bore into my brain, resulting, ultimately, in seizures and death, I've been taking Levaquin now for three days. I'm experiencing anxiety and sleeplessness, however, it's not from the medication. It's from all the hyperbole on the internet.

Look, I understand that many have had adverse reactions to this medication. One dose of penicillin can kill you without warning. At anytime. No warning. I suspect that few of those labellings Levaquin "poison" would ever bother to consider that - or anything else. All wrapped up in your misery, you spout off with rhetoric that is really better left to lawyers and politicians.

If you were uninformed of the possible side-effects of this medication, blame your doctor. I see that the last post here is dated November 2007, and the bottom of this first page takes us to October 2006. Perhaps one could take a bit of responsibility for oneself and do some research on one's own before popping a pill handed out by a disinterested physician. This information is out there - and yes, your doctor could have seen it, too. But he didn't bother, did he? Neither did you.

So, yes, with my first dose, and despite the impact drill driving through my eye-socket, I waited for the seizures, swelling and signs of imminent demise. Nothing. Sorry. Oh, my sinuses feel better, I don't have a brain infection, and so I won't die frothing at the mouth on my living room floor.

I'm sorry you feel bad - and if you hadn't run off at the mouth calling what may be one of the last effective antibiotics "poison", I might mean that with some sincerity. Oh, and lest you forget, antibiotics are poison by definition - the idea being that they affect/poison/kill the source more than they do the host.

So let's stop the hyperbole, and simply say you had a bad reaction to this medication. Not everyone does. Your option might have been to skip the doctor and the meds altogether, and see how you'd fare. But that would leave the responsibility, and the blame, all on you, then, wouldn't it? Far better to spread it around some.

I was given levaquin 500 mg 6 days ago for phlebitis. Since I started I have had terrible anxiety, panic attacks, fear of dying, nightmares, crying jags, and very sore neck and shoulders. I called my doctor today and asked about the side effects of this medicine. I am NOT going to finish my 10 day dosage. I'm done. I've never been so miserable. This is strange because all this past summer I took low-dose levaquin, 250 mg 4 days a week because I have bartonellosis, a co-infection of Lyme disease. It didn't bother me beyond some leg pain then, but now it's a whole new story. I am TERRIFIED of this antibiotic and modern Western medicine in general.

Daughter's ear infection was not responding well to prescribed antibiotic. Dr called in levaquin as replacement. Within THREE MINUTES, daughter was having reaction to levaquin. Within thirty minutes of taking levaquin, I had her in the ER. She is 15 years old, 5'5" 115 lbs, active healthy teen. Heart rate was 130. BP 130/88. She couldn't stop shaking, difficulty breathing, lips/tongue swelling, face, hands and feet numb.