Levaquin and ear infection

I have been taking Levaquin for four days now and am suffering from serious lower leg pain, weakness in my right hand, nausea, my skin feels so hot all the time and not able to sleep. I am sure the Levaquin is causing this as this all started right after taking the first pill. I did not get an information sheet from the pharmacy that there were serious side effects to this drug. I was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus / ear infection because I am allergic to Zithromax (my liver reacts negatively with this antibiotic). I will not be continuing the course of antibiotic and hope the pain stops.

My son (14 years old) was given levaquin for a sinus and ear infection
2 weeks ago. Around the same time he began practices for his high school baseball team. He complained about his legs being stiff and aching. We assumed it was the intense practices causing his muscles to ache. After a week on the drug, he could barely walk and his knees were swollen. We were very concerned and looked up the side effects of levaquin on the internet. We were shocked and angry when we found out that levaquin should not be given to children under the age of 18 because on the possibility of joint and tendon problems. Today we went to the orthopedist and he drained a lot of fluid off of both knees (it looked like about a 1/2 cup from each).The doctor thinks it has to be a side effect of the drug, because the symptoms began at the same time. He doesn't
think after examining the knee and having him perform certain tasks that he has damaged any tendons. He has all the symptoms of rheumatiod arthritis. He is very athletic and plays competitive sports and we are praying that his knees are not permanently damaged by this drug. Parents please research all drugs and there side effects before giving them to your children! Doctor's DO make mistakes!! The pharmacist failed us too.

Today is Christmas day 2008. And a Merry Christmas to me ha!!!!!!!! I was given a prescription for the drug Levaquin on the 19th of December for a suspicion of pneumonia. The x rays done at the hospital found no evidence of pneumonia but my doctor wanted me to take it anyway because since I have asthma and my lungs sounded so bad I was told that I was at risk for developing any secondary infection that was out there. My husband filled the prescription on the 20th which was Saturday, took the first one of a seven day supply 500 mg tablets. About 4 hours after taking just one pill was awakened by severe and agonizing pain in both of my feet and my knees that I was writhing in pain. Since I have nerve damage in my feet anyhow I know what the pain that I normally experience feels like and instantly knew that this was not normal for me. When I thought that I finally might be able to walk I hobbled into the kitchen and dug the list of side affects out of the garbage (stupid me had not read them first.) I discovered that it was one of the side affects. Called the on call doctor in the morning since it was on the weekend and he stopped it immediately and put me on something else. I only took that one pill and since Saturday night every night I wake up in agonizing knee pain and I have never had pains in my knees before. The pain is so bad that I feel like I am ready to go on a morphine drip, or cut my legs off above the knees. Six days now from one pill, how much longer can this go on? I really feel bad for the people that contined to trust their doctors and continued with the full course of the medication and I realize that what I am experiencing is minor compared to what others are going through. This drug should come with a handout that says: Take this drug at a risk to your health!!!!!! Last night the pain lasted all night and I cried all night. Have to get through this day am entertaining for the holiday and have had no sleep. Actually getting afraid to go to sleep at this point.............D.

I was prescribed 7 Levaquin (3- 750mg and 4- 500mg) on Friday December 12th 2008 for an ear infection. I was to take the 3- 750mg ones for the next 3 days and then start on the last 4- 500mg. The next evening Saturday, I started to get sharp pains in my left calf. I thought it was a charley horse and started limping around with pain. During the night I felt as if I was lying on golf balls and could not get comfortable.

The next morning the pain in the calf included soreness in the left hip area. I took an over-the-counter pain pill and went on my business. I also took the second 750mg Levaquin Saturday morning. Later that afternoon my right calf starting hurting with sharp pain as I walked around the house. This was really weird. The pain was exactly in the same area as the left side.

On Sunday morning (December 14th 2008) I took the 3rd 750mg Levaquin. That evening I started to put two and two together and had some thoughts the medication (Levaquin) was causing these side effects. I told my wife that I was going call my doctor on Monday (December 15th 2008) and let him know how much pain I was in. At this time I could hardly walk. I was walking with much pain and felt like I was walking like the Apes in the movie called “Planet of the Apes”.

I was now on the 500mg Levaquin. I took this pill Monday as scheduled. I called my doctors office Monday morning and talked to the lady that answered his phone. I explained my condition. She had me describe my symptoms twice. She told me she would give my message to my doctor. I did not receive a return that same day.

Tuesday morning I took the next 500mg Levaquin as scheduled required. Later that day I received a call from a lady at my doctor’s office. She told me that the doctor was going to phone in an additional prescription and where did I want it phoned to. I asked her what the doctor said about the additional 2- 500mg Levaquin pills I had left. Did he want me to stop taking them? She told me he didn’t say and he made no comment on my side effects.

My wife called the Pharmacist later Tuesday afternoon and the prescription was not there or not ready.

Wednesday morning I took the 2nd to last 500mg Levaquin dose as scheduled. Later that morning my wife called the Pharmacist and my new prescription was ready. We went and picked up the new medication that afternoon.

At this time I only had one more dose of the 500mg Levaquin and seeing-how the doctor didn’t tell me to stop taking the remaining last couple of pills I took it on Thursday morning to finish out the prescription.

I’ve been off Levaquin for about 3 days now. It’s now Sunday December 20, 2008 and many of my joints and muscles are in distress. I walk with much pain. I can hardly life my arm above my shoulders. Even my hands hurt when I try to make a fist. I hope this drug starts to wear off soon.

Along with my other medical problems, I have been starting to have thoughts of how unimportant I am. How I could become a burden to my family. My depression has gotten worse and thoughts of suicide have flashed into my mind. Those thoughts give me chills because I love my wife and know how much that would hurt her. I love life but I don’t want to get to the point that I can’t take care of myself. God must give me the courage to do what I have to do. I don’t know why I’m writing down the above information. This is so personal. This can’t be happing to me. It just doesn’t seem possible. I feel the pain in each of my joints in my hands as I type. It is as though I was not myself. I look at my hands and it seems as if I was in someone else’s body. I’m sure this is side effects of the Levaquin and should subside soon. Merry Christmas Everyone.

I was prescribed Levaquin today for several styes in my eyes and ear infection.

I hope it works.

My mother has been taking this medicine for 10 days prescribed to her by her doctor for an ear infection and has experienced horrible pain with this poisonous drug. I cannot believe what I am reading and am hoping to read more about remedies of joint pain. She has been complaining for days. I really hope she can get better soon.

My 10 year old was prescribed levaquin for a sinus and ear infection, he has been "dizzy and lightheaded" and started having "horrible" nightmares. That was only after 1 dose. I don't think he'll be taking anymore. Thank You for this website! :) very informative.

My 84 year old mother was prescribed Levaquin for 10 days to treat an ear infection. She went on a trip to Europe while taking the medication. On the 10th day of taking the medication she could barely walk. She just got back today 8/24/08. I told her to make an appointment with her Doctor

i was prescribed Levaquin in April for pneumonia. I took 1 pill in the morning and by mid-evening felt gross. My stomach was in knots, head was fuzzy. I decided to NOT take any more and let my body fight it. Last week I had awful pain in my ear/jaw and thought it was my tooth so didn't go to the DR. right away. Finally I couldn't handle the pain and went. He said I had an ear infection and immediately wrote a script for Levaquin despite me telling him how it made me feel in April. He said it was no big deal, the feelings would go away. I came home and against my better judgment took what I had left from April. (6 pills) I am done them now, but was looking up Levaquin on line because I feel like crap, my ear and jaw still hurt like hell, and tonight my leg started to hurt. I have a flaming esophagus as I sit and type this at 2 in the morning because I cant friggen sleep. Pain my chest feels like I inhaled glass. My husband said he noticed I haven't been acting right...news to me. I'm cranky because all this crap did was make me feel worse. DR. told me to take 2 aleve in the a.m. and Tylenol/Motrin every 4 hours after that for pain. I just got done reading that NSAIDs shouldn't be taken with Levaquin. Nice to know after the fact. My stomach has been turning for 5 days and food is absolutely disgusting. I have awful diarrhea from this med too, which the doctor said was normal.. good to know that spending hours on the toilet was"normal". I've been teary too. Crying over nothing, literally sitting at the pc playing a game of cards and I busted into hysterical sobbing OVER CARDS!! Hopefully I will feel better in a few days and nothing else happens. DO NOT TAKE LEVAQUIN!!! Save yourself the trouble.

My daughter took levoquin for 5 days because of a bad ear infection. it caused her to not be able to sleep. She went off of it and started sleeping again, but is having bouts of sleeplessness. Help. How long does it take for this to get out of your system? She is having sleeplessness again and it has been 5 weeks.

I'm a 31 female. I was diagnosed with bronchitis/sinusitis on 5/28 and was given Biaxin which did not help. I was instructed to return to the doctor if I did not feel better within 2 to 3 days. On Monday 6/2 I returned to the doctors per instructions because I was not feeling better. He switched me to Levaquin 500mg 1 a day. I took Levaquin at 8pm Monday evening. I was unable to sleep that evening so I researched the medication the following morning and saw that Insomnia was a side effect. Starting at 10am today 6/6 I begun severe hip pain in my right hip. I called the doctor and they instructed me to stop taking the medicine for 24 hours and begin treatment again if the pain reduces. After reading this information I'm now reluctant to start "if" the pain subsides.

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 16 year old son took Levaquin 6 months ago and had a bad reaction to it. His symptoms were severe muscle weakness (he would get exhausted walking from the parking lot to a store and back, severe joint pain (in thumbs, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles), dizziness (he felt like the room was moving away from him and would lose balance), and headaches (a severe pressure in the back of his head that was constant and then shooting pains in his his head that would come and go for no reason). I should say he was in top shape before this and wrestling in the 125 pound category. He took Levaquin to prevent an infection after sinus surgery.

Now 6 months later, his joint pain is completely gone except for his knees. They still hurt when he does squats and they are not good enough for him to go back to wrestling, but he can walk around pain free. His dizziness is also gone as well as his muscle weakness. His headaches are still there and still constant, but not as bad as they once were; however, he has had them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 6 months. He is on Lyrica which has helped make the headaches subside.

I have taken him to more than 16 medical doctors of all specialties, had multiple MRIs, CT Scans, blood tests, spinal tap, and an MRA. All come back negative. Thankfully, despite all of this, he still remains happy and positive that he will once again be 100% healthy; it will take lots of time, but he will get better. I know the first three symptoms (joint pain, dizziness, weakness) are clearly Levaquin related, but I haven't heard much about the headaches from people. Anyone else out there that has suffered from a constant headache after Levaquin? I REALLY want to hear about headaches from others!!!!

By the way, we have filed a medwatch already. I also know that Levaquin is not approved for anyone under 18 years old and he never needed such a powerful drug to prevent an infection, but there is nothing I can do about that now except to warn others. One of his UCLA doctors wants to write a case study on him to make this more known to others and I am helping him with that.

If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask. If you have had a headache from Levaquin, please let me know where in the head the pain was, if it is constant, what it feels like (pressure, shooting, throbbing), how long you have had it, and what, if anything, helped. THANKS.

While taking Levaquin I experienced insomnia and anxiety. One week after completing 500mg a day for 10 days, I began experiencing Tendonitis in my right hand/wrist and have had an incredibly painful earache with tinnitus and vertigo. The ENT doctor diagnosed TMJ, but I do not grind my teeth or clench my teeth. My jaw operates just fine with no immediate pain, but the earache persists almost constantly. The ENT doctor's solution was Vicodin, but I want a cure not a pain treatment. I don't believe I have TMJ and wonder if it could be the temporal tendon. I am indirectly aware of two other people who have had the same experience, and I wonder how many others are out there. If any one else has experienced this and has any knowledge or advice to offer, I would greatly appreciate it. I have no idea who to go to about this. The ENT doctor does not have any solutions, and I doubt a dentist can help me because I don't think it's TMJ.

I started taking Levaquin last Friday ( the 11th) for a severe sinus infection. I was prescribed 750 mg for 5 days. I finished that but my sinus infection didn't improve so I was prescribed another 5 days of 750 mg. I took the pill yesterday and today ( totally 7 pills) I noticed on about day 2 or 3 that my legs felt tight, but thought it was a normal side effect. Then my lower back. I wasn't in serious pain at all so I ignored it. Today my knees, knuckles, shoulders, elbows, are extremely sore and i get sharp pains every now and then. It also hurts to sit for too long. I started researching the drug and now am so terrified after reading all these horror stories. Has anyone had this only last while taking it and not for months afterwards? Or am I pretty much in this for the long haul. And to the people who say that it lasts for months or years is it pain that disables you from working and doing daily things? I'm only 23 and I live a very active life and I'm totally freaked out now. PLEASE HELP

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.

I started taking Levaquin on Thursday October 4 for a sinus/throat infection. 5 days later and I feel wired out of my mind. Strange thoughts, increased energy intertwined with panic, wrist/hip pain, very little sleep. Severe stomach pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, gagging reflex. Also mouth sores, and terrible taste in mouth. This has me very concerned. I am grateful that this isn't my imagination. Thanks for this forum. Why is this drug still on the market. Karen in Winnipeg, Canada

I was prescribed 20 days of Levaquin 500mg for a post surgery leg infection. I quit taking Levaquin after just 6 days. I had horrible hip and joint pain, depression and fatigue. I wanted to sleep all day and night. It worked and the infection was cleared up but the side effects were not worth it.

I was prescribed Levaquin for bronchitis,ear infection and sinus infection now it has been a year later and I have more muscle and bone aches than ever I wish someone had told me about Levaquin you go to a doctor and trust them and now feel like crap I would have rather dealt with the bronchitis and all than what I have to feel like now. I only took one round of Levaquin for ten days. I do not want anymore ever. Why would they have a drug on the market like this..Help

Well I took only one pill for an ear infection and 2 hours later I had, sweats, diarrhea and unbelievable stomach pain. Now I am in the third hour of the drug and I have back pain. This is the worst side effect I have had with any medication. I wonder what the treatment for an ear infection was 50 years ago. I think the FDA is failing. It is apparent that drugs are being pushed to the mark and dam the side effects. I wonder who is on the take$$$. The fact that a drug lists a ton of side effects does not constitute the right for the FDA to allow the drugs be placed to the market.

was given Levaquin for ear infection to take 10 days about half way thru taking I began to have aching or sore joints. Thought it was from over exercising but didn't go away .Legs began to hurt and knees swelled Have been treated for this with steroid pk and 10 days of antiinflamitory med which has not helped. I have stiffness and pain in my hips and legs and elbows. This has been going on for a month. Have seen dr 3 times .

I'm 30 and in good shape...Last thursday I went to the Dr for an ear infection and pnumonia, he gave me samples for 750 mg for 5 days and 500mg for 2 days after the first pill I couldn't sleep tossing all night ususally I hit the pillow and I'm out, I woke up exausted dizzy and with a head ache and the shakes, at work my arms, well to be more specific, my elbows and neck were getting tight and very sore, I attributed it to all the tossing the night before but now on day 6 I'm still tired having weird dreams , no sleep, my knees and elbows and neck really hurt not to mention extream irritability and depression my mood is just awful again thought it was just from being sick. But questioned it so looked on line and found this, I'm shocked, I am allergic to pennicillin which is why the Dr said he gave mw this instead I have one pill left and I just thew it in the trash and I'm calling my Dr first thing in the morning to report these problums.
This is a real wake up call, wish I would have looked up this med before I started taking it, but for sure I will from now on, Guess it is up to our selves to protect our selves can't count on anyone else to do it for us..

I've been taking it for 3 days and besides the nausea, my main worry is the way my heart feels, like something heavy on it- and this is all day long, scares me the most at night, afraid I won't wake up.
I got it for an ear infection which was giving me vertigo- although much improved, I still feel dizzy here and there- infection or drug?
Anyone else have the heart/chest feeling?

I have been taking Levaquin and Guaifen for a week now to clear up an ear infection that resulted from getting the Flu. The infection seems to be clearing up slowly, but the problem is that I have been getting 2 to 6 hours sleep each night since then. I had a look at the Guaifen page on this site and a lot of people have insomnia from that also. So it seems that I am taking 2 drugs that both cause insomnia. I just hope the symptoms of my infection clear up soon so that I can stop taking the drugs and get some sleep. I usually sleep 8 hours per night. I have not noticed any other side effects from these drugs though.

Began taking Levaquin 1/26/07 for a sinus/ear infection. I have taken Levaquin twice in the past for the same thing and had no problems whatsoever. However, this time I experienced horrible nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. I also had some shoulder pain, though it was not debilitating. But the most worrisome side effect was that I began my menstrual cycle. I am on Depo Provera and do not cycle until I am due for my next shot, which is not until March. It has been that way since I've been on Depo (8+ years) with no fail. I have stopped taking the medication and have gradually started to feel better. The only difference between this time and the previous times I've taken Levaquin is that I've also recently started taking Cymbalta. Does anyone know if this may have suddenly caused these side effects? Should I call my doctor or is stopping the medication enough?

Took leviquin 500 for 8 days before I realized what was happening to me. Side effects included: severe panic, altered mental state, constant sleep, loss of appetite, pounding heart rate. After 2 trips to the ER no help was provided. I stoped the Leviquin early (was supposed to take it for 3 wks) and immediately started feeling better. The anxiety is much less but still present and I still sleep all the time.

Has anyone had similar experiences and, more importantly, how long does this last?

Please help!

I was prescribed Levaquin for a sinus infection/ear infection. Never heard of it. I took the first pill (of 5) around 4pm in the afternoon. Thirty minutes later I felt disoriented, lightheaded, etc. I was driving!

Took the next pill first thing the next morning, same thing, kind of dizzy, lightheaded, etc. Then the joint pain set in. I have arthritis in both knees. My knee joints were so stiff I could barely walk. I took two more doses before I wised up and called my Dr.s office. Funny thing they had NEVER heard of such side effects with this medication. But, advised me to discontinue the Levaquin.

This drug is very scary. Finally, when I got back home (I was out of town for a holiday.) I went to see a different Dr. at the same practice. He informed me that my joint stiffness and swelling in both knees "was not from the Levaquin, but just my arthritis acting up". For the record, I am 46 years old, my arthritis has NEVER "acted up" like that before.

Never again. I hope they take this drug off the market!!!

Dec. '03, visiting Susan in Collegeville PA for Christmas, got ear infection, found her doctor, got Zythromax, 5 day anti-biotic. Back to home, the usual light headed dizziness continued; went to local Internist who said infection was now in the other ear, Jan. '04. Got Levaquin 500 mg, 10 days. Infection cleared, but stagger, wobble, can't walk a straight line began at the same time; persisting all day everyday. Feb. '04 got Augmentin, 875 mg, 2 per day, 14 days; doctor apparently still thought I had an infection. Started the "tour" of ear specialist, neurologist, MRIs, finally a trip to Univ. of N.C. Hospitals, more tests; a second MRI was in there some place. Now on Neurontin (Gabapentin) 300 mg, now up to 4 per day. No help. UNC Hospitals says Peripheral Neuropathy; locals think it might be Ataxia.
Side effects started in Jan. '04.

I went to the doctor, because I had a ringing in my ears and was given Levaquin. The doctor said that I had a ear infection I took the Levaquin for 3 days and started haveing pain in my arms, back, knees and shoulders My pain was so bad that I was in tear everytime I turned over. I called the doctor and only then I was told about side affects..Can some body please tell me how long they last?

I have not been sleeping at night. I will feel sleepy, however, continue to lay awake. I am taking Levaquin for bronhcitus and severe ear infection and I thought that I would feel better a lot sooner than a week. My ears are still bad and not able to hear properly. My stomach is always upset or neasuas (sp). I am so angry at myself for taking one more pill today and knowing how it makes me feel, I just want to get well, but, since, I am reading about this drug. I will not take anymore of it

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.

I have been taking 750mg. for six days now. Tonight I am in such pain. The back of my heel is swollen and I can hardly walk on my foot at all. I have had a problem with achilles tendonitis before and I had no idea this medicine could aggravate this problem. When I woke up this morning every joint hurt so bad. I just also found out that the achilles tendon problem can be even worse if you are taking sterioids with the antibiotic and I was. My doctor put me on both of these for an ear infection. I'm stopping this drug immediately. I'm really in a great deal of pain at this time. My ribs even hurt to touch them. I'm glad I found this site!!

I just thank God I found this website...I literally thought I was losing my mind until I started to read all the horror stories associated with Levaquin. After only 3 doses of 500mg levaquin over a 3 day period, I literally thought I was dying. I was given this drug for a sinus and ear infection. Almost immediatly I experienced chest pain, headache, severe nausea diarrhea, and visual disturbances. I continued to take the medication in hopes that these symptoms would subside after my body got use to it, but unfortunatly that was only the beginning. What followed was extreme fatigue, muscle spasms, numbness in my hands and toes and probably the worse feeling I have ever experienced in my life. I called my doc and told him I stopped the medication and thankfully he prescribed another antibiotic for me. After 5 days of not being able to get out of bed, I finally am able to function somewhat although I still am experiencing some muscle weakness. I am sure this drug has worked for some people, but if I had my way, it would be banned. It was the scariest expereince of my life..and what is most troubling is that we are at the mercy of these drug companies. Someone should have told me that these side effects were possible....the cure shouldnt be worse then the illness. Good luck and good health to all of you...I hope you all will be well again soon.

It is currently 3:00 am and for another night I can not sleep.
I am now completing my sixth day of taking Levaquin
On November 7th my doctor prescribed Levaquin (one 500 mg tablet per day for 10 days) for my ear infection. He also prescribed 12 hour Allegra and Allegra D for my allergies. I started having severe sleep disorder early on. Believing that it might be the Allegra, I switched to Equate D (a different decongestant/antihistamine). I still can not sleep. I do not know which drug is messing me up, but one of them certainly is. I realize that antihistamines can cause sleepliness, but in the past, an antihistmine in the morning did not affect my sleep to this extent. Maybe its the additional decongestant. Or, maybe its the Levaquin. I do not know. I do know that for six days I have gotton almost no sleep. To be fair, I have a long history of sleep problems, but never this bad. As an aside, since I started taking Levaquin I have experienced a very unpleasant metallic taste.

15 Oct, 2003- I was on Levaquin for an ear infection in July with no memorable side effects. I now have an upper respiratory and sinus infection and the Dr. put me on it again. Last night was my first dose of 500mg. I was motivated to look into possible side effects after having the WORST night of my life in terms of sleeplessness. Absolutely horrific night where I near slept a wink. I suffered from hot spells, bed sweats (I have no fever), dry mouth, thirst, constipation (today), anxiety and yet my body is exhausted and I feel like the ENERGIZER bunny that wants to 'keep on going". I felt depression and like crying all day, I have anxiety and dizziness. I did not attribute these effects to the drug until I felt so miserable, it motivated me to look into it on this web site. Absolutely amazing that others of you have had the same experience. If you are trying to get better and cure an infection, DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. I asked the doc for Zythromax and he said this one is better. I have taken Z-Pak before with NO problems..............now tell me who knows best- DEFINATELY NOT MY DOCTOR!!!!

After realizing my doctor has absolutely no clue what is wrong with me (therefore how to help me), I began to do some research on the web for my symptoms.

I, too, have been on levaquin. I finished it just about a week ago. I was also on flagyl at the same time. Besides yet another yeast infection, I have noticed several disturbing side effects as well. I too was prescribed xanax for anxiety...but was this prescription for xanax prescribed to keep me "calm" during my hospital stay? Or was it to try to delay the reactions I may have, and indeed didmay actually currently be suffering with, in the end be due to Levaquin? I do not know. I do know I have been wired and wiped out....both witihin 15 minute time frames. I do know that I thoguth I was going through the "dt's" after stoping the Xanax...but was it the Levaquin that did this too me...I stopped both at the same time. I have an ear infection...two actually...lol...and a sinus infection and am now on Zithromax. How any infection could live in my body after being on practically every antibiotic known to mankind for the past two, three, months....is beyond me and my quacko doctors comprehension.

So now, the pneumonia is ebbiing..the ears and sinus are horrible....I have a broken tooth that hurts like hell...the joints of my lips are raw, my tongue is burning and I am still miserable. BUT...I will conqueor this too...with help from you.

Any suggestions?
Please write me directly at tellirma@hotmail.com Thank You.

I started on levaquin just over 24 hours for a severe external/internal ear infection and I have not noted any adverse effects and i am already starting to feel much better.

22--Female, after 2nd dose of Levaquin-500mg for treatment for an ear infection, started having major anxiety attacks. Rapid heart beat, shaking, shortness of breath, thought I was seriously going crazy. Didn't know what was happening to me. Not informed of the side effects. Should have checked out myself, but have been on so many meds that I didn't think too much about it. MISTAKE. Scared me a lot. After checking out the side effects of levaquin on the internet, stopped taking it immediately. Have felt fine since. Took about 32 hours to start to feel back to my normal self. Will always check for side effects from now on and will never take levaquin again.

I'm currently taking Levaquin 500mg for a sinus/ear infection and have two more days left. I actually went to the doctor in the first place because I've been dizzy and nauseated since mother's day.. Not so bad that I couldn't function and not continuously but enough so that I was concerned. My symptoms mostly hit me at night. All of my blood work came back ok. so he treated me for acute Sinusitus. Today is my 8th day I'm still feeling the same degree of dizziness and nausea - just urpy..no actual vomiting. I'm still eating fine.. I've gain 15 lbs in two months (I needed to) but for the last two or three days my muscles ache I feel beat up.. especially the bottoms of my feet and my leg muscles when I first get up in the morning.. or after I've been sitting for an extended period of time. My family laughs at me when I get up and walk saying I act like I'm 150 years old and I tell you I feel that way. It reminds me of every year when I go to NY and walk and walk and walk.. how sore I am. But again.. this pain is not severe enough to prevent me from functioning daily. I just feel Urpy and icky! and I'm tired of feeling urpy and icky.

I was given 500mg of levaquin for an ear infection, I took the first dose in the early evening (around 5 pm) I felt a little lightheaded, but nothing I could not handle. That evening I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like my body weighed about 500 lbs. Next morning I felt nauseated all day.
My doctor also told me there were no side effects. After reading these post I'm so glad I didn't continue with the medication.

ON APRIL 14, 2003 MY WIFE WENT TO A DOCTORAND HE GAVE HER SOME LEVAQUIN FOR AN EAR INFECTION. SHE TOOK THE MEDICINE FOR SEVEN DAYS AND STOPPED. SHE BEGAN TO SLEEP ALOT BUT STILL GOT UP EVERYDAY AND WENT TO WORK (SHE'S AN RN). SHE ALSO ON THE SEVENTH DAY HAD JAONAS OR THE COLOR ORANGE OF THE EYES. SHE WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM ON THE 24TH AND TO A LIVER SPECIALIST ON THE NEXT DAY 25TH AND NEEDED A TRANSPLANT LIVER ON THE NIGHT OF THE 25TH AND DIED ON THE 27TH AT 5AM. LEAVING HER HUSBAN AND TWO CHILDREN 7 AND 8 YEARS OLD WE WISHED THE DOCTOR WOULD HAVE EXAMINED HER BEFORE GIVEN HER 500MG OF LEVAQUIN.

PS.....NEED LEGAL ADVICE.

I was perscribed 500 mg. Levaquin after Amoxoxillin didn't end an ear infection. I only took one pill. Within a couple hours I had diarhea that stopped after two hours only to return the next morning after eating breakfast. The diarhea persisted throughout the day while I only drank clear pops and water. I had terrible cramping as well. I called my clinic and was told these are normal side effects and to take some Immodium for diarhea and Tums to calm my stomach. Then 24 hours after taking one dose of Levaquin, I began vomiting violently. After several hours of this, I began to have bloody stool and my husband called the on-call doctor. He perscribed Phenergan for nausea and vomiting and lots of liquid. I dosed on an off all night interupted by trips to the bathroom. The vomiting finally stopped the next evening and the diarhea the next morning.
I was not warned of the side effects or given alternative treatments. This was three days of living hell!!!
AJ

It is hard to decide what is really happening.
Cold autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, ITP
IgG and IgM attack normal blood cells.
Liver and Spleen Hyperactivity due to damaged blood cells.
Combination of Pneumovirus, exposure to extreme cold, and Fluoroquinalone drug used for treatment.

Suspect Hospital cold drinks and Ice cream continue to exacberate.

Reaction with Ciprofloxacin treatment for ear infection. Nov 2001. First episode.
Jan 2002 repeat after 1 useage of CiPro in combination with Cortisteroid. landed in hospital cramps and CAIHA.

recovered and went north. -35C and ear drops. Clotting and CAIHA. counts down. Severe pulmonary emolism. Sever -Cramping in legs hands and chest.

This was my first experience with fluroquinalone drugs and doctor prescribed Levaquin three times afterwards have put me in hospital with repeat symptoms. Hemoglobulin counts 60-64.

Suspect that in certain persons Quinolone drugs react on autoimmune system to produce antigens against self.

This is probably an autoimmune condition that is pre-exisiting and in combination with the drug the autoimmune system overreacts.

After just taking one dose of Levaquin (500 mg) for a recurring ear infection, I had a noticable allergic reation. My hands and feet were extremely itchy and red for a couple of hrs. After the second dose, I had the same problem, but as before it went away. The third day was the worse. I developed hives, swelling and my hands became fire red, and my face and chest broke out in red patches. I felt itchy all over my body and felt like my body was on fire. My dr. told me to stop taking Levaquin and to take Benadryl for the next couple of days.

I've been on Levaquin for 10 days for an ear infection. Today will be the 11th day. For the following reasons I'm not sure I should keep taking it. After about 4 days of taking it I started getting a sharp shooting pain going from my right ovary down my inner thigh to the knee. After a week of this it also goes to my lower right back and in my right side it's more like a muscle tightness than a pain.
Now my upper front thigh muscles and around my knees feel achey. Before I read these posts I thought my pain was due to a possible cysts on my ovary being this all started around 6 days before my period. I've never had any cysts or problems like that before or experienced this kind of pain on my period. I've also noticed that after I take the Levaquin the ovary pain gets a bit more intense. Can someone tell me is this the Levaquin or could I possibly have developed an ovarian cyst? Should I get off this medicine? I'm confused about weither it is really a cyst causing all this or the Levaquin. Thanks!

My wife was prescribed Levaquin for her sinus and ear infection. Took one dose two nights ago and within an hour she developed severe stomach cramps, diahrea, metallic taste in her mouth, vomiting and memory lapses. This stuff is bad medicine, she is still having stomach cramping, weakness, sour taste in her mouth and overall fatigue 2 days after taking just one pill. This is bad medicine and should be removed from the market.