Levaquin and heart palpitations

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.

Back in July of 2007 I had a partial Colectomy and was given Levaquin before the Surgery. When I woke up from the surgery I immediately felt all types of strange symptoms like, vibrating all over my body, anxiety, chills, Heart palpitations, tremors, insomnia, memory loss, and panic attacks. They told me that it was the anesthesia wearing off so I just sat in bed feeling that way for my entire 2 week stay in the hospital. When I went home these symptoms persisted as well as continued pain in my lower left quadrant where surgery was performed. It has been 8 months now and the symptoms are not getting better. They have conducted MRI’s, MRA’s. EEG’s, EKG’s, CAT Scans, X-Rays, numerous Blood Tests, and Thyroid tests but have found no physical problem. They can see that I’m having the symptoms I describe but cannot give me a reason for them. At first they thought that my Thyroid was having problems that turned up to be inconclusive. The doctors are currently referring me to a third Colorectal Surgeon, a Neurologist and a Second Gastroenterologist. We are also looking for a new Endocrinologist and will be going to the Cleveland Clinic for help. My life has come to a virtual standstill and I have no Diagnosis or direction to go toward other then the possibility that I have been affected by the Levaquin they gave me. I found a website that has all kinds of information concerning Levaquin poisoning. http://www.fluoroquinolones.org

Im not wanting to scare any of you, but my reaction to this family of antibiotics happened in Spring 2002. I took one dose of this quinolone antibiotic for a sinus infection and was in the ER four hours later. After taking the medication, I felt very fatigued and lay down on the couch, I woke up a few minutes later feeling like I was falling, and my heart sustained 170+ beats per minute heart palpitations for several hours. The last thing I remember was calling 911 because I was home alone and knew something awful was happening. The ENT's said that they had never seen anything like it. I experienced horrific anxiety attacks for weeks afterward. Keep in mind I had been a very healthy gal before and had never experienced any type of health problems. I now see a rheumatologist, a neurologist and a gastroenterologist. I have been diagnosed with MCTD (Multiple connective tissue disorder) a Lupus like illness. My neurologist says that my central nervous system was damaged in the reaction as well. He also says that physicians are grossly misinformed about this family of antibiotics, and in his opinion, anyone who prescribes them for anything less than a life threatening condition is committing medical malpractice. I agree wholeheartedly since my life will never be the same.

Levaquin actually worked great when I took it. I was diagnosed with epididymitis after a urine culture was analyzed and the doc gave me a 10 day supply of Levaquin to take once a day. The side effects I felt were pain in the abdominal area, headaches, anxiety, confusion, and dizziness. Those I could live with, because the epididymitis problem had more side effects than the drug. The trade off was worth it. I'm on my 7th day of Levaquin and I feel a whole lot better than without it. But do beware some people do react badly to the Levaquin family of drugs including cipro. This is some powerful stuff not to be messed around with, it is also used to treat HIV patients and people who had post inhalation of Anthrax. Yes it is powerful enough to treat those dangerous conditions. When you take Levaquin just get plenty of rest drink lots of water AND Cranberry juice which prevents unitary tract infections. Do not exercise while on this medicine for it will cause tendon damage, just take it easy for the whole time you are on it with plenty of fluids. Get better and stay healthy.

I started taking Levaquin for a sinus infection. On the 3rd day I started getting heart palpitations and felt very tired. By the fifth day I woke up with excruciating pains in both shoulders and very limited movement of both arms. I went to my primary care Dr. He stopped the Levaquin and gave me pain pills and an anti-inflammatory. I was sent to an Orthopedic Surgeon who injected both shoulders with steroids. I then went through a series of acupuncture treatments which helped somewhat, but finally admitted that I needed more help. I went back to the Orthopedic Surgeon and had surgery on June 11, 2007 on my right shoulder. At first this Dr said that there was no possibility that this could have been caused by the Levaquin, but after the surgery he admitted that he was starting to see other patients with the same problems from Levaquin. I can’t afford to have the left shoulder operated on but the pain has lessened and I still have limited movement of both arms.

I have read these sites and boy wait till you hear what i have to say. I had a very very severe reaction from levaquin one year ago. I had heart palpitations, nervous system was stimulated, joint pains. severe muscle twitching, firing in my neck and arms, my shoulder became locked. also I had anxiety sort of symptoms. I couldn't believe what was happening to me. I was not anxiety befor the levaquin. And balance problems I couldn't walk without tipping over. I still have this problem today but it come and goes. I have vasculitis (vascular spasms) all over my body. It effects my breathing, heart, and bowels. My blood pressure went up sky high and my blood pressure was not like this before. I am also sensitive to other medications. My body was destroyed from this drug! It belongs in HELL. Yes people need to know about this drug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boy am I glad I found this site! My dr. put me on Levaguin 750 mg for 5 days for a sinus infection. The first night I only slept a couple hours at time, woke up anxiety ridden, had strange dreams...The second evening I started having heart palpitations and "band around the chest" type pains that thankfully subsided after a short time. But that night I couldn't stay asleep for more than an hour at a time, but I wasn't at all tired the next morning (!). However I was NAUSEATED big time. By the 3rd afternoon all I could stand to do was lie in bed and stare at one spot on the wall. The dr. told me to stop taking the Levaquin and force fluids. That was yesterday and I'm slowly feeling better, but boy, I'll take a sinus infection any day over those pills!

I am just now discovering that my problems may be linked to fluroquinolone. Where do I start? I have been prescribed Levaquin on and off for years for UTIs. I have insomnia, headaches, severe back and neck pain, tingling/numbness and shooting pains in my hands and feet, dizziness, heart palpitations, difficulty walking, depression, disorientation, pain when lifting my arms, unexplained pain in my legs and arms, mystery bruising, listlessness, overwhelming tiredness, achiness in bones of upper arms and upper legs and a general sense of "I don't want to be here anymore." No one has ever mentioned that any of my symptoms could be caused by the medication.

I was perscribed Levaquin for post STD and urinary infection. Aroudn teh fourth day, I noticed I was really dizzya nd had heart palpitations. I was able to let my body to takes its time and get rid oft he UTI on its own fortunately.
If you have trouble with digestion, I suggest trying accidolphilus pills or something to replenish the intestines with healthy bacteria, that solved a lot of the common gas problems.

My father who is 82 was given Levaquin after a Urinary Tract Procedure. After 3 doses became very sick. He was taken to the E.R. in an ambulance with heart palpitations, trouble breathing, sweating, loose stools and confusion. At the hospital the doctor put him on an I.V. drip of Levaquin and wrote out a prescription for my mother to fill for more Levaquin which she administered to him herself.
When I arrived at the hospital he was able to relate to me that his symptoms began while taking the Levaquin. I checked the internet and found hundreds of testimonials against this drug. Needless to say I had the drug discontinued immediately and got him out of that doctor's care and out of the hospital. His health has improved greatly, but he is depressed, tired, and is not himself at all.
This man was an intellegent and vibrant person who danced the fox trot at his grand daughter's wedding just a month ago.
Today he admitted to me that his abilty to reason and remember things has been coming and going. He insists that it all began with his taking the Levaquin. I, for one, believe him one hundred percent.
My question is how can we get this poison out of his system?
I am a great believer in natural medicines and therapies. Has anyone tried anything that has helped.

I went to the Doctors on July 28th for a bubble that was appearing on my left chek bone. My doctor diagnosed me with an ear and sinus infection. He then gave me 14 days worth of Levaquin 500 mg. This was second time he had given me this drug. 3 weeks prior to this he gave me 6 days worth of Levaquin for the same bubble that appeared on my face and then sent me to a dermatologist. I had been feeling faint, dizzy, hot , cold, heart palpitations, however though I had the flu or heat stroke(this was the first time I wason Levaquin) This last tome I had taken 12 of the 14 pills and noticed my right knee had been bothering me for about a week, funny taste in my mouth (like a filling was leaking), tirede, irritable and then my left shoulder was hurting. I kept thinking I must have bumped on soemthing, well then my right shoulder started hurting,. The left shoulder got so severe I could not even pull my shiort up over my head without breaking into tears. Finally my husband said, I bet its that antibiotic your taking. I recvd samples of the medication so Indid not have the write up they give you at the pharmacy. I thought I was going crazy, the pain was getting hard to tolerate. When I saw my doctor I told him what was going on and he said he had only heard of the Archilles tendon giving some patients problems as a side effect. He had never ehard of the shoulders however he said to go off the medicine and he prescribed me soma (muscle relaxer) did not help and then Vicodin(did not help). I have been off the medicine for 5 days including today, feeling a litlle better both shoulders still hurt especially at night and I tire easily. I think this is poison and should be taken off the market. I told the doctor he needs to go on to the internet and educate himself I was furious.

My mom was prescribed Levaquin (500 mg) for a UTI. She experienced many of the side effects already mentioned - rashes with blisters on her cheeks, nausea, dizziness, feeling weak, muscle aches, back ache, low blood pressure, heart palpitations, sleeplessness.
We're just waiting for this nasty stuff to clear out of her body.
We will now check for adverse side effects before taking future medications.

I took Levaquin for five days in early April as a preventative after minor surgery. I had been prescribed a 7 day course, but stopped after I suspected the side effects were from the Levaquin. It all began with a low grade fever, then extreme anxiety, mental confusion, depression, intestinal gas, loss of appetite, weakness, sweating, heart palpitations, and scariest of all, central nervous system disturbances, strange currents in my left arm and leg, twitches, shaking, jitters and vision problems. I was the most scared I have ever been in my life. I went to my GP and he told me it was "self-perpetuated" because the half life of the drug had passed and the effects should have subsided quickly. (But he was surprised to see my liver enzymes were elevated even after the drug was supposed to have left my body...hmmm.) Well, I was in pure hell for almost three weeks after stopping the drug, desperately wanting to get better, but it had a grip on me that only someone who has experienced it can understand.
I went to a psychiatrist and a neurologist. Both told me it could have something to do with the GABA receptors in the brain. My biggest fear was that it had caused permanent harm. Well, I'm happy to report that now a month and a half later, I feel like myself again. It was a gradual improvement, but it finally subsided at the end of the third week.
I just wanted to share my story in case there is someone who is as worried as I was a month ago, seeking comfort in this forum. (There is not much comfort, I know.) But although everyone is different and the side-effects run the gamut, at least it seems to go away in time for most people. Of course I'm not completely sure that there was no permanent damage...but I feel pretty confident that my body got rid of this poison. My liver enzymes went back to normal as well.
I feel each of us must report everything Levaquin has done to us to Medwatch (the FDA), to our doctors (although they will probably doubt you), and to anyone you care about in case they are ever given this over-prescribed time-bomb. Levaquin is a life saving drug, but it should only be prescribed for people in dire need. It is being marketed to doctors as a preventative and for minor infections, and that is where the real problem is. Ortho-McNeil knows more than they tell the doctors, I'm convinced. There are just too many of us. Imagine all the people who never figure out that the Levaquin caused thier ailments! Or they believe thier doctors who say "It's all in your head."
I hope my story has been of help...and to all who suffer...hang in there. It takes time, but chances are it WILL go away.

A little over a month ago I took Levaquin for 14 days for pneumonia. During that time my side effects were nausea, dizziness, night sweating, insomnia, minor panic attacks and heart palpitations. I took them anyway, wanting to get over the pneumonia. I was prescribed Levaquin yesterday again because I had a cold and felt chest tightness. Last night was the worst night I ever had.... incredible muscle pain within the first couple of hours of taking the first pill on the back of my neck, legs, arms and back. I could not sleep all night turning and rolling trying to find a position where I had no pain. It got so bad that I felt I could not breath. The nausea and throwing up started this morning. I called my doctor's answering service this morning and he said to stop taking them immediately! He also told me to take Benadryl tablets, 25mg, 4 times a day until I can see him Monday. This antibiotic has really serious side effects on some people.

I take lithium for a bipolar illness and found that the Levaquin actually interacted with my medicine and lowered it's effectiveness. My doctor tested my level with a blood test and found it had been lowered by 33% in just 10 days. Also, I experienced pain in my shoulder muscles and had heart palpitations as well. I felt feverish at times too, yet, much of the time I felt so cold. I experienced nausea, and dizziness. Best of all, I couldn't sleep worth a darn either. I took this instead of Biaxin because the Biaxin gave me stomach cramps and diarrhea. I'll tell you what, I will beg to take the Biaxin over the Levaquin next time I get a sinus infection.

after taking the second dose of levaquin i had such bad heart palpitations for about an hour i thought i was taking a heart attack. my breast bone and all around that area is still very sore. my legs are very weak and just feel sick all over

I started taking Levaquin last Thursday for a minor sinus infection. I have never had a drug reaction prior to this one. I have never had an anxiety or panic attack. By Friday I was in ER with dizziness, heart palpitations and fatigue. I was released, told I was okay. I didn't even think of the Levaquin as a possible problem and the doctor never mentioned it as a possibility. I continued to get sicker. Iwas so fatigued I could not make it through the day without 2-3 naps. I am 43 years old and walk on the treadmill 6 times a week. I couldn't even walk up the steps without alot of effort. Thank you for this website. I started to suspect the reaction yesterday and looked at this website. I didn't take my dosage this morning. I didn't notice much improvement until about noon. Tonight, I went on a 40 minute walk. I'm not all the way back but I sure feel alot better. I am also a Type I diabetic. That was the most fatigued I have ever been, just like when I was diagnosed with diabetes. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I have been sick for going on 5 weeks now. I started with Bronchitis and was put on a Tri-pac (Arithomycin) for 3 days. After 10 days of my last pill started with what felt like a sinus infection. My doctor prescribed Levaquin. I've only taken 2 pills and have experienced loss of sleep the first night, EXTREME dry mouth for the last 48 hours and a heart palpitations. After reading the info on this site I have decided not a good med for me to take.