Levaquin and levaquin 500 mg

We took our 16 year old son to Urgent Care as he was very sick and a high fever. The Urgent Care doctor prescribed Levaquin 500 mg. After the 2nd pill my son could not speak clearly, his jaw was very strangely crooked and he could not hold it in place, his face muscles were twitching, I was so scared I thought he was having a stroke!!! I rushed him to ER and the doctor said they could not believe that a doctor prescribed this to a minor as that is illegal without a parent consent!!!! This drug is NOT to be give to minors and I cant believe that the Urgent Care doctor did not tell us that along with any side effects it may have. I know I should be informed myself, but when we rush our child to the Urgent Care because he is sick, we trust the doctor when he prescribes just an antibiotic!!!! I am wayyyyyyyy more upset and mad that the doctor did not mention AT ALL that this drug IS NOT TO BE GIVEN TO MINORS WITHOUT A PARENT CONSENT. If we had knows this we would not take a chance on it. I would want a normal antibiotic that my son has taken before. If it is harmful to kids, I don't recommend an adult take it. Children are not done gowning and all kinds of things could have happend to my son. I was never more scared of anything in my entire life, my son was crying cause all the SUDDEN he could not talk and his face was all distorted.... so scary. PRAISE GOD that my son is all better now except for a cold, still and he is very athletic and seems to be getting better with no aches or pains. The ER doctor did recommend Benadryl and when my son took this his symptoms went down and the drug was out of his system in 2 days. I know he will be great as that is what we PRAY for but I thought this was very good info to pass along. If anyone experiences these symptoms you now know someone who has been through it and what the ER doctor recommend for us. Take care, please be healthy....

As I write this, I'm on my fourth day taking Levaquin 500 mg. prescribed by my doctor for severe nasal congestion, sore throat, difficult cough. I have bouts like this on a yearly basis that start around Thanksgiving till late spring. I do remember taking Levaquin before though didn't notice anything bad (yet). As I read through different messages, I now come to realize that maybe I should go back and check the time I took Levaquin because I've been suffering from so much muscle aches and pains for a quite a very long time now. Since I started taking Lipitor 3 years ago, I'm inclined to think my pains were due to side effects of Lipitor. That's just another issue.

As of yesterday afternoon, on the third day of taking Levaquin, I was informed by my pharmacist that I OVERDOSED since Friday and Saturday by 2000 mg. I was prescribed 500 mg. one tablet per day. Whoever typed "Take one tablet every day by mouth after meals" in the pharmacy must have too many "ssss" in their pockets. "After a meal or after meals" are definitely not the same, don't you all agree? I didn't just read the label and followed instructions as I understood it. The pharmacist confirmed what I read back to him as typed. I thought pharmacists know how a certain drug should be taken. But that's another story to tell. I'm too concerned learning about the bad effects of Levaquin for me to find time and question a pharmacist integrity.

I called my doctor first thing today and told them of this oversight (should it be mine or the pharmacist?). I was told to continue with the medication and call them how I'd feel in a couple of days. So I took just one tablet today. That was easy.

Now after reading all these different bad things happening to people taking Levaquin, I am thinking of the future. Should I be worried about the bad side effects of Levaquin taken exactly as prescribed? What about those 2 days of overdose? I guess, I have to find that out myself in due time as I will not stop from finding out more about this drug.

I don't think I will continue taking this drug tomorrow. I don't know what will happen but I'm sure my doctor will find a way to fix my upper respiratory problems. He must have heard about other patients complaining about Levaquin. I will make sure he will take my opinion seriously.

To all of your valuable inputs and opinions and warnings about the harsh effects of Levaquin, thank you very much and may you continue on passing to one and all your valuable insights. Count me in!!!!!

Tomorrow will be a new day and I will be on my toes making sure I will fight the harsh side effects as early as I could. I know it will be worth the fight if I kick these damaging effects at its early stage, hoping I will be lucky to do so.

God Bless to all!

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.

Wow! I am shocked. I have taken Levaquin on several occasions in the last two years for various infections - cellulitis, pneumonia and UTI. Over time my legs, knees and right hip have become so painful that I have actually checked the terms of my life insurance policy because I did not think I could go on. I have been attributing my severe pain, which is not helped by narcotic pain medication to any significant degree, to an old fall injury, new over-use injuries, being overweight, not being fit, etc. I never thought for a minute that my only available antibiotic choice, Levaquin, could be the culprit. I was just researching severe leg pain on the net (again) and stumbled on this site. I have had unusual headaches, loss of appetite, and of course severe leg, knee and hip pain, as well as weird visual perceptions (I keep thinking the light is too low) and horrible muscle pain in my right thigh and calf. I had a trip and fall accident and now have lymphedema in the right thigh and have had many other complications since '92. When I went back to my doctor last Monday, he told me to take a second course of Levaquin for cellulitis in the thigh when I complained about the horrible pain in my thigh muscle, knee and hip. Does he really have no idea that Levaquin has these serious side effects being reported? I am now terrified that these painful conditions are going to persist for a long time to come. I can barely walk at this point and I have chronic severe pain and I have missed many days of work since taking these last three rounds of Levaquin (500 mg. x 10 days each) since September. Again, wow!

This is an update. I have been off the Levaquin 500 mg for about 2 weeks. I am beginning to feel better. The joint pain has subsided. The dizziness is almost gone, although occurs on occasion. The low-grade nausea persists, on and off.
I am writing this hoping that others are seeing some improvement and to give some hope to still others. I still firmly believe that this medication should be OFF the market.
God bless all struggling with side-effects of this med.
Lizd3

I took Levaquin 500 mg. because of recurring Cellulitis. I will NEVER take this antibiotic again! I fell into a sense of hopeless and felt like I was hit by a mack-truck. I have been experiencing joint pain like never before. THe doctors have said it is okay to return to exercising, but i will not likely be able to do that because of the ongoing joint pain. My knees, feet, ankles, wrists and fingers continue to be painful, even 2 weeks after being off this medication. I continue to struggle with ongoing low-grade nausea and occasional dizziness, which is scary when driving! This is the worst medication in the world and should be taken off the market. I am PRAYING that these side effects go away.

After reading the first page of posts, I realize I am very lucky that some of the worse side effects. The first time I was prescribed Levaquin, 500 mg. for a UTI, I noticed that after one day my tongue tingled. The second day of treatment left me with a very sore tongue, as if someone had rubbed it with sandpaper. The next day, I got several large white blisters in the roof of my mouth, under my tongue and in the back of my throat. None of these symptoms were listed in the information pamphlet from the pharmacy. I called my doctor and he said it must have given my an oral yeast infection. He called in a prescriptin for Diflucan and Nystatin (an awful tasting orange liquid you have to swish in your mouth and swallow). It did not help. I went to him again so he could look at my mouth in person and I had lost 9 pounds in 6 days! I could not even stand to eat chicken noodle soup and I was living on water and jello. I am a diabetic who has to inject insulin, so my blood sugars were going crazy. He prescribed some other mouthwash and it took almost a whole week after finishing the Levaquin for all the blisters to get to a point where I could even brush my teeth again. I can't begin to describe the pain. I have UTI's a lot, but I made him promise never to prescribe Levaquin again. Well, two months ago, I got another UTI and tried 2 other meds that did not clear it up. He once again prescribed Levaquin, and now my mouth is inflamed and blistered. I don't think it is an oral yeast infection, because the symptoms are not the same. It feels more like some kind of chemical burn. Has anyone else had these symptoms? I just came back from a family reunion and I was miserable the whole time I was there.

Easter weekend (April 8. 2007) i came down with an outer ear infection. The Othorhinolaryngologist whom I consulted discovered that I also had a severe maxillary sinus infection and put me on Levaquin 500 mg, one tablet for ten days. After three days of taking Levaquin my neck and shoulders began to hurt severely keeping me from sleeping. On day seven I noticed signs of tendontitis in my right Achilles tendon. A day later the left achilles tendon also had symptoms of tendonitis, as do my aductor tendons in the groin, my hips hurt also, so do my fingers and wrists. I am absolutely MISERABLE and unable to sleep even now, six days after taking the last Levaquin. I was caught by surprise: how could a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotic cause me to walk like Frankenstein's Monster? But taking Levaquin was the only thing that had changed in my life. I did finally find the insiduous tendonitis connection ("If tendeness of tendons or rupture occurs, stop taking Levaquin immediately") that was NOT mentioned in the flyer from the pharmacy about possible side effects. I am certain that the Nose/Throat/Ear specialist doesn't know about the fact that prescribing Levaquin might clear up a sinus infection but keeps people from being able to walk and puts them into absolute misery because of severe tendonitis pain all over the body. I do hope this will wear off as it is almost causing me to contemplate that this is no way to live. Friderun Ankel-Simons, D.Sc.

I was prescribed levaquin for for a respiratory infection. Instead of getting better I got worse. I was weak, began to have joint pain as well as the infection problems. I called my doctor after doing research on the internet. He told me to stop levaquin and to take advil. This didn't help. When I went back to him he tested me for lupus, ms, and RA. He eventually sent me to an arthritis specialist that I am still seeing 5 months later. Although she had never heard of these side effects until I explained them she has supported my concern that I have been suffering from an adverse reaction to the medication. I still suffer from joint pain and swelling as well as an acute burning pain in my thigh. The only treatment that I am receiving is steriod shots in my joints which do offer some relief. As I sit here tonight my leg is extremely painful. Will it ever go away or are we all doomed to suffer these ill effects the rest of our lives. I hurt... if anyone knows of a class action lawsuit please share the information.
Gypsy
52 yrs old

Levaquin 500 mg 5 days , side effects :
Dec 1, 2006

severe burning and tingling of all extremities continue.
muscle twitches and tremors continue
tachycardia continues
constpation resolves
hands going numb, experiencing dizzyness (new)

I think I have CNS damage....does anybody know if these symptoms can be permanent. I had EMGs of all extremies and skin punch biopsy all negative for axonal damage. Whats left but my BRAIN /SPINAL CORD!!!!!!

Has anyone recovered from similar symptoms ? ..I can't imagine living like this forever Mary

I took the first dose of Levaquin 500 mg before going to bed, for what was to be a 21 day treatment for sinusitis...I woke up very hot in the middle of the night a few times...Finally, at @5am I looked in the mirror It looked as if I had been on the beach all night instead of my bed.
My entire body was scalded. I took Benadryl 25 mg for 24 hrs and stopped the Levaquin. The next morning the redness had improved but the skin on my legs from the knees down was purple, I called my Physician who said I was having an "adverse reaction" and I should not take the rest of the Levaquin. The reaction as he described it may have been an allergy but since he was not sure he advised stopping and changing to another antibiotic. I'll NEVER take it again.

I am 43 healthy female, my doctor prescribed levaquin 500 mg for 10 days for a UTI. I took 1 pill after dinner and when I tried to go to sleep my heart was pounding out of my chest I couldn't sleep. Every movement I made - my heart pounded harder. This prescription cost 100.00 - yet I won't take it one more day.

My wife was feeling a little fever and dry couch. The doctor prescriobed LEVAQUIN 500 mg for 1 week. but aftre taking only 1 prill she started feeling restless. She is not able to sleep and started feeling like shivering. I am not going to continue this prill. Will try to consult the doctor tomarrow morning regarding this.

I have constant bladder infections and have tried all the other drugs that they normally give--my doctor prescribed Levaquin 500 mg and I was on it for three weeks. During this time I have had severe pain in my muscles, I got so I couldn't even BEND my knees and I had to go to the emergency room one morning when I tried to get out of bed and step down on my leg I was in excruciating pain--it felt like one leg was shorter than the other since I could not get it straightened out it felt like the tendons had been shortened. I went to a Urologist and he took me off of the Levaquin--in three days my knee pain is gone! I don't ever want to be on this drug again. I asked my Urologist why it did this and he said it softens the cartilage around the joints.

Was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg tablet for 10 days to treat strep throat. I had never taken it before. I have finished it two days ago and now have a severe yeast infection. I've never had one from antibiotics before and it is to the point that I can't sleep. Has anyone else had this as a side effect before????

Levaquin 500 mg. I have never had side affects in 64 years of life till this drug. Weakness, and sever cramps in the calves both legs. I was given this drug for Bronchitis for 7 days. On my third day I had a leg cramp in the right leg and on the 5th day, the left leg.

1st day with Levaquin 500 mg,di exactly what the medicine said, eat and drink lots of liquid... approx 4 hrs after taking it for sinus infection on my way to work: extreme nausea, profuse sweating all over, felt like I was going to throw up or pass out while driving. My whole body tingling with sharp needle burning pains...drove myself right to ER at Hospital. About 30 minutes later, exhausted, withchest wall pains. Had and EKG but all was well. Have not really slept yet and it beens 24 hrs since I took it. Still feel weak but I have to go to work.

I only took one Levaquin 500 mg pill (prescribed for bronchitis) and got horribly sick. I was so dizzy I nearly fell when I tried to walk. I went back and forth from blazing hot and sweating to freezing and shivering. My hands and feet were numb and tingling. I had diarrhea. Worst of all, I could barely breathe, felt like my lungs were too tiny to get any air. Finally got back to nearly normal with Benadryl. However, it's now 3 days after I took the single Levaquin pill and I still have tingling and numbness in one ankle and calf. I am horrified to see how many other people are having severe reactions to this drug, and I want to know WHY IS THIS POISONOUS DRUG STILL ON THE MARKET?

I am an otherwise healthy 38 yr/old male. I was taking Levaquin (500 mg/day) for possible prostatitis. Within 72 hours, began feeling numbness in my left foot, leg, and arm. Was traveling for the holiday, and during air flight my leg felt as if it was developing an internal pressure. As I can nearly describe it, it felt as if someone had connected a bicycle tire pump to my leg and was steadily inflating it. Was nearly convinced that I was having a stroke, until I began to suspect the Levaquin. I was unable to reach my physician, who was also traveling for the holiday. After my 5th dose, I elected to discontinue taking the levaquin. On that day, I developed pain in my left calf. Later, the pain also developed in the hamstring area. After a fitful night, the pain began to subside into a dull fatigue (now ~24 hours since last dose). The fatigue and numbness remained at that level for another 24 hours. Finally, by the 3rd day following my last dose, the fatigue and numbness began to fade. On the fourth day, the fatigue was gone, though a slight numbness persisted, though only in my leg (arm numbness was gone). Travel on that same day went fine (no sensation of pressure). Today (fifth day since last dose), just a slight numbness in my lower left leg.

I have been taking levaquin 500mg for 1 week. I went to the dr. for the FLU and was given zithromax, I returned after 3 weeks and was given levaquin 500 mg. After one day both feet got cold and I was unable to walk. After 5 days of pain in both feet, pain moved to left foot only. After 7 days, pain moved to left knee, still cant walk. Looked up side effects on internet since they weren't in pharmacy pamphlet, and after reading, quit taking Levaquin. Called pharmacist and was told that levaquin had nothing to do with leg and foot pain. Does anyone know when the pain goes away?

I recently had neck surgery and at my last visit to my surgeon he noticed a "pimple" at the top of my scar. He popped it and suggested I take Levaquin 500 MG for 2 weeks as an antibiotic. This is now the 3rd day on Levaquin and I have experienced aches/pain in my calves and ankles. Is this unusual and/or can it interfere with the other medications I am taking? I am on Percocet (generic) and Premarin. -

I am two pills away from finishing my prescribed dosage of Levaquin 500 mg/day for a terrible sinus infection and bronchitis. Both knees are killing me, and I thought I might have a torn rotator cuff over the last few days. I'm hoping these are all related to the med instead of me falling apart! Do they go away after you finish the antibiotic?

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 am one miserable person. Last Wednesday I went to my doctor for a severe sinus infection that was rapidly becoming bronchocial. I was prescribed Levaquin - 500 mg for 10 days. It is now day 7 and that's it for me. No more. For two days my shoulder feels like someone is stabbing me and I can hardly lift my arm. My right knee hurts so bad I can't lift my leg. I do have knee problems but they seem to be worse. Everything is popping and last night I vomited. I am well over the sinus infection and I am faxing my doctor right now to let him know about this. I am getting worse everyday and I just hope now that I've stopped this poison, that I have not ruined my tendons or have to go through hell to get my mobility back.

My daughter who is 17 has a staff infection. After going to the doctor, he prescribed two antibiotics. One was SMZ/TMP DS 800-160 two times daily, the other was levaquin 500 MG once a day. Within an hour of taking the levaquin, she complained of massive headache, having to urinate immediately, dizziness, nausiousness, wanting to vomit, lethargy, needing to sleep, chills and asked me if this was some kind of drug that messes with your mind because she felt high. By the time we got home she was very sick and had to go lay down. The next day she woke up to swelling in her ankle, (although it could have been from the site from the infection), and we went back to another doctor. He said to keep taking the medicine. After taking another SMZ tablet she had no effects. But, after taking her second dose of levaquin, the effects mentioned above came back worse. This morning she woke me up crying, wanting to vomit, head pounding headache, all over ache and again all the effects mentioned above. I am NOT going to give her another dose of this stuff! I realize all medicines have a side effect but this is just rediculous!!! We are going back to the doctor today and hopefully all will be well. I am soooo glad to have found this site. They need to take levaquin off the market. Just where does one complain about this type of problem? P.D.

My doctor prescribed levaquin 500 mg for 7 days to treat me for bronchitis. I was very ill. As prescribed I took one tablet the first day and another tablet the second day. On the third day I woke up and knew immediately something was not right. I had extreme muscle fatigue in both arms and felt very weak in general. I also had difficulty speaking. I knew what I wanted to say but spoke in short choppy sentences. Instinctively I suspected the medication. The doctor discontinued the Levaquin and gave me a different antibiotic. The nurse at the doctor's office said she had never heard of the side effects that I described from this medication. When I called the pharmacist to ask how long the side effects would last, I was told that it would take a few days for the medicine to clear out of my system. I hope this is not going to be a lingering problem. Last night, which was the third day, I had pain in the side of my head with numbness on the left side of my face. Never, never take Levaquin.

Having had a cold that developed first into a sinus infection, followed by a bronchial infection - while the infection cleared after 11 days of Amoxicillin, the cold remained, and I became reinfected with a bronchial infection headed back into sinus as well. At this point I was given a 14 day supply of Levaquin (500 MG per day), and admonished to drink a lot of water.

I checked this site hoping to find if anybody else had trouble sleeping after taking this -- I've taken it 2 nights - the first night I was still wide awake at midnight --- last night I was wide awake at 2:30 AM! Looks like it's a common problem - but the additional stuff I'm reading is disturbing!

I don't know that I want to wait 4 - 7 days to see if my knees or back or head or whatever become painful!!!

CT

I was very interested to find this site and the information people have provided. I think that almost any information found on the internet must be taken with a grain of salt: A particular car may receive rave reviews from several owners, while the same one is bashed as the worst vehicle possible by others. There are web sites that show "proof" that we never went to the moon, and other ones which have been set up to debunk them. As such, I hope that everyone will decide for themselves whether Levaquin is good or bad for them. As for me......

I had a script for Levaquin, given to me for a previous upper respiratory infection. At that time, I was able to beat it on my own without the meds. Over this past weekend, I developed a sinus infection *and* an upper resp. infection, and decided to employ the Levaquin (500 mg).

Monday night, I had very little in the way of side effects. Some slight muscular pain, mild chills/sweats, and restlessness, all of which could be attributed to the fact that I just generally felt bad. Last night, however, I took the second dose, and within about two hours, it felt as if somone had sucked every bit of moisture from my joints. Stretching alleviated some of the discomfort, and I was able to get to sleep, which did bring some pretty strange dreams.

Based on these symptoms (and after reading others' experiences), I'm going to cease the Levaquin, and see how things progress.... a "better safe than sorry" approach. If the infections don't subside, then I suppose it's off to the doc for an alternate solution.

Thanks again to everyone for posting your experiences, both good and bad.

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

I started taking Levaquin (500 mg 1 per day) five days ago and after one day started experiencing a sensation of a shortness of breath. This causes me to gasp a bit and is quite startling (and scary). Has this happened to anyone else here?

I'm suffering from prostatitis infection (echericia coli), I'm taking levaquin 500 mg a day for 45 days and I don't have any side effects. Levaquin is an excelent drug.

I was prescribed Levaquin (500 mg) for a U T infection. After taking the first pill I was not able to sleep for 40 hours and had some shortness of breath. I became very jittery, could not sit still. Got a lot of cleaning done. Had to take a Benadryl to get some sleep. I called the Dr.'s office and their response was "these side effects are not from the Levaquin, but, we will call in a different prescription for you to take."

I was prescribed Levaquin (500 mg) for a respiratory infection to be taken once daily for 7 days. I took the first two doses without incident. I remember feeling pretty good before taking my third dose of Levaquin at bedtime, but all that was about to change. I awoke at 2:00 AM from a disturbing nightmare feeling very agitated and depressed. I somehow managed to calm myself down and get a few hours of sleep. When I woke up I was still feeling very anxious and depressed. I knew right away that this had to be the Levaquin, so I immediately threw it in the trash. My depression finally lifted around midday; however, the anxiety stayed with me until evening. I am normally a very calm, healthy, and happy person with no history of depression, and I don't ever recall having any side effects to medication. The most disturbing thing about this experience was how I went from my normal disposition to becoming a completely different person in a matter of hours. I felt very emotionally unstable and kept having random thoughts and images of suicide. I never really felt in danger of doing harm to myself, but the fact that I was even having thoughts and images of this was extremely disturbing. I submitted an incident report through the FDA web site and I encourage others to do the same. Needless to say, I will never take any medication in the future without first investigating its potential side effects. I hope this information will be helpful to others. I felt comfort in this site knowing that others have shared similar experiences. I also wish the best for those of you who still suffer from your side effects from this dangerous medication.

Oct. 1, 2003

In December I took Levaquin (500 mg ) daily for 10 days. I had a respiratory tract infection. After taking this medication, I lost my sense of smell and taste and I have severe joint pain in my hands. I am now being treated for carpel tunnel and may have to have surgery. Yesterday after seeing a ear nose and throat specialist, I find these problems are a side effect of the medication. I would never take this medicine again and would not recommend it to anyone.

Was given 7 days of Levaquin 500 mg by doctor in early July 2003 for a stubborn sinus and bronchial infection that was not responding to Erythromycin. First dose was early evening, and I quickly experienced rapid heartbeat, anxiety and insomnia. I called my doctor the next morning, he prescribed Xanax for the insomnia/anxiety. The second day I began to feel pronounced joint pain in my left hand. Symptoms grew to include: anxiety, extreme dizziness and fatigue, a sense of "lifelessness", like a vampire had sucked the blood out of me, some confusion, visual disturbances and nightmares. I decided to return to doctor 3 days after starting treatment to ask for another drug. He urged me to finish taking the Levaquin since I "only had a few days left"of treatment, but I could cut dose in half. On the drive home from the doctor, I nearly passed out, and I have never fainted in my life.

Two months post treatment, I continue to experience anxiety, some insomnia, joint pain as well as muscle twingles/tremors in left hand, and occasional "sprained"sensation in right ankle. My memory has been poor and I often seem scattered. I attribute these lingering symptoms to the Levaquin, as I had none before taking this drug.

Note that my physician at no time warned me of any side effects of the drug, nor did he tell me not to take it concurrent with NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen, Advil) or steroids (such as Advair Diskus, which he prescribed for my bronchitis).

I hope to minimize the recurring side effects by taking the right kinds of nutritional supplementation, by avoiding caffeine and alcohol (which I enjoy on occasion!) and sugar. Someone please tell me that these side effects will eventually disappear..........

My grandmother took Levaquin 500 mg for three days and on the 2nd and 3rd day when waking up in the middle of the night was paralyzed to the point she could not move her arms and legs to get up to go potty. She discontinued use and the next night was fine. The doctor put her on a sulfa drug to finish out her treatment.

I didn't ready any side effects of this sort on the prescription discription that listed all side effects.

I remember being on an antibiotic in the same family as levaquin and having the same result when waking up in the middle of the night. I could not move. I was ok when I woke up in the morning, but waking in the middle of the night before it wore off was paralyzing.

I began taking Levaquin, 500 mg @ 1-per-day as an substitute dosage over Amoxicillin after a follow-up visit to my personal physician. I was given the Amoxicillin as part of a regime after a visit to the emergency room the Sunday before with a swollen face due to an outer ear infection--the attending called it: "Swimmer's Ear gone Wild."

He prescribed Levaquin, to knock out one ear infection I had contracted the week before (which wasn't healing fast enough) as well as a new infection (middle ear) which began to bother me on Thursday.

I am an avid cyclist and felt good and fit enough to participate in a 100 mile bike ride on Sunday. 62 miles into that ride I had to retire due to extreme leg cramps (both legs) of which I had not experienced in my 25+ years of cycling.

In fact, it's Tuesday, I'm back at work and the legs are still sore.

I know some of you will say I should not have gone riding, but I am physically fit and always ride with a heart monitor to keep my pulse in the proper range.

Other side-effects include bouts of anxiety, followed by depression, insommnia, and diarrhea.

I will continue to take the meds, but will refrain from riding (except for shorter distances.) until the infection subsides.

Thanks

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.

I am a 44 year old male in fairly good health. My doctor prescribed Levaquin (500 mg), and I took my first dose at bed time. Within 2 hours I had never experiences quite a reaction in my life. My legs started to hurt, and I started getting very cold. My teeth were chattering. I tried to go back to bed but couldn't sleep as I was freezing. (This is New York in the middle of the summer with the a/c off).

I actually called the doctor on call at 3:00 a.m. and he said I can let it pass through my system or go to an emergency room.

So I let it pass and finally went to sleep by 5:00 a.m. covered in blankets. I woke up at 9:00 a.m. with sweat on my sheets and realized the drug must have wore off.

Needless to say, I will not be taking a second dose tonight before I consult with my doctor after the weekend.

This was all to help what appeared to be a sinus infection.

I say to all reading this, be careful with this powerful drug.

If you do have to stop talk to the doc and get a replacement.

I have been taking it for almost four weeks, will be glad when i stop as i am tired sweat irritable out of it, none of it too bad exept for the tiredness, but i have had an infection for years which was hidden in my prostate, some symptoms but never could find the bactiria, then durring a period of greater effect got tested and they found it was staff, so lots of levaquin 500 mg for four weeks, i will be glad to be rid of the infection and its effects, so it is worth it. If i had really bad effects from the levaquin i would have gone back to the doc and gotten something else.

I went to see urologist today and he prescribe me levaquin 500 mg tablets. I did not take the medicine yet, and after reading this site makes me wonder wheather I should consult with another physician before taking it.

I started taking Levaquin 500 mg. for a 5 day period for swollen glands and sinusitis. The first day did not bother me. However, the second day was awful. I took the pill at noon like I had done the day before and I went to bed around 10:30 PM. Next thing I know I have severe cramping and diarrhea. This lasted from midnight until 3:00 AM or so. Have not taken this since. I'm glad I looked at this site because I was thinking I had a 24 hour bug and was going to take my third day dosage. FDA needs to know about these severe side affects. I am going to inform them.

I am a 69 year old woman with diabetes, and Charcot foot. I went swimming in FL., and scraped my toe next to my small toe and it continued to bleed after several weeks. Went to my Foot Dr., and he prescribed Keflex and Silvadene, a cream for my toe. It did not help, and I was then perscribed Levaquin 500 mg for 10 days, and a Accuzyme ointment. I have taken 7 pills, and like many of you, I thought my problems were from something else, but now realize they are not. Have pain in the calf of my left leg, similar to pain I had 30 yrs. ago from a blood clot. My vagina felt inflamed and sore and actually hurt. Burning sensation. Last night I elevated my leg and used moist heat. I am not going to take the last 3 doses of this medication, even tho my toe is still not healed. Enjoyed reading all other reports of side effects of this medication. It is quite expensive, and the Dr. only told me that it could cause some stiffness in the joints, and since I already have some arthritis which is being treated with Prednisone and Celebrex, this was not good news. Hang in there guys, and we can't all be losing our minds. I also had some diarrhea, and felt cold at times and drowsey.

I was given Levaquin 500 mg a few days ago to treat 2 conditions: a sinus infection and an infection in my foot. Within a day, I had a horrible rash on my arms and legs, and I felt terrible. Unfortunately, I had taken the 2nd dose, so a total of 1000 mg. I was also developing stiffness in my joints. I had taken Levaquin several times before, prescribed by an ENT, for stubborn sinus problems, and didn't seem to react to the drug. But this time I certainly did. I was taken off Levaquin and put on another antibiotic. But the side effects have been awful. The rash is pretty much gone, tho I still have some prickly skin sensations. The joint stiffness in my hips is much better, but my fingers, wrists and forearms are still sore and stiff. I was told Levaquin has a 3 day half life, so I am at about day 5. I am just hoping all these symptoms subside, but I am not expecting it to be a quick deal. I think Levaquin is extremely toxic. I am a 56 year old active healthy woman with an 11 year old daughter still being raised. I am grateful my side effects weren't any worse. I am going to register a complaint with the FDA and I wish there were a class action suit against the manufacturer's of this awful drug.

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 was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg for an infected wound on my elbow.
The infection did decrease but didn't actually clear up and the drug affected my intestines causing inflammation and slight bleeding.
The effect on my joints had me hobbling around like an old man, unable to walk properly and stairs were agony to climb.
Within 24 hours of finishing the course I felt much improved and today I feel better still.
Verdict; Erythromycin from now on.

After taking the last of my 14 doses of Levaquin (500 mg) 5 days ago, I still feel intense waves of dizziness and nausea. The headaches come and go, and the full-body itching is beginning to fade. Notice I say "beginning."

During my 14-day course of Levaquin, I also experienced an inability to concentrate, and a sensitivity to both light and sound. Thankfully, my ability to sleep has come back.

I reccommend that anyone prescribed with this drug consult their physician as to whether there is a viable alternative, because (although not everyone experiences them), the side effects can be long-lasting and debilitating at times.

I was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg. once a day for 14 days to treat sinusitus, etc. My joint pain and swelling is so severe I cannot function in a normal manner. I am an extremely active woman very much into physical activity and exercise. After the slightest exertion, I am crippled with pain in my joints and stiffness for days. The exhaustion is debilitating. I have been off the medication for a week. I WAS NOT TOLD TO THESE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS. I WOULD CAUTION ANYONE BEFORE TAKING THIS DRUG.

I was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg for bronchial asthma on December 9, 2002. After the last dosage, I developed the worse shoulder discomfort ever. I have used compresses, ibuprophen and am in absolute misery. Nothing seems to help. What do I do.

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.