Levaquin and zythromax

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 an extremely healthy 27 year old male and was prescribed Levaquin for an abscessed tooth that had broken off. I requested Zythromax as I had had great success with it before, but was told by the doc that this was much better at treating what I had. So of course I took his word for it and got the medicine. I actually left the pharmacy and had almost decided not to buy it because it was so expensive, but I really wanted to get rid of the abscess. I went back and shelled out the 110 dollars for 10 pills and started day one. Had very minimal side effects and thought that it was just maybe the infection which had brought several adverse reactions itself. After sleeping way into the next night, I woke up at 4am and took my second pill. Needless to say, the next day was probably one of the top three worst days of my life as far as health goes. I had the worst headache of my life, VERY nautious, extreme sweats followed by chills, even in a hot house-with no fever, and my only relief was to sleep which brought on very bad dreams. When I would wake back up I literally thought I was going to die and even hoped to at one point I felt so bad. Maybe this doesn't happen to everybody, but I wanted to let SOMEBODY out there know that they ARE NOT crazy if they experience any of this. Dont be scared by the "you have to take them all" phrase you hear from your doc. STOP immediately if you experience this.

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!!!!