Zithromax Z-Pak side effects

I took z pack Monday morning and woke up Tuesday morning and found red spots all over my right ankle and lower leg anf its hard to walk when you first get up and its stiff.
They took me off it and put me on Prednizone and to put a cold wash cloth on it.And keep it elevated.

Started the z pack for bronchitis and sinus infection. First symptoms was stomach cramps, diarrhea. The next and most disturbing symptoms were extreme agitation, anxiety, depression. Have finished the last of the medicine 4 days ago and am still feeling the residual anxiety, agitation, general feeling of unease. Will never take this medicine again.

I'm a 32 year old male. This is probably the 5th time I've taken Zithromax. Unlike previous experiences, this time I got a horrible rash on my face, chest, neck, and little red spots all over my body. They itch horribly and I'm hoping they go away on their own. I am going on week two and they are still around. Last year, I was given a very strong antibiotic for an infection that just wouldn't go away. I took one dose and threw the rest out because the resulting full-body rash was horrible. I think that some of us may develop an allergy to certain families of antibiotics as we age. Either that or our immune systems are degraded. Who knows. I've also been dealing with chronic anal itch for 2 years now, and that is a horrible thing to live with. FEELING OLD!

I was given the Zpak several times for infections, approximately 5 or 6 years ago and now suffer from tendon rupture a few year back. Yes, the Achilles tendon, which pinged to a lot of other troubles in my body that I now have to live with.

I really like the Zpak. I have taken it several times from things like sinus infections to lung infections. I never experienced any side effects but this time I am experiencing severe smelly gas. I don't know why but I never have such smelly bad gas before. I stink!!!!!!!!!! sure you all wanted to know that. But maybe you all have had gas from this also

Took z-pak, in March, have lost my taste buds and cannot smell anything,this is going on three months, I don't know what to do, n smell at all, no taste buds at all.

20 min after my second dose I experienced severe vomiting. Headache, vomiting and nausea continued for 32 hours – I could not hold down more than a sip of lemon/lime soda or jello. During that time I my skin became itchy, the next I developed a rash on my neck and chest... I have been taking hydroxyzine, which relieves the itch, but a month later the rash persists…

Just finished the 6 day course of meds today and have had loss of appetite and have been feeling very drained energy-wise especially today...also have been feeling anxious and not able to concentrate too well...also some stomach upset...I've been on this drug before but this course has yielded more side effects than in the past...

Day 2 (took double dose yesterday, single dose today) -- have developed pretty constant diarrhea and stomach cramps. This week has sucked. I have suspected strep, fever, bronchitis and some kind of flu? I just spoke with my doctor who says that it can't be the drug since it's only the second day. Well, your comments here and other web research offers a different opinion. The doc is blaming in on my flu, but I didn't have any stomach distress at all until now. I'm hypothyroid, hypoglycemic and very sensitive to medication. The last thing I need is to have to deal with diarrhea. It sucks because my sore throat has improved, and so has my breathing, but I get dizzy when loosing fluids, no matter how fast I replenish. Female, age 35.

Had severe flu--suspected bronchitis and strep. Took z-pack. Immediately started to feel better. High fever, chest pain, aches gone. BUT now 1 week after I took z-pack, I have severe abdominal pain and diarrhea after every meal. Can't keep anything from immediately going out the other end. So miserable. I'm thinking the good flora was killed off in my intestines. Calling the doctor tomorrow.

Female, 30 years old. Began taking five day course of z-pak for bronchitis., abdominal pain from the beginning, better with food. Day five, abdominal pain much worse, ending with diarrhea. Did not take last dose. Day six, diarrhea persisting, frequent watery stool, dizziness, appetite loss, feeling completely drained. Day seven, began taking anti- diarrheal, seemed better. Went to Dr., advised fluids of course. Later that day, managed to eat a good meal, pushing fluids. Some intestinal pain but feeling generally better. Then: anti- diarrheal not really working anymore. Constant watery stools, feeling severely fatigued, completely drained, dizzy, ringing in ears, chills. Called hospital and spoke to nurse, advised ER visit: probable dehydration. I have been sick for 18 days including z-pak. Would never recommend this medication. The side effects are worse than the bronchitis.

I love it! I kept getting a sinus infection. I took two different Antibiotics and they obviously did not work. It came back again....but worse. Z pak finally worked after being sick for two months straight! I did have some stomach problems, but I'm just glad to be feeling better and not coughing nonstop. Every drug is going to have some side effect. But it did the job!

While taking Z pak, I developed a horrible red and itchy rash all over my body. I have had horrible gas, and 6 days of diarrhea, now my doctor has put me on Flagyl for the diarrhea. I will never take this again. It is horrible!!!

I took a zpak for bronchitis and a sinus infection. (lovely to have both at the same time...) I still had a fever three days into the five day cycle. After I finished the whole five day cycle I felt a LITTLE better, but a week later I developed fever and body aches AGAIN. I went back to the doctor and was prescribed a week of Avelox because they said sometimes the zpak does not fully kick the bronchitis, just weakens it and then it comes back. I have been sick for seventeen days now. I'm a little over it.

I was prescribed the 5-day Z-pack for bronchitis and after two days I quit taking it. I am not psychologically and emotionally perfect (who is) but this drug is causing extreme agitation, nervousness, hard intense dreams that leave me fatigued even after a full night's sleep, and depression with crying spells. I am aware that this drug stays in your bloodstream for a long time. It's half-life is 68 hours and after taking 500 mg. on Feb. 6 and then 250 mg. on Feb 7, I still have somewhat less than 200 mg. in my blood today, Feb. 13. Even at today's level I still have no relief from my symptoms and I am praying that this will all go away when the level of the drug gets to a certain point.
My bronchitis is gone and I am trying to live my life as if I have no symptoms (I teach 7th grade U.S. History) but I cannot ignore the fact that I feel like I am cracking up.
I am not trying to bash this drug. Most people are fine with it. Good for them. But some people have these types of problems because I have seen stories like mine on many internet places.
Hang in there anyone who is suffering like me. I hope it goes away and I can return to my life where I get nervous now and again and maybe once in a while I do not sleep well.
This is horrible.
Anyone who has gone through this and returned to normal please respond. I need to hear some good news.

I have taken Zithromax before without any problems but this time around I have had difficulty sleeping, have felt extremely anxious and very emotional. I am also pregnant, but the week I was on the z-pak, was especially charged with emotion. I have also felt extremely fatigued and am having difficulty concentrating. Day 4 & 5 on the meds were the worst for me. Not sure why this drug causes these symptoms. Does anyone know?

I am on the 6th day of my Z-Pak and I have to tell you, I was scared to death to take it after reading all the side effects posted here. But like many, I would rather deal with diarrhea and stomach cramps than the inability to breathe because of bronchitis. So, I took my chances.....

I don't know how I escaped it all, but I did not suffer one side effect! I wondered if maybe the fact that I no longer had my gallbladder had anything to do with it. Who knows? I feel better and wouldn't hesitate to take it again.

I started feeling better on the third day and feel better more every day.

Thank you!

I've been sick for 22 days. I was told I have tonsillitis and was given Amoxicillin but did not get better. I had a cough that did not go away. I went back in and was told I had bronchitis even though I had no fever. I was given the 6 pill Z-Pak treatment - 2 pills the first day, and then 1 pill each of the next 4 days. They had me stop the Amoxicillin. Both all day yesterday and all day today I've had diarrhea. Watery and frequent. Not fun. I also have no appetite, not sure if that is from the bronchitis or the drugs. Half a serving of soup all day and I had to stop eating. I recommend the soft wipes with aloe in them, as I am very sore back there. However, I must say, if my bronchitis is gone in 2 or 3 days, then the diarrhea was worth it. I can't stand being sick any longer, and can't stand the congestion that is in my chest!!! I've only taken the Z-Pak once before, a while ago, I forget if there were side effects, but I seem to remember it worked.

While I have taken it before, I don't recall having anything but very mild side effects (maybe a little discomfort in my belly). This time, however, it is different and I am owing it to the beauty of aging. I just took the second of the three pills (and yes, I've had the three pill one before). My bronchitis is clearing but this afternoon I had really bad abdominal pain and I have a continuous headache in the back of my head, where my spinal cord ends. It is not as bad (so far) as the one I had with Biaxin (I refuse to take that). The only bright side is that it made it a really good time to join Weight Watchers because I do not have much appetite. I was able to sleep last night, at least, because my cough decreased. The verdict is still out on whether I would do this again. Problem is, I am allergic to Penicillin.

I am on my 2nd day of the Z Pak. I started it last night after getting the ok from the pharmacist to do so. I ate a small meal with the 1st two pills. I was up with stomach cramps and diarrhea all night long. I had to get up at least 4 times during the night. I was nervous to take my 3rd pill today but I ate some light breakfast and took it and I am at work now literally bent in half. I think for some people with more sensitive stomachs, this med should be taken with caution. I'm going to finish it since I've started it, but will avoid taking this again.

So it gives you some unwanted side effects. Would you rather have your symptoms get worse with a spreading infection and much worse effects from the infection you were trying to get rid of in the first place?

Ok, I took this because I needed to feel better fast for a weekend with all my guy friends. I am a single girl and I was actually HOPING to come out of this weekend with a boyfriend outta one of 'em...so I wanted to be over my yucky cold/flu symptoms so I could have a good time! Ok...I was NOT feeling well after the third day, my stomach was killlllling me, and I wasn't over my cold stuff either. So by the weekend I was finally feeling a little better but I had started having diarrhea and (even worse!) TERRIBLE GAS. I should have just stayed home, but I went on this roadtrip anyway. I was thinking I would be able to hold it until we stopped, but I started having terrible gas buildup and I just had to release it or I thought I would get sick. Ok, let me just say that we had to pull the jeep over so one of my friends, the really cute one that I liked, could throw up. It was terrible....and even worse they all knew it was me. In my opinion, the slight relief I got from my cold was not worth the tradeoff in side effect. So thanks to my Z pak experience, I was called "Hell Raiser" and other nicknames the rest of the weekend. I will not be using this product again.

LACK OF SLEEP. I was in bed but wide awake and aware of everything going on around me. After taking the medicine for about three days, I felt depressed, anti-social, and extremely lonely. I felt meaningless and my boyfriend even asked me what was wrong with me. I did not focus well on anything including my school work. I felt extremely aggitated and rude to strangers. I feel extremely ditzy and unaware of what is going on if in a social atmosphere. I remember taking this medicine as a kid and complaing to my parents that I didn't like the way I feel. I still dislike this medicine and will ask my doctor to prescribe anything but z-pak next time I am ill.

First time taking medication, and not too bad. But I would suggest taking it with food, it doesn't make your stomach hurt as much. Just finish all medication, as prescribed, you will feel better...

Years ago when I wasn't feeling well I took zpak. Back then, I had no idea how to take it so I just took it in the morning before I ate. Each time, I had this nauseated feeling, but I just ignored it because I thought it was just my sickness. By day 3 or 4, I vomitted for about 2 hours and then for the rest of the day had diarrhea. I just thought it was the zpak. Then, another time, I took another med when I was sick...took it in the morning before I ate, and the same thing happened. I finally concluded that it was because I had taken it without food.

So...after that, I always take those type of meds after I've eaten something. Since then (which was about 7-8 years ago), I have not had any sort of nausea from zpak or the other.

Conclusion: never take without eating first! Hope this helps!

i am on day four of a five day zpak. i am okay today, but yesterday i had an awful experience to taking that day's dose without food. even though it says with or without food, i dont recommend taking it without. i had the worse stomach pains. it felt like something came aloose in my stomach. i can also relate to the stabbing pains and the nausea. i will finish this off, but i may stick with amoxicillin from now on.

took zpak before and no problems, this time i am on the three day dose and feel aweful. developed canker sore on side of tongue, taste bud sores,left eye is irritated, headaches, get hot then cold---sweat, dizzy, can't concentrait---driving is down right dangerous--sometimes just walking is an accident waiting to happen, always sleepy, taste of artificial sweetner is heightened to a degree that i want to vomit, the worst part is the NAUSSIA!!!! Ugh. Don't ever want the 3 dose again.

omigod, its 5:30am and i've been awake for 3 hours w/ severe stomach pain. i woke up and almost passed out in a cold sweat. the z pac isnt worth it. ugh...... its only day 2 and im calling the dr to get off this crap! im not sticking around for the diarrea.......

I've taken Zpak twice in my life. Once for bronchitis, it was helping right away.(within a few days). Second time for a sore throat and ear pain I was having for 2 weeks. By the 3rd day I was felling good again. I have nothing bad to say about the drug. I think it is the BOMB!!! Though I never had any side effects to the drug,
I would take a little diarrhea and nausea over bronchitis ANY DAY!!!

I had severe flu like symptoms (fever, body aches, bronchial congestion). My doctor prescribed zythromycin as a precaution since my son currently had pneumonia. Within a day of starting the 5 day dosage, I started having severe skin sensitivity. No other way to describe it but a bad sunburn over my body. It hurt just to have clothes touch my skin. Not sure if it was from the Zpak (my doctor didn't think so) but it sure seemed coincidental if not. Pain lastest for days even after going off meds.

I'm taking Zpak for my illness. I took the first double dosage yesterday during school and it really messed with me. At one point, I felt like I was going to throw up, though most of the time I didn't feel like my normal self. I laughed at things that weren't funny and just had laughing attacks. I believe I saw things that didn't exist as well. I took another pill today and it left me feeling like someone was stabbing my stomach. However, right now I feel fine, just a little tired and hungry.

Is it possible that I'm having an allergic reaction or the Zpak is reating with other medication I'm taking, like Prozac? It makes me feel very off, but it's hard to describe.

I had a raging head cold, something that resembled a brocheal infection and a low-grade fever.

I'm on day 4 right now and really don't feel much better. My head has hurt the whole time and my fever has not gone away. This is probably just a flu, which Zpak does not fix, but I got the script because it was quicker and easier than telling me to chill out for the next 10 days.

I wish I could blame my woes on Zpak. I can't. I think it's the nature of the virus that is using my bloodstream to swim laps in right now. Hopefully time will be my ally. If not, this is living hell.

I was prescribed the 5-pill course where you take two pills immediately and then one a day for the next three days. By day 2 I had stomach pains I called the Dr.'s office for a different antibiotic. Since I wasn't throwing up or anything they encouraged me to tough it out and finish the course. I did, but boy do I wish I hadn't. Now like someone else described I feel like someone is stabbing me in the stomach with knives. Unlike other's instead of diarreah I am all blocked up. With god as my witness, I will never take Z-Pak again!!

The key, or one of the keys to taking Z-Pak is to always eat something with it, then drink a large amount of water (a full glass). This morning I took it, with only a little bit of water, and now I'm experiencing the side effects. I used it two months ago without any problems I have a bit of diarrhea and bloody stool. Like I said, I didn't eat anything before I took it, which was stupid, it is recommended on the package that you eat something.

I have taken many zpaks before because of repetitive sinus infections or strep throat. Had my tonsils removed 3 years ago and got bronchitis recently and was on a 3 day 500 mg per day dose of it and felt fine the first 2 days and just got hit with MAJOR diarrhea....felt like I lost 10lbs in bathroom for 15 mins. YUCK! Hopefully its flushing the sickness from me.

I have not experienced any headaches as others have (which is surprising considering I often suffer from chronic headaches), however I have experienced SEVERE stomach cramping and mild diarrhea.

I've taken Zpak several times (4+) and each time, it worked like a charm to cure ear, nose & throat infections. I think it worked better for me overall because of the short-dosage cycle which made it easier for me to take the full course prescribed (2 first day, 1 every day thereafter for 4 days). Side effects: diarrhea, cramping, headache, feeling "high" or medicine head--taken with or without food. Hard to say if these effects are attributed to meds or to the infection itself. Boyfriend taking Z-pak right now--he reports severe body ache, skin sensitivity (to touch), and feeling like crap. Again--hard to say if from med or virus/bacteria.

i just took this today for the first time and other than feeling slightly woozy and the absolute slightest of nauseas i have not experienced these "horrible" side effects others speak of. maybe its working.

I went to the doctor's office with sinus headache and sinus pressure and pressure in my ears. My doctor tested me and felt I just had a cold. I came back the next day with worse symptoms and a different doctor tested me and she said she felt like I had a cold also, but because it was right before Christmas she will take pity on my and give me Zpak. I started to feel better immediately. It worked great, so I thought. I got a yeast infection from it. My GYN told me to never take that again. And I won't!

Let me tell you guys It has been horrible for me.
a) My doctor gave me a Zpak for a strep throat it was gone in a few days.
But a few weeks later I had a stomach pains that would not go away so then the doctor did a test for H Pylori the antibody test came back positive so then I was on PrevPak(which has Azithromycin) after the 2 week period of these drugs I had a infection come up in my growing area, had burning pain for peeing. It sucked because I was on a trip to Universal Studios and was in Miami for New Years Eve. Well after this went away I had another infection come again in the growing and now its finally starting to go away after the doctor gave me some fugal pills and medications for it. What a nigthmare. With all this going I had diary and hemoroids nasty situation and normally have mouth ulcers so can you image the past two months have been hell for me!!!

Remember. People are going to tend to post the bad stuff first. I'm on my 4th day of taking this Zpak. It is working great and I'm not having and side effects. I take it in the morning. It's totally helping my get over the flu/really bad cold that I had. I had 101 fever a few days ago. other than a slight cough I feel great.

By the third day with these pills I had horrible stomach pains, vomiting, diarrehea, dizziness, and a headache. The meds were only given to me to treat a persistant cough but now I've been really sick for two days

I went to dentist to extract a tooth instead he gave pain meds and zpac to reduce the inflammation and referred me to an oral surgeon. First time I took it (which two tabs) I was sick to my stomach, nauseous with vomiting. I'm on day 4 now. I'm scared to death to take it on an empty stomach since I cant hold any food down, plus I need pain meds after i had my extraction which is super strong. Now I have a never ending battle. Cant wait for my mouth to heal so I can have a normal life again.

I've taken Z-Pak only twice in my life. The first time I had a bad headache for the whole time taking it. The second time was horrible (probably worse because I didn't eat food with it this time)! I was in bed all day long with a severe migraine, vomiting, and feeling severely fatigued. Ive never felt like that before in my life. It was like my body was shutting down. I couldn't even eat anyting until late that day. I stopped taking it right away. Now I always ask for amoxicillan.

I've tried Z-Pak a few times and felt like someone was stabbing me in the stomache and it was taken with and without food. Weird. Aand painful. Never doing THAT again.

The first day I developed a minor rash on my back that got progressively worse and has spread over a large portion of my body. ENT Doctor beleives I have developed "drug induced lupus" in response to the drug! This drug did not work to clear up my sinus and ear problems. I would suggest another med. The rash and insane itching all over was not worth it!!!!

i just had the first dose of the z-pak today and now I have such a stiff neck , and neck and head pain I have never quite experienced before. I am also still coughing and that causes my neck to hurt more

I have taken Zpak three different times over the past two years and have not had a single side effect. I would croak of sinus drainage and coughing without this stuff. It is great.

day one, I took my double dose as directed by the Dr. and Pharmasist....no side effects at all yet.

No real side effect yet. This is my first day on the Zpak. I have had strep throat and was initally treated with keflex. After 9 days on Keflex, today I was put on the pak. So far I have a mild headache, but hopefully I will see a difference with my ear and throat soon. No major side effects noticed so far.