Zithromax Z-pak Sinus Infection, Stomach Pains, Week 1, Diarrhea, Little Bit
Posted over a year ago
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 ... more »
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.
Foolsewing - I too had side effects on Zithromax. I took them beginning 2/14/08 the first 2 and immediately that evening had stomach pain and acid indigestion. The nausea came the next day, yes took the second dose, I called the doctor the second day and he told me to stop taking them. I also have itching, rashes, stomach gas pain. I can't wait until I get this out of my system. My urine is also orange, very unlike me. I eat healthy but this is ridiculous. I was prescribed it for sinusitus, yes the sinusitus is gone but the symptome still persist today 2/20/08. I hope too that it will cease soon so I too can be normal again.
Roger1969 - It sounds like your illness induced your depression etc. I have taken this medication several times and have never had these side effects. I will say that I have become a bit depressed, agitated and whiny as a result of fever, virus and infection ravaging my body. I think that is a greater possibility than the Z-pack causing you to freak out.
Thick412 - This has been a week & 1/2 since day one of the z-pak. I had intolerable symptoms from this medication. I was treated for sinus infection/bronchitis with a z-pak. Stomach pains, SERVERE diarrhea (still have it too!), weakness etc. I did feel extremely anxious while I took the medication. Maybe even a little bit of depression I felt so hopeless and thought I would just get worse. I did have a little cooky dreams the 2nd and 3rd day of taking the z-pak. It freaked me out but I figured my fever was driving me insane.. Your not alone. Hope that helps somewhat!
+Meagan
Hollyb5 - I was perscribed this perscription for..well the doctor never told me. I had a bad cough,phlem and chest pain. After taking it 2 days... (3 tablets) I ended up in the ER for severe stomach pain.On top of this i felt depressed, as if i was never going to get better. I havent touched the rest of the tablets since then. 3 months later I still have stomach pain in the early AM. I wouldnt recomend this to anyone.
Ats425 - I have frequent bouts of bronchitis and have taken Zithromax for several of them with no lasting problem. I am now in day 7 of the 5-day pack, and for the first time have persistent, moderate nausea. I'd like to hear from someone who has had this side effect AND has fully recovered.
Stephkress - My Mom is currently experiencing the same reaction. Have you recovered? Do you have any advice?
Ym2009 - I have exactly the same symptoms and the nervousness is the worst effect of the medication which still lingers after 1 month. Before taking the drug, I have had no problems emotionally and now I can't even sleep at night or conduct my work normally. I took 4 tablets and was wondering if anyone has found a cure to get rid of this terrible feelings of anxiety which I don't seem to be able to control. It is the worst medication I have taken in my life and hope that someone, somewhere can tell me that this is temporary.
Educated - how are you ive beem through tha same thing wit antibiotics noone seemed to believe me. im so glad i found someone in the situation because people will thik your Crazy or its all in your head.
Shakkhan - I am having these problems RIGHT NOW - the exact ones you witnessed - how are you now? did you get better? please reply back!
Gt46l - Vomiting for 2 days, extreme gas for 2 days, chest/back pains for 1 day, disturbing dreams 1 day, skin suddenly bruises easily, fever 1 day, and diarrhea for the entire duration.... 3 days later I can finally eat solid food.... I can't taste it, but I can at least keep it down now. I did have some anxiety in the beginning, but mainly because I thought I was having an adverse reaction I'd need to go to the hospital for. After reading these comment forums, and calling my doctor, I find that it is all too common place and what is worse is its completely avoidable. I'm just upset. All this for a bit of sinusitis! I can't speak to recovering per say, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I figure I can go back to work after 1 more day. I may not be 100% by then, but I can't take anymore time off. Oh, by the way, be sure to eat plenty of yogurt. You need to replenish the good bacteria in your body.
Hidhoff - I googled this because after taking the zpack, I am having major stomach pain and dizziness. I almost feel like when the magician cuts the person in half where my stomach is. Those that have has the symptoms, how long did it take until it went away? This is almost unbearable
Aaronv - Aaron- I started the zpack 3 days ago for bronchitis and took my 3rd dose today (4 pills) the only side effect I am having is the worst upper stomach pain that comes and goes. Horrible in the AM but seems to last all day :((((
Standup2012 - Hello I took Azithromycin from February 13-17 2012. I too felt all what you guys have in terms of muscle weakness, ringing in the ears, nausea, chest pains, stomach cramps, and anxiety/panic attacks. YES I have seen four doctors, gotten blood work done and a urinalysis done. I’ve never had these problems prior to taking this medication. Many will say it is not this antibiotic. But research yourself the FDA knows about it and lawsuits have been filed because of liver damage caused by this antibiotic! They knew this antibiotic could cause liver damage but didn’t put it as a side effect. So don’t listen to people say it’s you and NOT the antibiotic. I’m still having stomach issues early in the morning and some throughout the day. I’m still trying to deal with anxiety! Read the box for yourself it states the antibiotic continues to work 6 to 10 days (after usage). It states taking 5 doses is the equivalent of taking 30 or more common antibiotics. Most people will say well you had depression/anxiety prior to taking this medication or perhaps you have more health issues. Ask yourself how you felt prior to taking this medication! Don’t listen to people who say you are wrong about your own body!!!!
Sas544 - I took the two inital tablets of this antibiotics yesterday and had a full on panic attack (never had one before) about an hour later, then horrible stomack pain like I never had before. I am now a little better but am no way taking the rest of the pack. This medication makes me feel anxious and I had crazy dreams with it. A horrible 24h. Trust me, I never wrote on one of this site but I am actually contemplating suing the company for this (I am a lawyer).
Afk324 - Nausea, stomache pain, dizziness, lethargy and anxiety/restlessness with mild heart racing after taking the first days dose. I cant tolerate these symptoms anymore so Ill be calling my Dr for a different antibiotic. Its weird because I have taken the Zpack in the past with no side effects at all!
William123 - Hello there, i have been reading quite a few if your posts and have noticed that these side effects are quite common, i took 1250mg a day for 3 days and my life has been hell for the last 2 and half months, started with chronic diahrea then developed to food intolerance, stomach pains, dry mouth, oral thrush, genital and digestive thrush, skin rash's, sweaty feet and palms and a general feeling of being unwell, doctors dont know what to do now, blood tests show i have a slight vitamin b12 deficiancy but surely that wouldnt produce all these problems. I cant see any light at the end of the tunnel ..
Healthyfamily1 - William123,
Take a very strong HIGH dose of probiotics. You have a fungal issue. Antibiotics are a form of fungus and fungus kills bacteria. What more than likely is happening to you is an overgrowth of fungus due to the absence of good bacterial flora in your digestive tract. You can get a urine/stool sample done to further prove you are suffering from candidiasis (systemic fungal issues in digestive tract). The normal script for fungal overgrowth issues is nystatin. There is also an over the counter script-- Candex. You really need a good doc to help you with this process. If you combat the fungus with too high of a dose of antifungal med you will make yourself sicker. Then you can also flare up a dormant bacterium in your system. It can be a vicious cycle. Your best bet for a healthier system is a low carb diet for long term maintenance. Sugar and any grains will exasperate the problem, especially corn, wheat. Peanuts can also aggravate a fungal problem. Topical all natural substances may help you. Mouthwash with xylitol in it is helpful. Tea tree oil is also good (just DON'T ever drink it! Using apple cider vinegar is also good for digestion when you are dealing with this problem. Be very wary of websites offering fungal cures. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Best of luck with your problem.
William123 - Healthyfamily1, thankyou for your reply, i have had urine and stool tests and i dont think they found anything as far as im aware, i have different bowel movments somtimes constipated, somtimes loose, stomach pains and oral thrush is worse in the morning, especialy after i drink a glass of water i get alot of stomach noises, also my skin in general is alot redder in colour, and my thighs look redy purple under the skin like a rash under it, also the odd inflamed hair folicule on them which come up like red spots, also my face its becoming prone alot more for spots, theres nothing i can say to doctors to take me seriously ..
Jctoday - I went to Urgent Care yesterday morning and was given a ZPack for a sinus infection. I took the first two doses (day one) and my sinus infection felt gone just after an hour or so. But, the day went on and at about 11 that night, I was getting bad stomach pains. I went to bed and woke up at 4 this morning with CRAZY nausea, stomachs pains and sweating like crazy. I moved to the couch were I am now and I'm still throwing up. I too have taken z-pack about a year ago for some other virus. This reaction is bad though. I will not take the pills left over and if my sinus infection comes back I will find new medication. BAD EXPIRENCE.
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Beckyboo32 - I have an anxiety disorder and am prone to paranoia especially when it involves new medications. My Dr. proscribed a Z-Pack for a sinus infection.(Day 1)The first dose (The 2 pills) caused mild stomach cramps, and lots of gas. I also felt very tired and spent most of the day in bed. That evening I felt a little strange, kind of detached from my surroundings, light headed as if I would faint (but didn't), nervous, worried for no reason and ended up over analyzing my every move and thought wondering what this medicine was doing to me. I then spent the night reading all of the horror stories that people have posted online about this medication (which of course made my anxiety worse).. (Day 2) I reluctantly took the second dose and had a slight stomach ache, still felt very tired and a little depressed,with returning anxiety .So as soon as my local pharmacy opened I called my pharmacist and explained my symptoms to which she responded that she had never heard of this medication effecting someone this way, and upon reviewing the drug information told me that only 1% of individuals complain of anxiety while on the Z-Pack and none of those were severe enough to stop taking the medication.. She also reminded me that I had taken the same medication in 2009 with no complaints. (Day 3) I took the third dose and had a slight stomach ache, slight loss of apatite, lots of energy and no anxiety symptoms. Tomorrow will be the fourth dose, and I must say that I already feel physically great, my aches and pains are gone, I have lots of energy and my anxiety seemed to go away once my pharmacist settled my fears. To sum it up, my own anxiety has been more of an obstacle then the side effects of the Z-pack and rather or not the medication made the anxiety worse is hard to say because I already have a prior condition. I feel bad for those that have had terrible reactions to this medication and I pray that they recover quickly with no lasting trauma.
Tracysosharp - Beckyboo32 I have had the exact same situation as you have described. I took Day 1 (the two pills) yesterday evening and I have experienced the same side effects. I was considering quitting the pills, but now i am not sure what to do. I think i will call my pharmacist and see what they recommend. Also, i am planning to go to the beach next week and I will finish the z-pak the day before I leave. I know that it says that you are more sensitive to the sun when you take this. Would I have a higher chance of getting burnt at the beach, even though I have finished taking it?
Avgconsum - I also had a bad reaction to Z Pack. After the first dose (the first two pills you take at once) I developed vertigo like symptoms- and hour after the second dose (the second one pill) My vision started to jump up and down really fast and the dizziness/ balance problems became 10 times worse. I found out the vision thing is called oscillopsia and the other symptoms were due to vestibulotoxicity from this medication. The oscillopsia has gotten better (thank God!!!) but I still get strange sensations when I move my head- like my brain quivers or something- and sometimes it feels like it is moving inside my skull. I pray that none of this is permanent- no one can tell me if it will go away. My balance has gotten better too so I am hoping this all means it will not be permanent. It has been a month and a half since my last dose.
Pmaire2011 - dose anywon know how long the side affects last please let me know im only 19 and not likeing thins
Ic971 - i was prescribed 500mg for 3 days when diagnosed with upper resp.infection while on holidays,after first dose terrible cramps and nausea jumpy and itching ,didn't take anymore..8 days later and still antzy in head,nausea,crying and cant sleep...
Mommyof2-2012 - Hello I was recently prescribed the Zpack for an ear infection. I started it Sunday w/ the two on day one and one everyday there after for 4 more days. Today was my last dose. I do have anxiety as it is and am scared to take medications so i looked up some info about it before i started taking it. It was saying things about causing heart problems and heart related deaths. I was SO scared so called the ER back to ask more questions to a nurse. I asked if i could take another antibiotic bc this one made me uncomfortable. Which i am 28 and no known heart problems. But she insisted that this drug is perfectly fine and even kids are prescribed this antibiotic. And the ones who need to worry are people who already have a heart problem and this and that. That's my first problem with this antibiotic in the first place. Well the first day on the meds i felt fine. Just to out of it with such a painful ear ache. the next day felt fine, day three i felt kind of out of it still but ear infection was seeming to get better. Day four i felt really tired and had some anxiety. Day five which is today the last day, last dose. All day ive been feeling extremely tired, stomach upset, nauseous can't sleep and anxiety andjust plain out of it. And also extremely hungry. I don't know if this is from the meds or just being sick! All i know is that i hope this goes away and fast! I really hope this antibiotic hasn't messed with my heart or my liver.
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