I took one tablet of metronidazole and started seizing 3 hours later. I was hospitalized and in ICU for 6 days. Heart and respiration severely impacted and a very high temperature spiking at 43 daily. ICU wasn’t certain that the metronidazole was responsible so gave it to me again. Same result.
It is now 5 weeks and I still have nerve pain in my legs, significant shortness of breath and light-headedness. Blood tests are now normal again.
Has anyone had long term side effects from this drug and, if so, how long did they last?
Anyone experienced long term side effects of metronidazole?
Question posted by 85Spring on 29 Oct 2021
Last updated on 2 April 2022
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Answers
Nat333
24 March 2022
I had a similar reaction-took it for three and a half days 7 pills total and haven’t been feeling myself since. I stopped taking it due to side effects, but are still feeling them 5 days later. I have tingling in my hands and feet, brain fog, anxiety, headaches, lightheaded ness, loss of appetite…to name a few. How long did it take for your weird symptoms to subside? I do feel much better than I did on the first day of this bad reaction-I had to go the ER I thought I was having a stroke, was cleared for that. But still feeling them come and go 5 days after I was in the hospital.
85Spring
2 April 2022
Just over 3 months to feel reasonably human again. Still experience infrequent and random shooting nerve pain in legs and shortness of breath. I’m hoping this will pass in time. Considering all my organs were shutting down in hospital and ICU were uncertain at the 48 hr mark if I would make it, I consider myself very lucky. Hope you recover soon. It’s an insidious drug.
Winnyday
18 Nov 2021
I went through the same thing and my doctor said it’s not true
85Spring
2 April 2022
Well I’d change my doctor. Clearly unable to research documented side effects.
Related topics
fever, bacterial vaginitis, metronidazole, side effect, heart, tablet
Further information
- Metronidazole uses and safety info
- Metronidazole prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Metronidazole (detailed)
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