Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole and Headaches: What Users Say

• Bar...
• November 16, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Can echo pretty much every review here. I feel horrible on this H. pylori combo of amoxicillin/clarithromycin/lansoprazole. My side effect symptoms are my mouth tastes just awful, headache, upset stomach, nausea, waking at all hours to extinguish the rancid taste in my mouth. Within 2 hours of my first dose, the taste was like something had crawled into my stomach a few years ago and stayed there. Felt better at day 4, but day 5 I feel absolutely horrible again. It was comforting to read my experience is normal at least. If you need this treatment absolutely take a probiotic with it! Taking probiotics lessens side effects like diarrhea, gas, and yeast infections. I see a few people who didn't have many side effects saying the awful reviews are exaggerated. They most certainly are NOT. Everyone is different. Please don't minimize the experience of others just because you got lucky and didn't have it as bad. I'd say my side effects are moderate or even sometimes mild compared to the worst they could be, but people are absolutely not exaggerating!"

• TWi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I never leave reviews but I wanted to share this. I have seen so many negative reviews regarding this drug. If you are miserable on Prevpac, then maybe you are not taking in enough probiotics and yogurts. I took a strong refrigerated probiotic along with daily yogurt. I did fine. I had a couple of headaches at the end but no other problems, and I live a very busy and active lifestyle. You NEED this medication for H. pylori. The 'natural' way takes months, even years, during which time ulcers and cancer can form. Just suck it up and take the meds. You will survive, and you can move on with your life."

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am on day 4, feel constantly tired. Have to sleep sitting as some weird acid runs into my mouth and tastes horrible. Stomach still bloated and eating makes me sick but not eating also makes me sick. Headaches on and off. Chest pains. Constant metallic taste and loss of taste buds. Had one really crazy bout of the runs. Overall I feel worse in a different way than before I started antibiotics."

• Kca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I had toxicosis of H. pylori bacteria. It sounds like the medication is doing its job. I had all those symptoms you explained, I thought I was dying with an autoimmune disease. Finally, after 3 months of hospital visits and seeing doctors, my friend told me to test for H. pylori, and I was positive. Since taking treatment, I am 1,000,000 times better. It seems, in most cases like yours, you get worse before you get better. Keep up the medication, and you'll be better in no time. I am now on the Nexium stage, and I only have headaches now because I'm so busy and forget to drink a lot of water. Good luck everyone, but I reckon if it's hurting you, it's helping you. I can't be more thankful for the treatment."

• Exh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I've just finished the 14 days of triple antibiotic treatment for H. Pylori, detected by gastroscopy. My epigastric pain is almost gone, and apart from the exhaustion, I feel normal again. I wanted to write this to help others because on day 4 of this treatment, I felt so horrendous (constant nausea, belching, headaches, dizziness, foggy brain, couldn't eat, acid reflux). I needed to hear what others have been through. Days 4-7 were the worst for me, the bacteria 'die off' produces a type of alcohol in your body that makes you feel drunk from the inside. The nausea persisted for the full 14 days, but my head cleared after the 7th day. I found drinking bone broth the best to keep down and to help rebuild the gut. I'm slowly now weaning off the PPI and will increase probiotics and fermented foods. I'm going to try the GAPS diet to rebuild my gut lining and microbiome. As hard-going as it is, don't give up, it's worth persisting with."

• MaT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Day 6 of H. pylori meds. I am very nauseous, headaches, burping, diarrhea, stomach pains, and just all around a sick feeling. I'm trying to be patient. You are not alone. Much love to my H. pylori peeps!"

• IHa...
• July 1, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Today is day #13 of the treatment. If I had three words to describe the treatment, it would be nasty, bitter, garbage. Things that I suffered in the last 13 days: - Nausea - Headaches - Bloating (especially the first 6-7 days) - Belly pains - Insomnia - Everyone's favorite: Awful metallic taste in the mouth - Heart racing and BP up/down. After the treatment is done, I am planning on being on Nexium (20 mg) for the next two weeks and then will stop and go for a retest. Am I feeling better after the treatment is almost finished? I have no clue. With the awful side effects of the treatment, I have no idea what's happening. I hope I will start feeling a change soon. BUT to all who are suffering, hang in there, guys. This is not the best thing, but we have no choice. PS. I am planning on going to the shooting range after the treatment so I could do some target practice on the empty treatment bottles. :D"

• Shi...
• August 24, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Diagnosed with H. pylori and am put on medication, 2 antibiotics and 2 nausea acid reflux medicines. Day 1 of taking the medicine, I felt so nauseous and weak. Day 2 was headaches, feeling not myself. Then it started going downhill with side effects, the metallic taste in my mouth, nausea all the time, literally from day 1 have been feeling nauseous. The headaches slowed down by the 10th day. On Day 5, I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, I was crying because I was feeling miserable. I tried to negotiate if I could stop my medicine, but my H. pylori pain motivated me to keep pushing through. I had a constant unpleasant taste in my mouth and acid reflux, weakness, could not keep much in my stomach, and I did not dare lay on my stomach or I would throw up. Also, I noticed my stomach bloating and sometimes it spasmed, if that makes sense. Anyway, I'm on day 13, and I can't wait to be done with my medications. I thought I was the only one going through it, but I feel okay knowing my symptoms were not crazy."

• cow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2014

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have had stomach problems for the past 6 years and was prescribed medications such as Nexium, Zantac, and Protonix, however, I saw no results. 2 weeks ago, I went to emergency for extreme stomach pain and vomiting. I was diagnosed with H. pylori and given the 14-day treatment Prevpac. The first couple of days, I had symptoms such as a metal taste in my mouth and feeling fatigued. On day 7, I started getting minor headaches. I am pleased to say I am on day 14 and just finished the pack, and I am feeling great. Make sure to drink lots of fluids and eat healthy during the treatment."

• Mur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2016

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "First of all, believe that the doctor had evaluated and decided that this drug has more benefits than the side effects for you. Every medicine has side effects. I completed my 14 days of Prevpac today. I was having unexplained upper right stomach pain and sometimes diarrhea once or twice a week. Initially thought it's gallstones - but ultrasound confirmed it's not. All blood work was normal. Upper endoscopy did not figure out any ulcers. Finally, did a stool test and confirmed the presence of H. pylori antigen, and I was recommended Prevpac for 14 days. I had a few side effects: headache in the evening, mild stomach cramps, bitter taste in my mouth (specifically in the morning). I'm feeling perfect now. Be positive, and that supplements the med."

• pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "So I started the antibiotic H. pylori combo of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole meds on Monday, and it's a 14-day course. I had this medication prescribed in the past, but I was feeling so sick I couldn't do more than 10 days. Unfortunately, the H. pylori came back, that's why I'm taking it again. I feel horrible: headaches, nausea, no energy. I just hope I can finish the course. Any tips on how to minimize the side effects?"

• Cre...
• October 28, 2018

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was very hesitant to take the meds due to the horror stories, and I'm glad I actually went through with it! Everyone reacts differently to the meds, and it's not as bad as I read it would be! I'm currently on Day 10 of 14 (almost there... Kudos to me!) The first couple of days I felt nothing. By Day 4, I noticed the dark stool, and I'm still having dark stools. By Day 8, I'm a bit nauseous at times and would feel better after eating. So far, yesterday, which was Day 9 for me, I felt the worst of it. I was nauseous all day, light headache, frequently having BMs, and exhausted. Today, Day 10, a little nauseous earlier around breakfast and a little bit now, but better after eating! Also, my sense of smell seems to have heightened, which also makes me nauseous. But overall, it's definitely not as bad as I read or as bad as the doctor told me it would be. But honestly, I can't wait to finish!"

• Anonymous
• July 14, 2011

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was worried going into this medicine after reading so many negative things. I took it for 14 days and had minimal side effects. I feel like it did what it was intended to do and am grateful my pain has ceased and am feeling human again. The only side effects I had were a headache one day, drowsiness, bad taste in the mouth a couple of times, and a pretty active female yeast infection. All of which are better now. Good luck to those who need it. Wishing you good results too."

• Jja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm having almost 90% of the side effects: nausea, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite. My depression is amplified, and do not get me started on the bitter taste in my mouth. I am dying here and have 6 more days to go. I am missing work and have been in bed almost all day, except when eating. Other than that, I just don't want to move. Hope this treatment works because I cannot take any more of this."

• Har...
• December 5, 2020

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I am so happy I found this site!!! I am on day 10 of the HPAC (amoxicillin/clarithromycin/lansoprazole). The first few days were great. Felt better than I have in the last year. But on day 8, I started to feel ill. Terrible, terrible nausea, stomach ache, headache, loss of energy, can’t sleep, hate food, metallic taste... Thought of stopping treatment, but after reading other posts, I will take some probiotics, yogurt, Gravol, and hope it gets me through the next 4 days. I found if you need quick relief from the stomach pain and nausea for an hour, Gaviscon will help. Hope this works. Could not go through another course of treatment."

• tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2018

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was tested for the dreaded H. pylori, and the doc said I had a high amount in my gut. I was prescribed the triple therapy, all prescribed separately, so the cost was generic - $22 with insurance. I dreaded starting this regimen from all the horrific reviews - but I'm on day 2, and so far so good. I do have some explosive diarrhea at times, churning stomach, mild headache, and very tired. I'm hoping the rest of the 12 days will go this smoothly. I'm on holiday break, so I'm taking the time off - I don't see how someone could work a stressful or manual labor job on these drugs. I did take all the advice from this forum - I am taking two Align probiotics a day with several glasses of kefir and yogurt and eating small veggie meals and crackers - nothing acid, spicy, or carb-heavy."

• Dog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Was diagnosed with H. pylori and given amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and omeprazole to take for 14 days. First day, my only side effect was extreme fatigue. Second day, no side effect except a headache. By the 5th day, I started to experience diarrhea. That was my only side effect and the bitter taste in my mouth off and on for the rest of my treatment. I did do as others mentioned and took a probiotic between doses. Make sure you remember to throw away your toothbrushes and buy new ones after treatment! All in all, treatment wasn't bad. Don't let other people's experiences scare you."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I have been sick for months and later tested positive for H. pylori, started taking the medications but am on day 5 of 14, have had severe headache, sore throat, I can't sleep at night, feeling dizzy at times, loss of appetite but hoping to get better. The medication is really working."

• ORD...
• October 21, 2015

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "In a period of a few years, I visited many doctors because of pain in my stomach. I was always hungry and felt very tired. Sometimes my belly was like a balloon without any reason. Until this doctor sent me for a blood test for Helicobacter pylori, and the results came out positive. I was very optimistic and was hoping this pain and problems would finally stop. I got the medicine on Saturday and started the treatment on Sunday morning. After taking it for 3 days, I noticed huge results, had more energy, and I was waking up fresh. A day after, I started having this sweet taste in my mouth, which scared me a little bit... maybe I got an infection. I continued taking this medicine, and on the 7th day of this treatment, I got a terrible headache and anxiety."

• Hur...
• May 11, 2018

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Day 5. My neck hurts and my back and chest hurt, and it's hard to breathe. I have insomnia and no appetite, diarrhea, and chills every time I take it. I remember the Dr. saying some people's bodies can't handle it - if you feel weak, then skip a dosage and start again. Doesn't stop the side effects. Along with all that, I have headaches and a shooting pain in my left arm from time to time. I also feel weak and even dizzy, along with a sore throat that's red in places. I'm going to go see the Dr. when I get off work, 'cause I think it could be an infection, and that scares me, so maybe I'll go, maybe I'll suck it up and finish it."

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2010

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I'm on my 1st day of treatment, and I have gas and my stomach is bloated. I also have a bad headache, and I feel nauseous. In my stomach, I feel movements and little pain. I'm hoping this treatment works."

• Kat...
• October 15, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "After a year and a half of in-and-out stomach issues, the symptoms got worse and I got an emergency colonoscopy. After biopsy, H. pylori was proven. Was very happy to be diagnosed, but the next 14 days were so hard. I'm on the last day of treatment and still have nausea, tiredness, and headaches. Tired to an extent that I cannot walk more than 2 minutes. Not to mention the bad taste in my mouth. In between, my headache was so bad that I felt my brain was exploding. Got an urgent acupuncture done to get back to life. Then came Mother Nature, periods. The worst combination ever. Now I am afraid whether all these symptoms will go away and I can get back to normal. Fingers crossed this is the worst treatment."

• Raj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Got diagnosed with H. pylori, then had an H. pylori kit with amoxicillin (total 4 medicines, 2 times a day, so total 8 medicines/day). It's a heavy dose, mouth taste is the worst, and yes, a headache! Headache! Headache! Sometimes right side, sometimes left, and sometimes full head, felt migraine pain during the course. Rest was okay, little bloating, nausea sometimes... Now today is my 4th day and hoping to get rid of this bloody H. pylori infection."

• Hep...
• May 13, 2020

Amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "After 2 days of Prevpac meds, I am quitting. My H. pylori is asymptomatic, but I felt let's get rid of this microbe. My first day, I had stomach pains and a headache. My stomach felt better day 2, but the headache stayed. The main reason for stopping is I'm getting vertigo. The first night a little bit, the second night spinning. If I went to this blog first, I would not have taken these meds. I just assumed I would handle it okay. My advice, unless you are very sick, do not take. It sucks!"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2018

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was struggling with acid reflux for 2 months, so I finally got the endoscopy and biopsy done. It was H. Pylori, unfortunately. I am on day 2 of my 14 days of medication, and these medicines have given me diarrhea, bloating, gas (slight irritating pain in chest), headache, weakness, bitter taste, etc. It's really annoying to eat so many medicines, I really hope I get better after this. Does anyone have any idea for how to reduce bloating and gas when on this medication?"