Azithromycin and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Ste...
• August 6, 2014

Azithromycin for Sinusitis "Took away my ear infection but gave me nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath, diarrhea, dizziness, etc. So not worth it. I was less sick before starting this medicine."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2021

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Severe anxiety and nervousness, horrible diarrhea, awful stomach ache, intense nausea, freaky nightmare, horrific headache. I only took 2 pills, they were 250 mg apiece. Don't recommend whatsoever. Now I'm feeling like death, wondering when the effects will wear off."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2021

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Severe anxiety and nervousness, horrible diarrhea, awful stomach ache, intense nausea, freaky nightmare, horrific headache. I only took 2 pills, they were 250 mg apiece. Don't recommend whatsoever. Now I'm feeling like death, wondering when the effects will wear off."

• Abz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2025

For Chlamydia Infection "So with these tablets, I was skeptical because of the side effects. I took 250 mg for 3 days. It says on the packet to take 4 in one go, but I didn't. I took 2 in the morning and 2 at night, as I was on edge about side effects. But they are less than the doxycycline, so I gave them a go. The only side effect I really had was a tad feeling sick, but when the course ended after 3 days, I felt very strange: fatigue, tired out of nowhere, couldn't sleep properly, felt sick, appetite had gone, had anxiety. It does say the antibiotics will stay in the system for 7 days after, so this will be interesting. I'd still take these over doxycycline any day. Hopefully, this is the last time I have to take them."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2023

Azithromycin "I was prescribed a Z-Pak before a trip out of the country for potential strep throat. A family member had strep, and I was feeling off prior to the trip, so I called a teledoctor, and they prescribed the Z-Pak. I took the first dose. Within 45 minutes, I had diarrhea, and my heart rate shot over 120 bpm. I attributed these symptoms to anxiety prior to the trip. Went to bed and woke up around 2:30 am sweating, my heart racing, and my body shaking/jerking. Needless to say, the trip was canceled. Anxiety, headaches, and diarrhea lasted days after, along with sleeping hours upon end. Literally felt like I was hit by a truck. I will not be taking a Z-Pak again."

• Joc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2019

For Pneumonia "I was skeptical taking the Z-Pak to aid with pneumonia, as I have taken it for other ailments, such as strep throat. Day three, I started feeling much better. The side effects are minimal, if at all. I experienced some loose stools and nervousness. Other than that, the medication is easy to take and is only taken for five days."

• hhl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Z-Pak works well for clearing up strep throat, however, it caused *severe* appetite loss. Loose stools 1x a day. I lost 7 lbs in 3 days on this. Obviously, weight can be gained back, and the strep is gone - but ask your doctor for a script of Zofran with this! & Diflucan. Increased my anxiety a ton at night as well. Could not sleep. Pros - works. Cons - you will never want to eat, also a lot of anxiety at night from this."

• Blu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2021

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed Lupin Azithromycin (Z pack) on 1/13/21. You take it for five days, and its effects last 6-10 days. I read that the half-life of the drug after you take the last dose is another 15.5 days, so it stays in your system a while. By day 7, I had serious fatigue and confusion. I also started having palpitations, brain fog, dizziness, and anxiety. All I can do now is wait until this tainted drug gets out of my system and hope it hasn't caused permanent damage. My optician wrote the prescription for a stye on my eye. I wish I hadn't compromised my otherwise excellent health for something so minor by taking this awful drug."

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor prescribed me this for an ear infection. 500 mg for 4 days. I made it through all four days fine, but then on day 5, I had a couple of really bad dizzy spells and felt like I was going to faint. I went to the ER, and everything checked out fine: blood work, EKG, chest X-ray, etc. Well, I'm now on day 7 and feel horrible. Super anxious, nauseated, indigestion, and just feel horrible. I'm hoping it stops soon."

• Ava...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2021

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "I was experiencing a tension headache off and on for close to two weeks. I suspected I had a sinus infection and went to the ER because I couldn’t get in to see my PCP for weeks. I took the Z-Pak as prescribed (my last dose was last Thursday). I still feel like I have a sinus headache in addition to dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, and anxiety. I felt worse after taking it, I ended up back in the ER and was told they didn’t find a sinus infection at all, and I need to follow up with a neurologist because they couldn’t find anything on the CT that could cause the headaches either! I had a horrible reaction to a medication last year (Lexapro), which increased my anxiety symptoms. I have been in therapy and doing well with no panic attacks in months. I feel like I possibly set myself back taking the Z-Pak. It was my first and last time taking it, I never experienced these side effects taking Amoxicillin. I had to take time off from work to recoup, I want this out of my system as quickly as possible!!"

• CGa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "This is by far the worst antibiotic I've ever tried. I got the 3-pack today. I took one 500 mg pill for my bronchitis. Within 90 mins, I started having severe dizziness, nausea and vomiting, stomach pains, headaches, and nervousness."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I took azithromycin for a UTI. Never again. I took it with food. Two hours later, I had the worst stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea, feeling hot and shaking, and experiencing really bad anxiety along with it. I'm never taking this antibiotic again."

• Bun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2018

Azithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Started these 250 mg tabs 5 days ago, finished all today! Began it with a nonproductive cough! After the first dose of (2 tabs), then (1) a day for 4 days. I had fever-like symptoms, tired, severe anxiety, and now have finished all. Now I have been coughing up yellow phlegm. Coughing has never stopped!"

• Zan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2018

For Sinusitis "Took this 10 hours ago, 1-2 hours in stomach pain or heart pain? I can't tell, but it's very unpleasant. Nervous, ear and sinus pain too. I still haven't taken the second dose for today, skeptical because this feeling this drug has given me is very unpleasant. Not to mention the FDA warned about it in 2012. Will be calling my doctor when they open. Probably not taking the second dose tonight."

• Tuc...
• January 1, 2023

Azithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "5-day pack took 2. First day, no problem. Second day, 1. Third day, 1. That night, couldn't sleep at all, heart was pounding and skipping, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain from front wrapping around to back, felt anxious, dizzy, felt like I was spinning. Stopped taking. Next day, still had symptoms, can't wait till it is out of my body. Never had trouble with any antibiotics before. This was my first time taking this medicine. I wish I had read side effects before I took it."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2021

For Chlamydia Infection "I’m back again to share something interesting. Roughly a week after taking the 1g dose, I started having multiple anxiety attacks unlike anything I’ve ever had before, including some constant brain fog and a feeling of disconnect. Long story short, your gut is your second brain, and most of the serotonin receptors are in the gut. This drug gets rid of the good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can affect mental health. While my reason for taking the drug was sound, maybe try something else if you for sure have anxiety, otherwise, probiotics and CBD. I’ve been eating yogurt, taking probiotic capsules (Whole Foods sells them), eating healthier, sleeping more, exercising, and my anxiety is under better control, but it’s still there...for now. It’s been said that these feelings can last a month for the unlucky, so take good care of yourself."

• Sud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "I was recovering from a long COVID/flu infection and feeling much better, but I thought I should be retested before going to the dentist. But instead, the NP put me on a Z-Pak, saying retesting was not recommended this soon. (?) I was told the azithromycin would prevent any possible lingering bacterial infection in my respiratory system. I took only the first two tablets, then had a horrible night trying to sleep, hurt all over, developed thick, heavy drainage which I'd never had before, and woke up exhausted and in the deepest, darkest depression I've felt in decades. Then I read that this drug can also cause hearing loss, and I had already lost the hearing in one ear two years ago. Then anxiety through the roof! This whole ordeal was like a waking nightmare! (Had to cancel the dental appt.) I will never take this stuff (for me) again! Had it put on my 'DO NOT PRESCRIBE' list! And changing my PCP."

• Str...
• August 27, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "Let me preface by saying I am the biggest hypochondriac and usually experience side effects with stronger doses of medicine. After reading these reviews, my heart dropped, and I had full-blown anxiety, so I over-prepped myself and ate a ridiculous amount of carbs and drank a ton of water and ginger tea before and after I took the pills. I felt fine throughout the night, but the next morning, after a few hours of being awake, I felt groggy and started having stomach cramps. I had diarrhea a couple of times but ate toast and drank more ginger tea, had some soup, and felt better by the evening. I’m on night two post-pills and still have random/mild tummy pains and fatigue, but nothing crazy. Grateful for not getting it as bad as some have shared, but still not worth it. I stayed home all weekend because of this. Wrap it up, people... and be safe! Lesson learned - never again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2021

For Pneumonia "I took the Z pack for sinus, pneumonia. The first day, I took 2 pills. On the 2nd day, I had diarrhea, and I continued to take it, though minor side effects. The diarrhea continued with probiotics, BRAT diet. The 5th day, the last pill, my heart raced 140 BP 140s over 90s. The diarrhea sent me to the ER 3 times, checking for C. diff and getting rehydrated. It also flared my diverticulitis, so I had to take Imodium. My heart continued to race, I do not have cardiac problems, and the EKGs were normal. It has been 20 days since the last dose, and I am feeling better. Less anxiety, my diverticulitis calmed down. This is not an amazing drug, it causes more problems than it fixes. I think it should only be administered in an inpatient setting with IV fluids and monitored for side effects and a lower strength. I will never take this medication ever. If I need an antibiotic, I will demand an inpatient setting. Don't take this medication, pure poison."

• Mel...
• January 30, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed this med for an infection. I have gotten better, but side effects for me are stomach cramps, diarrhea, lightheadedness, nausea, and I'm very jittery at night, having a hard time sleeping. I'm glad it's not just me, but I guess this med has pros and cons - 2 more days of hell."

• Hul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I took the first dose of azithromycin, and it gave me an irregular heartbeat and palpitations. I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, and I don’t know if this is the cause. I have taken it before and it has given me anxiety, but never an irregular heartbeat."

• Hig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2017

Azithromycin for Bronchitis "OMG, never again. Within 30 min of taking the 2 pills for the first dose, I experienced a feeling of being intoxicated. It is now 12 hrs later. I still feel high or intoxicated, like I had a couple of heavy drinks in me. I'm stumbling, cannot operate a vehicle, walk, or even take a shower or stare at this screen or type on my phone. This drug is horrible. I am jittery and I feel like I'm dying so bad that I just had to call an on-call DR to prescribe me some Augmentin, which I know I can tolerate. I'm having panic attacks, and I feel I am in a brain fog and 'comfortably numb.' Cannot concentrate or think on this drug. It's the same feeling like right after a Percocet, but the high feeling hasn't let up. I hope this feeling goes away soon!!"

• Hea...
• November 17, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Not sure if I have chlamydia or not, but had unprotected sex with someone who does, and he told me a month later. I took Monistat at the same time. I started by eating at 6:45 pm. Read all the reviews, got scared. Took the four pills at 8:30 pm. Was so anxious all night because I thought I'd get sick. I took the pills with a full bottle of water and two crackers. (I used to have a birth control that made me sick, and I'd eat small things with it). Every half hour, I drank more water and ate another cracker. I barely had any cramping all night. I had an awful time sleeping, but I don't know if that was the pills or just me being nervous. Took a hot shower at like 1 am... Went to bed and woke up at 8:30 am still doing okay. Good luck, have safe sex!"

• Hea...
• November 17, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Not sure if I have chlamydia or not, but had unprotected sex with someone who does, and he told me a month later. I took Monistat at the same time. I started by eating at 6:45 pm. Read all the reviews, got scared. Took the four pills at 8:30 pm. Was so anxious all night because I thought I'd get sick. I took the pills with a full bottle of water and two crackers. (I used to have a birth control that made me sick, and I'd eat small things with it). Every half hour, I drank more water and ate another cracker. I barely had any cramping all night. I had an awful time sleeping, but I don't know if that was the pills or just me being nervous. Took a hot shower at like 1 am... Went to bed and woke up at 8:30 am still doing okay. Good luck, have safe sex!"

• Erw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2021

For Middle Ear Infections "Have taken a handful of times in my life. I used to get bad sinus infections, that has stopped because I started taking powdered elderberry capsules and a whole food multivitamin daily. This antibiotic is hit or miss. It depends on the severity of your sickness. I have asked for 2 Z-packs in the past when I have had bad sicknesses, and that has worked. I am currently taking it for a (moderate) ear infection, and it is definitely working. However, TAKE A GOOD PROBIOTIC! But wait a few hours after your dose! I take the vaginal care kind because it has a ton of strains and yeast-fighting enzymes. You will probably get diarrhea from these antibiotics. I also can’t sleep and having anxiety and irritability. But sometimes you just have to take one for the team. For anxiety, I take ashwagandha and lemon balm gummies. I have urged my husband (who is prone to pneumonia) to urge the doctor for 2 Z-packs because this one has a tendency to knock it down and not out."