Azithromycin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I’ve been super sick for the past week: really bad chest congestion, shortness of breath, coughing, phlegm, body aches, headaches, fever-the works. I took over-the-counter medicine, then started albuterol every 4-5 hours and still feel horrible. The coughing has been constant. Today, on the 7th day, I got prescribed the Z-Pak, literally within 5 hours, I already felt a huge relief on my chest, which I instantly felt better. The medicine is definitely working, and it’s only day 1. So happy that soon my life will feel normal once again-thankful."

• Jah...
• February 22, 2017

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "100% approval. 6 hrs after taking this, I felt 98% better. Almost normal. I can't tell cause I feel great, but friends from the congregation say they see it in my eyes a bit, that and a small headache. Nothing bothersome if I wasn't reclining way back to type this. I've used this medication a few times over the years. Averaging between the other antibiotics, it is incomparable. It has always worked, and as always like with this time, I got around 2 and took it. I felt like death this am, but now feel well enough tonight to go to a meeting at my congregation... For a 5-day course."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 29, 2015

For Mycoplasma Pneumonia "I took (4) 250 mg of Azithromycin at once as directed by my doctor on Wednesday. I felt fine Wednesday, but I had loose stool/diarrhea after 2 hours. I also felt very bloated, my belly was hard to the touch, but no major stomach ache or pain. That evening I started to develop a really bad headache, and the next day it progressed into a migraine (and I have never ever in my life had one). I took acetaminophen 500 mg, but that only helped for like an hour. I spent my whole day in bed because I felt crappy, and I had sensitivity to light, and my vision was much blurred. This migraine lasted for 2 days (THU and FRI). Saturday I felt better, but I still had a headache, but no migraine. Saturday night I developed a fever (99.7F), and I took NightQuil."

• Som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "My boyfriend cheated on me, and I got chlamydia. After getting prescribed azithromycin, the first thing I did was read the reviews, which was a terrible idea!!! I was so scared I was gonna get a bad reaction to it. Anyway, it’s 3 days later, and I’m literally fine, no reaction. The first night, I did get a horrible headache, but that could have been from barely drinking water that day. I think it just depends on the person, but hopefully this gives some of you peace of mind to know not everyone gets horrible side effects!!"

• Nev...
• July 20, 2017

Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "Took first dose of two tablets for bronchitis and lost all ability to taste food in a few hours, also had to leave work as I felt very tired. No change to bronchitis symptoms. Day two, continues to have no ability to taste food and headache (5/10) began after the second dose. Bronchitis symptoms mildly improving. Following the third dose, severe headache and earache, took tramadol, which made it manageable. Not taking the fourth dose, currently experiencing horrific stomach cramps and diarrhea. Still can't taste anything and have a significant headache. Felt much better with bronchitis symptoms, feel like death. Never again."

• Bil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2015

For Sinusitis "After the third dose, I feel worse than before. Headache, diarrhea, bad taste in mouth, upset stomach, and weakness. Two doses left of a five-day pack, and I can breathe a bit, but the other side effects are awful. I feel as if I were unmedicated, I felt better."

• Uh ...
• June 2, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "found out I was positive. Less than 24 hours later, I took the 'one time' dose of azithromycin. The 2 500 mg tablets went down easily, but about 15 minutes afterwards, I started feeling a bit hot/sweaty and started getting stomach cramps. Luckily, I got home just in time for the toilet, diarrhea once about an hour after I took it. Although, after the diarrhea, the cramps stopped, which was good. I had a Greek yogurt, which seemed to settle my stomach a bit. Got a slight headache, but nothing unbearable. These are common side effects, so a little diarrhea to clear up my infection is a good enough trade for me. Lesson learned."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor prescribed azithromycin for a bacterial infection that appeared to develop as a secondary infection after having flu-like symptoms. Once you start an antibiotic, you should notice a slight improvement, if not noticeable improvement. However, after taking the first two pills, I started having chills, fever, aches, trouble urinating, earaches, back pain, red irritated eyes like a sand feeling, along with uncontrollable coughing and a severe headache. I felt worse than the day I went to the doctor. So I contacted the doctor, and he thought it was a little premature, with less than 24 hours into the medication, to keep trying it. So I did, and on day 2, I was miserable. I contacted the doctor to give him an update, and he changed the antibiotic."

• Ano...
• June 25, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I was prescribed two 500 mg tablets to take at the same time. I took them after eating half of a sandwich, and about 10 minutes later, I felt very dizzy and nauseous, like I was getting ready to throw up! Then the headache came, which sent me to bed, and I couldn’t move. Then came the watery diarrhea, which I’ve had all day. It’s been about 12 hours now. But I took a Tylenol to relieve my headache, which also helped with the nausea, and I was honestly back to feeling normal within an hour after taking the pills. After that hour, I ate some crackers and drank some ginger ale, and my stomach was pretty much settled. Some of my symptoms have started to go away, so I don’t know. I hope it clears everything up and I NEVER have to take this medication again... the nausea and headache are TERRIBLE! Be safe!"

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 8, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I took this azithromycin medicine like 10 days ago for chlamydia. I had some headache and stomachache, but it didn’t last longer. I read it takes 7 days to clear symptoms, it’s day 10 and I still have symptoms, not as strong as before, but I will wait until day 14 and go see the doctor again for another dose if I still have the symptoms."

• aha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2023

For Sinusitis "Been on two rounds of the Z-Pak because the first dose didn’t work, bad side effects - headache every day, nausea, stomach bloating, stomach burning pain. Couldn’t take the side effects and didn’t take the last dose on the last day. Still feel congested and lousy. Does anyone know of a better antibiotic without the damn side effects for a nasty sinusitis condition? Tried all the home remedies."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "Went to the clinic after having intercourse, gave a urine sample and some blood was drawn along with a swab from my penis. I was told I had a high WBC in my swab/urine sample. Doc immediately administered a dosage of azithromycin, not sure how many mg but it sure was more than a pill as it was crushed! Had no food prior to about 3 hours of taking this medication. Did not feel any side effects immediately, but as advised by doc, had a donut within 30 minutes of taking this medicine. Did not really feel much of side effects except for some constipation the next day and a mild headache! However, reading all the comments is what I think caused me that headache and the feeling of nausea! Still got some discomfort in my penis but anxiously waiting for the blood results, should be ready within 5-7 days but really can't wait! I don’t want any STDs. It's scary. Just wondering if the high WBC count was caused due to actual STDs or something else? BTW: Heterosexual"

• Owe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I was positive for the unfortunate “Chlamydia” and was freaking out when I read the reviews regarding this medication. My doctor prescribed me to take 4 doses of the 500 mg azithromycin all at once, which I freaked out over. It was hard to take, but I drank lots of water right after. I immediately laid down on my couch and on my side too. I did feel like I was getting a headache and felt sleepy, but stayed lying down for about 2 hours. I felt fine. I did NOT FEEL any cramps or stomach pains at all! Lying down and resting is the trick. After about 2 hours, I did have some diarrhea, but it wasn’t bad at all! I mostly relaxed that day, and I’m guessing it was a side effect of the medication. If you take it, just lie down and get rest, try not to move either. Hope this helps!"

• shi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2016

For COPD, Acute "I was prescribed this about Nov 2014, 1 tablet a day. After two weeks of being afraid to step over the doorway, I stopped taking it, it caused severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. My consultant had prescribed it to try to stop me from getting infections and possibly reduce my steroid intake (maintenance dose of 20 mg per day, been on them daily since March 1992 for asthma). Last month, he persuaded me to try again but to take alternate days for a month, and then if okay, ask my GP to add to my prescription. From the start, the nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps came back, followed by itchiness, headache, and shooting pain in my right ear. I have persevered for the month but will not be asking GP for more."

• use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Chlamydia Infection "I was reading through the reviews, and I got genuinely scared to take the two doses of 500 mg of azithromycin, but it actually wasn’t that bad. I took the first pill at 7:30 a.m., then ate a banana. At this point, I didn’t feel any of the side effects. I took the second one about 3 hours later at 10:30 a.m. and ate some pretzels. After the second dose, my stomach felt bubbly all day, I had a few cramps, and my head hurt, but nothing a nap didn’t fix. It wasn’t bad, but I’m for sure using a condom for the rest of my life, lol."

• 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."

• Flu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2017

For Sinusitis "I've been sick with a fever for about two weeks and pregnant. I'm about halfway through this pregnancy. Long story short, after a Saturday spent in urgent care (they did nothing), I was sent to the ER and diagnosed with a secondary infection (basically bronchitis on its way to pneumonia). At urgent care (before the ER), I complained about ear pain and pressure too, but urgent care is good for nothing. Anyway, they sent my report to the ER, and the ER gave me azithromycin and a breathing treatment because I was wheezing. One pill left of my Z-pack. My chest is great and pretty much cleared up, but my sinuses are worse. On the right side of my face, I have jaw pain, clogged ear, ear pain, stuffy nose, headache, and fever. Going back to the doctor as the Z-pack isn't working for sinuses."

• thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "So I found out I have chlamydia and took azithromycin two hours ago and felt fine. Now I am super nauseous, have diarrhea, and a headache. I just hope the azithromycin is effective against the chlamydia bug."

• Ami...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

For Chlamydia Infection "I’m sharing my experience here to help everyone. I took this medicine (azithromycin) for chlamydia. One dose of two 500g tablets had normal side effects like headache and some stomachache, but it didn’t work for 10 days. Then I took another dose and waited 10 days again, got retested again, and it didn’t work. The way the body reacts to antibiotics is different from one person to another, also the way your body absorbs it, and how strong your immune system works along with the antibiotic, or sometimes the bacteria is resistant, which is rare in chlamydia. I discussed it with the doctor, and he suggested whether to continue using it with a high dose until it clears symptoms or change to doxycycline 100mg twice a day for 7 days, better on an empty stomach to be absorbed better, with some probiotics to reduce the side effects. I hope it works this time."

• Ant...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2016

For Chlamydia Infection "Tuesday 5 PM - Given two 500 mg pills. Immediately had a snack. Dinner time, not a great appetite. Stomach cramps and resulting stress kept me up all night. No other medication symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms still there. Wednesday - Maybe lack of sleep, but felt fatigued all day, mild stomach cramps, appetite meh, headache, low energy, constipated, flatulent, but slept better. No other medication symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms still there. Thursday - Dizziness at random, fatigued all day, little to no stomach cramps, appetite meh, continuous headache (now most prominent symptom), low energy, constipated (but no bloating), flatulent, slept normal. No other medication symptoms. Chlamydia symptoms still there. Friday - Same as Thursday."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2018

For Chlamydia Infection "After reading the reviews, I was so afraid to get treated. I actually put it off for months (big mistake because I now have PID). Before taking the meds, I had eaten a small amount of lasagna and a piece of bread with plenty of water. The only “side effects” I had were a feeling that I was hungry, a very mild headache, and I was tired. The morning after, I had a mild case of diarrhea, but nothing over the top. BE SAFE AND WRAP UP‼️"

• Mmw...
• June 12, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "Started this medication yesterday, and on other antibiotics, I usually start feeling better by now. If anything, I feel worse, and I have every side effect. I mean the runs, the cramping, the gas, the bloating, the head pounding, the dizziness. I don't know if I can choke the third pill down tomorrow. I am just miserable. Oh, and I'm taking it for a middle ear infection, and the pain is still so great, it just adds to the other side effects, and it's rendering me useless for things I need to do, like go to work or function in general. My advice: see if a different kind of anti can be given to you."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2015

For Chlamydia Infection "Took 2 500 mg pills of this medication around 10 pm. Soon after, I had very bad stomach pains. Slight nausea, felt very ill. Was super sluggish, and a weird headache. Couldn't get to sleep until about 4:30 am. Then I woke up with a swollen, sore throat that lasted pretty much all day, feeling similar to strep. Stomach pains and nausea were gone, though. Vaginal discharge and smell have pretty much subsided, so I would think it's working. Guess you just have to rough it through the side effects."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was on this medication 500 mg daily for 3 days to treat a bad sinusitis, in addition to a 6-day Medrol pack with Flonase spray. Medication worked, nose started opening up within 1 day of starting medication. I continued to have body aches and headaches, however, I didn’t actually start feeling better until 3 days after I completed the antibiotic. This med also leaves a horrible non-stop bitter taste in the mouth that started on the final day of the medication and continued for 2 days after the medication was done for me, literally, it was awful. I didn’t get any abdominal pain or diarrhea with the medication, thankfully. I’m glad the medication eventually worked, but that bitter taste in my mouth was the only downside."