Cephalexin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I had an infection on my leg from diabetes. 1 cephalexin pill, and I feel like puking, headache, sore shoulders, freezing, and I’m always hot. In September, I live in Washington State, and I’m covered in a blanket and quilt."

• Bop...
• May 10, 2021

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I developed an infection in my fingernail after scrubbing a floor; overnight it involved my whole finger with infection. My doctor gave me Cephalexin 500 mg 4x a day. The first day was not too bad, although I was beginning to develop a headache, drowsiness, and lost my desire to eat. By day 4, my stomach was swollen and cramping, I had terrible nausea, a constant headache, and my eyes felt irritated and burning. At that point, I had 7 more days to go on the medicine and could not face it. I called the doctor and asked to be switched to another antibiotic. I could not go to work or even get out of bed at that point."

• Lin...
• November 3, 2016

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I got a flu shot, and the next morning I woke up with fever, pounding headache, and a large red swelling on my arm with streaks that connected to the lymph nodes. I was diagnosed with cellulitis. I was clearly not swabbed well enough, if at all (can't remember). I started on 3 doses of Cephalexin 500 per day, but got worse the first day and ended up in the ER. The ER doc bumped me up to 4 doses. It has pretty much cleared it up. The exhaustion has been horrific, and at times I'm dizzy. No diarrhea, but sometimes I become extremely nauseous. It strikes me out of nowhere. I find that taking Zantac helps. I'm also really achy and all around unwell. One pill to go, and I can't wait. But the stuff works, or I'd have developed sepsis, so all good."

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2020

For Kidney Infections "I started on cephalexin for a UTI three days ago, and it is a five-day course, twice per day (500 mg). Since I have horror side effects from Bactrim and Microbid. I am not feeling too good from this medicine either. Horrible fatigue, constant headaches, weak. I’m beside myself since I’m constantly getting UTIs. I will probably take Cipro next time. It’s not my first choice, however, it doesn’t make me feel this bad."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2018

For Kidney Infections "I am allergic to penicillin, cipro, sulfas, and doxycycline. I had a UTI that spread to my kidneys, and I was terrified because of all of my allergies! So far, on day 5, I have not had an allergic reaction. I am usually incredibly sensitive to antibiotics, but this one has been okay! It will take your body some time to get used to the medication. I had an awful headache the first two or three days, but it got better. The joint pain and nausea improved as well. Eat yogurt and take Keflex with food, it helps a ton. Consume probiotics too."

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

"This cephalexin is an awful drug. I am taking the generic. I have taken it for three days as a precaution after surgery to remove plaques from my eyelids. My side effects: headache, diarrhea, muscle weakness, fatigue, fast heart rate, dizziness, depressed mood, and anxiety. Never again. I cannot wait to be off it. Doctors throw drugs at patients without consideration for side effects. I called the doctor, they said to complete the prescription. No wonder patients stop taking antibiotics. Awful drug."

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I've been prescribed cephalexin way too much. I'm on it for the fourth time for a pretty bad staph infection that I've had for over a year now. Day 4 of 500 mg 3x a day and I'm exhausted, having panic attacks, dizziness, confusion, and headache, but the infection is still there. I am only giving this a 4 rating because there's really been no change, except cysts are worse and side effects are intolerable. I'm sure it's because I've been prescribed antibiotics so much that they just don't work anymore."

• Dia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2021

For Bladder Infection "Started getting mild UTI symptoms after a particularly stressful period in my life, the pressure and urgency to go were getting really uncomfortable, so my doctor initially prescribed me Nitrofurantoin, 500 mg/2x day. Three days into taking it, my symptoms were not getting any better, so she switched my prescription to Cephalexin, 500 mg/2x, and I kid you not, within a few hours of taking my first dose, I was already feeling relief! A literal world of difference. Hardly any side effects too, except a small headache and gas, but that's about it."

• Ble...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2017

For Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention "I am taking Keflex to keep from getting an infection for the surgery that I had. The doctor had me start taking it one day before surgery, and now I am on day twelve. Tomorrow is my last dose. I am having headaches and pain behind one eye. I am hoping the headaches will stop after tomorrow when I take my last dose. The eye pain started yesterday. I'm looking forward to being done with the medication. I'm not a fan of antibiotics, and 3 a day for 13 days, in my opinion, is a lot. I have heard it can be bad for the liver and kidney. Does anyone else experience headaches from this medication?"

• SoM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2018

For Kidney Infections "22-year-old female, got diagnosed with UTI (first time), started Keflex within 3 hours of the UTI symptoms starting. Right after taking the meds, I started getting chills (probably my body fighting off the infection), then a low-grade fever. Terrible headaches. Nausea. Dry mouth. Some dizziness when getting up. Super fatigued. Anxiety. Today is day 3 of taking 500 mg 2x a day. Still hurts to urinate, but not nearly as bad as day 1. Sometimes my headaches go away a couple of hours after drinking the med. Might need to call the doc tomorrow to see if I can switch meds, because I’m not sure if I can put up with the 10-day prescribed treatment."

• Pre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I have an ingrown toenail infection, and on the first dose, it started to feel better, but not any better with the next four doses. However, I ate as directed, but on dose four, it felt like I had what felt like a bubble under my left upper back and front ... as if I needed to belch, but when I did, the pain went away for about 30 seconds and came right back. It really felt like I was having heart issues. I was supposed to take 500 mg three times daily for seven days. I cannot get the third dose in a day, but I felt horrible ... headaches too. I'm not going to take any more, and I'll call Dr. tomorrow."

• Ann...
• July 14, 2021

For Kidney Infections "I took this for 24 hours only. Had to stop after the first day because of the side effects. Headaches, extreme fatigue, sharp pains in my vagina, extremely bad diarrhea. It’s been a day and a half since I took the last one and the diarrhea is every 60 minutes and just water. I hope I feel better soon. Will never take this again."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2022

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Prescribed 500 mg 4 times a day for an infected tick bite. From day one, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, major headaches, and altered moods. I am on day 5 now, side effects are not any better, and I am feeling depressed. The tick bite site looks like it is healing. I would not take this given another option."

• CLS...
• December 27, 2017

For Kidney Infections "I was prescribed Cephalexin 2000 mg/day for four days due to what my ER doctor perceived as a UTI. Long story short, my body resisted the antibiotic, and I was quickly re-diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis within three days by my family doctor. She immediately took me off Cephalexin and shared that she's concerned how many of her patients have been prescribed this drug by ER doctors as they're always paying her a visit without any sign of improvement. As for side effects that I noted: nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, and severe joint pain. I am a 24-year-old female, and I've never been resistant to a drug before, so I am grateful that my doctor revised my treatment plan so I wouldn't end up hospitalized."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2023

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "This was prescribed for a laceration injury on my hand from the ER after it was cleaned and stitched up. 500 mg four times a day. I had so much nausea the first day I vomited up the mint tea, which was all I had taken that day, then started using Zofran but still could not eat anything. I was also constipated that day. I was so tired I spent most of the day asleep. I am now on day 3 and still have to force myself to eat or drink and have lost 7 lbs. Constipation turned to mild diarrhea. I also have a headache and backache and am so tired. I have four more days to go, my doctor has approved my reducing the dose to three times a day, and I am trying to stay the course. I want to thank all the previous commenters here since so many of the symptoms they reported settled my mind (I also feel I am more anxious than usual) about what was happening to me."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Not sure how I got folliculitis, but I’ve been on this same medication as you all for 2 solid days now. Seems to be helping, but I experienced the worst headache I have had in years today. The infection is in my hair on my head and made my lymph nodes inflamed. I ordered CLn shampoo to try and speed the process up because I’ve read so much material on this issue. But nonetheless, I pray this medicine works like it has for some of you. I can deal with the headaches for the short term if I get rid of this disgusting infection on my head. I will be back in a few days to give an update on both how the medicine is doing as well as the CLn shampoo."

• nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "I took this medication in July for a skin infection, and it worked amazing. I started taking this medication again at the end of August for a minor bacterial infection and had the most severe headaches ever. I felt like my brain was going to explode through my skull. I have taken 8 pills so far and made the decision to discontinue due to the severity of these terrible headaches."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2021

For Kidney Infections "I just started my prescription 3 days ago, 500 mg twice a day for a nasty UTI turned kidney infection. It took me a good week to actually take it after reading these reviews. I hate swallowing pills, so I open my capsule and take it with OJ. So far, the only major issues I get are gas, a little nausea, and a minor headache. I get sleepy after a while but I think that’s due to the infection. I feel like my infection is clearing up, I’m on my 3rd full dose. My kidneys only hurt a little. I find taking my pills with lots of water has been very helpful. I also take a probiotic to replace the good bacteria. I’ll be going back to the doc to confirm the infection is gone in 4 days. Get well, everyone!"

• Phe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2021

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Real frozen shoulder, which comes out of nowhere and lasts six months, was followed by frozen leg muscles and then frozen hips. When my chest, throat, and lung muscles became hugely painful, I realized the infection was back. I ordered supplies for a long period of being housebound again. I was prescribed cephalexin/keto, actually for a UTI, so I had some. 500 three times a day. The pain stopped in two days. My system feels light, as though the whole latent infection had been cleaned out. A side effect was that the corn on the sole of my foot has disappeared after decades! I might have had a slight headache, that was all. In my case, this medicine has been a miracle! I am 79 and in the UK. I was prescribed it on the NHS."

• Not...
• August 15, 2021

Cephalexin for Bladder Infection "I took Keflex once and was fine, and then my UTI returned a month later. Doctor put me back on it, and I had the worst reaction. Vomiting, joint pain, headaches - it was awful! I won't take it again, I'll stick with Cipro or Bactrim."

• Cas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2018

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I've been on this medicine for 7 days now. The first two days I would get hot flashes in the middle of the night. Sweating, drenched. That went away, then I would get headaches, and now my head feels all dizzy. I'm trying to stick it out since I only have 3 more days, but geez. I also experienced palpitations, and I'm on a medicine already that's supposed to control that."

• Anonymous
• April 7, 2009

For Bacterial Infection "I had acute mastitis. I was prescribed cephalexin, and after two days, started getting tightness in my chest, some nausea, and mild headaches. I stopped taking it. However, on the plus side, the infection went away, and I didn't have to take any more."

• thr...
• January 28, 2018

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "I was prescribed this for an ingrown toenail that became infected. Gave so many stars because it is definitely working. Never did I think something so tiny could hurt so bad! After 2 days, the infection looked and felt much better. But, I’m going to ask for something else. I’m on day 4 of these now, and 3 of those days I’ve been getting a crazy headache. I’m predisposed to migraines, but I don’t get them every day back to back, so it definitely is from the medication. I’m also not sure if it’s another side effect, but I woke up around 5 a.m. because of horrible jaw pain. I do have TMD for the last 9 years of my life, but I never had this happen. I took some ibuprofen, but wish I had taken a Vicodin I had leftover from a recent surgery instead because of how bad it was. Icing for a good while took the edge off enough for me to go back to sleep, but it was rough. Still pretty sore when I woke up, but not as bad as before."

• EVe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2023

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I am allergic to penicillin, and my doctor prescribed Ranceph (Cephalexin) 500 mg - 3 times per day. I started the medicine this morning and took my second dose at 1:00 pm this afternoon. An hour after I took the second tablet, I had the worst headache, pins and needles in my hands and feet, and my tongue felt swollen. I immediately knew it must be the antibiotics. I read the leaflet and noticed that 10% of people that are allergic to penicillin will be allergic to Cephalexin too. I am concerned that my doctor prescribed this, as he is well aware that I am allergic. Anyway, I stopped the treatment immediately and will have to treat this bronchitis with OTC medicine. So be careful if you are allergic to penicillin. My son took the same antibiotics, and he is almost completely healthy, so I am confident that this is a great antibiotic and works well, but not if you are allergic to penicillin."

• Lef...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2023

For Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention "I was prescribed medication due to foot surgery. Started yesterday, one capsule every 12 hours. I woke up with a terrible headache. I've taken cephalexin 500 mg before for dental procedures and did not have a reaction. The tablet was a green tablet vs. red. Maybe it's due to a different manufacturer. Calling the doctor to let him know that I will no longer take it."