Cipro and Headaches: What Users Say

• HL3...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed Cipro every 12 hours for a urinary infection, but only took 3 doses as my side effects felt terrible. I had the worst headache I've ever felt. It felt like there was so much pressure in my head that it could explode. My muscles started to ache, and my body would tingle. I had absolutely no energy, and felt like my brain wasn't even working, and like I was in a different body. Complete disconnect from reality. Trouble staying asleep at night, and just laid awake in pain. Back pain, neck stiffness, and my vision blurred. Worst thing I have ever experienced. Called my doctor before I was supposed to take the next dose to get something new and instantly felt better. Hoping this new one works without the side effects as I'm terrified to feel that way ever again."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've been taking Cipro for three weeks now, had a horrible urinary tract infection that was not caught on time, and it went to my kidney. To my luck, this medication exists and also is my worst nightmare. (I'm used to it now, but the first three days, I couldn't sleep, I had the worst headaches ever, fever, body aches, a little diarrhea, and loss of appetite.) I have two more days to go. At first, I thought the headaches were because I stopped drinking coffee, like a lot!, but stopped my coffee intake when I got super sick. I'm currently on a 1000mg Cipro, and wow.. I can tell you that as much as the side effects kick you, this medicine sure is working wonders. I drink plenty of water now. I honestly don't ever want to go back to having a urinary tract infection."

• Ann...
• November 17, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I get chronic UTIs and kidney infections. I recently found out that my chronic infections have led to scarring of my left kidney and both ureters, so I go in for a cystoscopy and Videourodynamics in December. Cipro is the only thing that works for me. It works fast too. I usually get bad headaches with this medicine, but I am prone to headaches as well...lucky me. I always make sure I take good probiotics when I am on this medicine to replenish the gut flora. Bactrim is weak and never works...Cipro is the only thing that works for me and my body. Everyone's body is different, so do your research and talk to your doctor about your concerns."

• Rec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've taken this medicine about 7 times. It works well for the UTI, and prior to taking it this last time I had little side effects. This last time, however, was horrible. I couldn't sleep (not even a wink!) was shaky, felt like I couldn't walk, sore everywhere, headaches from hell... all of these effects started to happen on the 5th day... the 7th day (last day) was the worst and continued for the next week. I like this medicine because it works for the UTI, but I will not take it again. The side effects are scary."

• Tou...
• January 23, 2013

For Bladder Infection "I took one dose and within about 3 hours the blood started to clear from the urine, and pain lessened; however, soon I got a bad headache, nausea, and chills. Within about 12 hours from the first (and only) dose, I was in the hospital - vomiting and feeling miserable. I was there for 3 days taking a different antibiotic and fluids by IV. One week later, bad diarrhea, and pain in the knee joint. Must be allergic to Cipro - will remember that for sure!"

• Mis...
• June 15, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I had UTI for 13 days and I was too much worried about it. It was a very painful experience when urinating. So I searched out and chose the Cipro. I had taken 2 pills, 250 mg in 24 hours. Believe me, I had not noticed any side effect of this medicine except a minor headache and I feel 70% better than before. It works for me and I hope I will recover 100% with time. Scary reviews were scaring me but it's different for me. Thank God."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "I had a urinary tract infection, which unfortunately went up to my kidneys, so my MD prescribed Cipro. I already felt better after 2 days of taking it, however, I was getting terrible headaches that do not go away even if I take over-the-counter meds. That's the least of my worries, though, as long as my infection got treated."

• Jle...
• May 1, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was put on Cipro to treat a urinary tract infection. I was already on a medication that suppressed my immune system, and even though the Cipro did wonders for my UTI, the side effects were unbearable. I was directed to take 1 250 mg tab twice daily for 3 days. I was only able to get through the first 2 days. The side effects ranged from what was a mild headache the first day to a severe headache the second day, accompanied by muscle pain, joint aches, shortness of breath, and even chest palpitations on the right side. I went in to see my doc, and he said to come off them because even though they worked well for my UTI, my body was clearly unable to tolerate the side effects. Overall, I say the medicine is very effective but is also strong, so beware of side effects."

• Jle...
• May 1, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was put on Cipro to treat a urinary tract infection. I was already on a medication that suppressed my immune system, and even though the Cipro did wonders for my UTI, the side effects were unbearable. I was directed to take 1 250 mg tab twice daily for 3 days. I was only able to get through the first 2 days. The side effects ranged from what was a mild headache the first day to a severe headache the second day, accompanied by muscle pain, joint aches, shortness of breath, and even chest palpitations on the right side. I went in to see my doc, and he said to come off them because even though they worked well for my UTI, my body was clearly unable to tolerate the side effects. Overall, I say the medicine is very effective but is also strong, so beware of side effects."

• lan...
• November 25, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "Symptoms I had before being put on Cipro were the usual - blood in urine, pressure on bladder, need to pee every 10 seconds even after going, stinging. After being on 500 mg twice, almost all the symptoms were gone, but the side effects were horrible. I had nausea, headache, diarrhea, drowsiness, and some chest pain. The size of the pills is relatively huge too. Not supposed to split them, but I did anyway because it got stuck in my throat and made me throw up my dinner once. I put the split pill into a 00 veggie capsule, which makes it easy to swallow, and I can't taste the bitterness."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2011

For Bladder Infection "I had to stop taking the medicine due to getting yellowing of the skin, fevers, nightmares, severe headaches, dizziness, hot flashes, restlessness, nausea, etc. The medicine was fine until about three days into it, then I began to feel worse, and it was even hard for me to breathe. I may be one of the select few who reacted this way, and I followed everything that I was told to do exactly."

• san...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was initially given amoxicillin for my UTI, but after 3 days, I still had a fever, cloudy urine, and overall blahs. Went back to Dr. and was given Cipro. Wow...less than 24 hours later, fever is gone and urine is clear. I do have a headache, but I don't know if that is from Cipro or from sleeping so much. The list of side effects is a bit scary, but so far, no problems."

• Jew...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2013

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was put on a dose of 1000 mg a day. Took care of the urinary tract infection like a charm, but the side effects were not pleasant. I had heartburn and nausea after every dose, and antacids can't be taken for 2 hrs. after. I also had headaches and kept smelling burning plastic."

• Cip...
• August 18, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "Unfortunately, I get UTIs more often than I should. I have taken a 10-day prescription of Cipro, 500 mg every 12 hours for a bad UTI, and I couldn't get past 5 days of it. I was just prescribed Cipro, one 500 mg pill (because my doctor believed that this medication's side effects were too common and powerful). Within 24 hours, my UTI symptoms cleared up, BUT in the past two nights, I have barely slept. I have bad stomach cramping and diarrhea and headaches. Not fun to say the least. It will do a good job knocking out the infection, but the side effects are just crappy. I also learned that with this medication, sometimes less is more."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2012

For Diverticulitis "By day 6, Cipro was helping with the symptoms, but I started having blurred vision. Day 7, vision even more blurred, and had a headache and pain behind right eye. Doctor took me off Cipro and put me on Doxycycline."

• Mel...
• May 18, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I had a UTI back in 2013 and took one dose of Cipro (250 mg), and within hours it started to clear up, and by the following day, the UTI was gone. I now have another UTI. I took one dose again of the 250 mg pill, and after about 7-8 hours, I felt about 60% better. I just now took a second dose. Hopefully, this will completely clear it up. I haven't noticed any side effects other than a minor headache. But, like I said, I have only taken two doses at the max."

• Mic...
• January 27, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have had a UTI for the past four months, and other antibiotics were not working. I have allergies to a lot of antibiotics and was never given Cipro before. Day 3, and the UTI is gone. On my side effect, I have a sinus headache, but I will suffer through because anything is better than the pain I was having with a UTI. No stomach pain or nausea. Sometimes you have to outweigh minor side effects to the infection itself. I would definitely take it again. Also, I was told the more water you drink with this, the better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2012

For Urinary Tract Infection "Side effects were unbearable for my girlfriend, so she stopped after only 1.5 days. She suffered from headaches, vomiting, achy all over, stomach pains, and a bad taste in her mouth. It seemed to help with the infection, but at the end of the dosage cycle, she was feeling much better. In 45 minutes after taking a pill, it made her feel so sick again."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2011

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've taken Cipro before for urinary tract infections, but my body reacted badly this time. I had nausea, upset stomach, headaches, and caused vomiting. It did help with relieving urinary tract infection symptoms after 2 days. I finished my entire prescription, and I still have some side effects."

• Kei...
• August 16, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this medication for twice a day for 10 days, and on day 5, I had a tremor in my right hand, and right after, my right arm and leg went numb. It was horrifying to experience, especially because I am currently under getting a diagnosis if there is something wrong with my heart. So I didn't know if it was the pills or my heart until I started doing more research on the pill, and tremors were a serious side effect. Yes, I feel my UTI has gone away, but I would NOT take it again, and I am still currently taking them, but I'm going to talk with my doctor because I no longer want to use these drugs. Besides the tremor and numbness, I also became very tired, had headaches, muscle pains, and nausea. Truly terrible to feel this way. I do not recommend."

• nyz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

For Pneumonia "I was put on a course of Cipro to treat bacterial pneumonia. I have COPD, so frequent lung infections are common. I am currently taking 500 mg two times a day for two weeks. I have completed one week already. I am not liking the side effects of the antibiotic at all. I was told that this is the only antibiotic that will treat my infection. However, I have also been experiencing severe pounding headaches and tremors. I am not buying that this is the only antibiotic to treat my pneumonia. This is a very dangerous drug that can cause you a lot of problems. As listed in the side effects, it can cause you to have tremors and headaches. It can also cause muscle and tendon damage by detaching your tendons and muscles. My advice: stay away from this drug; it is highly toxic. Find another, less toxic antibiotic to treat your infections. Thanks."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Dr. prescribed 500 mg twice a day for 5 days. The UTI was horrible, but I’ve never experienced such horrible side effects from an antibiotic. Nausea was debilitating, I was fighting to keep from vomiting. Couldn’t drive because it had my head swirling. Headaches too! I stuck with it because the UTI scared me, but after just taking the last dose, I’m still certain my UTI is lingering. Maybe I’m imagining this, but my thinking and moods seem to have been dark. I regret taking this drug."

• KKa...
• May 2, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went to the ER last night because of a pulled back muscle that occurred 2 weeks ago. The pain (lower back) was just unbearable! And when the pain also moved up to my kidney, I thought, 'Okay, something is seriously wrong here.' Turns out I had a pretty bad UTI that I didn't know about (NONE of the usual symptoms, pee flow regular, no spotting, etc.). 1st time ever being prescribed Cipro, 500 mg 2x a day. Took 1st dose immediately after filling my script (10 pm), second one 12 hrs later (10 am). By morning, I had severe dry mouth after taking the 2nd dose, so I started drinking a Gatorade and immediately started vomiting. My kidney hurts more than it did before going to the ER, headache since last night, and I'm only on day 1 :("

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2020

"Taking quinolones is like playing Russian roulette with your life. There are many websites sharing one's experiences/destroyed lives after only 1-2 taken pills. Doctors tend to ignore or not take the risks seriously as it's only being researched recently, and it may not be statistically significant (yet). Please always ask for antibiotics from another group. There's currently nothing worse on the market being prescribed. Urological antibiotics generally come with a bunch of creepy side effects, but this is life and death. Permanent effects like neuropathy are something entirely different than getting an upset stomach, headaches, or an allergic reaction lasting only for a few days. Do your research, it's your life."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2020

For Sinusitis "Took this for a sinus infection. Did not clear it up, but about 4 weeks later I had neuropathy in my face, which then spread down over my whole body. Muscle spasms, arthritis, vertigo, blurred vision, headaches, burning nerve pain, tendonitis, even my hair started falling out. Had to do PT just to use my right leg again. Went to multiple neurologists and doctors, but they could not figure it out. Almost a year later, I was given Cipro again and immediately felt like my whole body was on fire. This was around the time they were having hearings at the FDA to add all the black box warnings, so my new doctor figured it out. 5 years later and I'm better, but still can't hike or do things I used to love, and still have nerve and tendon issues. Don't ever take Cipro!"