Ciprofloxacin and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2011

Ciprofloxacin for Prostatitis "Well, I am 34 and have had prostatitis a few times. I have tried Doxy, Cipro, and E-Mycin. The first time I took Cipro, it gave me bad anxiety and the feeling of an elevated pulse, so my doctor switched me to Doxy, which had helped me in the past. The Doxy has the least amount of side effects if you are taking it for 3-4 weeks. Cipro is the stronger drug and probably will work better for prostatitis, but the side effects, if you get them, are pretty brutal. The last time I took it in a desperate effort, it gave me leg cramps and foot pain, so that was a red flag because of the black box warning. So, I guess it's back to Doxy. All drugs have side effects, but if it was a life or death deal, I would take the Cipro."

• BJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I was given ciprofloxacin for a possible infection after a stent was placed in my ureter during an OR procedure. After 3 pills, I had tendon pulls, weakness on my left side, abdominal pain, electric zaps in my legs and abdomen, fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, itching, etc. I could hardly walk for 5 months. Thought I would end up in a wheelchair. 2 years later, I still deal with pain, weakness, anxiety, brain fog, tendon pulls, abdominal pain."

• OyV...
• February 16, 2017

For Prostatitis "30-year-old male, healthy, no problems. Diagnosed a few weeks ago with a prostate infection, and the doctor prescribed a 10-day course of Cipro. I had noticeable improvement of symptoms in just a few hours. Cipro is an extremely potent antibiotic, but you're about to find out the reason I only gave this med a 5. Cipro is also EXTREMELY dangerous to some people. And you won't know until you take it if it's YOU this med will destroy. Prescribed 500 mg Cipro 2x daily. After taking the second pill, my heart started skipping beats, and every joint in my body started making 'popping' noises. Immediately stopped medication, but it was too late. I couldn't walk for 2 weeks. I also went through months of hell: peripheral neuropathy, anxiety attacks, tremors."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was diagnosed with a kidney infection a few days ago, and the doctor prescribed me this medicine. I read all these reviews, and it made me nervous, but I decided I would just take it. I took two doses and quickly had horrible side effects. I have been on many antibiotics, and I’ve never felt the way I do now. I could not sleep last night, was sweating horribly, woke up this morning with muscle aches in my hands and the worst anxiety I have ever experienced. I felt like I was going to die. It’s now been 12 hours since my last dose, and I still do not feel myself. I have a headache, feel very down and tired, and just not myself. I wouldn’t wish this feeling on my worst enemy. This is awful. This drug should be taken off the market. I'm glad some people have better experiences, but I called my doctor, and they said to stop it immediately and called in something else. My doctor told me this antibiotic has a high chance of causing anxiety in people and brain fog. Never again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 18, 2012

For Urinary Tract Infection "I started 500 mg at 5 pm when I returned home from urgent care. I was diagnosed with a UTI/bladder infection. I was severely uncomfortable, unable to empty my bladder completely, and had spasms in my bladder. By 11 pm, I could feel the pressure in my abdomen start to decrease. After the 2nd dose at 5 am in the morning, I am feeling better. I can completely empty my bladder now, and the spasming has stopped. Levaquin is too harsh for me because my tendons start to ache, unable to sleep, anxious, and restless by the 2nd or 3rd day into treatment. I do much better with Cipro because the side effects of feeling a bit restless don't kick in until about the 6th or 7th day, which is a full treatment. Just don't take with dairy or iron."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was put on this drug for a UTI. I only had trace amounts of bacteria, but the urgent care doctor put me on 500 mg twice a day for 7 days. I ended up taking 7 doses before I couldn’t take it anymore. It caused serious chest pains, anxiety, and extremity weakness. I should have never taken it. This is way overprescribed by doctors, and I can only hope these side effects won’t last months or years, as it has with some people."

• MrS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2018

Ciprofloxacin for Pneumonia "I was given this medication for pneumonia (extended period of time). I was severely agitated, very anxious, and had difficulty sleeping. After discharge from the hospital, I was given oral RX for home use. The symptoms stated above worsened and new symptoms began. I also take Klonopin. After much research, I found Cipro binds to GABA receptors, causing displacement of the Klonopin (both bind to GABA). This caused Benzo Withdrawal Syndrome, which obviously put me in dire straits. I reported this to the FDA. It appears they are aware of this problem. Please be careful using these two medications together and research, as more data is available now supporting these major interactions. Hopeful Black-box warnings will soon follow."

• Edw...
• December 10, 2020

For Prostatitis "Ciprofloxacin side effects for me are: eye floaters, severe anxiety, panic attacks, irregular heartbeat, myoclonus (muscle jerks/spasms/twitches), internal vibrations and tremors, eye pressure/pain, eye strain, severe dry eye, peripheral neuropathy, ear symptoms: aural fullness, feelings of electric shocks/stinging/burning/liquid/cooling sensations deep in the inner ear, eardrum flutter and tightness, pain hyperacusis (noxacusis), sound-induced pain, facial nerve/teeth/neck/shoulders pain from ears, autophony, high frequency sound distortion, intermittent reactive tinnitus including musical ear syndrome (auditory hallucinations), muscle aches in jaw, lower back, neck, pelvis, right wrist, ankles, and knees. Like coming down with a rare disease overnight. Had to go back to my GP, an ophthalmologist, an audiologist, and soon an ENT neurotologist. Bayer, give me my health back! Give me my life back!"

• Oel...
• January 22, 2020

For Sinusitis "I took 2,500 mg total over the course of 3 days, which consisted of a 500 mg dose twice a day. On the third day, I stopped my treatment after feeling extremely tired and fatigued from just the simplest of chores. Side effects I suffered are weakness, internal vibrations, depersonalization, immense dread, fear, depression, suicidal thoughts, nerve pain, tingling sensations, out-of-body sensations, memory loss, eye strain, dry eye, ear pressure, stomach problems, stiff joints, balance issues, and that's all been on and off since I stopped taking the cipro. Many have been impacted in a negative way by this drug. Please, if you have the option, go take another antibiotic that is not a fluoroquinolone. I beg you to think twice about glancing over the warnings that come with your medication because this drug is no joke and can cause serious harm! I'm a year out, and in some aspects, I have improved, but in others, I'm still healing and looking forward to the day I'm back to my previous bill of health."

• gue...
• October 6, 2016

For Bladder Infection "I caught a urinary tract infection after being sick from stomach flu/virus and was prescribed Cipro (500 mg). After one pill in the evening, I became tired, went to bed, and woke up anxious, depressed, restless, with loss of balance. I've had antibiotics (amoxicillin, I think) once in the past, but never had anything like this kind of reaction. Waiting for a call from my doctor for a different medicine."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "This drug ruined my life. I became anxious, then developed insomnia, which led to terrible depression. I didn't sleep properly for 90 days and started to feel suicidal. That was 10 years ago. Ten years of living nightmare. Don't take this drug."

• Sho...
• December 27, 2018

For Kidney Infections "First pill I took could tell a difference, felt better. Day 3, still doing good. Pharmacist said no dairy and caffeine. I've stayed off both, caffeine especially can cause tremors and anxiety with this med."

• Mom...
• July 31, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I am on ciprofloxacin for 3 days along with pyridium for a UTI. I have felt nauseous, heady, tired, and have had increased anxiety since starting these meds. Today I had dry heaves, nausea, drained feeling, and a full-blown panic attack. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow for a possible replacement. I am going on vacation on Thursday and don't want any of these side effects. UTI symptoms are better, but I don't think it is cleared up fully. Scared."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2020

For Prostatitis "I've been on Cipro for 6 weeks for prostatitis. I still have bad days, and the nights aren't great, but I've seen some improvement. Urination is better. Groin and testicle pain are both better. I have lower back pain and some taint pain, mainly at night. I seem to get through the night without urinating about half the time. My feet have been feeling a bit odd, and I've had burning pain in my back. Anxiety and depression have both been terrible, like crippling at times. Possible side effects of the Cipro. I've yet to see a urologist, but I probably need to soon. I'm tempted to wait it out and see how the symptoms are without the Cipro to see if they all come back. Prostatitis is a pretty terrible thing, and I'm not sure I like Cipro that much more. *Update* My doctor just called in another week of Cipro."

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2017

For Prostatitis "Was prescribed this medicine for my own self-diagnosis of prostatitis since I told my doctor that my symptoms related mainly to it, so he called me in cipro without any further testing. Don't remember the dose, but I think 250-500 mg twice a day for two weeks. At first, I felt fine until like 5 days into it I got diarrhea, sharp stomach pains, headaches, dizziness, itching, or pin-like feelings, and today I called and asked if I could stop it because of the nausea, and I can't sleep well, and it makes me feel weak. So I've officially stopped it. Had feelings of anxiety as well. First time taking it, and I hope I don't have to ever again."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took Cipro for a suspected UTI, 500 mg bid for ten days in April 2016. I felt tired, had loss of appetite while on it. Two weeks after I finished them, the peripheral neuropathy started in both hands and feet, along with fasciculations all over, severe anxiety, and seeing more doctors than I ever have in my life. I would not recommend this medication unless your life depended on it. My symptoms have not subsided."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "I had a recurrent UTI for several months that did not respond to Amoxicillin (because the third culture came back as Pseudomonas bacteria, which is a stubborn infection). I am allergic to Bactrim and was forced to take Cipro rather than be hospitalized for IV treatment. I don't like the side effects of this drug---dizziness, anxiety, burning sensation on skin, nausea, brain fog, body aches, and more. I am basically bedridden for 5 days when on this. I was prescribed 500 mg 2x daily, but I could never tolerate that high amount and break the pills in half for 250 mg 2x a day. It causes panic attacks in people who are prone to that, which I am. It is very depressing to use this drug. It works, but you pay a high price if you get the side effects. (age 70). I doubt I can go through this again and would prefer to be hospitalized and given some benzodiazepines, painkillers, and food service in addition."

• Net...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2018

Ciprofloxacin for Surgical Prophylaxis "I was prescribed this after having a stent placed in my ureter due to kidney stones. Took as directed, one 500 mg tab twice a day for 14 days. By day 3, I could barely tolerate the nausea, bloating, and headaches, but continued to take as prescribed. By day 5, after taking the 2nd dose for that day, I started getting a pounding, accelerated heart rate followed by anxiety. Called my urologist's office, the doctor told me to stop taking the Cipro immediately, so now it's on my allergy list."

• Bil...
• August 7, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "No huge side effects yet. Just took the third dose. I already have anxiety, so that side effect I can deal with. Hoping my UTI will start clearing up soon. This is my first time taking this drug. I will comment back with results and updates in a few days. 30-year-old male."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2021

Ciprofloxacin for Kidney Infections "After 3 doses of Cipro for a kidney infection, I had short-term memory loss, couldn’t recall the days of the medication, I had increased anxiety within 30 minutes of ingestion, depression. HORRIBLE DRUG!"

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 24, 2020

For Salmonella Gastroenteritis "27-year-old female. I was prescribed this drug, ciprofloxacin, yesterday and took my first dose this morning. After one pill, I had muscle pain and weakness, pain and popping of my tendons in my feet, ankles, hands, and shoulders. Neuropathic symptoms, trouble walking, and panic started almost immediately. I am just hoping that this goes away. I’m so glad I only took one pill. I would not recommend this to ANYONE. I have never in my life had a bad reaction to any drug until Cipro. Currently afraid to get out of bed due to my popping tendons and the anxiety I have wondering if I’ll be able to walk normally again or if this is permanent. 0/10 Please, please, please take something else."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2023

For Diverticulitis "I was given Cipro 500 mg 2 x a day and metronidazole 500 mg x 3 a day. Let me just say this is awful. I lowered my dosage to try and figure out which antibiotic it was that was making me feel this way. My back hurts, I feel flushed and hot, have anxiety, and my fingers and toes are going numb. It’s a weird, uncomfortable feeling, and I’ll never take another. Thank goodness I’m going back to the doctor tomorrow. Doctors listen to your patients. I don't know if I’ve ever taken it prior to this time, but never again!!!"

• mid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2015

For Prostatitis "I had chronic prostatitis for years. Took ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily. The first few days it worked like magic, all my symptoms almost completely gone. By the end of the first week, symptoms returned somehow. After 2 weeks of treatment, symptoms were all there back again. Completed 45 days (over 6 weeks) of treatment and then stopped it. Don't know exactly why it didn't work. Side effects included some headache, dizziness, anxiety, and lack of sleep."

• Bri...
• January 12, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have been taking Cipro for 5 days with small relief. I found it interesting that another person experienced anxiety while taking Cipro. I suspected that my anxiety was related to Cipro because it started when I began taking it, but who would think that anxiety could be related to an antibiotic? The roof of my mouth is pretty raw also. Calling doc today."

• Anonymous
• April 9, 2017

For Crohn's Disease "OMG! I was given this for colitis and had the worst side effects ever! Initially, I just had bad headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. The doctor prescribed anti-nausea medication for nausea and said to take Tylenol. By day 4 of a 10-day course, I am having crazy thoughts, nightmares, and even hallucinated a super scary being. Scared my husband and child, screaming my lungs out in terror. Off the scale anxiety, agitation, and hysterical crying, which caused me to melt down at my job of 30 years! This has been a complete nightmare. The side effects are heinous and can have long-term consequences. For your sake and sanity, stay far, far away from this dangerous drug! I took it for colitis and still have pain, so not sure if it even helped."