Clarithromycin and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Run...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2020

For Skin and Structure Infection "I always get side effects from antibiotics and am allergic to penicillin, but I have NEVER experienced anything as bad as this reaction from clarithromycin! Horrible metallic taste in mouth, horrendous stomach pain/cramps/diarrhea, headache, insomnia, confusion, UTI, and probably worst of all is the depression. I actually feel suicidal and have been hurting myself. I NEVER normally do this. I feel like I have been poisoned and have stopped after 6 tablets. I just hope the side effects don’t last, I’m trying to find something to get them out of my system, charcoal maybe?"

• Nei...
• October 15, 2016

For Strep Throat "Weirdest thing about this drug! Plus points - it did the job and started to control and relieve pain after 24 hours. BUT..... I had insomnia for three days and the metallic taste too. MUCH worse was the weird thoughts and depression I got (which I have no history of family or otherwise). So, the upshot is to be guarded against using this drug. If you are armed with this information, you can influence your choice. I would strongly suggest using something else. If you have issues with the medication and you arrived at this site the same way I did... at least you now know. And that might put you at ease in some small way."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2016

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I have been taking Biaxin for 3 days now, and I don't know if my bronchitis is just completely horrible and it's taking longer to work, or if this just isn't for me? The taste it leaves in your mouth after taking it is horrendous for about 12 hours. My stomach has been doing somersaults the entire 3 days so far, and I think I'm going back to the doctor in the morning for another alternative. I can't sleep at all. Hate this stuff."

• Ath...
• February 5, 2016

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I was prescribed 14 tablets of clarithromycin for a painful tonsil infection/tonsillitis. I'm on day 5 of taking the pills, and my infection was cleared up on day 4. It was effective in destroying the bacterial agent, but there are side effects: bloating and gassiness, diarrhea, adrenaline rushes, and insomnia. I've been hyperactive late at night and barely slept the past 3 days."

• Imi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2020

For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "Clarithromycin leaves a horrible taste in your mouth! And other side effects. On day 5, and yes these tablets have helped the infection but left me with headaches, insomnia, and worse this awful taste I can't even describe. I'm not talking about when you take the tablet itself, this comes on a couple hours after, and it is so sickening!"

• Daw...
• March 12, 2016

For Pneumonia "I am an asthmatic and have just had the flu, which has led to mild pleurisy and chest pain/shortness of breath. I'm taking a course of clarithromycin for 7 days (500mg x2 daily) with 30mg prednisolone for the first 5 days. Feeling sick, vile taste in mouth, headache, dizzy, fatigue, lack of sleep, randomly crying for no reason (may be the steroids). I feel quite beat up by the drugs and was feeling wiped out already. However, I can now breathe and cough without feeling like I'm being stabbed, so I'm going to try to last the full course as I don't have the option of another drug as I'm allergic to penicillin. I feel spaced out, and going to a supermarket and looking at all the food nearly made me throw up as I feel so sick. Trying a probiotic drink..."

• AJ_...
• January 7, 2016

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed this medicine after suffering with pneumonia! I needed a strong antibiotic to keep me out of the hospital for an extended length of time, on top of the penicillin shot. At the same time, I have an albuterol inhaler, Tessalon pearls, and Zofran. With all that going on, I'm not experiencing any anxiety, but I can literally stay awake for the entire 7 days I'm on it! Never tired, and if my lungs would allow, these 7 days I could probably repaint my house, keep it entirely clean 24/7, retile my kitchen, and probably build an ark! Pretty annoying that I can't sleep, and as far as the taste, I'm scrubbing my jaws 4 times a day with toothpaste and baking soda, no luck! Also, give up eating at all! Which I can stand to lose a lb or 2."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2016

For Sinusitis "This is not the first time I have been on this medicine for recurrent sinus infections, I don't like it, but it always seems to work. I am taking 2 500 mg once per day. The disgusting taste in my mouth generally starts around day 2, and headaches around day 3. I can't sleep when I am taking it, but so far no other issues. I will be glad to stop taking it, 4 more days to go."

• Ne1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2018

For Pneumonia "The side effects from Clarithromycin were dreadful: shakes, palpitations, and anxiety. I didn't sleep for six nights; each time I was just dropping off to sleep, my heart suddenly leapt and shook me awake. It was my third course of antibiotics after amoxicillin and Cefalexin didn't work. I had three different courses of antibiotics, four ECGs, blood tests including a D-dimer blood test as they thought I had a pulmonary embolism, three X-rays, steroid tablets, tablets for my heart, sleeping tablets, fluids as I was dehydrated, and antihistamine tablets. The Clarithromycin did get rid of the infection, but I absolutely hated the side effects. Originally diagnosed with bronchitis, which apparently turned into pneumonia. Best wishes from London."

• fou...
• August 23, 2015

For Bronchitis "Bronchitis, possible pneumonia. Note this drug used to be rather inexpensive, and that is not the case anymore. If you're reading this, chances are you are either taking this already or have just been given a script. This drug is in the macrolide family of antibiotics and is usually (usually) not an antibiotic that causes an allergic reaction. I have not had the odd taste in my mouth that others have expressed. This antibiotic made me extremely hyper. Couldn't sleep until exhaustion set in. That is most likely my fault, as I have an abnormal EKG and did not want to mix other drugs with this antibiotic. Check drug interactions if you have heart issues before taking this drug. All in all, so far, so good, and clarithromycin appears to be working."

• Zdl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2018

For Dental Abscess "I've developed a horrendous taste in my mouth, it hasn't gone away. It's currently 3:39 in the morning. I'm awake with insomnia, mostly due to the horrifying taste that seems etched into my taste buds. I've barely slept. I've also had awful headaches. I've been incredibly dizzy and weak and have barely left bed. I've experienced wildly exacerbated anxiety. The first and second night, I was up checking my pulse every five minutes, feeling like I was about to die. As well as this, just a general feeling of being out of it, foggy, and not myself. I've even experienced really dark thoughts, which again is completely out of character, I have never been like this in my life. I rang my GP, and she basically dismissed this even though they're all listed as actual side effects on the packaging. It's also worth mentioning that I take them at the same time like clockwork, with a probiotic and a huge jug of water, which has definitely helped me stave off any severe GI symptoms."

• Bun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2020

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "This medication, clarithromycin, is the worst. The side effect of the metallic taste in your mouth lasts for hours and days. (Tastes like hairspray or something toxic in your mouth.) Comes and goes, but very often. I get stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, and really bad indigestion when eating food. Makes it really difficult to finish a meal. Feeling extremely ill, run down. Had bouts of insomnia and anxiety. I’ve had to be on this medication twice in the last month, and honestly, I’m guttered to be on it again. It really is like taking poison, the side effects are horrible, but I’m trying to push through it. Good luck if you’re prescribed this, I just want to cry."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

Clarithromycin for Strep Throat "Yesterday I woke up feeling very sick. I had a horrible sore throat, a bad migraine, and I felt like I was going to vomit. I went to the doctor, and he prescribed Biaxin. Ever since I started taking Biaxin, I have been very sleepy during the day and have had restless sleep during the night. It has also left a really bitter taste in my mouth. I have been drinking so much water and going to the bathroom a lot, but it doesn't seem to have made anything better. I will give it a few more days."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2020

For Sinusitis "This clarithromycin gave me a very poor experience. I am 3/4 of the way through taking the course, and I threw it in the trash. If you have anxiety, do NOT take this drug. I have never had worse insomnia from an antibiotic. All day I feel tired, and then at night I am sleepless. In addition to this, the nausea makes it very difficult to eat. I am in my mid-20s and never thought something as simple as an antibiotic could do this. As far as treating the sinus infection, it went away, but I am still experiencing a runny nose."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2016

Clarithromycin for Pneumonia "I have COPD and experience many lung infections. Also allergic to penicillin. I have used many different antibiotics and find best results with Biaxin XL 1000 mg once daily. It does not bother my stomach at all. I usually experience relief within 2-3 days. Doctor gives me 10-day run of it... I sometimes take prednisone along with it on a 5-day blast, 30 mg a day... Prednisone is very good for lessening inflammation in the airways... leaves you sleepless, a little agitated, but works."

• Spu...
• May 2, 2020

For Middle Ear Infections "Promised myself I'd write a review of this medication if I survived the week on it! Was terrified to take it, having read the negative reviews and expected horrendous side effects. The brand name was Clonocid. It was the second antibiotic prescribed for an ear infection. It didn't solve the issue. The side effects for me weren't as bad as others reported. They do put an unpleasant taste in your mouth. I always took a glass of milk or yogurt after taking mine, which helped. They are big tablets, and I couldn't wait to be off them, but side effects were manageable. Did have a little insomnia and occasional headaches, so I wouldn't be keen to take them again. Having said that, if they've been prescribed, I wouldn't let the reviews here frighten you too much. A pharmacist advised me that the bad side effects are rare and sometimes be a result of interaction with existing medications. Discussing my fears with them helped put my mind at ease, so if you're still concerned, maybe chat to yours."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was on triple therapy after a blood test that revealed I was positive for an early infection of H. pylori. Day 1-2, I had a lot of anxiety about taking the meds, but had absolutely no side effects except dark stool. Day 3-7, I actually started feeling significantly better, but developed that bitter taste. Day 8-12, I started getting frequent panic attacks out of nowhere, fast heart rate, shakiness, weakness, feeling like I'm going to die, insomnia, brain fog, you name it. It really felt like someone took me out of my body and put me into a nightmare zone. I went to a pharmacist, and they told me that clarithromycin couldn't be the cause, but a quick Google told me I wasn't alone. Day 13-14 were much more mild, definitely manageable. That being said, these side effects are the minority. I'm just another user that wasn't warned and was quite frightened. Antibiotics are prescribed for a reason, so the benefits will outweigh the chance you end up like this. And if you're worried, always ask a doc!"

• JRu...
• September 14, 2017

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "Prescribed this drug several years ago. Shortly after taking it, I went 5 nights without sleep and was subsequently hospitalized for a manic episode with delusions. It took months to recover from the depression that followed. I was on mood stabilizers for a year and a half post-episode before gaining enough courage to wean off entirely. It has been a few years now that I am clean and clear of all medications. Mentally stable and back to working in emergency medicine. I have since stayed far away from the entire 'myocin' family of antibiotics for fear that I am hypersensitive. Highly recommend staying away from this drug."

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2017

For Sinusitis "I am taking this medicine, and today is day #5 and had insomnia (never had before). I have a bitter taste and only once had heart palpitations. I am worried about the liver effect, hope no damage or bad effects. Regarding sinus infection, I had that a few years ago, and for 6 months was suffering really badly, being on antibiotics three times and no effect. There was a blockage of 90% on the right side of the sinus. My doctor scheduled me for surgery (in two months' time). Went on a beach vacation. My last hope was to experiment with ocean water. Jumping in ocean water 25-50 times/day and nasal rinsing with ocean water 50-80 times/day for 7 days was a miracle for me. Before the surgery consultation, I had a CT done that showed everything cleared up, no surgery needed."

• Shi...
• June 2, 2019

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "OMG, what a terrible antibiotic. I was prescribed clarithromycin five days ago for a leg ulcer that is not healing right. From the first tablet, I had a horrible metallic taste in my mouth, which lasts 24/7. I tried eating mints, etc. It works at the time, but doesn't last. I feel nauseous, cannot sleep, lost my appetite, and have an upset stomach. I have one more day to go, and thank goodness I'm off them. I have persevered with this drug because I am desperate for this very painful leg ulcer to heal. Going to get some Actimel or probiotic yogurt to try to replace the good bacteria in my stomach. I shall never take this antibiotic again. Nice to know that I am not the only one."

• Kox...
• May 11, 2017

Clarithromycin for Bronchitis "I only have negative reviews for this drug. Avoid!!!! I started with a milder antibiotic, finished the course, but it relapsed with sinus & chest infection, and so I was put on Biaxin. My sinus took a month to go, but the side effects I could not tolerate were - loss of sleep (no sleep), no appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling depressed, and emotional outbursts. I'm a very happy person & always around people, but this medicine made me go into a shell. It took a lot of effort from my friends & family to get me back to my normal state of mind."

• Utp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "It actually took me 2 days to start taking clarithromycin. I read the reviews and became terrified. I went back to the pharmacy to ask if they had capsule form or if I could break it up. I was advised no. They told me that they have liquid form, but I had to contact the GP again. I just thought I can wait, I need to psych myself. I bought some apple juice and psyched myself and did it. I felt so proud as I find it difficult swallowing big tablets. 1st day good, I could breathe, second day no side effects as such, third day sleeping problems, 4th day insomnia and anxiety, 5th day insomnia, extreme anxiety, vivid dreams, uncontrollable thoughts of doom, extreme sore throat that left me awake all night. I'm now on the 6th day, I was going to stop, as I don’t want a secondary infection. The pharmacist told me to continue, so on day 6. It has not been easy, but the sore throat, insomnia, and excessive anxiety are horrendous."

• Utp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "It actually took me 2 days to start taking clarithromycin. I read the reviews and became terrified. I went back to the pharmacy to ask if they had capsule form or if I could break it up. I was advised no. They told me that they have liquid form, but I had to contact the GP again. I just thought I can wait, I need to psych myself. I bought some apple juice and psyched myself and did it. I felt so proud as I find it difficult swallowing big tablets. 1st day good, I could breathe, second day no side effects as such, third day sleeping problems, 4th day insomnia and anxiety, 5th day insomnia, extreme anxiety, vivid dreams, uncontrollable thoughts of doom, extreme sore throat that left me awake all night. I'm now on the 6th day, I was going to stop, as I don’t want a secondary infection. The pharmacist told me to continue, so on day 6. It has not been easy, but the sore throat, insomnia, and excessive anxiety are horrendous."

• Mja...
• April 19, 2020

For Pneumonia "Where do I start with this antibiotic? Got diagnosed with pneumonia, got put on amoxicillin, finished the course, breathing got worse. Then was prescribed all I can describe as this awful med, clarithromycin. EVIL things, strongly advise against these. First day on them, felt ill and slept all day and night, from then on, I just felt worse. Had a severely upset stomach, metallic taste that doesn’t go, headaches from hell, and insomnia. Only positive is I’ve lost weight, apart from that, I would not choose to be on these meds again."

• hor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

For Middle Ear Infections "I was put on clarithromycin for a horrible middle and outer ear infection... was fully deaf in my right ear for a week and had excruciating pain. I'm allergic to penicillin/amoxicillin, and another drug they tried first made me violently ill, so they tried this one... clarithromycin worked, but I had really bad side effects like a lot of others are mentioning... lightheadedness, awful anxiety, insomnia, racing heart, dizziness. I just felt so weak and could barely do my job at work. And that awful taste in the mouth!! There was just this nasty lingering bitterness for days. 4/10 because it was the best for me personally out of the antibiotics I've tried, but it's still bad. If I need antibiotics again, I'll be sure to avoid this one."