Isoniazid User Reviews & Ratings

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2022

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I was prescribed isoniazid (300 mg). I was anxious to start because of the side effects surrounding eye pain and vision loss, and was warned about severe stomach pain by a friend. The first week was fine. The second week, I got really bad heartburn and started to experience problems with my vision. I visually was having problems focusing on things, especially while reading, things kind of blurred together. I also had a hard time focusing in general and experienced strong confusion. I found myself walking around in a complete daze a few times. Things got really bad during the third week. I slowly started to experience eye pain that quickly became unbearable. It was kind of like pins and needles that were on fire, combined with a severe pressure pain. A sandman attack x10. It was both eyes, but much worse in my left eye. After about a week of dealing with the pain, I stopped taking the meds completely. I went to bed every night afraid that I wouldn't be able to see when I woke up. Nope!"

• NIE...
• October 22, 2019

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I was on this medication for 5 weeks of hell. At my first monthly check (5 weeks), my liver functions were over a thousand. Rushed to the ER where I was admitted for possible liver failure. Hospital stay, tests, 3 sets of Drs. $$$. I got lucky, no permanent damage. What I never was told was that this medication is an MAO. By taking me off the medication, I went into sudden withdrawal symptoms, very difficult. On day 4, I had up to 2 weeks to experience it all. The reason I went on this was to start biologics, I am no longer allowed to start any type of biological or DMARD. There's not a lot of information out there, sadly, and the doctors don't give us enough information on what we're doing to our own bodies. This has been a nightmare, one I will never repeat. Please do yourself a favor and be your own advocate. Thumbs down for me."

• Lee...
• October 9, 2019

For Tuberculosis, Latent "My experience on isoniazid over the last two months has been bad. I was wanting to be positive, but it has been a struggle to say the least. I was prescribed 300 mg a day (30 yo female, 60 kg weight), and after the first few days, I had extremely bad diarrhea, fatigue, body aches all over, and felt nauseous. I pushed through 14 days of this and then had to stop due to being so ill and off work. My doctor then told me to rest a week and then try again, this time doing 1 week on 100 mg, then week 2, 200 mg, and finally getting back up to 300 mg. This really helped my body adjust a bit better, still had days off in bed, sleeping, chills, cramps in my legs, not eating, feeling bad, but it helped. Personally, it’s a huge whack to the system and takes an emotional toll being so sick and tired all the time. I have lost a lot of my hair too, which is not fun, and I was told it’s quite normal! Hopefully, it’s all worth it!"

• ony...
• May 28, 2017

For Tuberculosis, Latent "It's my third month of treatment for latent TB. My ALT (liver enzyme) increased already three times more than normal at 100. I experience chills, fever, joint pain, tingling in my hands and feet, nausea. I'm very worried about my liver damage too. My doctor told me to get blood work every week, and if I start vomiting, to stop the medication and call her right away. I'm so upset, if I stop the medication, I might get active TB at one moment in life, and I would need more medication. If I continue, I don't feel well, and I don't know what effect it would have in time on my body and especially on my liver. Maybe I should have refused the treatment in the first place. Life sucks. :( P.S. I take one tablet of Isoniazid 300 mg with vitamin B6 25 mg every day."

• Anonymous
• December 26, 2016

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I hate that I started this medication. I was told by the doctor that having latent TB, there was a 10% chance of developing active one day in life (most likely at an older age). But taking it damages my body now (100% chance). I'm not sure how the pharmaceutical industry is behind this to sell drugs, I truly doubt the necessity. Besides, if you miss doses or stop the treatment, you will be creating a super TB bacteria. I've been taking it for 2 months, felt depressed and sleepy, most of all angry to be trapped in this when I was a healthy, strong person. I feel like I trusted the doctor, and now I regret. I'm not sure if my view is correct, but I strongly advise someone to educate themselves a lot before starting. No way back."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2012

For Tuberculosis, Active "I have just started the medicines for TB, and already I'm not well. The rifampin gave me a major allergic reaction and had to be stopped. Now on isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, and vitamin B6-major stomach problems and diarrhea."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2021

For Tuberculosis, Latent "After 4 days of isoniazid for latent TB, I experienced bad diarrhea. Disturbed rest at night when it happened mostly (3-4 times) after midnight till early 7 am. After 3 months, rashes, fever, and nausea happened. Finally, it was so bad I required A&E admission in hospital. Liver ALT and Asp all shot up to very dangerous levels around 900. Stop isoniazid now when doc confirms is the cause of this."

• mol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2017

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I was given Isoniazid 300 mg and Pyridoxine 25 mg to be taken daily. My liver enzymes rose as predicted by my doctor, but I was assured they would return to normal after treatment stopped. I took the medication for four months. Never touched any alcohol and stayed clear of any foods listed that might cause side effects. I had a few instances of severe stomach cramps (similar to the pain experienced with gastroenteritis) and was so weak I almost collapsed. I felt unwell most of the time and decided to stop taking the meds after four months. Six months have now passed, my liver has returned to normal, but my doctor has advised me to begin the treatment again for five more months. I am undecided as to if I should or not."

• Lat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2022

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I've been taking isoniazid for 4.5 months now, and my mood has been deteriorating slowly but surely for the last month. I have struggled with fatigue and memory loss since the beginning, and this improved a bit since then but is still hard. But mostly now, I feel incredibly low, teary, overwhelmed, and anxious all the time. I don't feel like I can keep going, but I know I have to."

• nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2019

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I've been taking isoniazid 300 mg with vitamin B-6 50 mg for almost 4 months now, and I have 5 more months now - it is for tuberculosis (TB). I have been depressed and moody all day until today. I keep crying and I am not feeling good at all."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2018

For Tuberculosis, Latent "Started taking isoniazid (INH), and about a week later felt horrible: nausea, stomach pains, diarrhea, extremely dizzy, hard to even sit up in a chair, no appetite. This lasted 4 days after I stopped the medication. Started feeling better on the 5th day I started back on INH, all was good until the 5th day, sick all over again, lost 6 lbs. I'm a skinny guy as it is. I think I'm gonna take my chances of 5-10% of getting sick later with TB. Never felt so bad, could hardly stand up, felt like I was going to pass out. My liver is more important than a 5-10% chance of getting TB."

• Eli...
• September 22, 2015

For Tuberculosis, Latent "Overall, I'm sure this medication is very effective, but after taking it a week, I started getting nausea and stomach pain, especially after I ate. I'm sure some of this has to do with the fact I ate cheese sometime, as you have to be careful not to have foods high in tyramine. But I started to have general stomach pain, cramping, and tenderness. So my doctor said today that I have to stop taking the meds. Now I'm going to the infectious disease specialist."

• yel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2019

For Tuberculosis, Latent "1. First time I used Isoniazid, I ended up having to give it up as my blood count was out of this world. Found out later that it was due to a gastro complication and had my sphincter removed due to a gall bladder removal years prior. 2. Second time I used Isoniazid, the first tablet gave me a burning sensation that I thought I had to go to the hospital. I stopped it. 3. Lost all of my teeth because of an acute infection and had them all removed. 4. Went to see another doctor who put me on Isoniazid again, but I am in my 9th month of treatment and only 3 more pills to go! I feel still exhausted and so fatigued, but hoping that this will stop when I have totally taken the 9-month treatment. Gravol (for stomach sickness) is my best friend right now."

• 201...
• July 20, 2018

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I've been on meds for latent tuberculosis (TB) for four months. I’m starting to experience certain symptoms. It is very depressing at times, and also I’m working on my diet change. I've been having bad aches, stomach pains, numbness, and tingling feelings in my feet and body. I’m trying to remain positive, but it is a lot."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2016

For Tuberculosis, Latent "4 1/2 months into taking INH. Just got back from the doctor, and my liver enzyme levels are over twice the normal! I have only started feeling the side effects in the last couple of weeks: slight liver pain, yellow urine, vomiting, etc. I think for the most part though I did it to myself as I did drink heavily 3 times over the last few months (I'm a 21-year-old male). Going for checkups regularly to finish out the 6 months. If liver enzymes go above 3 times the norm, advice is to stop medication."

• Ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2016

For Tuberculosis, Latent "Been on isoniazid and pyridoxine for 5 months now for latent TB and have noticed that I've become much more nervous, especially when I'm presenting to a crowd. I've never had issues like this and been a good orator. Lately, I get choked up and have performance anxiety! Can't wait to stop this medication!"

• Nur...
• April 10, 2015

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I've been on the isoniazid for almost one month, and I'm not sure I will be able to continue. I'm experiencing bad headaches nearly every day. Before going on the drug, I took Tylenol every 6 hours for arthritis pain. Now I have had to stop the Tylenol. I have Crohn's disease, so I can't take any NSAIDs. That leaves me no options for my headaches. Not sure I can deal with this for 9 months. After one week, my liver enzymes have already increased by 7. Pretty stressed out about this whole thing. I tested positive for latent TB when waiting to start Humira for my rheumatoid arthritis. Now I can't take anything for my pain until I'm treated for the TB for 9 months. Life sucks."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2022

For Tuberculosis, Latent "My infectious disease doctor presented me with the INH approach, and I was happy to drop one of the drugs from the 3HR protocol my family doctor proposed. Still nervous, I started reading about tyrosine and dietary restrictions, and then I read these reviews. Thank you to everyone who stated their honest opinion and concerns with this drug. I have decided to take a chance and forego taking it. The problems that concern me the most are the emotional struggles and liver enzymes. God bless you all."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2019

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I'm on latent TB (tuberculosis) meds, isoniazid, for 3 months. The first month was worst, however, it has settled now. Just to warn you all, do not take RENNIE LIQUID FORM, as it contains alcohol. Made me sick. Luckily, I read the ingredients and realized what the cause was. Good luck, everyone, keep on going."

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2013

For Tuberculosis, Active "I am on my 5th month of tuberculosis treatment. Taking isoniazid with a combination of rifampin and Vit. B6. It is a very difficult time for me because, since the beginning of taking this medication, I'm experiencing very strong mood changes, I'm very nervous and anxious. Can't sleep at night. I never read about the anxiety side effects of isoniazid, but I have had one since the start of the treatment. No gastrointestinal side effects, though."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2011

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I'm currently on this medication plus vitamin B6 for a positive TB skin test. I've been taking it for about 4 months now. I'm scared to death. I wonder if I will be able to go through these 9 months without serious side effects like liver damage. Haven't experienced any side effects so far. I seem okay. 5 months to go. Hopefully, nothing serious happens. I'm so moody lately. My coworkers say I now have an attitude."

• Sti...
• June 24, 2010

For Tuberculosis, Prophylaxis "I'm still here, so I guess it worked - but it was a rough, horribly rough 9 months - it helped that I was already on medical leave (and that the hospital took responsibility for the exposure) - Isoniazid is literally a sort of (failed) anti-depressant that works against TB, but is also pretty harsh on the liver, so I had to take Vitamin B6 for 9 months too. I was pretty moody, crazy, aggressive - not my normal self... it was a long 9 months. I can't understate how mood-altering this medicine was - not in a good way. I was embarrassed to talk about it, which made my behavior all the more odd to my friends and co-workers, but once I explained it, I got some support - anyhow, I wish I had done that from the start. On the plus side, I'm still here!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2022

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I’m taking 900 mg of isoniazid and 900 mg of priftin once a week. Just took week 3, and it’s kicking my butt. Bad, bad, bad headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, throwing up, lightheaded/dizzy. Even passed out in my bathroom. I am not looking forward to the next 9 weeks. Not sure the risks of the drugs are worth it. Latent TB can sit dormant your whole life. I sure hope these symptoms ease up."

• 2Mo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 4, 2016

For Tuberculosis, Latent "Almost completed with month 7 of 9 of the INH. Overall, the experience has been good. I get my liver enzymes checked every three months through a blood test with no issues. I do drink alcohol but pay much more attention to moderation than I felt like I needed to before. I am careful about taking it daily. I have stuck to the routine of taking it on an empty stomach (recommended) and then eating 30-40 minutes later. No change in emotions. One complaint which applies to women is I did experience what I thought was spotting between my periods, however, it appeared to only happen when I used the washroom, and it was more orange than red. After several tests with the gynecologist, it was determined it was the INH. If this occurs, see a GYN in case!"

• cty...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2020

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I'm 83 and still going strong. I have taken isoniazid for 3 1/2 months, get liver panel every 2 months. I misread directions and take 1 hour after meal and do not eat for two hours after taking. Have noticed a little nervousness, but no other side effects. Restricted amount of cheese, but that is it. Will follow through 'til 9 months protocol is over. Do not have alcohol."