Levaquin and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was only taking 100 mg of Levaquin 2x a day, a very low dose, but since day 3 I started having tingling and weakness in my legs and dizziness. However, because I wasn’t warned about the black box warnings, I continued to take it until on day 6 I was taken into emergency because of loss of feeling in my legs and hands. Three months later, I continue having nerve damage. The side effects are permanent and debilitating."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2012

For Pneumonia "This antibiotic is really helping. I had horrible chest pain, mucus, hard time breathing, fever, etc. I was diagnosed with pneumonia and sinusitis. I was given a 10-day course of 500 mg of Levaquin. I am on day 7 and only a few side effects. Minor dizziness, headaches, MAJOR fatigue, and feeling of being in a fog. Overall tolerable but I cannot wait to be done! I feel pretty much back to normal with only a tickling cough left. Also, I should note that I sleep VERY well and my appetite has not been affected. I am pleased considering how sick I was and the fact that other antibiotics made me feel horrible in the past."

• Amy...
• August 21, 2016

For Bronchitis "I am very shocked at all the remarks about the horrible side effects of this medicine. I am again taking it, as it is the only antibiotic that really does kick the infection. I did notice years ago when I was prescribed 750 mg, it made me lightheaded, dizzy.... so since then I ask for 500 mg, and it is just the perfect dose for my body. I rate Levofloxacin at a 10. I have never experienced any of the side effects people have mentioned, like tendinitis, metallic taste, nausea, etc., and anyone I know who has taken it hasn't complained of any negative aspects of the med either. I recommend it at 500 mg, but would maybe steer clear of the 750 mg. That one is just so strong."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed Levaquin due to pneumonia. It seemed to help with the illness, but I had trouble with an erratic heart rate and felt ill, including pain in my back legs and other random joints. I didn’t finish the prescription due to increasing pain, dizziness, and had the feeling I was at the point that the medicine was poisoning me. This drug can be quite dangerous. It’s been several months, and I continue with pain in areas for no reason. This drug is not safe."

• Dir...
• November 6, 2013

For Pneumonia "This medicine made me feel absolutely horrible. Funny chest feeling, foggy head, dizzy, and an overall bad feeling. I never want to take it again. For the last three days, I took half in the a.m. and the other half in the p.m. That was a lot better. I have been off for about two weeks, and I am still foggy and light-headed. I do not want to take it again ever. I am 71 years old, and it is not recommended for older people."

• Sid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2013

For Sinusitis "This medicine does work very well to clear up the infection. I have taken it and had minimal side effects but other times, like my most recent, I had a lot of side effects: dizzy, insomnia, nerve pain. I have to stop taking it, which is really too bad because no other antibiotic gets rid of a sinus infection faster than this."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I took 1 pill of 500 mg Levaquin for an epididymitis. About 2 hours later, I was experiencing a lot of side effects, such as anxiety, fast heart rate, heart palpitations, muscle spasms, dizziness, and insomnia. The next few days, I experienced major tendon pain and muscle spasms/pain that I have never had before. Instead of Levaquin, I was prescribed Bactrim. Hopefully, this antibiotic does the trick without destroying my body in the process. It’s honestly a shot in the dark with all of the antibiotics on the market, which is truly a disappointment and shame. You never know whether the side effects from the antibiotic might be worse than the actual disease/infection it’s intended to treat. Just shows how messed up America’s healthcare system really is. I hope you all never have to take an antibiotic again! I know there will be way better treatments within the next 10 years."

• rsi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 21, 2015

For Sinusitis "I have had chronic sinusitis for 30 years. Sometimes 4 per year, and we had to do cultures to make sure we got the right bug after having numerous antibiotics fail. I think allergies and maybe viral infections start it off, and then it turns into an infection. This medication has worked for me over the last 10 years, although we have used other drugs to good effect. I have had few side effects except for dizziness and some brain fog for a few hours after taking the drug. It works very quickly on my infections, but I do worry about side effects. I have been an avid weight lifter and never slowed down while on this med and had no issues with tendons or aches. This time I will take it a little easier and just keep my joints and muscles moving!"

• kat...
• April 2, 2010

For Streptococcal Infection "Not allergic to anything. On Day 15 round of antibiotics in February, so needed something stronger to wipe out this diphtheria and strep throat. Could barely swallow yesterday. Took a pill yesterday, went to bed, woke up with a headache that was manageable, along with some dizziness that is getting better. A little bit of pain in joints and some very soft stool this morning, but I was thankful for that. I already can swallow today without much pain and feel about 20% better, so it must be working at a fast rate. I am thankful. Only taking it for 7 days, 500 mg."

• kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Took one 250 mg tab of levofloxacin at 6 p.m. yesterday and am still experiencing side effects 18 hours later. My symptoms are reduced but are replaced with a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale-stomach ache. I have nausea, heart palpitations, dizziness, headache, and joint aches. I've called my doc back today to see about getting an alternative med. I will not take another dose of this medication."

• Sli...
• December 30, 2009

For Bronchitis "Just want to report my experience after just one dose. I was prescribed 7 doses at 500 mg for bronchitis. I went to the doctor because the cough I had was resulting in a suffocating feeling after the cough. I was in bad shape. After just one dose, the cough is not so devastating-certainly no longer feels like I am suffocating. Although I slept real good last night, I do indeed feel fatigued today. Now editing this comment after the full 7-day use of this medication. I didn't realize until the 4th day of use that I was experiencing the 'dizziness' side effect that can result from use. That is the only reason this medicine doesn't get a 10 rating from me. It really knocked out my infection. However, the dizziness was indeed bothersome."

• S-L...
• November 9, 2016

For Sinusitis "I'm super sensitive to medications. On 500 mg for 5 days, had a sinus infection for about 6 weeks now. So far, I can't sleep really at all, but looks like you can take a Benadryl or something with it that may help you sleep. Will discuss with the doctor. Hesitant about taking this because of all the comments here and the (black box warning) about the medication that everyone should read about Levofloxacin (Google it). I'm feeling really scattered and can't focus mentally, insomnia and dizziness if I get up too quickly are the biggest issues. I am not taking any of my usual vitamins and no gym, but so far, okay. Will update if any changes. *Update, I ended up having to cut the pills in half per doc ok. I felt so awful."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2015

For Bronchitis "After one 500 mg dose of this drug, I began having a racing heart and my muscles twitching from head to toe, severe dizziness, and nausea. This progressed to my ankle and knee joints cracking/popping upon walking, shoulder hurting, toe and finger pain, and now, the next day, nerve pain in my occipital region on the back of my head. I began reading and started high doses of magnesium/transdermal mag spray, TONS of water, high doses of vitamin C, juicing, and homemade bone broth with rest for my joints. This medicine apparently severely depletes the body of magnesium, damages mitochondria, and prevents new tendon cells from being formed. I hope what I'm doing counteracts any long-term damage and I'm highly upset it was prescribed with black box warnings!"

• iro...
• March 9, 2010

For Bronchitis "I went to the doctor yesterday feeling like I had some sort of cold, not thinking that bronchitis was one of them, so he gave me Levaquin. I mentioned why not a Z-pack, and he said this was stronger, and after just one dose the next morning, I did feel better. I'm supposed to take it for 10 days at 500 mg - I haven't had any real big side effects just yet, but I did feel dizzy this morning."

• Smo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this for a 7-day course. 750 mg, never had a UTI in my life, so I didn't really know what to expect. Day 1 was iffy. An hour after taking it, I did get slightly dizzy, rather tired. But the next day, I felt fine. Day 2 is where I'm at, and as far as the UTI? Gone. However, it may just be sinuses, but anytime I cough, I get a dull throb in my right temporal lobe, sometimes sharp. And I've noticed the end of my tongue is kind of numb, like if you sipped too much hot coffee at once. 27, I smoke, and so far this is the only thing I'm experiencing. Sleep is a little difficult, even with OTC sleep meds, but overall, it seems to be manageable."

• Kat...
• July 28, 2009

For Sinusitis "Day five of the medication, and it appears to be healing my 'chronic' sinus infection. Have much of the same mild side effects, such as diarrhea, restlessness, and dizziness. After a round of amoxicillin and a round of Augmentin to no avail, I feel I am getting the treatment that is necessary."

• Anonymous
• November 25, 2010

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed Levaquin for bronchitis and sinusitis. I have terrible dreams that wake me up every couple of hours, so I'm so tired during the day. Also noticed numbness and shaking in my fingers. Made my skin and sinuses very dry. A little dizzy in the mornings, but that might be due to the lack of quality sleep. Hardly an appetite at all, and the headaches are horrible. But it does seem to be breaking up all the mucus in my chest and head. Finally, I feel some relief after 2 months of being sick!"

• tgc...
• September 15, 2009

For Bronchitis "I have been diagnosed 19 years ago with sarcoidosis...more recently I have been told I have chronic bronchitis (have never smoked). This will be my fourth time taking this medication. It is prescribed at 750 mg. Usually, I am taking prednisone with it, but I have weaned off of the prednisone after being on it for two years straight. This will be my first time using Levaquin without the prednisone. In the past, I am very tired during the day and dizzy if I get up too fast. The medication has worked for me in the past, quieting down the coughing. It should be interesting if it is as effective without prednisone."

• Anonymous
• October 29, 2009

For Prostatitis "I was given a month's supply, and after 2 days, the side effects are too great. I just can't take it anymore. I wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and will be so dizzy I feel like I will faint. I'll sit down to use the restroom, and my arms and hands start to tingle. My calves are also VERY sore. I'm not allergic to any other medication that I know of either. The doctor is calling in a different medicine tomorrow."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2009

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed Cephalexin for a 20-day course for a horrid sinus infection. I had a throbbing headache, lots of mucus, etc., but I wasn't feeling any better, so I was prescribed Levaquin. Within the first three days of using Levaquin, I felt incredibly tired; just weak, laying around all the time, and unable to sleep during the night. My eyes felt droopy all the time, I was dizzy standing up, my heart raced when I walked up the stairs, and finally, on my fourth day taking the medicine, I was startled. This had been going on for a couple of days, but my head and left shoulder started twitching consistently. I literally could not keep them still. I got worried and called the doctor and was told to stop the drug. I guess it was too powerful for me!"

• SC ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2017

For Sinusitis "This med has been effective, but it has caused such bad joint stiffness that I can barely walk. My back, knees, and ankles are in extreme pain. I also feel very dizzy and like I'm going to faint sometimes, really bad gas, and constipation. And the fatigue is unreal. I can't seem to make anyone understand. I still feel sick now, but in a different way. If I had not been so sick, I would not have taken this again. This has been my third Levaquin experience. I just can't do it again."

• Ano...
• April 15, 2016

For Bronchitis "I was prescribed 500 mg for 10 days for acute bronchitis, sinus infection, as well as a very painful ear infection. After the first dose, I did feel a bit better. The second dose marked a big difference in how I was feeling overall. I was also prescribed a very expensive inhaler of Albuterol. (Rarely use) The third day was when I noticed that the side effects were now more of a problem than my illness. Metallic taste in my mouth, severe dry mouth, leg cramps, no sleep, rise in BP and HR, dizziness, and ringing in my ears, agitation. I am on day 5 and do not want to finish the prescription but was warned, 'take it completely... even after you begin to feel better.' The only positive off-chart effect is my skin is glowing!"

• ber...
• October 27, 2009

For Bronchitis "I have noticed that I have a difficult time sleeping, but the worst thing is the yeast infection. My doctor said this almost always happens on this medication with women that have a tendency to get one, so you must decide if it is a necessary evil. I hate antibiotics as a whole, but feel a bit better after only one dose. I have been taking it at night because I was afraid of the dizziness and other side effects during the day."

• Bro...
• September 14, 2009

For Bronchitis "I feel better after taking this medicine for 5 days. I am experiencing some dizziness and a lack of appetite. I'm not feeling as much improvement as I hoped I would by this time. Sleeping well still and no hyperactivity. I do notice lots of tenderness in my Achilles tendons on both sides. We will see after 5 more days. I got the medicine for bronchitis, 500 mg for 10 days."

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2009

For Sinusitis "I started taking Levaquin about 12 hours ago. My muscles are very weak, I'm dizzy, restless, didn't sleep last night, and having a very hard time focusing. I'm sure this is a great drug if you need to go to these extremes, but it's a little much for me. I'm calling the doctor to get off of it this morning."