Levaquin and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Jen...
• August 27, 2013

For Sinusitis "I was very nervous when I was prescribed this medicine due to some other reviews I have read. I have had a sinus infection for the last 5 weeks and didn't clear up with the first round of Amoxicillin. I was given 500 mg of Levaquin for 10 days. I'm on day 9 and the sinus infection is completely gone. It took about 5 days for it to really start working. The only side effects I had were low appetite and trouble sleeping. The trouble sleeping was hard to deal with but I offset it with Unisom, and that seemed to do the trick. I also took the medicine after lunch instead of right before bed. No upset stomach like I normally get with antibiotics. Would definitely use again and recommend."

• Lay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I suffer from recurring UTIs. My doctor prescribed Levaquin. After a few days, my UTI symptoms went away. I suffer from bipolar disorder, so I can't make the direct link of the mood-related side effects to the Levaquin. The only side effects that I can link to the use of Levaquin are as follows: tiredness, exacerbation of sciatica, joint pain, feeling unsteady while walking, nausea, stomach pain, agitation, insomnia, minor depression, foggy-headed, and confusion. I did not suffer the four most common side effects. All of the symptoms I experienced were tolerable. The Levaquin worked on my UTI within 3 days, and I continued the medication as prescribed. While others have suffered from worse side effects, that was not my experience."

• 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."

• isl...
• January 20, 2008

For Bronchitis "I don't like Levaquin at all. The doctor prescribed this to me after going in for acute sinusitis and bronchitis. He said it was a strong medication. The first night, I woke up suddenly with a massive headache, and then heartburn. The next day, I noticed more problems which made me feel even worse than my original ailments. I had cold sweats, felt nervous, anxious, and like I was losing my mind! I couldn't sleep."

• 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."

• Bea...
• September 30, 2016

For Sinusitis "Works well, but I refrain from exercise when taking. It's the only antibiotic strong enough to cure bad sinus infections. Have taken it a couple of times for years with no issues except a little insomnia."

• Pif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2014

For Sinusitis "I'm on day three of this antibiotic. I've taken 6 other antibiotics for sinus infection, bronchitis, and severe ear infections due to an allergic reaction in Dec. I've not experienced too bad of sleep issues since the first night (I already struggle with sleep). Huge loss of appetite and need to increase water consumption. Just began experiencing a lot of drainage that chokes me when I cough. Waiting for the medication to work on my ears because I can't hear at all! Really worried about the muscle issues since I do work out a lot and need to for sanity but am taking time off while on this medication. Hopeful after reading posts that this will help clear out the infection!"

• Bew...
• November 7, 2009

For Sinusitis "Was prescribed Levaquin 750 mg/5-day dose on June 22, 2009. First week, no bad symptoms except for insomnia and nightmares. It did knock out the sinus infection temporarily (10 days), but then sinusitis returned. It wasn't until week 3 after using this drug that I started noticing joint pain in elbows, knees, shoulders, and lower back. It's November now, and things haven't improved. Along with tendinitis symptoms, I've also lost muscle strength in calves, biceps, and will experience burning in hamstrings after doing simple things like cutting my lawn. I hope this goes away or somebody offers a remedy to counter these effects."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2011

For Bronchitis "I've been taking Levofloxacin for bronchitis (5 days, 750 mg), and I think it's helped a little bit, but it's day five (last dose tonight), and I still feel only a little better than I did before I started. Maybe it's a virus or something, so it isn't responding? Oh well. The biggest problem I've had is the side effects: not as bad as what most people have been talking about (knock on wood), but I have experienced severe, severe nausea and also insomnia. I take it at around 6 p.m., and the nausea usually goes away by the next afternoon. I started taking it with food and also drinking a probiotic, and it seems to be helping a little, though I still feel a bit sick. The insomnia is pretty bad!"

• 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."

• Liz...
• October 25, 2015

For Pneumonia "Levaquin seems to be the only antibiotic that actually helped clear up my lungs. It is just very unfortunate that it has such awful side effects. I contracted a yeast infection after 2 days. The medication made me an absolute insomniac! There was no way to sleep, which made things worse. I am willing to deal with these side effects to get better, but it's certainly not for those who don't want to deal with possibly getting worse before they get better. I am 23."

• lad...
• February 27, 2008

For Bronchitis "I have been taking Levaquin for 3 days for bronchitis. Having difficulty sleeping and have no appetite, along with a headache and a persistent fever. Pharmacist never told me to take the medicine with a full 8 oz glass of water. Might have been good to know. So far, still have bronchitis, coughing up mucus and needing an inhaler. I have never used an antibiotic that after 3 days I remain ill. Jury is out, however, as I may be better...soon I hope."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

For Pneumonia "I have read all the bad reviews, and I can honestly say this is a miracle drug. My only problem has been the inability to sleep... and believe me, when you are sick with pneumonia, you want to sleep. I end up probably taking too much melatonin and nighttime over-the-counter pills that helped with the sleep. I really wish I could take a much-needed nap. The drug has made me feel so much better and very quickly!"

• twi...
• January 29, 2018

For Pneumonia "Let me start by saying when I was prescribed this med, the reviews on here scared the stuffing out of me. I had been on other antibiotics for pneumonia for about a week, and they did nothing. Dr. wanted something stronger and gave me rx for Levaquin, plus oral steroids and an inhaler. The only side effect I noticed was it was hard to sleep (restless/jumpy), this could have been from the steroids also. I had no nausea or dizziness. No joint pain, etc., that a lot of the reviewers have noted. I did expect to feel better sooner rather than later with this strong antibiotic, however, it did take the full 10 days and a few more to really start feeling better. I was happy with the outcome (and not needing to be in the hospital). I would not hesitate to take this medicine again. I had a clear chest X-ray on the 10th day. Levaquin did its job."

• par...
• March 27, 2008

For Bladder Infection "Within 24 hours of beginning the medication, my urinary tract pain was noticeably better. I had lots of anxiousness and trouble sleeping, though. This could be because I took the medication about 1 hour before dinner every night. Thanks for the helpful site."

• Anonymous
• May 6, 2017

For Pneumonia "Although the Levaquin did help my pneumonia symptoms, the side effects were terrible! I discontinued after 6 days, but still have side effects 3 weeks later! Severe foot pain, muscle spasms, unusual bleeding, bruising, along with thinning of the skin. I have purple blood spots all over, and my skin will tear with the slightest nick. The pain was up one entire leg but started in my foot. My foot hurts 24 hours a day with a burning feeling that does not respond to massage therapy. Pain pills are only minimally effective. I would never take it again. Also causes insomnia."

• Kir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2019

For Sinusitis "I've been on Levaquin before for an ear infection and have never had a problem. I am allergic to most antibiotics except for the tetracyclines and quinolones/fluoroquinolones. I've had a sinus infection for 2 1/2 weeks now and was on a round of doxycycline 100 mg 2x/day for 10 days, which did absolutely nothing. Now I am on Levaquin 500 mg 1x/day for 10 days. On day 5, and the only side effects are insomnia, slight abdominal pain, and nausea. I will take that over the inability to breathe, post-nasal drip, and a cough any day because I know it's temporary. I usually run 3.5-4 miles/day and have no issues."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2020

For Pneumonia "My mother was put on this when she entered the hospital and then to treat pneumonia in the home. She presented with insomnia, increased heart rate, and symptoms of dyskinesia. I was watching this drug, feeling like it was finishing off my mother. I had her taken off of it in 2 days. She was placed on Augmentin."

• Mic...
• July 12, 2009

For Kidney Infections "I was put on Levaquin due to a nasty kidney infection that was found (finally) after I went to the ER because of severe seizures. I have epilepsy, palindromic arthritis, and lupus. After reading this information, my husband picked up the script for me, and he was told that these needed to be taken at the same time. Now I am bothered because the side effects of this drug are very much like what I live with daily (joint pain, rashes, seizures, insomnia, etc.). I am wondering if this drug is really a good fit for me? But my kidney is grateful."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2018

For Pneumonia "I was given a 5-day course of 750 mg tablets. While it was effective in treating the pneumonia, I did experience several of the side effects that others here have documented: nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, lower back pain. Hopefully, now that I have completed the course, these effects will subside."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2017

For Pneumonia "This drug is garbage and should be taken off the market. I was hospitalized with pneumonia. The doctor prescribed it for me when I was released from the hospital. It has destroyed my appetite as well as my stomach. I can't sleep. I am nauseous every day. I have 2 more doses to take. I decided not to take them. I can't tolerate all the side effects."

• a...
• August 9, 2007

For Sinusitis "I have a sinus infection that hasn't responded to any other treatments, and I had decided to ignore it, but 3 months have passed and it's gotten into my chest too. I was put on Bacitrin, and that did nothing, so the Dr. put me on Levaquin, and thus far, I can say I haven't had any issues with sleep. I actually fell asleep watching TV last night and slept fairly well considering I have a ton of coughing congestion in my chest and that awful sinus discharge. We'll see how the rest goes, if it works."

• Del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2018

For Pneumonia "I'm on my 5th and final day of the Levofloxacin 750. I've never had anxiety issues or insomnia in my life, but from the moment I started, it began. What kept me going with this was I knew I needed it to clear up my infection. From the 2nd day on, my coughing and phlegm are at a bare minimum. So while it's working, it's dealing with being amped up, so to speak. The doc also has me on Prednisone 10 mg x2 a day, which just increases the feelings that I've dealt with. But for those of you out there, I tried Benadryl 1 tab at night since the 3rd night, and I was actually able to sleep these last couple of nights a little."

• JLW...
• February 17, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have taken this medication twice for a UTI. The first time I had no side effects, and it got rid of the UTI, as well as a very mild sinus infection I didn't realize I had. The second time I went on it, I only took one dose. About a half hour after taking the dose, I was really jittery and hyper and hadn't consumed any caffeine, but I didn't really think much of it. The restlessness got worse, and at around 8, I started having olfactory hallucinations. I also started thinking my husband was plotting against me, and I had insomnia. It was a miserable night. At around 1 in the morning, it started to wear off, and I realized I was having some sort of psychiatric side effect and then read that was a possible side effect. I stopped taking it, and it completely wore off within a couple of days. I called and left a message for the doctor and also sent a detailed email to her, and she never followed up with me... oh well."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2009

For Sinusitis "I took Levaquin 500 three years ago, and it worked great. I felt better in one day, but of course finished the course of the antibiotic. I had no side effects that I can remember, and was VERY happy that it quickly got rid of the crud I had (bronchitis). I was prescribed Levaquin 750 for sinusitis this week and am on my second day of taking it (will take it for five days total). The first day, I kept spacing out and forgetting what I was doing. It's not as bad today. I also feel soreness in certain parts of my body... my wrists, elbows, and one side of my neck. I also had mild insomnia, and I never have a problem sleeping normally. I'm still happy with Levaquin, and these side effects seem mild at the moment."