Levofloxacin and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2023

Levofloxacin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed this drug for a UTI and took it for the first time at night around 9 p.m. What a mistake. I was in bed on my iPad when I felt my anxiety rising. A couple hours go by, and my anxiety is worsening, and all I want is to go to sleep, but I am now wide awake. I take 10 mg of melatonin. A couple more hours go by, and I am still wired, and anxiety has turned into a panic attack. It is now around 4 a.m., and I am still panicking and wired. My heart is racing, my foot was fidgeting, my skin feels weird, and I am also now hallucinating. I felt like my face was distorted, and I had to get up to go look in the mirror to see what it looked like because my face felt absolutely crazy. I felt like I was going insane and contemplated going to the ER. I was awake until 7 a.m., and I quit this drug. The worst reaction I’ve ever had. It’s now on my allergic list. I’d give it a 0 if I could."

• Eri...
• December 15, 2019

For Pneumonia "I promised myself I would write a detailed review once I finished the course of antibiotics for pneumonia. I tried Omnicef first, which I was allergic to, then I took a Z-Pack, which wasn’t strong enough to knock it out of me, so my Dr. prescribed me levofloxacin 750 mg for 7 days. I’m one of those people who read all the reviews, and it scared me outta myself, so this was no different. All the reviews had given me a massive panic attack after the first dose. Here’s my experience. I did have crazy insomnia, I couldn’t sleep without 50 mg of Benadryl. I had loss of appetite and very mild anxiety attacks, but this all resolved after the medicine was finished. My Dr. told me I could stop after 5 days because I was clear! I will say none of these side effects outweigh the benefits. In my experience, if a medicine works for you, then you probably won’t be on the internet reviewing it, so 80% of these people had a bad experience. No one tells you the good news is that it works, and just listen to your Dr. and your body."

• isl...
• January 20, 2008

Levofloxacin 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."

• isl...
• January 20, 2008

Levofloxacin 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

Levofloxacin 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."

• Lan...
• April 11, 2015

Levofloxacin for Prostatitis "I have just started Levofloxacin for prostatitis that I've been battling for 4 months. I've tried Doxy and Cipro with no luck. I'm day two into Levofloxacin, and I'm experiencing pretty bad anxiety. Has anybody else experienced anxiety on this medication? Should I stop taking it or try to push through it? Thank you."

• Gra...
• June 23, 2018

Levofloxacin for Pneumonia "Have been on 500 mg Levaquin for nine days of a 10-day dosage after being diagnosed with left lower lobe pneumonia. It came with three warnings: prolonged sunlight avoidance, no taking of med within 2 hrs of taking antacid, and DRINK PLENTY OF WATER WHILE TAKING THIS MED. Was also told by Dr. to take a probiotic with med to prevent constipation. I complied with all, especially the water, drank about 64 oz + daily. I only had one side effect and it was on the first day, a little jittery, but it subsided after one day. I have an appointment with the doctor in five days, feel SOOOO much better. Hoping the x-ray will show clear of pneumonia."

• Spi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was given a 500 mg dose of this drug, levofloxacin, once per day for ten days as a precaution for a possible UTI after passing a kidney stone. I had to stop after day 3. My body was shaking uncontrollably; I had so much anxiety, and I was crying all the time. I had diarrhea, a burning sensation in my arms and hands, chest tightness, muscle soreness, and pressure in my head. I could not sleep at all; I had insomnia all 3 days of taking it. I do not recommend this drug to anyone, and it should not be given as the first choice for treatment."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

For Pneumonia "Well, at the beginning of Feb. 2016, I had a bad sinus and ear infection. The clinic gave me Augmentin. After 3 days, the infection went into my lungs, and the doctor said bronchitis. I finished the Augmentin and was still very sick and coughing like mad. I told the doctor it feels like razor blades when I cough, and he scheduled me for another appointment ASAP. I said, please X-ray my chest, I know there's something wrong. Yep, the X-ray showed pneumonia in my right lung, the left lung looked okay. He prescribed Levaquin (levofloxacin), and yes, it has been 7 days now, and I have had the worst insomnia and nervousness. For a while there, I felt like I might die. It was very scary. But I am feeling better but still get breathless and weak. I hope by day 10, I am clear."

• par...
• March 27, 2008

Levofloxacin 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."

• Jil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

Levofloxacin for Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "Do NOT take this Levaquin if you suffer from any mental illness. I’m taking Levaquin and Bactrim, and I had extreme side effects... psychosis, paranoia, nervousness, and delirium. I’m hallucinating, this is crazy. In the event that you experience these side effects, call your doctor immediately. DO NOT TAKE THIS MED IF YOU HAVE MENTAL ILLNESS!!!"

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2011

Levofloxacin for Sinusitis "So far, so good for my sinusitis. A little anxious, feel my heart beating a little faster, and will wake up a few times a night, but I feel it's worth it to get rid of this sinus issue I've had for the last 3 weeks."

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2008

Levofloxacin for Kidney Infections "The infection was eased almost immediately, however, by mid-treatment, I was very jittery and broke out with a hot, hive-like rash that was so miserable that no lotion would relieve, but it was the lesser of two evils to get over the kidney infection. I had to skip the last dose in order to function at work mentally, and my body is still very sore. Could tolerate absolutely no sun!"

• Anonymous
• June 7, 2008

Levofloxacin for Middle Ear Infections "This was given to me for a killer middle ear infection... have a terrible time sleeping, anxious, and my knees hurt like I'm 100 years old (I'm 35!). Thank God, only 4 days left! But definitely helped with the ear infection."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2015

For Pneumonia "I was prescribed the drug Levofloxacin after being diagnosed with pneumonia a month ago. I was misdiagnosed twice before (for the flu, then sinus infection). I had a fever, cough, and extreme fatigue. WORD TO THE WISE: if you have an ongoing cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever at night, THOSE ARE TEXTBOOK SYMPTOMS OF pneumonia. Just demand a chest X-ray right away! Now onto Levofloxacin. I took 750 mg for 7 days, and it definitely did the job, I felt better in two days. The side effects were intense (nervousness, joint pain, increased heart rate, lightheadedness, insomnia). BUT it was worth it!"

• drb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I was aware of all the possible side effects, but I took Levaquin on the advice of a nurse practitioner who filled in for my pulmonary specialist. I have bronchiectasis and COPD for many years and recently developed new symptoms. Sputum culture revealed Pseudomonas, the drug of choice being one of the Floxin family. It cleared up all the pulmonary symptoms in several days, but I developed anxiety, thrush in my mouth, loss of appetite, and muscle aches and pains in various joints. I continued the drug for 5 days (750 mg) in spite of side effects. Most have decreased, but I still have pains in my shoulders. I'm an exercise fanatic, but I'm afraid to work out because of the possibility of a ruptured tendon. I'm 85 years old."

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

Levofloxacin 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."

• Mat...
• May 21, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "Day 3 of taking this levofloxacin, and I must say this is the worst drug I’ve ever had to take. If I didn’t have an S. maltophilia bacteria growing in my nose, I would NEVER take this medication. Unfortunately, this or Bactrim were my only options! Constant headache, worst anxiety you could imagine, and my heart feels like it’s going to explode after taking it each day. Blood pressure and pulse have been through the roof since starting these pills! Constant headache and back pain as well. If you don’t absolutely have to take levofloxacin, DO NOT!!!"

• JLW...
• February 17, 2018

Levofloxacin 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."

• Cac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2015

Levofloxacin for Bronchitis "I took this antibiotic for a bronchial infection. I did get rid of the infection. But while on it, I had horrible nightmares (the gory kind you can't talk about); was jittery, moody, and the tendonitis in my shoulder came back. I also have MS with mild symptoms. The problem is, now that I'm off of it, I feel 'fluish', my neck hurts, my shoulder hurts, I've had horrible spasms in my legs and feet and not the kind that you get with MS. I was prescribed this because I cannot take any of the 'clindamycin' or erythromycin of a Z-Pak. I have no idea when this is going to end. I would not recommend this to anyone. And don't get me started with the back pain."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For Pneumonia "I took a 7-day, 500 mg levofloxacin prescription of this drug for pneumonia and had no real issues with it the first time around. It knocked out the infection pretty quickly. I then had to do a follow-up 5-day dose, which in retrospect I didn't really need because my chest x-ray ended up being good. I had a lot of the symptoms the second time others have had: racing heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety, joint pain in wrist and up near elbow, Achilles heel pain, and some pain around the knee, leg twitching, low appetite. It's been about five weeks since I finished the antibiotics, and I'm still having symptoms. Take another antibiotic first if you can. It sucks to recover from pneumonia only to find you have weeks more of recovery to do from the effects of treatment."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For Pneumonia "I took a 7-day, 500 mg levofloxacin prescription of this drug for pneumonia and had no real issues with it the first time around. It knocked out the infection pretty quickly. I then had to do a follow-up 5-day dose, which in retrospect I didn't really need because my chest x-ray ended up being good. I had a lot of the symptoms the second time others have had: racing heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety, joint pain in wrist and up near elbow, Achilles heel pain, and some pain around the knee, leg twitching, low appetite. It's been about five weeks since I finished the antibiotics, and I'm still having symptoms. Take another antibiotic first if you can. It sucks to recover from pneumonia only to find you have weeks more of recovery to do from the effects of treatment."

• Dav...
• May 18, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Do NOT take this medication at all costs!! Ended up in the ER after 3 dosages. Doctors can't tell what's going on with me. I'm going to see another doc this week to do more tests. I still feel very dizzy, weak, having heart palpitations, can't concentrate, anxious, depressed... I'm going crazy because of this stupid drug!!"

• Mik...
• May 28, 2016

For Bronchitis "Sick for three weeks with sinus/ear infection that spread to the lungs. I was first given a 'Z-pack,' which did not work. Got really sick and ended up getting fluids, Levaquin, and prednisone. By the third day, I was feeling much better. I'm on the medication a week now, no problems other than a little jittery, but I believe the prednisone is contributing to this side effect."

• Dra...
• May 4, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I already suffer with anxiety, but these pills made it 10 times worse. All I thought the whole time is, “Am I going to die?” “I feel like I’m dying.” So, in other words, it gave me negative thoughts, which is no good. Day 6 was the last one I forced myself to take because I didn’t want to be taking them for nothing. I still continued to have back pain, abdominal discomfort, headaches, tension headaches, dizziness, and my ribs felt extra heavy, or I don’t know how to describe it. This back pain and rib pain lasted 2 weeks after I stopped. Now it’s been 3 weeks, and I felt my leg feeling tight, but it went away. Now I feel pain in my arms, coming and going. I also had lower back pain and higher back pain. My heart rate is going up and down. I have dizziness also. I didn’t know these pills would do all this. I’m 20 years old, and I’m a female. Every day is a new symptom, even though I’m not on it anymore. They were super expensive."