Levofloxacin and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ano...
• April 15, 2016

Levofloxacin 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!"

• Ode...
• December 5, 2015

For Pneumonia "Had a bad case of pneumonia, could barely breathe and took levofloxacin. Now, on the 2nd day, I'm almost good as new! Lack of sleep and appetite is an issue, but I was having problems with sleep and eating with not being able to breathe anyway, so overall extremely effective. I would recommend this med."

• Dav...
• February 11, 2018

For Pneumonia "I was diagnosed with pneumonia on 2/8/18 and given levofloxacin 750 with 10 mg of prednisone 2x daily. The first 3 days I thought I was going to go out of my mind, constant insomnia (probably from the prednisone) with my head feeling crazy. Last night I took (1) Benadryl tablet to see if it would help, well believe it or not, I eventually fell asleep for a couple of hours and got up for a while and fell back asleep for 2-3 more hours. I did wake up somewhat groggy, and it took a couple of hours to feel better. At least I got some sleep. If you are experiencing insomnia, try the Benadryl, it might help you. Made it easier to take this morning's dose. I hope everybody going through some of the same thing I'm battling good luck, and if your gut tells you you can't take it anymore, I think it's well understood why."

• Mau...
• January 24, 2018

Levofloxacin for Pneumonia "I had a lung infection, and the Dr. put me on 5-day/750 elevation. It completely took away the lung infection. The only thing was the insomnia, vivid nightmares, and a bit of pain in the left upper leg, but like nothing. I recommend it if the infection is bad! For the nightmares, I have been taking Xanax, which helps."

• 34y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2019

For Bronchitis "I've been on and off different antibiotics for a month because of the flu. My right lung got infected, which I found out a few days ago after an x-ray, and the doctor prescribed 750 mg levofloxacin, once daily for 6 days, plus other meds for cough and runny nose. Now I'm on the third day and can't sleep. Half an hour ago, I was so sleepy when I took it, but soon after that, I couldn't breathe through my nose. I was afraid I would stop breathing if I fell asleep. I won't continue taking this medicine! I didn't sleep for 2 nights, and now I am staying awake for the third?"

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2011

For Pneumonia "I was on a 10-day, 500 mg prescription and could only make it through day 7 before requesting a change in my antibiotic. I had a wide range of side effect symptoms that left me hardly able to function. Severe muscle pain, especially in the back and lower leg (which I am still suffering from and hope the leg pain isn't tendon weakness, which is also a side effect), horrible dizziness, nausea, insomnia, nightmares, and if I got too hot or too cold, I had to immediately lie down. The dizziness was the worst, it felt like I had ridden a carnival ride for hours on end just turning my head. By day 7, my symptoms from pneumonia were only slightly better."

• She...
• February 29, 2016

For Sinusitis "I had open rhinoplasty 4 weeks ago for a broken nose. 2 weeks after the surgery, I developed a sinus infection. My doctor called in levofloxacin 500 mg 1 a day for 10 days. After taking them for 6 days, my infection was gone, but day 7 when I woke up, I could hardly move. The pain in my knees and hips was unbearable, I hurt so bad. I took the day 8 pill before I realized that it was the levofloxacin causing it. The doctor nor pharmacist told me about the side effects, except it could cause insomnia and loss of appetite. I threw out the remaining 2 pills. It has been 3 days since I took them, and the pain is better, but my tendons are very stiff in my legs above my knees. I am calling my doctor in the morning. This drug needs to be off the market!"

• Mar...
• January 13, 2020

For Pneumonia "I had pneumonia and after unsuccessfully taking prednisone, a Z pack and inhaler, I was given levofloxacin for right lung pneumonia. After 3 days of a 7-day course, I was having more productive coughs. No side effects except I don't sleep well. Will try the Benadryl as others have and see if it helps. I need another chest x-ray in 2 weeks and hopefully it will be clear. So far, would not hesitate taking these meds again."

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2012

Levofloxacin for Bladder Infection "Lots of trouble sleeping and lots of anxiety with this medicine. It also makes me a bit depressed. Better if you can take it in the morning instead of later at night. Works, but there is probably something with less side effects that works just as well. Usually given this for sinus infections, this is the first time for cystitis."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2023

Levofloxacin for Bladder Infection "I had passed a large kidney stone, which caused a UTI, and was started on Levaquin. After the first dose, I began having horrible nightmares and could only sleep in 30-minute increments throughout the night. While it alleviated the infection, the exhaustion from loss of sleep and the nightmares were awful."

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

For Skin or Soft Tissue Infection "On levofloxacin for an ear infection, my heart beat so fast. I was scared to sleep. It also caused nightmares. 500 mg for a week was rough. Use caution when taking this drug. It's no joke... I am exhausted from lack of sleep while taking this medication."

• MKE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2017

For Pneumonia "I've been on this medication a couple of times, and for whatever reason, something has not quite felt right, however, the dosage I was taking was over, and I went on my merry little way. However, right before Christmas, I was diagnosed with having bacterial pneumonia for the second time in less than a year. For whatever reason, the doctor chose to put me on a very high dose with another antibiotic to go with it. It was almost immediately after being discharged from the hospital and going home with my prescription and taking it that I noticed several different changes about myself, which included a loss of taste, appetite, and sleep. By day 5, I figured they were normal side effects, but by day 6, my legs, feet, ankles, and toes on both feet blew up with pain."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2016

For Sinusitis "Will never take this again! After one 500 mg dose for a sinus infection, I did not sleep at all. I've been up almost 24 hours at this point. I felt like my skin was burning all night and can barely move now. I'm awaiting a call back from my doctor to get another antibiotic."

• Gig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2016

For Sinusitis "500 mg/1x a day for 10 days was prescribed for an acute sinus infection. I take Wellbutrin and bupropion for depression and anxiety, they manage my symptoms very well. Two days of the Levaquin had me in an agitated state such as I've not experienced in years. I experienced insomnia-four hours of sleep-and I am always blissfully able to sleep 8-9 hours, falling asleep within minutes of laying down. This drug was poison to my brain. I also have a headache, muscle aches, and redness/rash. I called the doctor for a new drug after 2 doses and asked why in the world would she prescribe me something that has a known history of causing nervous problems?! I may change doctors over this."

• mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "My Dr. prescribed 750 mg, 1 pill a day for 5 days. As soon as I started taking it, I had severe insomnia! I took two of the 5 pills, and while on it, didn’t sleep for 48 hours straight! Dr. didn’t believe me, wanted me to keep taking it, and I said absolutely not!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "When I read the comments - especially having health anxiety. I had already put in my head that it was going to be really bad. I have had H. pylori bacteria and gastritis for over a year. Symptoms got worse, I can’t eat dairy and try to stick to a bland diet. Previously, I tried the Nexium Hp7 box twice, and that didn’t work - the yellow tablet had the ugliest effect on me. I had another bacterial infection (UTI) and needed Flagyl. That was disgusting, so I told the gastro specialist to give me anything but those two. I am on levofloxacin 500 mg twice a day, along with another different antibiotic and a PPI (acid med). I am on a course of these for 10 days, and today is my 8th day. Blessed to say side effects from this medication just involve feeling a little groggy, which is normal for me anyway, and hard to sleep. I don’t think my H. pylori has healed, and symptoms are still the same. I have another endoscopy in 2 days, and hopefully, they can get to the root of it."

• Sca...
• September 1, 2018

For Sinusitis "I took number 5 pill today of a course of 8 pills for a sinus infection. And I am scared and done. The side effects are horrible: nausea, dizziness, headache, jittery, insomnia, leg pains, heart palpitations, weakness, sensitive to heat. I can't even stand the hair touching my neck or the shirt near my neck. Absolutely horrible medication! Am hoping it all goes away now that I am stopping it!"

• Mis...
• May 30, 2017

Levofloxacin for Kidney Infections "750 mg for 7 days, home health and approx four days of hospitalization on Levaquin. Drug is given once a day via IV. I am severely itchy at this point, not much is helping. Some temporary quick fixes with Dr. Teal's body oil. Last dose tomorrow, I feel weak, tired, and have the occasional muscle spasms accompanied by a nasty rash all over my legs, arms, and stomach. It feels awful. I am ready to get off the meds tomorrow, and hopefully the sleep insomnia will subside along with the muscle spasms."

• 39...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2016

For Pneumonia "I am on day 7, it does seem to be helping with the pneumonia, but I am having a really hard time falling asleep, even though I am exhausted. The last 2 days, I ache all over, especially behind my knees, my shoulders, and my wrists and fingers. I do not recommend this medicine."

• mas...
• August 28, 2009

Levofloxacin for Middle Ear Infections "I just finished a 10-day dose for a severe ear infection. After the second dose, I began to experience extreme anxiety attacks, sleepless nights, total confusion, and thought I was losing my mind. I have had Xanax prescribed to relieve the anxiety attacks, and I am hopeful that the attacks will stop now that I'm done with the Levaquin."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2019

For Kidney Infections "I was in the hospital for 4 days with a bacterial kidney infection. I was miserable the whole time. Received IV antibiotics, which I've forgotten the names, however, when I was sent home, it was with a prescription of Levoquin 750 mg for 10 days. I've never had such side effects as with this drug. I could not take the last 2 pills because I felt like it was making a hole in my stomach. My side effects included severe insomnia, constant nausea, sensitivity to light, weakness, fingertips started hurting, and drinking anything, including water, tasted terrible. I've heard about tendon damage, but I hope I don't develop anything else. It has been over a week since I stopped taking these, and I am still weak (no energy), and the nausea doesn't go away. I'm scared to take any antibiotic at this point."

• big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2015

For Pneumonia "Was diagnosed with pneumonia 3 days ago, had severe cough, diarrhea, and a fever of 102. Was put on levofloxacin 500 mg for 7 days, started with a round of IV antibiotics at the hospital. The next day, I was finally able to get out of bed, my cough was nearly gone, and fever has subsided. I did have a few negative side effects. Insomnia, once I did fall asleep I woke up drenched in sweat, and just an overall dull feeling."

• Anonymous
• December 15, 2009

Levofloxacin 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."

• Nor...
• August 3, 2016

For Pneumonia "Have been sick for three weeks. Went to the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchitis but was given a script for a chest X-ray if I didn't improve. I didn't, so I had the X-ray, which showed pneumonia. Have taken 500 mg for 10 days' worth and redid the X-ray today. No change in my lungs. Have experienced some side effects-night sweats, trouble sleeping, ankle weakness."

• Ech...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2016

For Sinusitis "After reading all the reviews, I was not sure about taking this drug and upset my doctor gave it to me. He stated, stop reading the reviews, everyone is different, but these are long-term side effects because of the drug. So I tried the first pill, and within 10 minutes, it declogged my nose, but I still had pressure in my head, and then I was weak and couldn't sleep at night. I felt like I was going to stop breathing, and my muscles feel sore, and so I decided to call him and ask for a different drug. I will not take another dose after reading what this drug has done to so many people, the fact it's even out there is scary. I hope I don't develop any long-term effects because of one pill I took yesterday. I start Ceftin today for my lung and sinus infection."