Levofloxacin and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Jen...
• August 27, 2013

Levofloxacin 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."

• 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."

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

Levofloxacin 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!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2013

For Bronchitis "I'm 35 (female), and this medicine helped the bronchitis in the 1st dose. However, this is the 3rd night with extreme insomnia, dizziness, and a burst of energy and no appetite. Feels like I've had an energy drink, great for the day, but I toss and turn all night long. I'm lucky if I get 2-3 hours of sleep! Oh yes, my stomach sometimes feels queasy."

• dst...
• May 20, 2015

Levofloxacin for Sinusitis "I am on day 3 of taking this medicine and feel horrible. I haven't slept in 2 nights and don't want to eat. I am calling my doctor in the morning and telling him I will not take any more of this. I have never felt this bad from a drug before."

• lad...
• February 27, 2008

Levofloxacin 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."

• Anonymous
• November 25, 2010

Levofloxacin 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!"

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2018

Levofloxacin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was scared to death prior to taking this medicine due to the reviews I read. I’ve been on this medicine for 5 days now, and I’ve been drinking plenty of water and taking probiotics along with the antibiotic. I haven’t been able to eat much due to having no appetite, and it gives me frequent headaches, but other than that, I haven’t had any other major issues."

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

Levofloxacin 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."

• Lif...
• March 5, 2009

Levofloxacin for Bronchitis "I have been using this for 4 days now. I was taking this for bronchitis. My throat was so sore from an unproductive cough. After the first day of using this, the soreness in my throat went away. Everything is now loosening and I feel so much better. I haven't had much of an appetite but have not had any trouble sleeping. I have not experienced any of the symptoms other reviewers have noted."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2018

Levofloxacin for Urinary Tract Infection "Taking Levaquin was absolutely horrible for me. I took 750 mg per day for ten days. I was prescribed it for a UTI and kidney infection, and my symptoms not only got three times worse, but I developed a pink rash on my face, and my bones and muscles felt horrible, like I was being stabbed with ice picks everywhere. I also had zero appetite and a hard time swallowing when forcing myself to eat. I think it's safe to say I'm having those side effects. Hopefully, you all have better luck with 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."

• 043...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2013

For Sinusitis "On day 5 of 10 of 500 mg tablet. Other antibiotics have become unable to cure my sinus infections, which I always allow to get really bad before going to the doctor. After the first dose, I had a headache for 2.5 days, can't say that is from the levofloxacin or not. Not sick at my stomach, just no desire to eat for the last 5 days. On day three, the sinus infection in my nose/pressure seemed greatly improved, but this has settled into my chest also, and a temperature of 101.07. I hope it works as well on the lung infection. This is a wonderful medicine with little side effects for me. I have been completely wiped out for five days. Just taking a shower and shaving today felt like I had run a marathon. Great antibiotic for sinus infections!"

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2020

For Bladder Infection "I had a horrible bladder infection that made me try to urinate every thirty minutes. I had a fever, and I was sweating. No appetite - just sick. I was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg, 3 tablets. It knocked it out. Best and strongest antibiotic out there."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2010

Levofloxacin for Bacterial Infection "Feel like I have body aches after taking this medication. It seems to keep me awake at night too, which is annoying. Also, I can't tell whether it is working or my body is fighting off my sore throat by itself. My appetite changed too."

• Syn...
• April 3, 2009

Levofloxacin for Bronchitis "This is a great medication. While it does make you restless if you take it too late in the day, it really makes you feel better quick. There was slight discomfort in joints for the first 2 days and it went away. On for 7 days, 750 mg. It works very well. It gave me this burst of energy all day, and it really decreases your appetite."

• GFi...
• November 10, 2015

For Bronchitis "BAD nausea - really afraid I was going to throw up and not keep my heart meds down! Excruciating foot cramps, leg cramps, no appetite, fatigue, and couldn't wait to get done with these pills. I was up pretty much all night with insomnia and the foot cramps that wouldn't go away - night after night. My husband told me to bear through it and stay on the meds for the 7 days, as this was my second bout with bronchitis in a month. Even drinking a lot of water didn't help with it. Took yogurt and STILL had nausea. These pills are AWFUL!!!! I will NEVER, EVER take this poison again! Expensive, $80 for 7 days. Too many bad side effects."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Bro...
• September 14, 2009

Levofloxacin 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."

• 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."

• nin...
• August 14, 2014

For Sinusitis "I have a rare sinusitis, which the infection is located in the middle of my head. I was prescribed levofloxacin 500 mg for 3 weeks. I haven't been able to sleep very well and loss of appetite (which is good in a way) and a very sore neck. On my 5th dose and not so much drainage and not much of a stuffy nose."

• Anonymous
• February 13, 2015

For Pneumonia "I had fits of coughing after the flu. I could not breathe, and I took this medicine I received from the ENT doctor for similar coughing issues I had a few months ago. The first day, despite the fact that I was so weak and sick from the flu, I could not sleep at all. My brain was acting up with too many thoughts. I called the doctor, but his physician's assistant was not willing to help me unless I paid for another visit. I called the pharmacy, and the pharmacist was helpful, and she recommended that I take the medicine while eating and early in the morning. I forced myself to eat pasta, although I had no appetite at all. On the second day, I was able to sleep. My body started feeling better as well, although I was still coughing and my chest was sore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2015

For Sinusitis "I was just prescribed this antibiotic yesterday. I was prescribed 1, 500 mg tab x 10 days for sinus and bronchial infection. I have taken multiple other antibiotics, and it was not clearing the infection up. I have only taken one tablet, and I had insomnia, leg and arm cramping, no appetite. I would recommend staying away from this antibiotic if at all possible."