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Flagyl for Bacterial Infection User Reviews (Page 2)

Reviews for Flagyl

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2022

"I have never written a review in my life on an antibiotic. I’m here for three reasons. 1) Warn everybody about the severe side effects this can have and sadly 2) nobody, including my close friends and family, believe it’s true. 3) It might have helped stomach but not sure yet. I took Flagyl for four days. The nausea and diarrhea for me were not bad the first day. Day 2, 3, and 4 turned into the darkest moments of my life. Memory loss, extreme confusion, heart palpitations. Overall just the worst headaches and depression ever. I’m four days off of it and can’t drive safely or do directions. Headaches continue. I want my life and brain back. The doctors and family think it’s “all in my head.” Absolutely devastating to deal with. If they only knew. These are 100% real effects that can happen to you. Find an alternative!! Do not take this without a full explanation from your doctor!!"

1 / 10
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  • Kit...
  • February 10, 2020

"I was given this for BV. I've been on this for 6 days, was given 2x a day for 7 days. The taste is horrendous. I've noticed a bit of tiredness, I always have back pain, so I can't attribute that to the medication. I haven't noticed any other symptoms."

10 / 10
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  • Ido...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 3, 2020

"Was prescribed this for BV following a LEEP procedure. One tablet and I was feeling weird. Kind of tingly. I immediately stopped taking it, as that is a very rare and bad side effect! Needless to say, I'm not going to take any more of this drug."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Tra...
  • August 29, 2019

"I took this for BV. There are a ton of bad reviews about this medication. Yes, the taste is bad, but only if you don't swallow it right and it sits on your tongue. Shouldn't cause C. diff, this med is used to treat C. diff as a first-line med. I had no side effects from this medication and tolerated it well. This cleared up my BV in about 3 days. These reviews scared me, but I did not have any side effects except a fresh vagina. Do not drink alcohol whatsoever!!! Most medications tell you that, and usually nothing happens, but this medication will make you violently vomit. I finished my course and waited about a day and a half and had only two glasses of wine and thought I was in the clear, but then after an hour, I violently vomited all night and am still feeling sick as I write this. I can't imagine how I would feel if I drank while actively taking it. Wait at least 3 days after you finish it."

10 / 10
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  • Suf...
  • October 9, 2016

"I was prescribed to take this twice a day for 7 days for bacterial vaginosis. I will never allow a doctor to prescribe me this ever again! The taste comes from nightmares for starters, and good LORD, the side effects are NOT worth it! Constant nausea, dizziness, everything tastes like fecal matter, fevers, restlessness, overall weak and uncomfortable. This cannot be good for you. I didn't even have any side effects with the BV itself, it's this medication that has been making me feel like death!"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • February 22, 2012

"The medicine seems to be effective, but it is literally the most terrible tasting medicine I've ever had. It has no coating and dissolves instantly on your tongue, leaving a horrid taste behind. It is upsetting to your stomach. I'm taking it because it's effective. I wish they'd add a coating. I dread taking this medicine and have a knot in my stomach when it's almost time to take it."

5 / 10
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  • wyn...
  • November 7, 2019

"I know the side effects (now), but my doc did not mention anything beyond complete avoidance of alcohol. Take that seriously, not even mouthwash. You will vomit. I am on 500 mg oral twice daily for 7 days. Took about 2 days for side effects to kick in. But the infection was gone by then (symptomatically). Around Day 2, I was getting muscle stomach pain, happened to on cephalexin too. This went away by Day 4. Almost passed out on Day 5, sweating on the back of my neck (first time ever), so winded and weak to the point of not being able to speak. Been trying to force food and water but appetite is gone, repulsed by food. Lots of diffuse weakness from neck to waist. Nausea is terrible. Light sensitivity too. I am sensitive to meds in general but wish I had taken the topical alternative. Be careful if your body is sensitive. Flood yourself with water and if you have no appetite, just try to get as much of your favorite food and eat what you can because food helps. Only thing that helped was sleep."

5 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Dem...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2020

"I went to my doctor following finishing a Z-pack and was having painful urination. I thought I had a UTI, however, it turned out to be bacterial vaginitis (BV). The physician at a local urgent care put me on generic metronidazole, 500 mg, two times daily. I am on day 4 and was unable to work due to severe back pain, headache, and nausea. I have taken this medication before, but I don't think I've ever taken it orally for 7 days. At this point, I'm going back in to see my doctor and ask for something else. I can't afford to miss work the rest of the week!"

5 / 10
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  • Spa...
  • November 30, 2019

"I took Flagyl for 10 days, 3X a day to treat a parasite (Blastocystis spp.). Before taking the medication, I was having extremely bad-smelling farts, almost constant diarrhea, and abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. They heavily warned me that this medication sucks, and they were right: it does. That being said, my excessively smelling gas went away within a few days. Days 2-3 and 8-10 seemed to suck the most as far as symptoms. I also experienced mental fog from taking this medication. I really felt not on my game mentally and had a hard time concentrating. I did have some problems sleeping at night while taking this medication and then problems as well once the medication had been finished. For about 4 days after taking the medication, I had oral thrush and whiteness on my tongue. The bad taste in my mouth stayed for a while. I am 9 days finished with this medication, and I feel like I still don’t have any appetite or interest in food. All in all, it was not great, but I would take it again."

8 / 10
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  • CCB...
  • December 31, 2015

"My NP put me on a regimen of Flagyl 500 mg twice a day for 7 days for urinary symptoms I was having, although my cultures were negative. I followed the regimen for 5 days before finally stopping. My side effects were severe and had me ready to go to the ER: stomach and pelvic cramping, continual discharge, complete loss of appetite, extreme nausea when attempting to force myself to eat solid food, and general nausea when not eating. I felt extremely fatigued, emotional, and anxious. I was on the verge of several full-blown panic attacks at work. I'm not sure if my symptoms are taken care of by Flagyl because the side effects are so much worse. Day 2 off of the drug and having the most severe side effects yet."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 30, 2012

"My doctor gave me this because I had bacterial vaginosis. Not even 12 hours into my first dose, I got the metallic taste in my mouth, then severe stomach cramps and nausea. I'm on day 5 and have had bouts of nausea throughout the course of my medication. My appetite has gone way, way down, and I'm so tired! I literally will sleep 12 hours and then get up for 2, then go back to bed for another 4! Having trouble staying awake at work, but it is doing its job!"

9 / 10
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  • Eva...
  • July 28, 2009

"I had a vaginal infection and was prescribed Flagyl to cure it. I hated the immediate awful taste in my mouth, and it dissolved immediately upon hitting my tongue. I only experienced the awful taste and some slight stomach upset as side effects. The infection began to clear up after 3 days of a 7-day prescription. I recommend it, and drink something fruity with it. Also, DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL AT ALL while on this medication OR FOR 3 DAYS AFTER YOU STOP TAKING IT. You WILL have severe vomiting, heaving, and dizziness."

8 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 15, 2019

"Will never take this medicine, Flagyl, again. The first day, I started with a headache. Then came the lack of appetite and nausea, which caused me to lose 3 pounds. Next was feeling tingly in my hands and full-out panic, anxiety, and depression. I called my doctor, begging to get off of this medication. Thankfully, I just took my last dose. I will never take this again."

1 / 10
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  • Avi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 27, 2020

"Was prescribed Flagyl for diverticulitis. All I can say is that I had to stop this medication after 6 days. My side effects included: numbness and tingling of my hands, dark urine, high anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. My dosage was 2x250 mg tabs three times a day. I am in my 60s, and without a doubt, this is the medication that has given me the most side effects."

3 / 10
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  • UN...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2019

"Prescribed this medicine for an infection I got after getting an IUD inserted. 500 mg metronidazole twice a day. Took them at 8 am day one. No issues day two. Up at 4 am, had symptoms of bloating, stomach gurgling, cramps, explosive diarrhea, extremely liquid stool, pain. All subsided by 11 am next day. Day three. Up at 1 am. Bloating, stomach gurgling, doubled from the night before. I had cramps, diarrhea, but not as bad as the night before, and I swore that I was done with this medicine. Drank a probiotic yogurt, and it’s been a while, 20 minutes with no gurgling... nope, I was wrong. Here we go again..."

1 / 10
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  • Wor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 9, 2015

"Everyone's body will react differently to meds, genetics. Just because I had a bad experience doesn't mean you will. Took with a full stomach of bland food, 16 oz water, and took a daily probiotic. My experience with this medication was horrible. I was unbearably anxious, had a rapid heartbeat, intense pelvic pressure, bad stomach cramping, nonstop nausea, vomiting, and explosive diarrhea. This was my second time with this medication, with the same bad reaction. I had to discontinue both times. It took 3 days to start feeling better, 5 to 7 until normal. I'll never take this medication again. I'm sure it's good for others, but not me. I had cancer, so I've taken a lot of medications. Never had to stop another medication from side effects before, but I was scared to the point of going to the ER. Never again."

1 / 10
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  • Pin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 20, 2019

"Not for me... I was given a 5-day course, 1 tablet twice a day. I took the first one, and within 10 minutes, felt my chest was getting tight, just tried to see it through. 2 hours later, I have the paramedics out because I can't breathe, wheezing, chest tight, dry mouth, uncontrollable sickness, I couldn't move, I was so weak, high heart rate. Was horrid! Needless to say, I didn't take another and have now developed an anxiety about taking new medications. Shame really, as the infection itself did feel better the next morning after all this had happened."

1 / 10
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  • Tha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2016

"I'm only on day 3 of meds, dose is 2 x a day for the week. Must say I see an improvement already! I've had BV for months and no prescription helped. I've tried things for my flora, pH, baths, alkaline water, vitamin C, you name it. 3 days in, and I'm already happier. No odor, no discharge, finally!!! Relief from this awful embarrassment. Yes, the pill can taste bad, however, I take a sip of milk BEFORE and after taking the dose. Hadn't the 1st time, and it tastes awful, yes, but the milk coats your throat nicely, and I haven't tasted it since doing that. As for side effects, I definitely have a suppressed appetite, but I'm not complaining. The benefits of taking the Flagyl much outweigh any negative I can see."

9 / 10
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  • Rir...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 20, 2019

"Just finished my 7th day of Flagyl. This is my second time taking it, and this time was definitely easier. I usually take the pill with a fizzy drink, seems like I swallow it easier that way. Also, I noticed the main side effect I’m having this time is vaginal itch. I’m pretty sure that’s from the medicine because I didn’t feel itchy before I started Flagyl. Doesn’t seem like a yeast infection, though, because I don’t see any discharge. My vagina definitely feels fresh, though, and this medicine definitely works towards BV. I hate that I suffer from BV, but I’m happy there’s at least something that helps."

9 / 10
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  • adi...
  • December 29, 2011

"I just finished a 10-day treatment of 500 mg every 12 hours. I am so glad it is over. I experienced stomach aches, a metallic taste in my mouth, which I am still experiencing, as well as tingling/numbness in my tongue. I am also experiencing itchy and a burning sensation in the vaginal area, it is uncomfortable. I hope it goes away soon. The only good thing about all this is that I don't have that fishy smell anymore."

7 / 10
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  • kel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 4, 2017

"I took a week's worth of pills of this for a second BV flare-up (tried Tindamax the first time, and the BV came back), and I am confident enough now to write a positive review. All side effects (discharge, foul odor, stabbing pain) subsided by either the third or fourth day. So far, so yeast infection, but I am being very proactive and taking probiotics daily and eating lots of yogurt. Side effects were very minimal and manageable, just a bit of fatigue, dizziness, and light sensitivity. Nothing horrible. PRO TIP: Wrap the pills in bread before you swallow them. No metallic aftertaste at all if you do this!"

10 / 10
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  • Naa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 12, 2019

"I have taken Flagyl multiple times for BV. I hate it each time. I tried clindamycin, but it wasn’t as effective. I took the pills with chocolate milk for the first few days, then orange juice. Then I finally saw where to wrap a fruit roll-up around the pill. I wish I would’ve known about that a long time ago. It helped a lot. My side effects were: dizzy, drowsy, stomach ache, heartburn, kind of blurry vision, headaches, back pain, frequent urination, dark urine, not much diarrhea, nausea. Finally, I didn’t have a metallic taste, but the aftertaste was awful. After taking the medication, it did give me a yeast infection, which was expected. Really, please try the fruit roll-up method, it helped a lot even with my last tablet."

9 / 10
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  • Tay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2019

"Was given instructions to take this Flagyl twice a day for 7 days, every 12 hours for BV (bacterial vaginitis). First day I had a slight headache, second day of taking it symptoms of BV were gone! No smell, discharge, but I had a backache which wasn’t too bad. Still taking it to finish up treatment. But I give it 9/10 because the medicine tastes horrible! Take with food or thick liquids to avoid the taste."

9 / 10
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  • TGu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2019

"This antibiotic was the worst possible one I had to take! Anyone saying there are no side effects with this medicine is one of the lucky ones. This drug damages your digestive system, it tastes nasty. You have that taste all day, coming back up. I didn’t sleep well, and it affected the way I was breathing. Outside of that, it gave me a yeast infection on my tongue. I’d never take this drug ever again! This drug causes more harm than good. If you need an antibiotic, find a functional doctor. Natural medicine has been around for years, and it works."

1 / 10
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  • Num...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 22, 2019

"Tried taking metronidazole (500 mg twice a day) for a BV infection. I am 20.5 weeks pregnant. After two doses, I got numbness and tingling in my face. I immediately stopped the drug. Went to the hospital, and they feel it may be an allergic reaction but don't know when the numbness will stop. Praying it goes away. Been 24 hours."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.