Flagyl and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "Been on this for a week! Even though it's taking care of my issue, I can't wait to take my last pill. I've been sick to my stomach, loss of appetite, headache, dizzy, blurry vision, disoriented, fatigued, can't sleep well. Just ready for this course to be over."

• Num...
• November 19, 2019

For Diverticulitis "Taking the antibiotic combo metronidazole and Cipro for a flare-up of diverticulitis and now on day 4. My side effects are that I feel so dreadful, very weak, no appetite at all, dizzy, nauseated, night sweats, vaginal discharge, diarrhea, and I have lost 7 lbs already. Forcing small bits of food down as I have to eat something, drinking lots of water, feel nauseated. I am in the UK. This medicine is utterly brutal and toxic, but my pain is nearly gone. Longing for day 7 to end the drama."

• alo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Went in for my Pap smear and found out I had BV. I was prescribed Flagyl (1 tablet 2x a day). The first day I only took one pill during my lunch break but forgot to take the second that night. The next day I took two pills as prescribed (morning and night). The following morning I noticed dark urine... allegedly that's a 'rare' side effect. I’ve also experienced dry mouth, a metallic aftertaste, headaches, and loss of appetite. Other than that, I do see an improvement already. I’m glad these pills work quickly, just hoping I won’t have to take it ever again after the 7th day."

• Lal...
• December 23, 2013

For Diverticulitis "It seems I've had experiences that a lot of these other people do with feeling worse than I did before on these medications with the Cipro and Flagyl. I'm nauseous, I'm dizzy, I have a foggy brain, I can't eat, the taste is horrible, and I feel like I can't function. I've been on this for the second time in a year, and it's doing the same thing, same side effects. I don't like feeling this way at all. I can't drive or go to work. I've been on it for 4 days out of 10, and it's Christmas! My pain has subsided, though."

• ECa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Flagyl antibiotic sent me to the psych hospital! Within 24 hours of taking Flagyl, I was having side effects of being super drowsy, couldn't eat, having panic attacks, hallucinations, and so depressed I couldn't even get out of bed. I was also really confused and just out of it. I went to the psych hospital, where they made me finish the course, and it took WEEKS before I felt okay mentally. In its defense, it got rid of the BV. Flagyl is one of the most powerful and potent antibiotics out there, and I would only recommend it if you really need it."

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro Sunday night when I went to the ER for severe abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed acute colitis. Day 3 of antibiotics and now feeling nauseous, light-headed, no appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pain gone but will suffer through if it clears up those pesky parasites. Doc said could be short or long term. I vote for short. The docs should warn of possible side effects to prepare a person."

• lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I have SIBO, and my doctor prescribed Flagyl 250 mg 3 times/day for 14 days and Rifaximin 3 times/day for 14 days to treat SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Overall, my experience with Flagyl was unpleasant. I experienced moderate side effects that made me feel worse, so I stopped after 4 days and kept on the Rifaximin with no problems. On Flagyl, I experienced fatigue. When I tried to work out to boost energy, I felt horrendous: nauseous with flu-like symptoms. I experienced loss of appetite for normal healthy foods and found that I was binging on unhealthy foods. A slight metallic taste in my mouth, and a moderate feeling of upset stomach that came and went. Also, moderate bloating. If I had been extremely sick and Flagyl made me feel better, I may have kept on it, but for someone with mild SIBO, this drug wasn't worth it. If you're only mildly ill, I'd suggest finding an alternative medicine, if possible."

• Non...
• April 11, 2012

For Diverticulitis "The taste it leaves in your mouth is horrible, but I have been on it along with Cipro since Saturday and as of this morning could tell a big difference in how I feel. The soreness in my lower stomach is almost gone and until today it has been unbearable. It leaves a metallic taste in your mouth, takes away your appetite and made me feel nauseous but I would take it again if I had another flare up with the Diverticulitis it seems to help."

• mac...
• October 20, 2011

For Diverticulitis "While I'm confident Flagyl is working, I have suffered some severe side effects, one of which is unlisted. I believe it is working because my abdominal pain has significantly decreased since being diagnosed with diverticulitis about 1 week ago. I am also taking Cipro. The reported side effect of having a metallic taste is very understated! Not only do I have an AWFUL paint/chemical taste constantly in my mouth, but my sense of smell is on overdrive! This has contributed significantly to my loss of appetite, nausea, and in many cases my inability to function. I threw away my sheets because I couldn't sleep; I carry around room deodorizer with me because whenever I walk into a room I gag due to the smells - that are only overwhelming to me."

• Spa...
• November 30, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• CCB...
• December 31, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2013

For Giardiasis "I took Flagyl and Cipro for giardia and salmonella diagnosis. Both taken for one week. The Flagyl has a terrible taste, and you have to drink something besides water while you are taking it because everything tastes metallic. It works to eradicate the infection, but I was very happy when the seven days of treatment were over. I also experienced a lack of appetite, however, you must eat something when you take Flagyl, or it will upset your stomach. Other side effects experienced: bloating, burping, hiccups, terrible taste in my mouth all the time, lack of energy. But the need for the medication outweighs the side effects, and it took care of the infection."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to the ER with acute diverticulitis and was prescribed Metronidazole along with Cipro and pain pills. I was administered a couple of pain shots and thought I could go home and take these meds and get better. Three days later, I was back in the ER and let them admit me this time. The terrible headaches, horrific taste in my mouth, nausea, and vomiting were about more than I could bear. I have had sleeve surgery, and so my stomach is small, but this gave me such bad heartburn and indigestion, I could not imagine a medicine making a person this sick. I also had diarrhea with every bathroom trip and very dark urine. I couldn't even stand the taste of water, or the food I ate tasted horrible, along with a lack of appetite, lethargy, and lightheadedness. I finished my prescription of ten days, but I hope I never have to take this horrible drug again. One good thing about it is my diverticulitis pain is gone, and I pray it will never return."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• sur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2022

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "The reviews I saw for this drug scared the hell out of me. I was dealing with stomach issues for months before finally going to the doctor for it. I had every symptom of H. pylori, and a blood test confirmed it. I started out with clarithromycin, and I had an awful experience, I had every single side effect. I switched to Flagyl. I had a 14-day treatment with one pill every 8 hours. I'm 19 and weighed 115. After the medicine, I now weigh 108 but feel better than I ever have before. YOU NEED THIS!! The treatment is not as bad as everyone says. Remember to take probiotics. The first week was great, the only side effects I had were loss of appetite, diarrhea, and my urine was a much darker color. I never had a bad metallic taste, but my tongue felt coated, like something was constantly at the back of my throat. Eating and drinking helped with that. My GI doctor prescribed me Protonix, Zofran, and Levsin before the treatment, which seemed to really help while also taking the antibiotics."

• dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2015

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "Took 500 mg 3 times per day for 14 days to treat a C. diff infection. Within the 1st week, the side effects kicked in. Horrible taste in my mouth 24/7, then followed by constant nausea and loss of appetite. I was so nauseous by the end that I couldn't get off the couch. Took it with meals, and I haven't had an alcoholic drink in 3 years. Chewed gum all the time to deal with the taste. Horrible side effects, but very effective. Was feeling normal again within a few days of starting it."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "The side effects from Flagyl have been worse than my original symptoms of H. pylori. Explosive diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, urgency, and general discomfort. I have two days left of a 10-day, 3 times a day cycle. I cannot wait for it to be over. Don't take this stuff unless you have to. It has been hard."

• ADB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to the ER with abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and feeling sick. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and was prescribed Flagyl, Bactrim, and Tramadol, none of which I have taken before. Gag! That's all I've been doing since taking the antibiotics, that and the hot and cold sweats, and feeling terrible. The worst is the Tramadol, which after the third dose I will not take another. I felt terrible anxiety and googled that drug and found that is a side effect in some people. I'm sipping chamomile tea to try to help the gagging with little relief, but I am taking in fluids. I have no appetite, food makes me gag when I look at it. It was good to read others' comments that this is expected with the antibiotics. This is day 2, I have 5 more to go."

• smo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2016

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "Absolutely awful side effects. First, the dark urine color (not really a problem, but bizarre), then the fatigue, the nausea, the total loss of appetite. I was on this for 10 days for a C. diff infection (caused by clindamycin... AVOID CLINDAMYCIN), and I lost ten pounds. I had to force food down my throat just so I wouldn't wither away, and I could barely get out of bed. Took care of the worst of the C. diff, but not all of it. I still have a C. diff culture in my gut 6 months later."

• med...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I went on a holiday to Thailand and developed a bloated stomach with wind and later diarrhea. The doctor prescribed Flagyl to kill any bugs in the intestine. We know that in these countries it is rather easy to get a bug from foods. After many trips, I finally got a Bangkok belly. After taking 400 mg three times a day, I felt some relief the next day. Felt good. Then the next day, I woke up feeling terrible. I had sneezing, a runny nose, a feeling of tightness in the nose (harder to breathe), asthma, dry lips, rashes on the hands, body aches, lack of appetite, feeling lethargic and tired, along with wind in the stomach and slight nausea. Diarrhea was almost gone. Most side effects were happening to me on the fourth day."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "I felt fine until day 4, where my whole body was aching. I had to take the day off work and stay in bed to try to recover and rest. No nausea at all or metallic taste, but definitely muscle weakness, low appetite, and very low mood. Worst antibiotic I have ever taken, will be devastated to go through this and not see a result. Here’s hoping!"

• Pat...
• August 31, 2019

For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "For the first couple of days, every time I took this, I was overcome with a severe migraine. After a few days, the migraines stopped, but what came next was far worse: insomnia, fever, fainting, no appetite, severe exhaustion, dizziness, and brain fog/decreased motor skills. Due to the medicine’s side effects, I was convinced my uterine infection was killing me, going septic. I couldn’t tell if I was sick from the infection or from the antibiotics - neither could the doctor. Hours after my final dose, I collapsed, BP dropped, fever and shakes set in. I spent the next 3 days in bed, unable to eat, with constant diarrhea, heart palpitations, vertigo, too nauseated to speak, unable to do anything but sleep. It has now been 4 days since I’ve been off the medication. I am still dizzy and quite weak, but I feel a little more normal. I hope the uterine infection has been properly managed. Time will tell if the side effects were worth it."

• Sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I only have 2 days left, thank goodness. I'm taking 500 mg twice a day. This medication is working very well, but if I ever run into this problem again, I will opt for a different medication only because I am constantly nauseous and have no appetite whatsoever. It has been like my whole pregnancy in 5 days without actually being sick this time. I just have to keep reminding myself, 2 more days, then you're done."