Flagyl and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2020

For Diverticulitis "Having nausea every day about 3 hours after taking Flagyl, also started feeling cramps in both calves on day 3. Only have 1 1/2 days left! Will be taking probiotics and eating yogurt, as was suggested by someone in this comment stream!"

• 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."

• Gar...
• June 20, 2015

For Diverticulitis "Prescribed Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis, and both worked well. Hard to tease out which caused some of the side effects, however, Flagyl seemed the milder of the two. Bad pill taste is no problem, but the metallic taste tainted everything. So glad to hear others experienced heightened/changed sense of smell! I thought I was going crazy! No nausea with the Flagyl alone, but about an hour after adding the Cipro, the exhaustion and nausea are awful. Also, dark urine and diarrhea, which are unsettling but sound normal."

• Kyr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Bread is the key. I've taken metronidazole 500 mg 2 times a day for 7 days. This is my 9th set of them, seeing that I'm prone to BV. Every time I get them, I get nauseous, sick headaches, stomach pains, weak, and the taste is the worst thing in life. It always hits my tongue or back of my throat. I never finish a bottle, I always leave about 3-4 pills because I can never finish, and the symptoms clear after about 3 days. Well, after my last visit, that is why it always comes back, you have to take the whole dosage. But it was such a hard pill I never could. Well, this time I learned to wrap them in bread. Problem solved!!! I wrap it around the bread and just swallow it. It's like you never took a pill :) No taste, no headaches, no nausea, and I even take it without food sometimes. No symptoms whatsoever! This is a big help in my life because I've dealt with this for a year and a half back to back because I have a very sensitive body! Now, if I ever need to take them, everything is perfectly fine :) I recommend doing that because I believe the taste is what causes the symptoms... at least for me."

• Kyr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Bread is the key. I've taken metronidazole 500 mg 2 times a day for 7 days. This is my 9th set of them, seeing that I'm prone to BV. Every time I get them, I get nauseous, sick headaches, stomach pains, weak, and the taste is the worst thing in life. It always hits my tongue or back of my throat. I never finish a bottle, I always leave about 3-4 pills because I can never finish, and the symptoms clear after about 3 days. Well, after my last visit, that is why it always comes back, you have to take the whole dosage. But it was such a hard pill I never could. Well, this time I learned to wrap them in bread. Problem solved!!! I wrap it around the bread and just swallow it. It's like you never took a pill :) No taste, no headaches, no nausea, and I even take it without food sometimes. No symptoms whatsoever! This is a big help in my life because I've dealt with this for a year and a half back to back because I have a very sensitive body! Now, if I ever need to take them, everything is perfectly fine :) I recommend doing that because I believe the taste is what causes the symptoms... at least for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "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!!"

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I went to my doctor for lower abdominal pain and was told I had diverticulitis. I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro. It started out with nausea, so I called my doctor because I had terrible nausea, and I was prescribed Zofran. I still have two and a half days left, and it's absolute torture! I have never had side effects like this: debilitating nausea, headaches, chills and sweats, lethargy, metallic taste, diarrhea, and I am having trouble sleeping because of the nausea and my upset stomach. I kind of feel like I have the flu without a fever. I am up right now at 4 a.m., sipping ginger ale, trying to get through the night. The pain in my abdomen has subsided. This medication is very harsh on the body."

• 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."

• ste...
• August 19, 2015

For Diverticulitis "Was put on Flagyl and Cipro for 1 week. I'm light-headed and only want to sleep! Nauseous, and my mouth tastes awful. I am glad to read all of these posts, and I thought I was getting a secondary sinus infection. My last pills were on a Monday, and today, Wednesday, I still feel 'in the clouds.'"

• Suf...
• October 9, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "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!"

• Div...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2014

For Diverticulitis "Flagyl leaves a bad taste in my mouth after a couple of days, makes my urine smell bad, and causes nausea (so get some anti-nausea meds along with it). That being said, it does the job very well. Noticeable improvement within 1-3 days."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2013

For Trichomoniasis "I started the medicine and didn't have any side effects for up to three days, but after the third day, the side effects hit me big time. I was sick to my stomach, and I had vomiting. I didn't have a problem with the taste of the pill, I just threw it in the back of my throat and chugged some juice to make it go away really quickly. My infection seems to have cleared up after the first two days. No discharge or itching. Haven't had intercourse yet to see if the discomfort was gone, but will make another review when that happens. Great medicine!"

• lon...
• November 9, 2014

For Diverticulitis "I ended up in the ER with diverticulitis and was given Cipro and Flagyl. Yes, the taste is bitter, and things don't taste so good. However, despite the taste, I have gotten significantly better with the two medicines, and that is the main thing for me. As with any medicines, some of us will experience different side effects, if any, but if this is one of them, this is very minor. I did not experience the nausea or a lot of other ones I read about with these medicines."

• wyn...
• November 7, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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!"

• Sea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2015

For Diverticulitis "First off, don't forget that a lot of people are probably doing excellent with little to no problems with this antibiotic. Sort of like you never really hear from happy customers, usually the unsatisfied ones. Also, that everyone's body reacts differently. ...that being said, Holy Cow, the nausea! Ugh... Stomach cramps and pretty much constant nausea all day today (day 2). Eventually, had to leave work early. Pepto did not help. Going to try taking Nauzene with me to work tomorrow, see if it helps. (OTC nausea medication - a lifesaver in the past) Taking it with Cipro. Been on this combo before for my diverticulitis without so many stomach problems. Still a better option than the huge waves of pain from a flare-up."

• 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!"

• 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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

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

For Bacterial Infection "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."

• AT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2019

For Diverticulitis "This is the 4th time I have had diverticulitis, and one of the things I dread is having to take 500 mg of Cipro (2x a day) and 500 mg of Flagyl (3x a day) for 10 days. The nausea and stomach ache are horrible. I am now on the 7th day, and this morning I began thinking about why the problems remain so many hours after I take the drugs. I thought perhaps the drugs were not dissolving properly, so I cut the pills in half and took them in 2 pieces. I have not had nausea or stomach pain today. It did not help the fatigue and weakness, however."