Metronidazole and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Jul...
• January 20, 2021

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I am on day 4 out of 7 taking this metronidazole antibiotic. I was prescribed 2 per day. I have awful fatigue and brain fogginess. I feel like I am in a dream, my stomach is so sick, and I have super painful stomach cramping that had me in tears today. Diarrhea as well. I’m very nauseous even if I take this with food. This medication is very hard to take. I want to give up on it. I’ve never experienced side effects like this."

• Net...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Nah-ah. Never again. Worst medication I have ever taken. On my second day of taking this tablet, I was feeling nauseous. My appetite was bad, and my stomach felt sick. Headaches, fatigue, easily irritated. I dreaded taking it when the time came. It made me absolutely miserable. My resting heart rate went up to 105 bpm. Even raising my voice ever so slightly made my heart pound harder. It was very stressful. Steer clear. I felt stupid taking this medicine for side effects that were much worse than the reason I needed them for."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2019

For Diverticulitis "My doctor prescribed metronidazole and Cipro for diverticulitis. I have been taking them for 9 days and have been extremely tired and fatigued, with bouts of diarrhea, and I basically head to the bathroom within a few minutes of eating anything. I am on a probiotic and eating Activia yogurt to help with the stomach issues. I also started having severe upper abdominal and back pain, which is a weird sensation. I did not know what was causing this, but I read on this site where a few other folks had the same problems. UGH!! I'm still having some very low tenderness in my lower colon area, but I think the constant bathroom trips are possibly causing this problem. I guess I should go back to the doctor, but do not want to. I'm really concerned about the upper abdominal and back pain. It is fairly constant and feels tender to the touch. Good luck out there, folks! Diverticulitis is no fun."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2014

For Trichomoniasis "I had to take a one-time dose of 4 500mg capsules. About two hours after taking the dose, I noticed I was feeling extremely tired. I was driving and decided to make my way home, so I wouldn't recommend driving. About 4 hours after, I felt a lot of nausea and general flu-like symptoms. I felt like I needed to sleep but was unable to fall asleep. These symptoms were not unbearable. It's been 3 days since I've taken this medication, and I still have minor side effects lingering. I have been having great sleep, random nausea, vivid dreams, and random bouts of fatigue. ALL of my symptoms from trichomoniasis have disappeared, so I would recommend this medication."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2013

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I have been taking Flagyl and Cipro for Diverticulitis, and it seems to be helping. After my stay in the hospital where the doctor put me on a food rest for several days, including IV antibiotics, he prescribed these two meds. There are some issues I have had taking them, such as low energy level, limited concentration when getting tired, but most of all nausea. I recommend if you are going to be taking either or both of these meds, always take with plenty of food (meal time, not just a snack), don't plan on doing too much (you won't have the energy), and ask your doctor for an as-needed prescription of a nausea medicine just in case you need it. I have needed something for nausea at least once daily since on the medicine."

• PKi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2019

For Diverticulitis "Was put on Cypro and Flagyl for diverticulitis. Worked very well. Still have some pain, but most of the issues have gone away. I do have some fatigue, but that could also be a result of having a major infection. The bottom line is things would be far worse without these antibiotics."

• Sev...
• November 3, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Taking Flagyl and Cipro for diverticulitis, and got all the symptoms as everyone else. Dry mouth, headaches, funny taste in mouth, diarrhea, and generally feel sluggish, tired, and beside myself. Though I was the only one feeling like crap, but the pain is gone, and I too am on a better diet. Seven days left, and I am throwing these empty bottles in the trash!"

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2020

For Dental Abscess "I would never take this drug again. Side effects included: * Violent vomiting even when I had nothing left in my stomach to throw up * Nausea * Diarrhea (hasn't stopped since I finished the dose 3 days ago) * Fatigue * Tingly legs and feet / shaky at times / felt unbalanced * Yeast infection on torso * Fungal acne breakout on face * Loss of appetite Tips: * If you are taking it 3 times a day, take it 8 hours apart (so 7 am, 3 pm, and 11 pm) with as much food as you can stomach * Do not drink alcohol 2 days before starting (or while taking) * Drink as many probiotics as you can * Stay close to home / bed / toilet * Ask your doctor for something else."

• Tra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2014

Metronidazole for Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Most horrible side effects: bitter taste in mouth even hours after administration, balance problems, confusion, surroundings seem unreal, like walking in a dream (not a good one), concentration problems, general malaise, not able to eat anything but oatmeal and mashed potatoes. Extreme weight loss. Had to stop after 11 doses. Stomach worse than before. I have to add that I also had Amoxicillin and Protonix at the same time, maybe the combination was at fault for this extreme reaction."

• CCB...
• December 31, 2015

Metronidazole 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."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Mis...
• April 12, 2013

For Diverticulitis "Personally, after reading these stories and not knowing if everyone (besides those who stated) was taking Metronidazole with something else. I have had a few flare-ups, and I cannot take a combination of Cipro/Metronidazole as this causes the weird feelings and extreme lethargy. Metronidazole alone (besides the bad taste when you pop it), no problems. Occasionally slight nausea and bloating, but nothing else. I just don't take the combination anymore, which was horrible. Straight Metronidazole now, 500 mg, 3 times a day, 10 days...done."

• bar...
• February 23, 2014

For Dental Abscess "I was put on amoxicillin for an abscessed tooth, and it helped but did not completely clear the infection. I'm on Flagyl now, and I feel better than I have in years. Instead of sleeping ten hours a night, I am sleeping about six, and yet I have more energy than I have ever had. I feel so good right now that I would like to take this forever. My fibromyalgia is in remission, and the chronic fatigue is gone. This is awesome. I wonder if the really bad side effects for other patients are because they are allergic to it, or this antibiotic is just not the right one for the infection that they have (and are they staying away from fermented sugars/alcohol?)."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Omg, I loathe taking these pills, it's all I can think about all day, and I'm only on day 3 of a 7-day treatment for BV. I feel awful: severe headache, fatigue that has kept me in bed all 3 days, nausea, loss of my appetite, dizziness, bloated, gassy, muscle aches like I have the flu. Is there nothing with fewer side effects to take for this? I barely had any BV symptoms to start with, I feel like a dysfunctional zombie. There's no way I'm gonna make it through 4 more days. I can't function like this. Everyone's body is different, my body doesn't react well to this."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2017

For Trichomoniasis "So I want to know if anybody else has symptoms of body aches and loss of appetite after taking this antibiotic. I was diagnosed with trichomoniasis and was given four pills at the doctor. After a day, I started having joint pain, couldn't eat, and I feel very fatigued, my body hurts. I just want my normal self back. The infection, I think it's gone, I don't see any abnormal discharge anymore, but this whole experience makes me not want to have sex ever again. I am traumatized. Please, everybody out there reading this, let's protect ourselves from getting infections like this, it's not worth our health. I just hope this pain I'm having goes away, it hurts so bad."

• Jml...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I am taking metronidazole 500 mg three times daily for 10 days along with Augmentin (cannot take Cipro) for diverticulitis. This is my fourth round of these meds this year for recurrent diverticulitis. It always alleviates the nasty problem but returns several weeks later despite taking each dose of the regimen religiously. I will have a colonoscopy soon and will likely require a colon resection. The drugs produce very uncomfortable side effects including nausea, diarrhea, metallic taste, fog, headache, and fatigue. I have a suggestion that has helped tremendously in reducing side effects. Purchase Floragen in the refrigerator section at your pharmacy and take one an hour before your first antibiotic dose each day. It lines your gut with “good” bacteria and seems to help 80-90% with nausea. I’m still “off” but very manageable. I will finish metronidazole in 3 days and pray that I never have to take another dose."

• NRa...
• November 21, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "On second therapy after initial 14-day antibiotic treatment failed to rid of H. pylori. First time 140 pills, now a combination of antibiotics totaling 260 pills in 14 days. I am on a PPI, metronidazole, tetracycline, and Pepto. After taking my 3rd of 4 doses of Metron, my head starts pounding. I drink 8 oz of water for each of the 8 antibiotics daily, plus whatever extra I take from the PPI and regular water consumption outside of the antibiotics. I don’t drink, smoke, or consume caffeine, so it’s none of those. I have been a model prescription medicine taker and followed the instructions to a T. Anything after noon, when I take my third dose of this medication, is downhill. I basically become a vegetable. I’m on day 4, I don’t remember what side effects I had last treatment, but I do remember by the end of it I was ready to throw in the towel and lock myself in a closet to cry my eyes out. Side effects: irritability, fatigue, nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, moody."

• Liz...
• April 2, 2013

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Started taking Flagyl for bacterial vaginitis on Friday. Didn't start feeling side effects until late Saturday, where I experienced flu-like symptoms. It is now Tuesday, and I can't wait until my last dose. I am taking 500 mg every 12 hours for 7 days. I also have interstitial cystitis, which I think the medicine is irritating my bladder. Fatigue is the worst symptom so far, doesn't help when I work midnights and am already tired. No diarrhea though, and no yeast infection yet. When they prescribed it to me, I was not happy! I just tell myself the benefits outweigh the risks. I just hope my interstitial cystitis symptoms subside when this is done."

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

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "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!"

• Its...
• July 3, 2019

For Trichomoniasis "I was given Flagyl in 2017 for BV. I could not take it as it made me feel weird. In 2018, I was diagnosed with Trich. They gave me the one dose (did not work). In 2019, I was diagnosed with Trichomoniasis again. They gave me one 2000 mg dose again. I was retested 10 days later and positive again but with minimal parasites, so the doctor wanted me to do a 7-day dose. I was scared and nervous as is, but started it because it was the only med to work and wanted to be done with it. It was tough the first few days, but after the 5th day, my body got used to it. Nausea, fatigue, and headaches were the main side effects. I've finished the course a day ago now, and my advice is only read positive reviews, take the med with a lot of food. Eat a bit, take your pill, eat the rest of the food. Do not take it on an empty stomach and do not take it right before bed, woke up sicker than heck. Take it 2 hours before you lay down so it isn't stuck in your throat all night. Your body does seem to adjust to it."

• Cin...
• April 11, 2017

For Diverticulitis "If I could give a neg 100, I would. I hate this drug. Horrible side effects, I'm still dizzy and have brain fog after 3 months. I had a severe headache, vomiting, severe anxiety, horrible brain fog, fatigue, no appetite. I still have anxiety! Cipro or any fluoroquinolone is usually prescribed with this. I have to say shame on all the doctors who give any fluoroquinolone out since Bayer themselves and the FDA sent out warning letters. The FDA safety review found that both oral and injectable fluoroquinolones are associated with disabling side effects involving tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and the central nervous system. These side effects can occur hours to weeks after exposure to fluoroquinolones and may potentially be permanent."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I am currently taking this antibiotic, I am on day five. I honestly can't wait until it is over. I am an athlete in college, and I can say that ever since taking this, it has affected my performance. I also wish I would have started this earlier because it has me extremely tired and fatigued, and this is FINALS week. I get constant headaches, an awful taste left in my mouth all day, and I don't really have much of an appetite either. I've also been having horrible abdominal pain that sometimes isn't tolerable. I really do hate the side effects, but I will go through this if it will make me better. The discharge as well as the foul smell has gone away, which is what motivates me to keep taking this. I have only two more days to go. Wish me luck!!"