Metronidazole and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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!!"

• raf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I was prescribed metronidazole, doxycycline, Prilosec, and bismuth for two weeks to treat H. pylori. My side effects include headaches, cramps, upset stomach, tingling sensation, fogginess, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and an awfully bad metallic taste. I can't concentrate on anything, my stool is pitch black, and I feel depressed. Metronidazole is very hard to swallow, it is very bitter and wreaks havoc on my stomach. For all the trouble I went through, I hope H. pylori is eradicated from my system."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I seem to get bacterial vaginitis often, about 2-3 times a year. I tried Flagyl in the pill form and vaginal gel on different occasions. For me, they both clear up the infection by the 3rd day. The only difference is, I do not experience side effects with the vaginal gel, but with the pill, I experience stomach cramps and fatigue."

• tci...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

For Diverticulitis "Just finished my second course of taking Metronidazole, 500 mg, 3 x a day for 7 days. I was taking this along with Ciprofloxacin for recurring diverticulitis. The first course was six weeks ago, but at 400 mg instead of 500 mg. Side effects in round one included a bad metallic taste in my mouth that lasted the entire course, headache/pain behind my left eye, on and off nausea. This most recent course was a bit more harsh with the constant metallic taste in my mouth and severe fatigue, but no headaches this time. The meds seem to do the trick with getting rid of the stomach pains on the lower left side of my abdomen, but the side effects are unpleasant. Best advice is to try and ride it out if you can as the meds work."

• Cd4...
• June 13, 2017

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Was prescribed Flagyl for BV but was never entirely sure I even had it as no tests were conducted. Took the pills and am so happy tomorrow is my last day! Literally the worst side effects ever, day one wasn't so bad, just had a metallic taste in my mouth, but every other day I've experienced headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue to where I'm sleeping all day. The medication is so much worse than the slight issues I even had."

• Eve...
• December 2, 2017

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was diagnosed with SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) in July of this year. Had my first round of antibiotics in August (21 days). I'm now on my 2nd round of antibiotics, this time I’m on 500 mg of Flagyl and 875 mg of Augmentin. I’m about 2 weeks in or 14 days in, and I feel horrible. Back pain, pain in both my feet and hands. Dizziness, very fatigued. All I want to do is sleep. I had changes in my urine and stools. Went to the ER because I thought I was literally going to die. I suffer from anxiety, so this medication just makes it worse. I have a racing heart rate, and all my labs and CT of my organs came back normal, thank God. Funny how meds can fix one thing but cause all sorts of other things."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 6, 2018

For Diverticulitis "I am prescribed metronidazole fairly frequently for recurrent diverticulitis, usually 400 mg 3 times daily for ten days, alongside co-amoxiclav 500 mg 3 times daily for ten days. Co-amoxiclav I can handle all day long, but metronidazole is just really hard work. It causes severe headaches and confusion, extreme fatigue and apathy, dizziness, slurred speech. I would be severely idiotic to even attempt to drive. I get a racing heartbeat, hot hands, gurgling stomach so loud it wakes me up, my stomach feels like it turns to stone, and then there's the nausea. Relentless, overpowering nausea worsened with movement, but no vomiting. All those disgusting, unbearable physical side effects are bad enough, but worst for me is the state of mind it creates. I honestly feel a deep depression whenever I take metronidazole. Not because of the side effects, just in general. I feel so utterly, wretchedly depressed and desolate I don't know what to do with myself. It is a horrifically dangerous drug in my opinion."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• roy...
• July 22, 2017

For Diverticulitis "After a month of pain that I could not bear. I had to go to the ER, where I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. I was on moxifloxacin and Tylenol. I had to schedule a colonoscopy, which shows nothing. I was revisited by the left-side lower pain. Had to get Cipro and Flagyl. No fever but reduced appetite. I am on, but as stated by all, the metallic taste and feeling of weakness and sluggishness. My second day on medication will update as time goes on."

• Ouc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "Went to the ER because of intense pelvic pain and ended up having PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) from BV, a kidney infection, and a 7 cm cyst on my ovary. I was prescribed Flagyl dose 500 mg 3x a day and doxy 100 mg 2x a day. I have felt like these were actually harming me so much. Constant fatigue, awful taste in my mouth. If I didn’t eat with it, I would throw up. The nausea was constant. The thought of food even made me nauseous. I was constantly anxious and worrying and also had a constant headache. Fixed the problem, but definitely the worst two weeks of my life."

• ker...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I took this for BV along with an oral medication for a mild yeast infection. I wasn't even having symptoms for the BV, just found out with an annual PAP, but the side effects are brutal. By day 2, headaches and dizziness. Day 3-5, extreme fatigue, weakness, major head fog, loss of appetite, and though I already suffer from depression and anxiety, this medication seemed to make it so much worse. Seeing as though I didn't experience symptoms for the BV in the first place, I'm not sure if the medication is worth the side effects. I would ask for a better option."

• Ash...
• July 16, 2014

For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "Prescribed with this 500 mg medication for a seven-day period, taking twice per day every 12 hours. The pill is disgusting, so don't just grab any drink to take it with. Put fluid (water) in your mouth first, as if you're about to gargle, and tilt your head back and push the pill through your lips, and it will float towards your throat, so just swallow and you're done. My mistake was taking it with lemonade. It seemed as if there was an eruption of the pill in my mouth. I have 4 days to go, and the side effects have decreased, which were chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, butt numbness, hot flashes, and tingling extremities. My vaginal odor is gone already."

• eri...
• April 13, 2017

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Pathetic medicine. I was prescribed Flagyl 400 mg, 3 times a day for 3 days. After day one, I felt the side effects immediately. Tiredness, fatigue, headaches, and increased sensitivity being the major ones. The worst part is, after completing my course, I'm still feeling the side effects. Sensitivity to light has increased along with dizziness and fatigue!"

• Eve...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2015

For Giardiasis "On day 7 of 10 of taking Metronidazole, and I still feel like shit! Being treated for a parasite that was making me feel awful, but not this awful! I know in the long run this will be beneficial as the parasite will be gone, however, taking it for ten days is exhausting. I have had to take the entire week off work. Side effects include stomach pain, nausea upon movement, brown urine, back pain, fatigue. And the foul taste! People really haven't exaggerated the taste - it is vile and constant! Can't wait to be done!"

• Cas...
• April 15, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "Though this is clearing up my infection, as I am writing this, I am in so much discomfort. My anxiety is crazy, and what saved me from rushing to the ER was reading these comments. Everyone is experiencing what I’m feeling, and somehow that makes me feel better. Not that I wish any of you this pain, but knowing I am not alone is somehow comforting. I know it’s fixing my BV, but I can’t even describe the bloating, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, heartburn, and gas. I’m a student and am lucky that I am doing school from home. Just getting out of bed is a chore. My chest and back also hurt. Likely from the combo of bloating and heartburn, since the bloating pushes on my diaphragm, causing me to use my muscles more often to try to breathe deeper! This is miserable. I feel for everyone out there who has had to take this. Also, the taste is horrendous. I have to psych myself up to take it. I am also so dang thirsty no matter how much water I drink."

• Val...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "This is the final day of my 10-day prescription of Flagyl 750 mg x3 daily for a parasite infection, and over the last nine days, this is what I have been experiencing: - Bad or metallic taste in the mouth. - Nausea. - Little fatigue. - Moody. - A few bloating periods. - 8th and 9th days frequent diarrhea. I don't know if the parasite infection is still there, nor what to expect after the dosage. Would love to hear feedback from someone in a similar position. Thanks."

• Fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2016

For Giardiasis "I have no idea whether my symptoms are from the giardiasis or Flagyl. I have constant headache, abdominal pain, nausea, can't eat, major weight loss, and severe fatigue. I cannot work and am barely functioning. Whatever is causing this, I hope it goes away when I am done with this drug. I have never been so sick in my life."

• Anonymous
• May 22, 2019

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Prescribed metronidazole for H. pylori. This medication made me totally unable to do anything. Extremely weak muscles and extreme fatigue. Missed work. Two weeks after finishing, still battling weakness in my muscles and fatigue. Never will I take it again."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2013

For Bacterial Infection "I took this along with Cipro. After 3 days on a 10-day treatment, I was feeling much better. I made the decision to discontinue both. I had horrible diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a nasty taste in my mouth, no appetite, zero energy, and sleepiness. I would not take this combo again for anything. I lost 5 lbs while taking it due to the inability to eat or drink much."

• Mis...
• February 18, 2021

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I went for a pelvic exam and was told I have BV, so I was prescribed metronidazole. I had to take 1 tablet every 12 hours for 7 days. So I took 1 at 8:30 am and 1 at 8:30 pm for the 7 days. I thought I was doing well with the medication, but I noticed it has a horrible metallic taste when I put the tablet in my mouth. Then, for some reason, around day 3 or 4, I started having extreme bouts of anxiety and depression. I started crying out of nowhere and felt extremely moody. It was insane! Throughout the rest of the days, I was having anxiety again where I was about to delete my social media platform for no reason, and I was getting irritable with people around me. I would have racing 'What if' thoughts and cry when I had those anxiety attacks! On day 4, I had diarrhea and was fatigued. I started having some itchy rashes on my skin and vivid, scary dreams. The side effects of this medication were so bad! My BV has disappeared, but I would NOT recommend this medication."

• Ric...
• July 18, 2017

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "Just finished 500 mg 3 times/day for 14 days, and so happy to be done. Am going to the doctor tomorrow to make sure the Clostridium infection (that I got from the antibiotics I took for pneumonia) cleared up. Side effects included nausea, fatigue, light-headedness, pain/pressure in the abdomen (though this one might have been from the infection itself) and panic attacks at night. The nausea and fatigue were severe, but not constant. Definitely worse late afternoon and evening. Things I found that helped were drinking pop on ice, eating, and taking the medication with food, which I had to force myself to do -- 2 bananas and then the capsule. Drinking lemonade made it worse. I'm 63 and small, so if I can do it, you can too. The infection was worse than the medication."

• Jor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2016

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "My rating is not on the medicine's efficacy as I am only halfway through. I just want to share the hellacious side effects that I have had on it. I literally want to die. Constant headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and absolutely everything tastes terrible. The pharmacist recommended lots of Gatorade to battle dehydration, but nothing helps. I'm determined to finish the 10 days to beat my infection, but I'm not sure I won't die before then (yes, some exaggeration, but I do feel terrible)."

• kja...
• May 5, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This medicine is great at killing infections. I had bacterial vaginitis pretty bad, and by day two, the symptoms were gone. I'm on day 5 of a 7-day treatment of 500 mg twice a day, and I haven't had many symptoms till tonight. Before, I was feeling some dizziness, some fatigue, and a lack of concentration. I was also suffering from very uncomfortable constipation. Tonight, after taking it, I've felt nauseous, and my stools are starting to get softer. I'm really afraid to take it tomorrow for fear of how bad it will make me feel."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Took this for C. diff. Worst side effects ever. Sweating, headache, bitterness, fatigue, nausea. Doctor said it's the only thing for C. diff. It's been 48 hours, everything is gone but fatigue. Hope I never have to take it again."

• Ann...
• June 3, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I contracted my first case of BV two weeks ago and thought it was a yeast infection. I waited a week before going in and getting tested. I was first prescribed clindamycin cream, which did absolutely nothing for me except worsen the symptoms and give me a UTI. I switched to Flagyl last night, and I started feeling noticeably better six hours later. I couldn't believe it! This morning, the terrible burning is gone. I am still going to take it for six more days because that's what the doctor told me to do. I am also upping my probiotic intake to replenish the good bacteria and prevent a yeast infection (100 billion CFUs a day). I would give it a 10/10 except for the fatigue and upset stomach I am experiencing."