Metronidazole and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Liv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2018

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was supposed to take this twice a day for 7 days. I took it for BV. The first 5 days were fine! It seems to clear up the smell and discharge really quick! I had very few symptoms until the 5th day. On the 5th day, it made my throat swell up to the point where I could barely swallow. Then it gave me extreme fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness, and made me feel weak. I felt high. I stopped taking it after five days. I went to see my doctor the next day, and hopefully I won’t have to take this again."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "TLDR: Cleared up infection but rocked me with pretty bad side effects. I was on Metronidazole for 5 days, three tablets a day at a 400 mg strength for a tooth infection. The dentist prescribed me this as I am allergic to penicillin. Day 1 - 2: Felt alright, tooth pain went away pretty quickly. But from Day 3 onwards, I developed some pretty bad flu-like symptoms: fever, flushing, nausea, fatigue, tiredness, and my entire body was aching. By day 5, my lower back was in a fair amount of pain, and I had to take cold showers and paracetamol to control the fever and sweats."

• Blu...
• July 12, 2018

For Giardiasis "I'm taking 5 400 mg Flagyl tablets daily with a meal, and I feel worse now than I did with Giardia. I've lost my appetite entirely, I've been stuck in bed for a week, and now I'm off work. I had been going to work with the Giardia because I thought it was IBS. But since I have been taking this poison (and it does feel exactly like I'm being poisoned), I barely get out of bed, I am so fatigued. I am finding it hard to concentrate, my mouth tastes like I have been chewing on aluminum foil. I feel nauseous constantly, constipated, and no matter how much water I drink, I feel dehydrated. My urine is a dark color with a strange smell. I have read this drug is an antagonist of vitamin B1, so I will start taking B1 and magnesium supplements to hopefully improve these horrible side effects. Good luck to anyone reading this. The only reason I have given it a GENEROUS two stars is that so far it has worked to reduce my giardia symptoms, but once I finish this course, I will NEVER touch this stuff again."

• Ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Not a fan of metronidazole, I’ve been prescribed it for ten days in combination with ciprofloxacin for 10 days and think I need to stop at day 7. The morning after the first day of taking the prescription, I woke up and could not move. It was as if I had barely any feeling in my limbs and no power to move them. It took me thirty minutes to figure out how to simply sit up. Overall, I experienced numbness, tingling, nausea, headaches, lower back pain, abdominal pain, a lot of fatigue, and horrible, realistic nightmares. The worst is the general fatigue and sleep issues, though. I told my doctor about all of this and he said to continue the medicine regardless. I hope to never take this medication again."

• Ano...
• April 11, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor had me taking this twice a day for 7 days. I'm on day 5 and have experienced dry mouth (from not wanting to drink), a few horrible headaches (possibly from not being able to drink, so dehydration), and periods of fatigue. Today I worked out and got extremely sick, which never happens, so some advice would be to not do a lot of exercise while on this. It's really not horrible, though. Definitely worth the side effects since my symptoms were so unpleasant. My doctor also told me not to drink on it."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Doctor diagnosed me with BV and gave me a Flagyl prescription: 2/day 500 mg. I have just completed the fourth day. I noticed the symptoms of BV subside by the second day, and by day four, the smell and rash are almost completely gone. I've been eating a lot of yogurt, drinking cranberry juice to deter UTI. I've had very little stomach pain, only after I eat dinner. The main side effect I have felt is a constant slight headache (nothing close to a migraine). I also get very fatigued after completing very simple tasks (I had to take a two-hour nap after sorting through some of my clothes to donate). Taste is horrid, but I started gulping it down with a smoothie or coconut water, and that disguises it. Worth taking, despite the side effects."

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I wish I had read these sooner. I had a similar situation as another poster here where my doctor diagnosed me without even checking to see whether I had BV or not, but he believed it was some sort of infection. I am on day 3 of 7 for this medication, and while the symptoms started out mildly, though I had a loss of appetite from day 1, the symptoms quickly increased, and now I'm experiencing flu-like symptoms where my body aches. I am constantly fatigued, and even on waking up, I am still exhausted. My head hurts, I feel nauseous, and my muscles are sore. I'm only continuing on with this medication because I'm told that if I stop taking it early, then things will be worse."

• Pic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I went to the doctor, as for 2 months I was experiencing diarrhea and mushy stools up to 5 times in 2 hours. I had lower left abdominal pain near the belly button, severe bloating, gas, belching, and stomach burning, no appetite, body aches, but no fever. The doctor never ran tests except for H. pylori. No other testing. I got prescribed Ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours and Metronidazole 500 mg every 8 hours, both for 10 days. I'm on day 5, and the side effects have definitely made me feel worse: metallic taste, burning stomach, still mushy stools, dizzy, confused, slurred speech, fatigue, and no energy. I have begun to see a thin white thread-like substance in my stool. Abdominal pain has subsided. I have no diagnosis, which is somewhat unsettling to me based on these harsh meds. I've also noticed that stools now have no odor at all. I have found that a banana and half a glass of milk help with the Metronidazole, but I cannot wait to be done with this medication."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2018

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "After having constant diarrhea for 10 days and losing 8 lbs, I was prescribed 500 mg X 3/day for 7 days. I just finished my last dose. I also took the pills with a probiotic. I did experience nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a headache throughout the treatment. However, none of the side effects were extreme. I have had some normal BMs, but I still have diarrhea. I’m just curious to know if it will go away or will I have to be prescribed another dose."

• Thi...
• May 4, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "It’s only day one on metronidazole, and so far I woke up with the worst migraine ever, feeling beyond sluggish, a heavy feeling in my legs like walking through wet sand, and my empty stomach feels like I’ve swallowed rocks! Can I give this a -10? It seems to be working for the bacterial infection, but I don’t know if I can continue."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I had no symptoms of BV but was diagnosed after a pap and was given the pill for 2 pills a day for 7 days. The side effects have been absolutely awful. I went home from work on day two thinking I had the stomach flu (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweating). I finally realized it was the pills. I've also experienced trembling hands, night sweats, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite (which is weird because I'm PMSing and usually starving at this time!), mood swings, and increased anxiety. I don't find the taste of the actual pill to be as unbearable as everyone says, but it does leave that metallic taste in my mouth. I'm on day 4 and don't even know if I want to take the pill before work this morning!"

• Hap...
• October 11, 2018

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Some of the reviews are scary and would deter anyone away. We are all different. What happens to one may not happen to you. With that said, the pills aren’t horrible. I was a little fatigued in the beginning, but that’s because I was already tired. Other than that, I was perfectly fine. I recommend eating a meal and consuming a glass of water for each dose."

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2018

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Flagyl for my BV. When I say this drug is a miracle, I just finished my 500 mg for 7 days. I did have side effects. I felt very fatigued, but overall this drug did exactly what it was supposed to do. Very happy with the results and would recommend this antibiotic."

• Mel...
• November 8, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "I have been feeling weird for a few days and did not know that it might be because of taking metronidazole. It is good to know that I am not the only one feeling such symptoms. My body aches, heart palpitation, numbness in my face and hands, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite. I was prescribed for 14 days, and I still have five more days. Definitely feeling better in terms of my infection, but having these symptoms is overwhelming."

• San...
• December 4, 2013

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I've been using the gel, so I don't have any taste problems with the pill. Same dosage, though. I insert the gel vaginally once at bedtime for 5-7 days, and so far I'm on day 2 and have no odor. I've had no side effects except mild stomach pain and a little fatigue. So far it's great, but I will see as the process continues."

• Cdi...
• June 11, 2021

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this medication for a bacterial infection. My dose was two 500 mg tablets twice a day. On my 6th day, I went in anaphylactic shock. I had noticed that I was dizzy on the second day and extremely fatigued. Apparently, I’m either allergic or one of those rare cases. Also, if you vape, quit vaping while taking this medication. Worst experience ever."

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2012

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "Taking this medication for 10 days for C. diff. I am on day seven right now, and it's been horrible. 41-year-old female, had bloody and mucus and bad diarrhea. I think medicines have fixed the diarrhea and bloody mucus for now, but I am so dizzy. I feel even sicker in other ways. It's causing me major shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, confusion. Found out the hard way that even putting lotion on my face or body that has any alcohol in them will make you feel even worse on this medication."

• DiD...
• November 8, 2015

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed two pills twice a day for 7 days. After three days, the odor was gone. The symptoms I experienced were extreme fatigue where I couldn't keep my eyes open, hot flashes, headaches, dark-colored urine, and loose stool."

• Anonymous
• January 7, 2012

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I'm on day 3 of 7. So far, it's been terrible. As most others have said, the taste is absolutely horrific. The most bitter thing I've ever experienced in my entire life. Definitely makes you want to throw up. I have been using the peanut butter coating idea, and it most certainly works. I coat it pretty good and actually don't taste a single thing anymore. Yay!!! However, because you have to coat it so much, you may feel a slight choking sensation as it goes down, but trust me... it is so worth it. Other than the taste, I've had a lot of the side effects. Really dizzy, sick to my stomach, weak/numb-type feeling, extreme exhaustion. But it really does work in getting rid of the infection! Usually after just a couple pills."

• Dan...
• January 9, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was diagnosed with BV. I am on my 3rd day of taking metronidazole. I have no improvements whatsoever, it seems like it's getting even worse. But I got side effects from this antibiotic within hours after taking the first pill: cramping, nausea. I lost my appetite on the second day, feeling really depressed at this point. My throat feels sore, my eyes feel dry, I feel fatigue but can't sleep because of itching, burning, and abdominal pain. When are you supposed to see the improvements from this medicine? My doctor told me to give it another day, but I am feeling hopeless."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "My doctor prescribed metronidazole for a bacterial infection (2 pills a day for 7 days). I had to stop taking it after 5 days, as the fatigue was so bad I couldn't do anything without feeling as if I'm going to pass out. I also experienced bad headaches, stomach cramps, and dizziness. It's been 24 hours since stopping it, and still the fatigue is extreme. Calling my physician this morning. Will never take this again."

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed this for BV infection. On the second day, I started to feel like I had the flu! Terrible stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, runny/stuffy nose, tightness in my nasal passages-making my eyes feel tight, extreme fatigue, weakness, aches, chills, and finally, headaches with dizziness! No exaggeration here (I think it affects people differently). This was some nasty stuff for me! I thought I was going to have to go back to the doctor until I read about these side effects. At one point, I felt so awful I thought I was going to have to go to the ER! Overall, I mean the BV infection IS gone, and I'm still kickin'. Lol. Best advice was to EAT something when you take the pill... chicken noodle soup & crackers was my go-to that helped!"

• pun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I took metronidazole 500 mg for seven days, two times a day for BV. The first four days, I had extreme fatigue (had no energy to do anything), night sweats, no appetite, nausea, extremely thirsty (chugged a water bottle every now and then), stomach pain (I thought my intestines ruptured), metallic mouth taste (chewed gum a lot because of this). Overall, eating a meal before taking this helped, and then eating a snack after (to get rid of the taste). The side effects were terrible, but I'm happy about the results (smell and discharge disappeared!)."

• NoC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Very interesting comments. I have been taking the drug for 14 days, and my doctor just prescribed another 2-week course. It is treating infection after experiencing sepsis during a colectomy. I have an ileostomy, and my bag was bloating with severe gas to the point that it was causing leakage. OTC meds didn't help with gas. When I asked the doctor for a Rx to relieve the gas, he said the Flagyl I would be taking would help. Since I started, I haven't had a single gas episode, and I even started back on carbonated water beverages. I haven't experienced the other issues I've been reading about from others except for the taste and some fatigue. I can attest not to drink alcohol, as I did have two drinks at my son's wedding, and I hit a wall."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I'm a 40 y/o and have been a pharmacy technician for 16 years. I have taken metronidazole 500 mg twice a day x 7 to 14 days at least 20 times with absolutely no issues. I switched to Cleocin for BV a few years ago, knowing you can't drink alcohol with Flagyl. I started taking Flagyl 500 mg twice a day x 7 days this week. This medication definitely has been reformulated! I have been taking it with food and I feel a little icky, I used to take it on an empty stomach. Every day, I have the metallic aftertaste, and it's awful, which lasts for about 1 hour afterwards. Today, I took my AM dose on an empty stomach, worst mistake! I have a splitting headache, stomach bloating/pain, no appetite, constipation, and fatigue, so horrible. I am not sure if it's this specific brand, mine is Unichem, but there are a lot of negative reviews. This antibiotic is serious with its side effects, but it's effective for infection."