Metronidazole and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I give this medicine a 10 because it works. I've never had BV until I got on my Mirena IUD that I had taken out a few months ago, but I still get BV. This is my first time taking this (500 mg) 2x7 days. The smell was gone the next day, discharge gone after day 2. I am on day 7, I experienced fatigue, I slept a lot. I was irritable, it was hard for me to focus in class, I felt bloated, very dark urine, and got slight headaches. EVERYONE's body reacts differently. My symptoms were not extremely bad, but I am glad it's my last day because I'm tired of being tired all day, lol."

• Bei...
• September 14, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed Flagyl 500 mg twice a day for 10 days for BV. My only real symptom of BV was bleeding/unusual discharge between periods. I happened to start my period the day I started taking this medication, so I can’t say if it actually worked or not. I decided after day 5 to stop treatment, as a standard prescription is anywhere from 3-10 days. Side effects: no appetite. I lost some weight with this medication and had to force myself to eat something before taking it to avoid an upset stomach. Dark urine. I drink around 50 oz (almost 1.5 liters) of water a day, so this was so odd to see, but I knew it was from the meds. Dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Not consistently but randomly on different days of usage. Fatigue and dizziness on day 4. Dizziness and headache on day 5. Can’t knock it, but I can’t say yet if it actually worked or not."

• Dix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "My GI doctor tested me for gut bacteria undergrowth. I tested negative, but he insisted I take Flagyl 500 mg 3 times a day. So I began taking it. Upset stomach and general malaise. Two days into it, I woke up barely being able to walk. My whole body was weak, and I felt like I was dying with panic and fear, confusion, and dizziness. Went immediately to the ER. I was having a toxic reaction to it with the combination of my Plaquenil. Just waiting for Monday a.m. to get here, I am going to blast him for putting me through that. There could have been serious consequences. He should have cross-referenced all my prescriptions I am on, the red flag would have been noted."

• gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2021

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "This happened twice with two different OB/GYN doctors. I went in for my regular Pap smears and walked out of the office with prescriptions for Flagyl. Mind you, in both cases, I had no symptoms of a vaginal bacterial infection. The first time I took the medication, I had horrible side effects: upset stomach, feeling of illness, fatigue, metallic taste in my mouth. After finishing the meds, I ended up with a yeast infection because the meds got rid of all the good vaginal bacteria. I was recently prescribed another round of Flagyl after a routine Pap smear three years later with a different doctor, and again I've had no symptoms of a vaginal infection. I refuse to take the meds. I'm wondering if OB/GYNs are getting kickbacks for writing this prescription. 0 stars!!!!"

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I took 500 mg metronidazole, 3 times a day for 10 days, a total of 30 pills to treat IBS-D (diarrhea), SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and a possible parasite. Almost every day I had mild nausea, bloating, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urgent stools, dry mouth, and headaches (it could have also been from my anxiety about taking it). I had violent vomiting after the 4th pill and diarrhea after the 15th pill. My doctor then told me to reduce the dose to twice a day instead of three times a day, and I felt a lot better and was able to finish the dose. You must take it after a full meal to avoid nausea. I coated the pill in molasses and drank it with milk to mask the taste. I was so nervous to take it after the horrible reviews I read, but it was manageable, it just felt like I had a cold/flu for 2 weeks. However, I would not take it again, it didn’t work for me in the long run."

• Leo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "If possible, try to request a different medication for BV!!! It cures the problem, but at what cost? I’m on day 6 out of 7 of this medication, and it tastes horrible, makes me incredibly nauseous, makes it hard to sleep, leaves a nasty metallic taste in my mouth, and has overall been a horrible experience. The fatigue has been really bad too, I feel like I constantly have to take naps (which sleeping seems to make the nausea worse, so I wish I could avoid them), and I’m still feeling like a walking zombie all day. Please save yourself the trouble and ask for a different medication!!!!"

• Ziy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2013

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I had constant nausea and mild diarrhea on it until I eliminated dairy products. Took more than 24 hours after the last serving, but both the nausea and the diarrhea went away. I've also experienced fatigue, vertigo, and a lot of trouble concentrating. Ugh. But it does seem to be doing the job. I'm taking it and another antibiotic for an infected surgical wound."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2019

For Dental Abscess "I will never use this one again. Extreme fatigue, insomnia, nausea, dizzy, and depressive thoughts. I feel so bad that I can't go to work. I have 2 days left, and my body doesn't want any more of this poison. I have never had this experience on antibiotics before."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2018

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "I was diagnosed with C. diff December 29th after taking amoxicillin clavulanate. I was given Flagyl 500 mg 3 times a day for 14 days. I am 8 days in and feel awful. Nauseous, loss of appetite, light-headed at times, slight headache, fatigue, but restless, no energy. Mostly nauseous in the mornings. Ended up in the hospital January 3rd and got IV fluids as I was dehydrated. Praying for a fast recovery for everyone with this. Drinking a lot of water right before and after taking the medication helps."

• che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Started taking this for BV. I admit I didn't read it right and heard the pharmacist say 1 pill twice daily. Eventually realized it's two pills twice a day. Started that and now I'm too sick to do anything. I need to work, so I'm back to the doctor for something else. If I could stay home, I would just finish taking it, but life goes on. I'll see what my doc can give me. Symptoms: crazy vivid scary dreams. Like unreal, vivid real life. So weird. Nauseous. Out of it (feel like I'm not walking, instead, I'm floating around work today. It's trippy.) Fatigue followed by bouts of extreme energy, like I could climb a mountain on repeat. Headache. This feels like mild serotonin syndrome to me. If you can stay home and take this, then I'd say do it, but otherwise what can we all do? Hmm...."

• yay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "I am currently on this to treat BV. I'm on my last day, and it has definitely done its job. I no longer have any signs of infection, it's very effective. But this medication can be extremely unpleasant. I got the worst of it today: diarrhea, nausea, weakness, fatigue, upset stomach, and body aches. I drank a store-bought Kombucha, which is a drink loaded with probiotics, and I immediately felt relief. I recommend anyone having bad side effects from this medication get some sort of daily probiotic intake. Don't worry, it will not make the metronidazole any less effective. It helps relieve bad side effects of antibiotics immensely, look it up! This can also help reduce the risk of getting a yeast infection from this medication."

• ave...
• June 28, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "After coming back from Thailand, I caught a pretty nasty bug. Thank God for this medication getting rid of it, but the side effects from it were terrible. I took 750 mg three times a day, with a mandatory meal, or I would vomit. I constantly felt dizzy, with headaches, persistent nausea, stomach cramps, aggressive bloating, diarrhea for 10 days, and was constantly fatigued. I attempted a natural remedy at first but had no luck with that. Having a really healthy diet on these pills actually helps quite a bit. Stay away from sugar."

• Bra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2019

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This was taken for random stomach ache (mid-stomach and pelvic) and also BV. A little fatigue the first few days, but the morning of the 3rd, an hour after I took my dose, I felt like death. Chills, flu symptoms, anxiety, major brain fog, and throbbing headaches. This is brutal. I never have side effects from any antibiotics, and I've taken about two dozen different ones over the course of 35 years. I'm going to try Clindamycin and see if that helps. Scary side effects."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "From what I can see, this antibiotic, although extremely effective in sorting out a number of infections, is the absolute scourge of all pills. I was prescribed 2 x 400 mg for 7 days for BV, only the 2nd time I've had this in my life, last time being about 10 years ago. I am on day 5 at the minute and dread taking any more even though I know I have to. From day 2 I have had the mother of all headaches, nausea, diarrhea, but the main problem is the extreme exhaustion and flu-like symptoms. My whole body is aching, stiff neck, sore throat, fevers, and despite several ridiculously early nights, I am dead on my feet from the minute I get up. I will NEVER allow these to be prescribed to me again in the future, there has to be another remedy."

• MrB...
• February 2, 2018

For Dental Abscess "I was taking this along with amoxicillin for a dental infection. The side effects were extreme. Nausea and vomiting (bile when no food), severe headache, chills and sweats alternating, diarrhea, no appetite, could not hold food down, even water, fatigue. Not sure why I had to take 2 antibiotics, but will never take this again."

• Ros...
• July 10, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "Horrible side effects for me! Everyone's bodies are different, but mine did not like metronidazole. I have had recurring bacterial vaginitis for a while. This time, I was prescribed metronidazole 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days, and I just stopped at day 3. The side effects were horrible! My first dose was fine, but after my second, I got a severe headache with sharp pains that lasted all day and night. Worst head pain ever. I had severe fatigue and could barely get out of bed. I also had palpitations, a stuffy nose, and anxiety. I skipped my dose this morning, and although I still feel slightly lethargic, I feel a ton better. I would definitely recommend taking a different medication. My doctor just prescribed me a new antibiotic."

• pkm...
• July 22, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "The side effects! On Day 2, I felt nauseated throughout the day, then at night, the vomiting started, diarrhea followed. I suffered through, but the next day, I was rushed to the hospital. I was put on IV fluids and stuff to stop the vomiting. It has been 3 days since I stopped taking it, still battling with my appetite and the sour taste in my mouth, as well as fatigue."

• 2Ne...
• March 5, 2016

For Giardiasis "I had an intestinal parasite after a trip to Central America. I had a very difficult time with this drug. I'm a healthy, 40-year-old woman, and the side effects lasted for the 5 days I was on this pill. I was taking 750 mg every 8 hours for 10 days. I called my doctor and had to stop after 5 days. Severe headaches, nausea, weakness, fatigue. I couldn't work and had to rest all day. A metallic taste as well. I would not take this drug again, I would ask for another treatment. It's an aggressive drug that was difficult to tolerate."

• Bri...
• August 5, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I'm on a 7-day course, 2 times a day on Metronidazole. I felt fine the first 2 days, no side effects really. But yesterday (day 3), I could hardly eat, I was sick and dizzy, vision is a bit blurry and hard to focus. Also, thinking is slower and speech has slowed. Day 4, which I am on now, my head is fuzzy, I'm hungry, but the thought of food is making me feel worse, I can just about drink water and have been exhausted. Still feel slow and sluggish, speech is still slow and even struggling to write this! I have noticed it's working, but these do mess you about!"

• Bri...
• August 5, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I'm on a 7-day course, 2 times a day on Metronidazole. I felt fine the first 2 days, no side effects really. But yesterday (day 3), I could hardly eat, I was sick and dizzy, vision is a bit blurry and hard to focus. Also, thinking is slower and speech has slowed. Day 4, which I am on now, my head is fuzzy, I'm hungry, but the thought of food is making me feel worse, I can just about drink water and have been exhausted. Still feel slow and sluggish, speech is still slow and even struggling to write this! I have noticed it's working, but these do mess you about!"

• Fee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2015

For Bacterial Infection "Metronidazole is the best medicine for bacterial vaginosis! I am prone to BV. I get it off and on and can't tell you why. Neither can my doctor. However, every time I get it, Metro is right there to clean me up! I'm dealing with it right now as a matter of fact. After day three of my meds (2 pills per day), I'm almost at 100% again. It's not the side effects (light nausea, fatigue, irritability) of the medicine that bother me. It's waiting for the itching and pain to stop. Metro works fast, but when you're itchy and sore like that, it feels like it's taking forever. I always begin to feel some kind of relief in about 24 hours. Baths help, along with going without underwear."

• Dan...
• May 29, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "This stuff is just awful. I've had a fair few meds and antibiotics over the years and have not had anything that comes close to the misery this has caused. Prescribed 3 x 400 mg for 7 days for a tooth infection that was causing me acute tooth and ear pain. Day 1 - General malaise, something not quite right. Toothache/earache 20% gone. Day 2 - Severe nausea and stomach cramps. Couldn't even keep a glass of water down. Fatigue and lethargy. Could barely muster the strength to get out of bed and slept for 16 odd hours. Headache. Dizziness. Hot flashes. Toothache/earache 80% gone. Day 3 - Vomiting stopped but constant background nausea, so didn't eat until a small evening meal. Fatigue, lethargy, and dizziness still present. Slept 12-14 hours. Toothache/earache 90% gone. Day 4 - Back to work, but nausea/fatigue/lethargy/dizziness still present. Felt like I'd worked a super hard week by lunchtime and couldn't really complete any intellectually demanding tasks. Left work early."

• Sco...
• May 4, 2021

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "I took Flagyl 400 x 2 for 7 days, and I will outline what I experienced. 1 - They made me feel very sick all day, every day. 2 - I was never off the toilet. 3 - I felt very low in mood, agitated, and argumentative. 4 - Fatigued, never felt so tired. 5 - My legs ached from groin to my knees. 6 - My lymph nodes in my groin and neck swelled up. 7 - The skin on my hands peeled. 8 - I lost around 4 - 6 kilos. 9 - The taste in my mouth was disgusting. 10 - I couldn't sleep. 11 - I felt unsafe driving as I was so tired and dizzy. Finished these a few days ago, and I called my GP to report to check if these side effects were normal... simply put, they said yes. Should clear up in 5 - 7 days!! Today, my legs still ache, I am exhausted with no energy to do anything. My mood is improving, and I'm no longer agitated. My glands are sore in my groin and neck. Hope these wear off soon!!! Good luck taking these, and hopefully, if you do, you'll be feeling better soon."

• nat...
• October 25, 2017

For Dental Abscess "This is my 5th time this year on metronidazole for an impacted wisdom tooth that can't be removed but keeps developing an abscess. It usually follows a failed course of amoxicillin, and although it always clears up the infection, the side effects are pretty awful. I feel like I've had the flu for the first few days (fever, fatigue, unable to sleep, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite), which usually means I have to miss work, and then a really sickly stomach for the last three. It also takes me a few days after finishing the course for my energy levels and stomach to get back to normal. So the drug works, but the side effects are worse than my actual ailment."

• Min...
• June 16, 2016

For Bacterial Vaginosis "My BV started after unprotected sex with a new man (more fool me!). My doc gave me 2g metronidazole as a single dose, which cleared up the BV, but then it came back. Twice. I wasn't having any sex at all, never douched, no semen involved. Plenty of journal articles suggest that BV can be caused by bacteria that are sexually transmitted, I think so too! My doc gave me the 7-day course of 400mg 2x a day, symptoms cleared up, got a yeast infection, that's cleared up, now everything has been better for a month, so hopefully, it's all behind me now. It was horrible! The 2g single dose didn't work and made me feel awful for 48 hours: headache, dizzy, tired, nauseous. The 400mg 2x a day for 7 was okay, I took it with food, avoided alcohol, and felt sluggish."