Metronidazole and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2015

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "If you need this medicine, it really does work wonders. I had a C. difficile infection for over a month, could barely eat or drink anything, and was going to the toilet at least 15 times a day in absolute agony. Within two days of taking metronidazole, my bowel movements normalized, and the stomach pains started to subside. Not only that, it sorted out some of the bowel issues I'd had for two years. My stool was completely normal, and bowel movements were pain-free, and I no longer experienced acid reflux. I did get headaches and some aches and pains, but this was so much more tolerable than what I was like before. I can't speak for everyone, but for me, this medicine was like a miracle for me."

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

Metronidazole 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!"

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2017

For Diverticulitis "I began taking Flagyl on Saturday night to treat diverticulitis. I could not sleep at all that night or the following three nights. I lay in bed wide awake, with my leg muscles randomly fasciculating. I had a headache and neck ache from not being able to sleep. Occasionally, my entire body would suddenly jerk while I was lying in bed. I could not concentrate at work, and even though I am a pharmacist, I kept forgetting the names of medications that I had been taking and the names of the medical conditions with which I had been diagnosed. I had been taking ibuprofen for a few days the prior week, and I had stopped taking ibuprofen due to heartburn. Even though I was on Protonix to treat my heartburn, Flagyl significantly worsened my pre-existing heartburn to the point where I had to stand erect throughout the day and night, moaning with pain. My epigastric pain would begin about an hour after taking Flagyl and be at its worst four hours later. I also felt as if I constantly had to urinate, but only a small amount of urine would come out each time. My mouth was extremely dry with a metallic taste and a furry looking tongue. I ended up in the ER the following Wednesday writhing in epigastric pain which was a “10” on the 1-10 pain scale. I literally thought that I was going to die, and I spoke with loved ones by phone to say my good-byes. My blood pressure was moderately elevated and my ECG, which had always been normal, was now “borderline with atrial enlargement.” My ER doc switched me to Augmentin, and my Flagyl-related adverse reactions rapidly subsided. Flagyl significantly helped my diverticulitis, but at a horrible cost in terms of lost sleep, lost work, poor work, personal and family anxieties, and time spent at the ER. If your doctor prescribes Flagyl, my advice is to ask him/her if there is an alternative antibiotic, especially if you have any pre-existing gastroesophageal problems. All of my adverse events appear in the Flagyl labeling: epigastric distress, abdominal cramping, incoordination, confusion, insomnia, a sharp, unpleasant metallic taste, dryness of the mouth, furry tongue, glossitis, stomatitis, flattening of the T-wave in electrocardiographic tracings, polyuria, a sense of pelvic pressure, convulsive seizures."

• lea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2019

For Trichomoniasis "I was prescribed the metronidazole 2g mega dose after testing positive for trichomoniasis (had symptoms of pelvic pain, cloudy urine, and pain during the swab test). I opted for the single dose instead of a week because I hate antibiotics! Was really anxious to take the medicine due to many reviews saying it made them ill. I had basically zero adverse side effects! Took the pills about 30 minutes after eating a full meal (I ate pasta and yogurt for dessert for the probiotics) and an hour before bed. Pills tasted bitter but nothing as bad as some reviews claim. Fell asleep with no problem. Had only a mild headache (if anything) the next day and no nausea. My symptoms (pelvic pain, pain during urination) seem to have stopped on day 2. Will get retested to be sure, but so far so good with this medicine! My advice: TAKE IT! Just eat 30 min before and stay hydrated! I also have been taking heavy-duty probiotics since to help rebuild the good bacteria."

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

Metronidazole 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."

• G s...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2016

For Clostridioides difficile Infection "Was admitted into the hospital for 3 days, 2 nights, and nobody could figure out what was wrong with me. Ended up finding C. diff colitis in my stool and was prescribed 500 mg metronidazole (Flagyl) as oral tablets. Needless to say, everyone I hear from tells me it tastes awful. It's best to swallow as fast as possible, for the taste is definitely bad. The doctor who prescribed this told me if you drink plenty of water while taking this medication, your side effects may not even exist. Well, he was right. The one time I didn't have any water for a few hours, I got the absolute WORST headache that would not go away. I recommend at least 16 oz of water per hour with this medication, and the side effects should be either mild or non-existent. Stay tough."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

Metronidazole 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."

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

Metronidazole 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."

• 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2016

For Trichomoniasis "I was prescribed Flagyl 500 mg for trich and BV to be taken twice a day for 7 days. All I have to say is thank God I'm on my last day with this med. I've had horrible side effects, like constant headache, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, and it feels like I've been hit by a car. On the bright side, though, I no longer have a discharge or odor whatsoever. I definitely learned my lesson about having unprotected sex, that's for sure! Well, good luck on this med, it does work!"

• Jj1...
• June 25, 2017

For Bacterial Vaginosis "This medicine does its job, my symptoms from the infection cleared within the first 3 days out of 7, taking 2 pills a day. It worked and cleared the infection, so I'll give it 10 stars, but the side effects are for sure mentionable. I felt fine other than a metallic taste in my mouth for the first 2 days, then the extreme nausea rolled in. Imagine the feeling you have seconds before you puke, 24/7 for days on end. I also had headaches and slight stomach pain. I took probiotics while on the medication, and they didn't do anything. I still recommend this antibiotic because it does its job, just be prepared for the side effects."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2019

For Trichomoniasis "I would take this super dose (4 pills at once, 2000 mg) again if I ever contracted trich again... despite how sick it made me feel. Yes, it made me nauseous so bad and gave me a headache that had legs and carried on 'til the next day, maybe a tad longer. The horrible sickness I felt was nothing in comparison to that disgusting trich-about 5 hours after I took it, I peed the darkest, longest pee, and all this stuff came out..."

• 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."

• Fee...
• January 31, 2014

For Bacterial Infection "Given for 7 days, twice a day for bacterial vaginitis. I dipped the pill in honey and took it after full meals with lots of liquids. Never tasted it at all. Side effect of dry mouth with slight nausea but ate a little more on top of the dose. I'm now on the sixth day and feel horrible. I don't know if I actually have the flu or if this is a side effect of the medicines. I'm achy, have chills, feel dizzy, have a sore throat, and headaches. Don't want to continue if these are serious side effects, but if I stop, it may cause treatment to have been in vain! It has cleared up all symptoms of infection, though."

• Wil...
• April 9, 2016

For Dental Abscess "I have a tooth infection, and I'm on my fourth day of taking metronidazole. I am prescribed 400 mg three times a day. I'm still in agony. I have to take paracetamol and ibuprofen just to ease the pain. I've had severe headaches and really bad muscular pain. I will finish the five-day course but will not be taking this again for dental purposes again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2020

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "And so I am on day 5 of 7 on a cocktail of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and metronidazole for H. pylori. Normally, I tolerate antibiotics well, but the word I am using for this treatment is “grim.” Has to be the metronidazole which is disagreeing with me, but it seems my H. pylori is resistant to clarithromycin. I have a constant and utterly revolting taste in my mouth, which is so bad it makes me nauseous. My tongue feels thicker somehow. Chewing sugar-free gum helps, but it’s really, really, really unpleasant. Headaches in the night with some disturbed sleep, and, so far, one instance of frankly bizarre and unusually vivid nightmare."

• Cki...
• May 22, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I have had diverticulitis attacks 2 times/year for several years and have been successful treating it with Keflex or Cipro. For whatever reason, my gastro MD added metronidazole in combo with Keflex this time. After 4 days, I'm stopping the metronidazole because of side effects. Metronidazole did not ease the diverticulitis pain faster (still took 3 days for pain to subside), and it has made me tired, lethargic to the point of not even getting dressed. Pressure in my head and severe cramps. I'm a high-energy, upbeat person, and this droopy soul doesn't suit me. I'll stick to the Cipro, change up my probiotic, and avoid Flagyl in the future."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2011

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I was told not to drink alcohol with Flagyl, of course, but I also found I cannot use Purell (ethanol-based) or isopropyl rubbing alcohol with it. These led to terrible stomach pain and headache. One pharmacist told me this couldn't happen, not enough alcohol would get in, but another said yes, it happens, and some people even have a reaction to alcohol in the slight fumes you get while pumping gasoline that includes alcohol. When I avoid Purell and isopropyl, I don't get those severe stomach pains."

• ang...
• February 25, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I was prescribed this medicine for my diverticulitis, and every time I took this pill, I was experiencing bad cramping. So, I went to the emergency room, and the doctor there told me to stop that medication because it causes constipation. So, I'm just taking the other medicine, and thus far no cramping, just a bit of a headache, but that's better than getting abdominal pains."

• BAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2020

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I was prescribed the 500 mg x 4, taking all pills at once treatment. Became incredibly nauseous after a few hours, dizzy, dry eyes, a bad headache. Started feeling dissociative suddenly. Eventually started to become very anxious, evolved into a severe panic attack where I could not land for hours. Reached a point where I really thought I was losing it and contemplated calling for health professionals until someone came to me and could help calm me down. But I still felt a complete loss of reality and rationality, and I have never experienced this much lack of control before. It did better the symptoms for the bacterial vaginitis, but in the future, I would rather do any other treatment than this."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Don't take this medicine! Terrible, terrible experience! I had a temperature, shaking, cold, back pain, felt terrible, terrible headache, neck pain. I couldn't stand up. I was thinking that I had the flu. Never ever again, they should never prescribe this medicine to anyone!!"

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

Metronidazole 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2014

For Trichomoniasis "The taste is unpleasant, though not as unpleasant as trichomoniasis. Upon the first dose (500 mg), I suffered from flu-like side effects. My neck grew stiff, I felt feverish and steadily nauseous. It did not cause me to lose my appetite, despite the nausea. Headaches became common, along with an undying thirst. Having to go to work on this medicine was as difficult as a virus. I had trouble sleeping to the extent that I actually remained awake for over thirty hours before falling asleep. It was around the third day in that I suddenly had thick, white discharge that had a musty odor, however, that only happened that one day. It is a rough pill, but it gets the job done. No pain, no gain, as they say."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Was given instructions to take this Flagyl twice a day for 7 days, every 12 hours for BV (bacterial vaginitis). First day I had a slight headache, second day of taking it symptoms of BV were gone! No smell, discharge, but I had a backache which wasn’t too bad. Still taking it to finish up treatment. But I give it 9/10 because the medicine tastes horrible! Take with food or thick liquids to avoid the taste."