Metronidazole and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Pam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2020

For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease "I cannot believe these metronidazole tablets are allowed to be given to people. I was prescribed metronidazole 500 mg x 2 for 14 days for quite a severe pelvic infection. I noticed the first few days my anxiety increased somewhat, and I had headaches, but I continued. I woke up fine, took the tablet, and within an hour, I had pain in both my eyes and a heavy pressure around my skull. My vision started to deteriorate rapidly. The room started to spin, and I started getting severe pains in both my legs. At this point, I had the worst panic attack of my life. I was completely confused and acting unlike myself. I started to get severe déjà vu, and my thoughts had become agitated and strange. I spent the next few hours on the floor, sat by the door in case I needed to run outside for help. I felt like I was going to have a seizure. I called for medical help and was told there is no alternative, and I either take them and try to handle the side effects or let the infection continue to worsen. Worst experience of my life."

• Pop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2015

Metronidazole for Trichomoniasis "Was put on Flagyl 500 mg twice a day for one week. Tomorrow morning is my last pill. Had no clue about this antibiotic. 1st pill was taken on an empty stomach, and I put the pill on the front of my tongue... big mistake! Was very aware after that what I had to do... place pill as far back as you can and drink water, fruit punch as fast as you can, on a full stomach! I constantly feel like I'm carsick, off and on headaches, some anxiety, and just an overall disconnected feeling. But... I have to admit it really works!"

• 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."

• Ano...
• December 31, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I took this twice a day for 7 days and have never felt so sick on a medication. I had severe headaches, bloating, constant nausea, aches, and pains all over. As many others have mentioned, it tastes rancid unless you're really proficient at throwing it into the back of your throat and chugging it down immediately. Even in a second, the taste stuck to the back of my throat and made me gag. A couple of other really important notes -- this medication lowered both my liver function (hence no alcohol while you're on it! They mean it) and my platelet count... So I was getting nosebleeds, bruises, and some fairly alarming vaginal bleeding while on it as well."

• 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!!"

• Oww...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2017

For Diverticulitis "I hate this drug. Hate it, hate it, hate it. I have to take it 4 times a day for 14 days. My doctor is sadistic. I'm so nauseous I can barely breathe. Even on anti-nausea meds! I have no energy. I can't sleep. My head hurts. This feels 10x worse than the flu. But it works. It will help heal the diverticulitis. It always does. And every time it sucks."

• Soo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2016

For Trichomoniasis "I'm on day 5 of taking 2 pills a day for 7 days. Now I feel no symptoms of the infection, like the itching and burning, that's all gone. No discharge. Only problem is always feeling like I'm going to vomit, and my head is always hurting, and my mouth stays dry, and my mouth tastes like I've been sucking on a bad penny. Never again will I have unprotected sex with a married man."

• 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
• November 2, 2015

For Dental Abscess "2 times a day, 500 milligrams for 10 days. Worked great, taste was kind of horrible. I recommend to drink with juice. Slight headaches, nothing abnormal, though. Slight insomnia first day, but after that, I noticed my infected abscess on my jawline was fading away. In 3 days, all pain was gone, still finished my course because you never can be too safe."

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

For Diverticulitis "I just turned 47. I was on Cipro and Metro in October, and it was hell! Tough on the full systems, and I thought about stopping them many times. The infection still seems to be lingering, and I am just finishing day 3 of 10 again, and it has been very, very rough! It is like poison on the system and super rough! I actually told my wife I should not take them because I did feel good, and the first experience (trauma) is fresh in my mind. I have had high blood pressure, 170/105, and am on medication to help, but this nasty stuff does not help on top of this! I do feel better reading some other reviews. Yes, anxiety increased, headaches like nothing ever experienced, and a long time to recover. Best of luck to all suffering through this. Remember, 10 days is better than surgery and a colostomy bag. God bless you all, prayers are with you!"

• Anonymous
• February 9, 2013

For Diverticulitis "I was diagnosed with diverticulitis in the ER. I was given 2 antibiotics. I remember one of them leaving such a horrible taste in my mouth that I literally scraped the back of my tongue with a paper towel. From the prescription, I learned the names Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole, take every 12 hrs for 10 days. By the 3rd dose, I had the strongest headache ever and diarrhea! The pharmacist told me that the headache was a result of the diarrhea because my body was being drained. Said I should increase my water intake. Today I'm at dose 5, and I must say the pain has subsided greatly, now at '3'. I did increase my water intake, and although the diarrhea is still here, the headache too has subsided, now at a '2'."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I have never ever written a review on any product, but I feel the need to write this one in hopes that I will help others. I was put on metronidazole and cipro for diverticulitis, and I feel awful. My diverticulitis has improved, but I have terrible stomach and headaches, but the worst side effect is tiredness. I am exhausted beyond belief! I could fall asleep ten minutes after I get up in the morning. This exhaustion continues all day!"

• sco...
• January 3, 2016

For Dental Abscess "Been taking this medication for the second time, first for an abscess, then a tooth was taken out, now for dry socket, and I can't wait to finish them. I feel awful - so tired all the time, (slept all over New Year) feeling drowsy, headaches, blurred vision. Finish them tomorrow, thank goodness. I've been taking 200 mg 4 times a day for 5 days, just hope it's the end of my nightmare."

• sge...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2013

For Helicobacter Pylori Infection "Metronidazole causes me to have headaches, a bloated stomach with cramps (sometimes severe), and a heavy feeling. Prescribed for H. pylori treatment for 10 days along with clarithromycin. It also causes a lack of appetite. When taking this medicine, it will taste bad and leave a bad taste in your mouth and throat for a few hours. I find drinking a hot beverage like cocoa or low-acid coffee after taking it has helped relieve the bad taste but doesn't get rid of it completely. For manufacturers: manufacturers should really consider making this as a hard caplet. Maybe even adding a flavor enhancer. In its current form, it almost immediately starts dissolving before being swallowed with a disgusting salty taste."

• Kc1...
• October 26, 2016

Metronidazole for Clostridioides difficile Infection "I am currently finishing up a 14-day round of 3x a day 500 mg Flagyl for C. diff. C. diff, alone, is a beast to wrangle. Think food poisoning but 10x worse-and the smell, oh that's another thing entirely. I never leave reviews on medications, but with the side effects vs. the benefits that I've experienced, I wanted others to know. Benefits: Finally stopped having uncontrollable diarrhea and gas pain. The side effects didn't kick in until about day 7. So far, I've experienced light sensitivity, numbness and tingling on my left flank, insomnia, and an overall feeling of unrest that is very similar to a panic attack. I've also had a runny nose and headaches. The medicine does work, but I cannot wait to be finished!!"

• 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."

• lau...
• July 10, 2019

For Dental Abscess "Was prescribed 200 mg of Metronidazole 3 times a day along with 500 mg of Amoxicillin for a dental abscess. I've taken Amoxicillin several times before, and I know I have no adverse reaction, so all of the side effects must be due to the Metronidazole. Had a severe wisdom tooth infection which completely locked the right-hand side of my jaw, and was prescribed Metronidazole by the emergency dentist. Seems to be working as I'm now on day 4, and my jaw has mostly unlocked and the pain and swelling have reduced greatly, but the side effects are horrible. I'm so tired constantly and feel as if I have no motivation to do anything, which is awful at work. It's also given me anxiety, a really tight chest, and heart palpitations, which aren't helping the anxiety. I have headaches and brain fog, and my stomach definitely doesn't feel right. If possible, I would recommend requesting another form of antibiotics. They've been just about bearable for me, but I wouldn't take them again unless there was no other option."

• Ind...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2024

For Amebiasis "I’ve taken this medication 3 times for amoeba infections. First time was for blastocystis hominis, where I had bloody stool, mucus stool, stomach pain, and overall feeling unwell. From what I know, it cured my infection of that amoeba. Unfortunately, two months later I was diagnosed with Entamoeba histolytica. I was given this medication again for a total of 6-7 days, can’t remember. This time it did not clear my parasite infection, and now my entamoeba histolytica is back again. This time I experienced right and left upper quadrant pain, nausea, and headaches. Now, I am back on this medication for 10 days, 750mg, 3 times per day. It’s really rough, but I have no other choice but to finish the medicine and pray that it works. I have had extreme headaches, tingling in random places on my body, upper right quadrant swelling, and even some random pains in my lungs. Please pray for me that this finally works."

• 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."

• Rki...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2016

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed a 500 mg 3x a day dosage for 10 days. I always have issues with antibiotics, but this by far is the worst side effects I've ever had! The metallic taste, diarrhea, headaches, and overall feeling are horrible. I just completed day 5, and it was so bad that I wanted to stick my fingers down my throat and force myself to throw up! I also started to develop oral thrush! The medicine does seem to be working, but I'm not taking all 10 days. I feel like I can barely make it to 7!!"

• Ton...
• August 9, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I think it works. Yes, it does clear up the bacterial vaginitis. However, I have terrible back pain, joint pains, headache, awful taste in mouth. Been 5 days on metronidazole for the first time, and these side effects mostly have me in bed. I am 18 and anemic. I like the fact that I smell better already. Hate that each day of taking this medicine feels like the first day of my period, except that I am not having my period. Good thing it's only a few days, 2 to go."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2015

For Trichomoniasis "I had no signs of the infection or how long I have had it. I was prescribed to take the 4 (500 mg) for one day, and they tasted horrible. The first three days, I had some diarrhea and nausea. After day 3, I had begun getting very nauseous but thought I was getting better. Days 5-7 brought me awful headaches, flu-like symptoms, an achy body, and I had a 101.2 temp. It's now been 9 days since taking the medication, and I still feel horrible, and I'm having ALL symptoms from day 1-8. This medication sucks, but it does wonders for the infection. Good luck to anyone who has to take this."

• Cho...
• May 16, 2015

For Trichomoniasis "This medicine works wonders as far as its effectiveness. However, the side effects are horrible! Not only do I have a disgustingly horrible taste in my mouth that nothing seems to get rid of, but I'm so nauseous that every time I have to take another one, I automatically throw up just from the thought. The directions say to eat before or take with food, but I can't keep anything down, not to mention I'm extremely thirsty, but when I try to drink anything (including water), it's disgusting. Everything tastes like this pill. I feel like I have a fever, although I've checked many times, and I don't, and I'm having horrible headaches. However, all of my symptoms are gone, thank God. Lesson learned, currently abstinent for a long time!"