Paxlovid and Headaches: What Users Say

• She...
• May 23, 2022

For COVID-19 "We both have been vaccinated and boosted. But my husband came down with Covid anyway. He said he felt like he had been run over by a truck. Fever, sore throat, coughing. He started Paxlovid that 1st day of symptoms. After finishing the 5-day treatment, he felt much better. Still does. Paxlovid worked. I came down with Covid on the 4th day. I got Paxlovid too. Started it that 1st day of symptoms. The taste was horrible, but manageable. I also felt better after day 5. But 3 days later, I got hit with a vengeance. High fever, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches. It did not work for me. Anyone else have this happen to them??? A 10 for my husband. A 0 for me."

• Cau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "I obtained a script for Paxlovid on day 3 of being symptomatic & within 1 day of testing positive (PCR). I began the treatment as indicated & after the first dose experienced the most wretched bitter taste that lasted at least 8-10 hours & was worse when lying on my back. Sleeping elevated reduced the acid reflux and taste, which was almost intolerable. After the 2nd dose, I experienced more than a bad taste that couldn’t be treated with mints or spice for more than 5 mins, as the bitter taste would return immediately. On day 2 of the 5-day regimen, I experienced some drowsiness within a half hour of taking the medication followed by disorientation. It was almost like being high but with strong anxiety & a headache. I had my equilibrium, yet was worried I would collapse. By the end of the 2nd day’s 2nd dose, I had profuse sweating & disorientation while sleeping & awoke gasping for air. I had the worst nightmares of my life. On day 3 I felt cured. I discontinued after 4 doses"

• Rya...
• June 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "Before going home with Paxlovid, grab some lemons. A LOT of lemons. Both the doctor and pharmacist warned me I might experience a “mild metallic aftertaste,” but that warning, in my opinion, was severely lacking. In my case, it’s like I’m chewing on a non-coated, horribly bitter, disgusting aspirin, antibiotic, or Sudafed pill 24/7. It never goes away and nothing you think might help does. Sipping on lemon water and actually eating lemons is the only thing that is strong enough to counteract the taste. Just for your information—even without the lemons I’d still take it. It’s disgusting, but Paxlovid works like a miracle. The muscle aches, headache, cough, and fatigue? All gone within 24 hours. Just make it easy on yourself and grab some lemons first. :-)"

• Ano...
• March 7, 2023

For COVID-19 "I started taking Paxlovid the 2nd day of COVID symptoms and noticed I felt better after 2 doses, however, the metallic taste was terrible even with mints and juice. On the second day of taking Paxlovid, things started going downhill. I had a constant stomach ache, nausea, headache, and body aches so bad I couldn’t sleep or eat. On day three, I was so miserable I couldn’t put another pill in my mouth, so I quit taking it due to the terrible side effects!"

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "I have taken this Paxlovid, and today would be day 4, and I now at this point cannot take this medication anymore. I have had severe heartburn since day 1 of this medication. I have woken up in the middle of the night with acid and choked on it, with a metallic taste, which is the worst taste anyone can ever experience. That taste from day one when that pill goes down your throat, you do everything you can to get rid of, and it’s there all day and night long. Nauseous from the meds, I don’t want to eat. On day 4, I woke up feeling better than I have in 8 days, and I took my pill at 11:30 a.m. and once I took that pill, not even within 30 mins, I felt so sick and had headaches and so on. I have both my vaccines and 1st booster, and I will never recommend this medication to anyone. This medication makes you worse than COVID does. Puts you down and out worse."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am on day 3 taking Paxlovid after ER confirmed COVID with a PCR test-started med on day 1. I have a reduced dose due to 5'2"-118 lbs. I actually feel sicker for 2-6 hours after taking a dose-even in the middle of a meal. I have a horrible, disgusting, acidic metallic taste in my mouth and an upset tummy. It also causes a headache-nothing helps the side effect-I have lost 4 lbs. I am super healthy, take vitamins, and am active, so if I didn’t have a history of bronchitis and age 75, I would not take it!"

• Joe...
• July 22, 2022

For COVID-19 "Did nothing but make my COVID symptoms worse. They should not be giving this medicine to anyone. It’s all smoke and mirrors to make you believe it works and they saved you when, in reality, it does nothing at all but make you more sick. The horrible taste it leaves in your mouth is disgusting. It caused me severe kidney pain, heartburn, headaches 30 minutes after taking it. I took it for 3 out of the 5 days recommended, and it did nothing but make me throw up, bleed out of my rectum, and feel like I was dying. I can only hope the damage it did is not long-term. My wife and I both got COVID at the same time. She did not take Paxlovid and was better way faster than me with 1/4 of the symptoms."

• ene...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2022

For COVID-19 "I'm halfway through my dose regime. I had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and was in and out of the hospital for tests. I'm fully vaccinated with two boosters. On the day that symptoms became obvious - mild fever, cough, vertigo, nausea, headache, sinus. I tested positive on two home tests - and then called my doctor and left an evening message. I woke up with a message that Paxlovid was waiting for me at the pharmacy. I took the first dose right away. That day was similar to the bad symptoms as the day before, but when I awoke in the morning, I was remarkably different. I felt much better, and the only thing that's held on is the sinus issue and some fatigue (though much less). After reading these reviews, I feel fortunate that I haven't had the bad taste. My wife now has Covid, and I feel bad for her. With no underlying conditions, she's just powering through and isn't well. I'm very thankful for this product."

• Kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

For COVID-19 "Whatever, you don't take it. I started taking it, and it made me feel worse 3 days in. Then, over a week later, I'm 20 times worse. I have had diarrhea for 2 days now. Feeling tired, and I'm in extreme pain, nauseous, 104-degree temps, headache, and just dying. Don't touch it."

• Ext...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2023

For COVID-19 "This medication caused me massive headaches and completely left me in a very confused mental state during the daytime. Sleep was almost impossible due to the constant pounding of my head. My wife had a different Covid medication and had absolutely no issues. I would flatly refuse to ever take this medication again and would suggest the same to everyone else. Clearly, there is a problem that the drug company Pfizer is ignoring because of all the profits they are making."

• Sar...
• January 26, 2025

For COVID-19 "I so wanted for this med to be a positive experience. It wasn’t. My symptoms were like a bad cold with a horrible cough. As soon as I tested positive, I contacted my doctor asking for Paxlovid. I had a low fever. I lasted 3.5 days before my pharmacist told me to stop it. As an experimental treatment, they still don’t know the interactions with all drugs. No to cholesterol med, space out with blood thinner and possibly some BP pills. I had horrible stomach cramps, headache, constipation, vomiting on the third day of taking med. Basically, much worse than the Covid symptoms. Horrible taste that nothing helped. 18 hours after the last dose, I’m back to normal with mild fatigue. If it works for you, great. If it gives you worse symptoms, stop. My pharmacist reported to Pfizer."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2023

For COVID-19 "I started the first dose on a night when I was feeling particularly bad. I was on my third night with a sore throat and a temperature of 102.3—I was having auditory hallucinations. The bad taste was almost immediate, but I tolerated it. I thought the first dose was okay and had no qualms about the second one. That’s when I started noticing discomfort. Firstly, my sore throat. I couldn’t talk or swallow—the drug made it intolerable. I was also dizzy, and I had a major headache. I detected a strange sensation on my lips and in my throat, but I went ahead with the third dose. Mistake! I had some dexamethasone, so I got it ready for an allergy. Didn’t need it. The worst part was that it sent me into a hypertensive crisis—I normally don’t have hypertension. My BP was 170/110, I was retching, and my head felt like exploding. Thankfully, I happened to have a prescription for a beta blocker on hand. Then I had explosive diarrhea. Never again."

• DPC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2022

For COVID-19 "Well, I finally came down with COVID after avoiding it for 2.5 years. Double boosted. I have asthma that the cold virus secretions put me in the hospital for an attack. So, I was able to get Paxlovid as I knew about it needing to be taken within 5 days of symptoms. On a Friday night, I had sneezing and a negative home COVID test. By Sunday morning, the congestion had increased substantially, my head was very hot, and I had a headache with a positive COVID test. Within 1 hour of taking my first dose, the fever and headache were gone. I could feel pressure in my sinuses, but not much drainage was happening. I coughed that first night. Not much drainage, but coughing was a problem. By the second day, within an hour of my next dose, my congestion would start and the coughing. Within 30 minutes of the dose, that all stopped. I took all 5 days. The only thing was the metallic taste, but that sure beats putting me in the hospital with an asthma attack. A game changer. I am so grateful."

• 65...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2024

For COVID-19 "65-year-old male, cardiac patient, type II diabetes. Fairly active, walk at least one mile per day. Two household members tested positive for COVID five days ago. I never tested positive, but my PCP said my symptoms and timeline from exposure fit a positive diagnosis. Symptoms: fever, headache/brain fog, constant productive cough, sore throat, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, altered sense of smell/taste. Started Paxlovid three days ago, will take dose seven tonight. After third dose, brain fog and headaches gone, sore throat started to ease. Cough continued for another day, finally got six hours of continuous sleep last night. Regained appetite last night (day three of Paxlovid), although tastes are still wonky. Better food tolerance tonight on Paxlovid day four. Metallic taste very pronounced, although it has eased somewhat. Recommendations: unreserved endorsement for the drug itself. Easy to take. Get gum, mints, mouthwash, Pepto, lots of water."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2024

For COVID-19 "Had severe headache, fever, chills, sore throat, cough, nausea, and extreme fatigue. Next day, tested positive for Covid. Started Paxlovid later that evening. Felt much better the very next morning. Almost completely normal later that day. Only side effect for me was the metallic taste in mouth. But that didn't really bother me too much. Highly recommend. Will not hesitate to take it if I ever get Covid again."

• jtu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2023

For COVID-19 "38, not vaxxed, 3rd time with COVID. Symptoms started of what appeared to be a sinus infection Saturday. By Sunday, I had a sore throat on top of sinus issues. Tuesday, I tested positive and was prescribed Paxlovid. I started it right away and began noticing side effects: the nasty taste in my mouth and diarrhea. After the second dose, after finally falling asleep, I woke up drenched in sweat, with a terrible headache and my heart racing. My sore throat was relieved for the most part, but all of the other sinus-related congestion symptoms were still there. I've now had 3 doses. I've still got a mild cough, nasal congestion, ear pain (pressure from being congested), and my teeth hurt, usually a sign that I have a sinus infection. I just took my fourth dose. I don't know how much more I can take of this because every time I go to the bathroom, I have severe diarrhea."

• Reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had manageable common symptoms: sore throat, fever, chills, headache, nausea, but all mild-ish. But I’m over 50, and my doctors thought I should take it to clear the virus and prevent it from getting worse. I'm double vaxed and double boosted. I also had the metallic taste, it actually felt like I was breathing vapors. It knocked me out, and I woke up feeling like I was in the Matrix pods, sweating on fire and in a panic. It felt so much worse than my symptoms. I tried one more dose, and same thing. I’ve stopped and am hoping I can get back on track. I should have trusted my gut that my vaccinations were enough. I do think it’s worth trying if you are unvaccinated or feeling really horrible."

• Rus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2024

For COVID-19 "Covid finally caught up with me after a four-year chase. I got really sick after flying. It seems like people are traveling when they're sick, and I don't think anyone learned anything from the pandemic. Anyhow, I was able to get Paxlovid within 2 days. I'm 59, in good health, I don't take any medications. I'm small and I eat a vegetarian diet. I was hesitant to take anything so strong, but I decided I should rather than risk getting really sick. Within two days, Paxlovid knocked down the symptoms. However, I developed a lot of sores in the back of my mouth right now, and I'm concerned about that. Also, piercing headaches. I'm waiting to hear back from my practitioner. I'm thinking about stopping the medication midstream. This whole thing is extra stressful. I'm glad it's working for some people."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started taking Paxlovid when I tested positive for COVID. I'm a diabetic and have stage 3 kidney disease, so my doctor said it was worth a try with my underlying health problems to hopefully stay out of the hospital. I finished my last course today. I had that awful taste in my mouth that everybody else has. But I also had aches and a headache, and I developed an ear infection and some blisters in my mouth towards the end. I don't know how much of this had to do with Paxlovid or the COVID itself. I tested myself, and I am still positive, although I don't have a fever. I still have lingering aches and pains and a slight sore throat. I don't know if it would have been worse if I hadn't taken Paxlovid. Now the only thing I worry about is the rebound that I keep reading about after taking this antiviral. Has anyone had a rebound? And how bad was it?"

• Cyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had the infamous sore throat on April 21 and tested for Covid immediately. It was negative. On April 24, I woke up sick and tested positive for Covid, three days after the first symptom and a negative test. I was sick for several days, followed by a week of feeling pretty good. However, on May 4, I woke up sick again and tested positive for Covid again, and have stayed sick since, six days. After the first day of being sick again, I asked my doctor to prescribe something for it, as it was my second go-round and I was a little frightened. He prescribed Paxlovid. I really don't like the taste in my mouth but was sort of used to it, as it tastes somewhat like a dental rinse I had to use when I got implants. Yuck, but endurable. I have continued to have sinus pain and headaches through the entire treatment, it doesn't seem to have impacted that. And I have had some mild nausea. I threw up once. I've kept taking it because they say to, but I've been tempted to just stop. I appreciate everyone sharing."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2023

For COVID-19 "60 yr old female with type 2 diabetes and vaccinated 4x. A head cold turned worse the next day, and I tested positive for COVID. Within a couple of hours after contacting my doctor, I had a prescription of Paxlovid. My first dose was day one at night. I was coughing a lot, and I could hear my lungs wheezing as I exhaled. By the next morning, the coughing got better and the wheezing disappeared. I have a metallic taste in my mouth, but having a soothing non-menthol cough drop helps. I haven’t lost my sense of taste, and I feel a lot better than day one. I still have a headache, but it is not a severe one. Mild stomach upset, but my suggestion is to eat light foods and stay extra hydrated. Having no BP issues, I did notice my BP was up slightly. The fever is gone and just had a general feeling of being sick. Can’t wait to be off this stuff."

• JJP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2025

For COVID-19 "My husband and I tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Oct. 2024. I just found this site, thus delayed report. We are retired: 73 & 75 yrs. The doctor put us both on Paxlovid within 5 days. My husband was highly congested and out of breath going up stairs. I was fine except for a very mild headache and 'scratchy' throat. My husband completed his course, complaining of metallic taste but fine otherwise and was better by the end of 5 days. No 'rebound.' On the other hand, I took the first dose and immediately felt very unwell. Up all night, sick with a heart-pounding migraine. The second dose came up as soon as I swallowed it. I didn't even get all the pills down, only ritonavir. I called my healthcare provider, and she advised me to stop taking it. So, I did. And felt fine within 24 hours. So, no further antivirals for me. Any symptoms for COVID were gone, and I have been fine ever since. It took us both about 8-10 days to test negative for COVID."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2024

For COVID-19 "I'm taking Paxlovid, and the metallic taste is definitely off-putting. My symptoms are fatigue, mental fog, coughing, and headaches. The foggy brain was the worst experience, almost indescribable. The mental fog, coughing, and headaches are gone. Feeling unwell is one of the side effects, and that is what I am feeling on day 3. I had one experience of nausea. I will finish all 5 days of the prescription in the hopes that I never become cloudy-headed again and that I don't get long Covid. I agree with many of the reviewers: stay with it. I have not had this year's immunization but have all of my boosters up to date."

• LMR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2022

For COVID-19 "My entire house came down with COVID the 2nd week of May. Ages 3-38. I decided to take Paxlovid because I am compromised. The taste I had in my mouth after the first night dose was awful, comparable to drinking acetone. Not much helps it either. It actually even made it so I smelled exactly what I tasted. Day 2, severe diarrhea, Imodium seems to help some. I've also been really nauseous and have absolutely zero appetite. I'm halfway through this medication and I am undecided if I'll continue. My symptoms from COVID started as GI issues, severe body pains, and the worst migraine ever. By day 4 (when meds were started), I started to develop upper respiratory issues along with a wet cough. After dose 1, the respiratory stuff was gone. Now, I wait to see if I'll end up with Paxlovid rebound. It's definitely a good medication for those who would otherwise be hospitalized, but it's not for everyone."

• Ray...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2022

For COVID-19 "Got nothing. Have one lung from cancer plus diabetic. This seemed to make things worse. I went through two days of fever and took a Covid test. The pharmacy gave me a confirmed positive test. I seem to have a headache and disorientation from the Paxlovid. Almost done with the dosage. Will not take again."