Macrobid and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I began to take Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin mono) 100 mg caplets on last Thursday for a UTI. Within 24 hours, I had severe muscle aching, headache, and fatigue. Within 2 days, I had even more severe body aches, joint pain, extreme fatigue and sleepiness, dizziness and difficulty walking, as well as a fever of 101-102 degrees. I went into a walk-in clinic, but symptoms progressed, and by Sunday, I was in the ER thinking I was in septic shock. I assumed my infection had spread, I had no idea it could be a reaction to the antibiotic. After a barrage of tests, including a CT scan, the only possibility is that this poison was wrecking my health. This medication caused me a huge amount of problems. I stopped taking it yesterday and still have a headache, dizziness, muscle aches, and low fever. I can only hope the damage caused by Macrobid is not permanent."

• nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I get UTIs pretty frequently, so as soon as I felt the symptoms coming on, I went to an urgent care. The first day of Macrobid, I got a headache. The second day, I had a severe headache, body aches, weakness, and malaise. However, I thought it was just my illness because I have never had an experience like this with medication before. Day 3, I am in hell and sicker than a dog. Severe headache, nausea, lightheaded, weak, fatigued. I called in for Bactrim. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I get that not everyone has this reaction, but the risk is not worth it to me."

• nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I get UTIs pretty frequently, so as soon as I felt the symptoms coming on, I went to an urgent care. The first day of Macrobid, I got a headache. The second day, I had a severe headache, body aches, weakness, and malaise. However, I thought it was just my illness because I have never had an experience like this with medication before. Day 3, I am in hell and sicker than a dog. Severe headache, nausea, lightheaded, weak, fatigued. I called in for Bactrim. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. I get that not everyone has this reaction, but the risk is not worth it to me."

• Ani...
• October 20, 2016

For Bladder Infection "The first time I used this medication, it was great. Just now, I was prescribed Macrobid again. It took care of the bladder infection symptoms in two days. Next day, fever was 104, headache, fever high only one day, nausea, fatigue, high pulse (100), stomach pain, neck pain, muscle pain, lack of appetite. Stopped taking this med after 8 days and will never take it again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was given Macrobid 2x a day for 5 days for a UTI. I’m on dose 7 out of 10, and so far the worst side effect I’ve had is fatigue and mild stomach upset, but when I take it with food, that has seemed to be okay. Not bad at all! I’ve been given Bactrim DS before, and that one makes me nauseous, I’d rather be given Macrobid over Bactrim. Macrobid seems to be a gentle antibiotic with few side effects, at least for me, but everyone reacts differently to medication. I don’t tend to react much to any antibiotics in general, I guess I’m lucky! Would recommend Macrobid, as by the time I took around the 3-4 dose, I already had less burning upon urination. It works efficiently, and it works quickly! The UTI is gone, but I need to finish the last few doses so it doesn’t come back."

• lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went in to the doc for a UTI and was prescribed Cipro. However, after 4 days of taking that and experiencing side effects like severe headaches and fatigue, my lab results indicated I needed to take Macrobid instead. YAY! Another antibiotic to try. If that wasn't frustrating enough, it's only day TWO of Macrobid, and I'm suffering. I've been having some of the worst headaches of my life and terrible nausea. I've lost a lot of my appetite and at times feel like I need to vomit. I've also been overly emotional, weepy, and sad. I'm so upset I have to take this for several more days, especially during the holidays. But if it gets rid of this UTI, I guess it's worth it? I don't know... I'm going to drink as much water as I can and maybe take some ginger for the nausea to see if that helps."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've had UTIs before that have been treated with Cipro with no side effects. This last infection was pretty bad, and the physician I saw prescribed Macrodantin, which I had never used. The first dose gave me a severe headache, and then the second dose put me almost under. The leg cramps were so severe my husband wanted to take me to the emergency room. They were so painful and came so often until I was scared. I had to call in sick from work because they kept coming, and I threw up and was very fatigued. I drank tonic water and orange juice, which helped the cramps, so I'm calling my physician for Cipro first thing in the morning, and I'll list this medication as an allergy from now on. The side effects were horrible and outweighed the benefits."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was diagnosed with a UTI on Friday, 11-06-15, and prescribed Cipro, while the urine culture was done. On Monday, 11-09-15, the culture showed that Cipro was resistant, and I was prescribed Macrobid, since it was sensitive. I have been feeling so tired that I missed 2 days of work from the fatigue and brain fog/confusion. The medication has taken care of the UTI, but the side effects were more miserable than the UTI symptoms."

• mac...
• March 31, 2016

For Bladder Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid for a bladder infection. After I took the 2nd pill, I got severe shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, and diarrhea. Although not as bad as the first day, the symptoms continued into the second day of taking them. On the 3rd day, out of the blue, my vision was blurred/impeded by what I can only describe as bursts of light/sunbursts for about 20 minutes, followed by severe headache and fatigue. Very scary! My bladder feels a bit better, so I decided to stop the medication after only 3 days. Will ask the doctor for something else with less side effects if it continues."

• Mww...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took Macrobid a few months ago for my UTI. Worked great. No side effects. This time after getting a UTI again, I was prescribed Macrobid again, but this time I'm getting all the side effects: fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, nauseated, etc. I will probably stop using it now. My UTI does feel a bit better, though."

• Bla...
• February 9, 2018

For Bladder Infection "Had brand years ago for UTI & no problems, but this generic is awful! It was prescribed due to a small number of leukocytes in my urine, but my MD wasn't concerned about infection yet recommended I take it to be safe. Had zero symptoms whatsoever, but took the 1st dose after a full breakfast... mid-morning I was lightheaded with an aching neck. By afternoon I had a dizzying headache, lost all energy, legs felt like noodles, & got winded walking around the house. Night... barely could eat but took 2nd dose & prayed it wasn't the flu. Next day I woke up fine, but after breakfast... 3rd dose & was feeling flu-like again, but with intense cramping on & off the rest of the day (like ball up in a fetal position & just cry until it stops). I let my doc know I refused to take another capsule & left it at that. I've worked in pharmacy for 15 years & know not all manufacturers create their generic meds equally & these shouldn't be acceptable side effects."

• Kah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2023

For Urinary Tract Infection "I would not recommend it. I’ve been on this medication for 3 days for a UTI, 100 mg twice a day for 5 days, and I feel horrible. I’m currently 11 weeks pregnant and have no appetite, nauseous, belching, thirsty, ringing ears, anxious, and fatigued. I’ve never felt so sick and miserable in my entire life. I WILL NOT be taking another dose of this medication."

• Bda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Their reviews really drove me away, and I didn't want to take the pills since I hate taking medication. However, I eventually decided I needed to take it. Symptoms cleared up after the second pill, and I didn't have any side effects until day 3 when I woke up at night with some nausea. Went back to the doctor the next day, and he prescribed me some Zofran to take an hour before the Macrobid. I did that and managed to get through all 7 days with only a little fatigue, some headaches, and some excess flatulence. The trick is to take it with food and lots of water and follow it up with a probiotic 2 hours after."

• ALN...
• January 7, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "It says on the bottle to take this medicine with food. This is probably why you are experiencing nausea and fatigue. It's a great medicine and a great alternative and preventative if you're like me and suffer from chronic UTIs."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have been on Macrobid several times before in the past, but this time was different. My body could not handle it, and it worried me. I was vomiting, achy, headaches, and just overall fatigued. I know everyone is different as well."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Earlier today, I got this for a UTI, and I have not stopped throwing up for over 12 hours. I'm fatigued, starving, sweaty, my head is pounding, and I'm miserable. I would never wish this on my worst enemy. DON'T TAKE THIS."

• Wee...
• July 27, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "By the end of day one (2 doses), I felt very tired. Day two, I woke up weak, fatigued, achy, but was advised to stay on Macrobid as the UTI symptoms had improved. As the day wore on (3 doses), I became increasingly tired, had no energy, a headache, a sensation of heart racing, and nausea. Another call to my provider, and they suggested I switch to Cipro. Before I could do that, an episode of nausea sent me to the bathroom. I passed out, hit my head, and ended up hospitalized. I would be very afraid of this medication, considering the other options."

• MBE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 3-day dose of Macrobid to clear up a UTI. The only negative side effect I found was extreme fatigue-to the point where I was nearly falling asleep at work. It also turns your pee bright yellow/green, almost neon. I was hesitant because there were so many negative reviews, but this worked fine for me. I found that the symptoms of my UTI cleared up shortly after taking the first pill."

• Ixi...
• February 13, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I woke up a week or more ago and found myself having to pee frequently. I thought, 'Oh, that's weird.' Then it began to smell funky, and I decided to go get a urinalysis done. It came back negative, but the doctor gave me some Bactrim anyway. Halfway through my treatment with Bactrim, I had an allergic reaction and called it in. They gave me Macrobid instead, and gosh, is it expensive. I took it for a few days for a total of 5 days on antibiotics, and my symptoms were gone, but something new was happening. I always felt fatigued and nauseated, especially when I woke up, and when I tried to eat, I felt like my appetite had left me completely. My stools had turned to diarrhea, and my stomach always felt uneasy. The doc took me off them."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "After taking 2 doses, I got so sick. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue, and the worst brain fog in my life. I had to stop, but my doctor then said the next best thing is Cipro. Oh my goodness! Cipro is the worst. Ruptured tendons? I think no! So, it was a fight to get her to prescribe Bactrim! Sad to say doctors listen to the drug salespeople rather than reading this review space!"

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "Had either a urinary infection or intestinal. New to Macrobid, in one day after taking the medicine, I ran a 104.7 fever, was nauseous, and hurt all over. Ran a fever off and on till I got off the med and started Cipro. Began noticing fatigue, brain fog, and constant headaches. Ten weeks later, I've been diagnosed with hypoxemia and am starting nighttime oxygen therapy. Already have RA, Sjögren's, and sarcoidosis, didn't need this drug complicating my life. Macrobid should be taken off the market!!!"

• Han...
• July 3, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "This is by far the worst medication I have taken, and it's ruined my birthday weekend. I started feeling very fatigued with a stomach ache on day 1, but I didn’t think too much of it as I was also on my period, so symptoms didn’t feel too out of the ordinary. By day 2, I had lost my appetite and became so nauseous and dizzy I couldn’t get up. Day 3, I was feeling a little better until a couple of hours after my morning pill when I got a twisting hunger type of pain in the top of my stomach, the kind I’d imagine you’d have after not eating all week. It was excruciating, and it was only after I ate that I realized it was no hunger pain. This made me very nauseous and weak for the whole day. Now I am day two off the course, it’s my birthday, and I have a new addition of chest pain and headache on top of the other symptoms. I’m considering going to the ER, that is how awful this medication has made me feel. The worst part is my UTI symptoms came back on day three after ceasing on day 1."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "Stay away! How this drug is still manufactured, I do not know. I took this and thought I was getting more sick or having liver failure! Skin sensitivity, nausea, extreme fatigue, heart palpitations. I immediately stopped taking it. Antibiotics should, for the most part, make you feel better, not like you're on chemotherapy."

• Mbo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I went to urgent care to get medication for UTI, and the doctor prescribed Macrobid. I took the first pill around lunch and felt totally fine, and took the second after dinner. I woke up the next morning and had terrible nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. I thought I ate something strange the night before and continued to take my medicine twice a day. The next morning, same deal: fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and this time, vomiting. It cleared up around the afternoon. My doctor recommends taking a probiotic a few hours before or after taking an antibiotic to lessen the effects of diarrhea and nausea. MAKE SURE you eat and drink plenty of water. It has helped, however, I switched to another antibiotic. If you have a sensitive gut like mine, I would try another antibiotic!"

• Ter...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Horrible side effects. I had to go to urgent care. I asked for Cipro, usually, 5 will do. My new doctor was out of town, I will never go back. I am so weak with nausea, cramps, vomiting, headache, coughing, and sinus infection with fatigue so bad."