Nitrofurantoin and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Kan...
• October 18, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "I never in my life had bad experiences with antibiotics, but this one was a near-death experience. I had a UTI and was given this by my doctor. I felt like my symptoms had gotten worse after I started taking this pill and just thought it was the UTI that was still affecting me, so I continued taking it. I felt like a zombie for the next few months because I didn’t think that the pill was affecting me or had so many side effects. I had chest pain, fatigue, night sweats, pain in my neck, arms, and feet, a tingling sensation in my whole body, a headache, the sensation all over my body, which I still have because my nerves are probably damaged now. I'm going to see my doctor today because this is not going away on its own. If I knew better, I would have stopped taking this pill right away. But I already took most of it. Please, whoever is reading this, stay away from this pill. It will make you feel like you have a virus."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Macrobid due to having leukocytes in my urine on a routine UA. I can’t vouch for efficiency because my culture came back normal twice, so I was told to discontinue them. However, other than crippling anxiety from reading the reviews and fatigue, I didn’t experience any side effects. I did as others said and took it after I ate dinner or breakfast and ate a muffin right before I took it."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I’m currently on day 6 of 7 for a UTI. I was lucky to discover my UTI very early, so I didn’t have bad sickness from that. However, I’ve felt worse from taking this drug. My symptoms are fatigue, headache, high anxiety, tightness in chest, smelly gas, low blood sugar (so low that my hands started to shake really bad), mood swings, and insomnia."

• tab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Some comments imply all the logged side effects of this drug are not the drug but the urine infection. My GP has assured me that this is not the case. One 50 mg capsule caused extreme headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea with blood, nosebleed, and a complete inability to function in any small way. I persevered taking 7 capsules in total as advised, before contacting my GP who saw me that same day. She was so concerned, she felt I should have a CAT scan. Just change the drugs I pleaded, it's 10 hours since I took one (50 mg every 6 hours) and I can feel myself improving. This she did and after 3 days I was able to do light household chores, although still very fatigued. Two weeks later I am nearly back to normal, just my stamina a little low. UTI has gone after taking Trimethoprim which had minimum side effects. Why Nitrofurantoin causes these extreme adverse side effects in some but not in others is a mystery, but believe me, if you are susceptible, they can make you very unwell."

• Riv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2022

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Took 3 pills, and it made me sick. Headache, fatigue, and overall felt awful. Ended up sleeping because I felt so bad, almost like a feverish feeling. I wanted to try and see if I could take it, but it just made me sick."

• Deb...
• August 31, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed 50 mg 4x a day Macrodantin for UTI. I had severe nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, confusion, eye pain, severe fatigue, and sleepiness. Did clear up UTI, but I am so tired and constipated 5 days after finishing meds."

• 43...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "In my experience, this is a super effective drug that needs to be taken with care. I was prescribed 100 mg twice a day, and it zapped my stubborn UTI in a day and a half. The label should say, 'Take With LOTS of Food!' I didn't eat enough during the first day and experienced the dizziness, fatigue, and nausea that so many here are reporting. I've never felt anything like that - I was basically incapacitated. After that, I made sure that my breakfast and dinner were larger than normal, and that I took the pill halfway through my meal. I didn't experience any side effects at all after making that change. Please keep this in mind as you read these horror story reviews!"

• Mis...
• July 21, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've had a recurrent UTI for the past month, and no other antibiotics had been working. The doctor prescribed this one, 100 mg, twice a day every 12 hours, for five days. After my first dose, my urgency to urinate had subsided a lot. Nevertheless, by the second dose, severe nausea, constipation, and fatigue began. I have been a zombie at work, and just the thought of food makes me want to puke, even though I've been forcing myself to have at least three full meals a day (particularly when I take the medication). I have two more days to go, and I just wrote to my provider to see if I MUST finish it. The UTI symptoms are gone at this point, yet the side effects are decreasing my quality of life by the minute."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2022

For Bladder Infection "I've had many UTIs and have taken many antibiotics for it, but have never been prescribed this before. (100 mg x2 per day for 5 days) It's given me headaches (which I usually don't get), sinus problems, aches and pains, and I just generally feel sluggish and tired, and have to make more bathroom trips. It has given me some bouts of nausea if I don't eat a lot with it, but if I eat a substantial meal with it, it's not bad. My UTI symptoms are pretty much gone, although I didn't even know I had a UTI at first. It hasn't been the worst antibiotic I've ever taken, and the side effects have been relatively mild, but I will definitely opt for something else next time if possible."

• Emm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Over the past 5 years, I’ve struggled with horrible UTIs. I’m resistant to a few antibiotics and have horrible side effects to Cipro. There are actually studies about how horrible Cipro is. Macrobid is the ONLY antibiotic that clears me up with no side effects and doesn’t mess up your gut bacteria, which leads to feeling down and depressed. I’m very sensitive to medicine, and my side effects were mild fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. Nothing major at all. I’ve taken it 3 times now. I highly recommend."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2021

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "On day 3 of Macrobid, no major side effects other than fatigue and muscle aches, no nausea, etc. My pee no longer smells, but I am going to the loo more than usual since on the tablets. Much better if taken with food. I felt rough on one occasion when I hadn't eaten enough. All in all, I expected to get a few side effects, so it's not been too bad. Whether it clears the infection, I'm yet to know."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2018

For Bladder Infection "I was on this medication for 7 days to treat a mild bladder infection. It got rid of the infection, and I started feeling better after a couple of days. However, the side effects are horrible: upset stomach, extreme drowsiness, and fatigue, which got worse after the third day when, in fact, the bladder infection symptoms had subsided. This is an effective medication, but not sure whether it's worth the side effects. I have been on other antibiotics for UTIs in the past and never experienced any side effects. This is good only if you have nothing going on in your life and don't mind feeling like a zombie for the duration of the course."

• JJo...
• January 10, 2016

For Bladder Infection "I had a UTI right after the holidays. I thought too much sugar maybe was a contributor. I was given nitrofurantoin, which is Macrobid, is what they told me. I was supposed to take it for 3 days at 1 tablet twice a day. I brought it home, and I was scared to take it because I hate antibiotics. I took it for two days, on the third day, my husband rushed me to the Emergency Dept. I got checked for everything. The ER doctor said that my dizziness, vomiting, fatigue, eye pain, really swollen nodes, light sensitivity, and killer migraine were side effects of this medicine! I was sick for five days after praying that I wouldn't die. When I read it can make you go blind suddenly, that was it. NO MDs for me, I only go to a Chinese medicine/naturopathic doctor. End of story."

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

For Urinary Tract Infection "My new doctor prescribed (generic) Macrobid for a bladder infection last Thursday. I had been fatigued on Saturday, and this Sunday morning, I still had pain, despite taking Pyridium. I called the doctor's answering service and got a prescription for a sulfa-Trimethoprim (generic for Bactrim and other brands), and am starting to feel better after taking one pill. Newer and more expensive medications aren't always better, sometimes they're worse."

• Ick...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2019

For Bladder Infection "What I will say is that this medication did get rid of my UTI, so I suppose it did what it was intended to do, and a whole lot more. On this one, I’m just not sure the positive effects outweigh the negative when there are other treatment options with fewer side effects. The worst was the nausea and indigestion, which still haven't gone away, and I took my last dose yesterday morning. Fatigue and headache were also prominent, and general malaise. My head still feels heavy and full, and the back of my neck has been hurting for days to the point where I, like other reviewers on this blog, was looking up, worrying about symptoms of meningitis. Overall, I would rather take an alternative, as this drug has been an overall negative experience, with the exception of the fact that it did, in fact, treat the infection. The hair loss side effect is also scary...I haven’t noticed that, thankfully. If I get another UTI, I’m going to request another option to this drug."

• Ick...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2019

For Bladder Infection "What I will say is that this medication did get rid of my UTI, so I suppose it did what it was intended to do, and a whole lot more. On this one, I’m just not sure the positive effects outweigh the negative when there are other treatment options with fewer side effects. The worst was the nausea and indigestion, which still haven't gone away, and I took my last dose yesterday morning. Fatigue and headache were also prominent, and general malaise. My head still feels heavy and full, and the back of my neck has been hurting for days to the point where I, like other reviewers on this blog, was looking up, worrying about symptoms of meningitis. Overall, I would rather take an alternative, as this drug has been an overall negative experience, with the exception of the fact that it did, in fact, treat the infection. The hair loss side effect is also scary...I haven’t noticed that, thankfully. If I get another UTI, I’m going to request another option to this drug."

• Syl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 10, 2023

For Urinary Tract Infection "This medication frustrates me because it works really fast, but I’m one of many who do not tolerate it at all. I always have a prescription at home for a five-day treatment twice a day, so I’m not having to wait long hours at the ER. I’ve had enough UTIs to recognize when it’s an infection because it’s important not to overuse and become resistant. At 50 years old, I feel that I’m getting UTIs more frequently as I’m aging, so having medication at the ready is a great peace of mind. But every time I take it, it is like having the flu: headache, fatigue, chills, fever, and feeling unwell. I have an appointment with the specialist next month, and I’ll have to try something different. I do have low tolerances for a lot of meds, but this one does make me feel pretty awful. On the bright side, though, my infection is much better! Good luck to all, try it once and see what happens, you can be lucky to do well on it!"

• Von...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2019

For Bladder Infection "I was prescribed this antibiotic, nitrofurantoin, earlier this week. Midway through a three-day course, and my bladder infection is improving greatly. Downside is that I have experienced some of the side effects listed on the NHS website against this drug - mainly nausea, cold sweats, fatigue, and general disorientation. However, as I knew that these were possible, I’m not overly worried as I’m optimistic they’ll pass once I finish the course tomorrow. These effects are much less intrusive than those of the bladder infection, as I felt as though my abdomen was full of broken glass, and it was sheer agony if my tummy was even brushed past."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2018

For Bladder Infection "Had suspected UTI, got prescribed 50 mg 4 times per day for 3 days. I'm now peeing even more with more stinging, though the urine test is clear today. Seems to have made my symptoms twice as bad. Felt moderate nausea on and off, fatigue, lower back pain, minor dizziness, and anxiety. But please note that I do suffer from anxiety anyway. But I felt these made it worse. As far as side effects, they were minor compared to other antibiotics. But I didn't feel good. Saying that, though, glad to be off of them tonight. But seems to have made my UTI and pain worse."

• Ams...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "Horrible experience with this medication with first dose. Gave me a headache, nausea, felt disoriented, brain fog, heart palpitations, fatigue, and feelings of sadness. Went to ER. Doc prescribed me a different antibiotic. Told me not to take that medicine again. A $10 prescription turned into a $200 ER visit!"

• UTI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have severe health anxiety and have a hard time taking pills. I was diagnosed with a bad UTI about 4 days ago. I was instructed to take a 7-day course of the antibiotic. About only 8 hours after my first dose, my UTI symptoms started improving. I took my first dosage at night; the next morning I woke up, I felt very, very fatigued. I just didn’t feel that great… no energy and my muscles were weak. I thought this might be because my body was exhausted from fighting the infection. As I continued taking the pills, I noticed I was having some muscle pain around my abdomen. It wasn’t severe, more like soreness and a few aches here and there. I had also felt a weird feeling in my head, a slight shortness of breath a few times, and blurred vision for a few seconds, but I blamed my severe anxiety and have continued taking the pills as instructed. Come to find out, others have experienced the same side effects. It’s not terrible, but it is a bit scary. Hopefully, things don’t get worse."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "Oh, third time on nitrofurantoin, in less than 2 months. It seems to clear up the cystitis (painful pee), but within weeks it is back again. The stomach discomfort, fatigue, and shivers I am having this time are causing me great distress. I have no choice but to not complete the course. I feel absolutely awful. Would not recommend this product."

• Kaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "If I could give nitrofurantoin a zero, I would. DON'T take it - demand an alternative. I was on it for a week (I still have a UTI, surprise, surprise) and I have the worst itch around my vagina and anus. I've also lost 5 pounds in 3 days, even with eating 2500 calories a day. My body now looks saggy and disgusting, and I had confidence issues before this - thanks, Dr. I have also developed a dry cough that's apparently the first sign of a lung injury, just read the leaflet about all the horrible side effects. Also, I had a LIGHT gym session the day I started taking them, then my muscles were too stiff to walk properly for about 5 days, and I lost all the bending forward flexibility in my back to the point that I can't touch my knees, never mind my toes (I can usually put my palms on the floor quite easily). I feel horribly depressed too and knackered. I am a normally fit late 20s woman."

• Yel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Was prescribed a three-day course of nitrofurantoin for a UTI. I usually take trimethoprim and knew this was different, but thought nothing of it. I took the first tablet after dinner before bed and didn’t notice any immediate issues; then I woke up the next morning feeling extremely lightheaded and shaky. I took the second tablet with breakfast, and within minutes, I was on the bathroom floor. Horrific vertigo, room spinning, pounding heart, so sick I was gagging over the bath. I was terrified. This acute phase took about an hour to pass, then I continued to feel rotten. It gave me bladder spasms worse than the UTI, breathlessness, body aches, and extreme fatigue (just as it did many others on here). I was switched to trimethoprim for the next two days, but a day after finishing my course, I still feel fatigued and breathless. I slept for 14 hours last night. Please read up before taking this medication."

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was on Cipro, only 6 pills, but after taking the last one, I still had UTI symptoms. Was prescribed Nitrofurantoin, can't tell if it's working since I've only taken the first capsule, but the side effects are horrible! All day I had one of the worst headaches ever! Felt weak, fatigued, and diarrhea. Will call the Dr. today to find out what I can do."