Nitrofurantoin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "This medication made me feel awful. I woke up every day with a bad headache, experienced nausea, dizziness, and extreme tiredness throughout the week (every day). I don't think I can finish the full week as I need to resume my life. I wouldn't take this again. However, the infection seems to be gone, so it worked for that."

• Vic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took 3 doses of Macrobid and became violently ill, with nausea, diarrhea, the shakes, headache, anxiety, heart palpitations - you name it. I thought I was going to die. It has been awful. I'm on day 4 of trying to flush it out of my system and get my life back. Take anything for a UTI but this - it shouldn't even be on the market."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took this medication, Macrobid, for 5 days, 2 times a day without issues and retested 5 days later to find it cured my UTI. 2 weeks later, I had another UTI and again was given Macrobid. This time, I started having stomach acid discomfort, which escalated to nausea, body aches, and headache. I would take it with food, but 3 hours later, I’d feel sick and have to eat again. Day 4, I had swelling in my feet, so I wore compression socks, and I have drank plenty of water throughout my treatment. It basically has felt like I’ve had the flu, and the next day after my last dose, I am waiting for improvement. Everyone is different, but this med has made me extremely sick. My dr told me to stop at day 5 rather than 7 and we will test in 3 days."

• Ani...
• October 20, 2016

Nitrofurantoin 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."

• Far...
• December 7, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have never felt so badly with an antibiotic in my life. I'm on nitrofurantoin 100 mg twice a day. The first day with food, I started feeling really badly, I was chilling, shaking uncontrollably... awful headache... hands and legs became numb... nauseous, so weak. Once I laid down, I couldn’t get back up. My husband is on hospice, and I am his 24/7 caregiver. I kept trying to get up, and I felt like I was going to faint. I'm so achy all over, I totally felt like it was the end for me. I am in bed right now and can’t even get up... like I had the worst flu ever... do not take this."

• Kei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2024

For Urinary Tract Infection "So me being super paranoid after being prescribed new antibiotics searched for reviews, and I must say a lot of these reviews absolutely terrified me! I have emetophobia, so the thought of it making me violently ill made me panic so much. I have a UTI and was prescribed 3 days' worth of this to take twice a day. I bit the bullet and took one whilst eating lunch and a big glass of water, then again 6 hours later with a big dinner and another glass of water. So far, no headaches, dizziness, nausea, or actually being poorly. I'm not sure when side effects are supposed to kick in, etc., but so far, so good for me! Please take it, as an untreated UTI is lethal!"

• pen...
• May 11, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Took this drug for 3 days. The infection got better after 2 doses. However, I slowly developed headaches and a little chills on the 2nd day of treatment. Thought I might be getting a bit of flu, so I ignored the symptoms and continued my medication. As soon as I took the last dose, my symptoms got worse. I was so weak I could hardly walk. My eyes got blurry and generally nauseous and drowsy. As I type this, I still have all these symptoms with a raised heartbeat, occasional numbness of my hands and feet. All I want is to sleep but too scared to sleep just in case it got worse. Nonetheless, the medicine does the job as it cleared my infection after two days of taking it, but it gave me a bad experience, so I'm not taking this drug again."

• Tex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Went to Urgent Care for UTI, and they prescribed me Macrobid. I had experienced severe headache, nausea, leg cramps, itching, and blood pressure is really elevated. My UTI is minimally better after having taken it for three days. Stopping it today. If I could give it less than a 1 rating, I definitely would."

• Ast...
• September 4, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Definitely would NOT take this again. I experienced headache, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle pain, tingling in my limbs, I was so weak. I really thought something was wrong, and it just so happened all this started when I took the first pill! I am definitely sticking to my ciprofloxacin! I know everyone's different, good luck to the ones that do take it :/"

• Oki...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2024

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Given Macrobid (100 mg, twice daily (every 12 hrs)) for UTI (I had urinary urgency and frequency for a few days, started getting nausea and lower back pain). 1st dose: 30 mins in got a headache, heat/tingling at the top of head, moved forward and turned into pressure in forehead and temples—felt similar to a fever, but no temperature (was only 97°F). Felt lethargic, started getting a sharp pain above the pubic bone/in my bladder, and a bit of ache in back; the lower abdominal/back pain was manageable with heating pad, but headache remained for almost 2 hrs. Felt good when it was gone though; relief from urgency, more energy, thinking clearly. But an hour before the next dose I felt sick, back pain came back, felt emotional. 2nd dose: same headache again, felt fevered but wasn’t, was cold; slept through it, awoke with random body aches, knee and chest sore, felt ill. Talked to the doctor, new urinalysis said no UTI, so it works, but was advised to stop because of side effects. Take at your own risk."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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."

• Moa...
• October 19, 2019

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I’m 56 years old and have never had a problem with antibiotics. Prescribed Macrobid 2x a day for 10 days as I had my third UTI in five months. UTI symptoms quickly vanished, BUT by day 5 I couldn’t think, had zero appetite, headaches, and a sore throat - assumed virus. Day 8, my face and neck began to swell, sudden SEVERE back pain, fever, teeth chattering, vomiting - saw the doctor, test showed kidney function off/dehydration, though I constantly had fluids. 3 days off - still sore throat, tired, but my head is clear and energy/appetite returning. Another kidney function test next week. PS this is NOT only for people with allergic reactions - never again!"

• BLR...
• October 17, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "Attended emergency for statin use-related UTI. Started medication the same day and the next morning vomited. I took the next prescribed dose and 2 hours later could not take a deep breath, had a very tight, heavy chest, and I thought I was having a heart attack. By the time for my next dose, I had a headache, muscle pain which kept moving, felt sweaty and feverish. The next dose created more of the same, with increased labored breathing. I had never felt so weak or nauseated. Sleep was intermittent and weird dreams. I did not continue, called my GP and stopped immediately. I am a 60-year-old woman and this is the most horrible drug I have ever been prescribed."

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

Nitrofurantoin 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."

• Sty...
• April 11, 2015

For Bladder Infection "Every single time my doc prescribes this, I beg for something different! The side effects for me start right after the first dose and continue to get worse. Extremely nauseated, splitting headache, muscles aching, especially in my neck; dizziness, loss of appetite, and just an all-over feeling of being sick! My daughter just came over to help take care of me and just named several other medicines that are very effective for bladder infections without the side effects!"

• alw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2016

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I took Macrobid 100 mg twice a day for 7 days. I had no symptoms at all, except day 1 I had an upset tummy. But I can't for sure say that was caused by this antibiotic. I'm very sensitive to a lot of medications, and I was really surprised Macrobid didn't give me any problems. I think a lot of people don't realize how crazy a UTI can actually get. You can get some pretty awful symptoms/side effects just from the UTI itself. Blurred vision, headaches, and nausea are all side effects of a UTI, not just the antibiotic. I caught my UTI in time and had no symptoms from this antibiotic. There is a reason older people in their 70s and up go mental when they have a UTI. It's a serious condition."

• Ctm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Urinary Tract Infection "I started this medicine for my UTI. I always ate a meal with this pill. I really did not experience any sickness. I was on it for 7 days. I have trouble with anxiety, but it was not too bad. However, it seemed like this medicine made me more anxious at times. Then, on my last few days, I felt a little weird at times. Then, on my last day taking the medicine, I woke up with a scratchy throat. Then, by evening, I had a fever and bad chills. I didn't take the last pill because I felt so bad. My head kind of hurts too. I don't know if it's this medicine for sure or if I'm catching a virus."

• Adr...
• February 7, 2017

For Bladder Infection "Started nitrofurantoin on Friday. After the fifth dose, I started with a headache, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Then severe low back pain, and I thought this moved to my kidneys. Took two more doses and went to my doctor on Monday with insane low back pain and joint pain down my body. I thought maybe I had the flu. When I told the nurse my symptoms, she said, 'It's the medication, your urine shows no infection now.' The doctor confirmed and changed the medicine after telling me her patients that react this way look and feel like they have the flu. Today is day five, and I still have bad low back pain. I wonder how long it will last because it's horrible. Doctors should warn their patients."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2012

For Urinary Tract Infection "I have had regular urinary tract infections in the past but had a few years without them. I then started feeling the onset on Friday morning, and by Friday evening, it was full-blown. I went to the doctor and was prescribed Nitrofurantoin. To start with, I didn't notice the symptoms as they merged with the pain from the urinary tract infections and were quite mild, but with each dose, I am feeling worse and worse. I have the chills, sweating, headaches, disorientation, and constant waves of nausea. The doctor warned me that my pee would be discolored, and that was it. I am considering coming off these pills only 2 days into a 7-day cycle, as for me, the side effects are almost worse than the UTI."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Got this prescribed for 7 days for UTI. I am 30 weeks pregnant, and they found Strep B in my urine, and since I am allergic to penicillin-based drugs, this is my only option before IV antibiotics. My side effects are headache and pain behind the eyes (bearable), feeling like I haven't slept at night: daytime fatigue and weakness. I am finding myself sitting or laying down most of the day, especially 2-3 hours after taking the pill. I am on day 5 and am trucking along. 3 more days. It really helped clear up the awful foul smell of my urine. So yeah, not fun, but when there is no other option, you stick with it."

• Am1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2015

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Prescribed Macrobid 100 mg for bladder infection. Took the first dose at 5 pm after a full meal (on the advice of my doctor who warned slight stomach irritation). Around 2 am, I woke up vomiting yellow bile, which lasted for several hours. I was shaking and sweating and couldn't even keep water down. I'm on my fourth dose and symptoms are subsiding. I feel like I'm going to vomit, have a headache, and am extremely dizzy. Please be careful when taking this, it's like a flu in pill form!"

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2018

Nitrofurantoin for Bladder Infection "Omg... I have been so sick since I started this medicine. I have been lying in bed for two days straight with a headache, fever, chills, sweats, throwing up, can't eat anything. I am a mother of two, and I literally don't know what I'm going to do if this doesn't go away... their dad goes back to work tomorrow. Ughh pray for me! Just ask your doc for something else because this is garbage."

• Cin...
• February 5, 2014

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took this medicine for two days, then got this massive headache or migraine. My shoulders and neck hurt, and my temples hurt to even touch them. My eyes hurt to move them, and I had vomiting with it. I stopped taking it and went on something else."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I am a healthy, happy, energetic 77-year-old. I was prescribed nitrofurantoin for cystitis, two 100 mg tablets daily for 7 days. The 2nd day, I experienced nausea, headache, and extreme fatigue. By the 3rd day, I also experienced vomiting, tingling in my fingers, irritability, stomach pain, and fullness and pressure in my head. I stopped taking the drug after 3 1/2 days and started on amoxicillin. The nausea and tingling stopped 1 1/2 days after stopping the nitrofurantoin, but the headache, pressure, and extreme fatigue continued for another 15 days. My doctor said that the drug is not known to cause these symptoms. I have never researched a drug or written any review, but felt compelled to let people know that this drug does cause all these symptoms and more. Judging from the number of reviews, it would seem that these are not rare occurrences. Perhaps the pharmaceutical companies are not being completely honest about the side effects this drug causes and the multitude of people that are affected."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've had a few UTIs in my life, but never treated with nitrofurantoin, and never again. My first dosage was Thursday p.m., and by Saturday evening, I pretty much wanted to die. Horrible stomach pain/cramps, headache, drowsy, malaise, and I kept on taking it. It's now Thursday, and I woke up to a pounding headache and vomiting. Today was my last round, which I'm not taking. The UTI was way easier to deal with than this experience."