use of levaquin

[Luvbug9956]

I have been diagnosed with a sinus infection and during examination the nurse practitioner stated that my tympanic membranes were retracted. I was placed on 500mg of Levaquin for 14 days. My question is twofold. First, I since beginning the Levaquin on Tuesday (I have now taken 4 doses, with no effect, I still have a lot of sinus pressure) I have been experiencing insomnia and severe anxiety. I have also been having very odd dreams and feel scared for no reason. I woke up last night feeling very odd, sweating, with my heart racing. I feel like I'm going nuts! I will be skipping tonight's dose (Saturday) as I am scared to continue and am unable to get in touch with the prescriber. Could Levaquin cause these symptoms? If so, is it necessary to discontinue the drug if these side effects occur? My second question is will the Levaquin help the tympanic membrane retraction or would Sudafed be the best bet for that? I plan on calling my nurse practitioner on Monday, however, I don't want to miss two or three doses over the weekend if these side effects are considered to be benign, especially since I am nervous about the tympanic membrane retraction.

[sparky2]

Levaquin is making me nauseous.  No Vomiting or anything just a upset stomach.  I read that this one of the side effects is this normal
sparky2

[zelda466]

A related discussion, levaquin was started.

[arlenea]

I have had headaches since about Jan 15 2004 and I still have them. I went to ER as headaches was really bad. they did a spinal tap and also a CT those results came back fine I ended up going to see my Dr he had me do a x-ray of head for sinus infection. came back negitive. So he had me do a MRI that test came back saying that I had a sinus infection or fluid on the brain is what I was told from a different Dr. well the one Dr put me on Flonase, and Levaquin. the 1st night I had such bad stomach cramps I could'nt stand it the 2nd day same thing. they put me on this for 21 days since headaches were so bad. and bad infection. well I am not plugged like you think I would beno sign of a cold what so ever, well to make along story short I have been having bad aches in every joint I have in my body, really hurts in the am when I wake up so today I went to urgent care they said this maybe caused from the Levaquin they tested my blood and said that some toxin level was up alittle bit that I need to see my Dr again. can this cause this type of pains? also I have been having nightmares when I finally fall asleep. because I've been up most of the night (sleeplessness) if anyone has any answers for me please e-mail me. ***@**** thanks arlena

[arlenea]

I have had headaches since about Jan 15 2004 and I still have them. I went to ER as headaches was really bad. they did a spinal tap and also a CT those results came back fine I ended up going to see my Dr he had me do a x-ray of head for sinus infection. came back negitive. So he had me do a MRI that test came back saying that I had a sinus infection or fluid on the brain is what I was told from a different Dr. well the one Dr put me on Flonase, and Levaquin. the 1st night I had such bad stomach cramps I could'nt stand it the 2nd day same thing. they put me on this for 21 days since headaches were so bad. and bad infection. well I am not plugged like you think I would beno sign of a cold what so ever, well to make along story short I have been having bad aches in every joint I have in my body, really hurts in the am when I wake up so today I went to urgent care they said this maybe caused from the Levaquin they tested my blood and said that some toxin level was up alittle bit that I need to see my Dr again. can this cause this type of pains? also I have been having nightmares when I finally fall asleep. because I've been up most of the night (sleeplessness) if anyone has any answers for me please e-mail me. ***@**** thanks arlena

[sparky2]

Levaquin is making me nauseous.  No Vomiting or anything just a upset stomach.  I read that this one of the side effects is this normal
sparky2

[ajmps]

I took two doses of levaquin for sinus infection.Side effects are worse than the sinus infection. Headache,red pinhead size rash on both sides of upper torso around waist,taste buds not working,lips feel inflamed,lower part of body is pink and feels like sunburnt. Also taking tussi-bid tablets. My question to you is are the side effects more apt to be from levaquin or tussi-bid are both. Ive takin other antibiotics over the years with no side effects at all, never. Also I stopped taking the levaquin, how long will the side effects be present.Days,weeks,months??? Do I need to get treated for the side effects and are they a true risk of my health.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

First of all, I cannot make any recommendations as to what you should do since I'm not your provider.  I can answer questions about the side effects of Levaquin.  

Dizziness, fever, headache, insomnia are the CNS side effects of Levaquin, occuring in 1 to 10 percent of patients.  Thus, it is certainly possible that the insomnia may be a side effect.

Typically Sudafed and Levaquin work in conjunction in cases of sinusitis.  The acute effects of the infection would be helped with the Sudafed.  Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics shorten the course of the disease in cases of acute bacterial sinusitis.  

If you are experiencing side effects, you may want to consider discussing stopping the medication with your personal physician.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.