Heads Up On Levaquin

[ravenwoodglass]

I am recoving from a bout with diverticulitis and colitis. I was given a couple of antibiotics, one Flagyl we were unable to get in the strength the doc wanted unless we went generic so I have not started that one, and don't know if I will.

Be aware that the Levaquin although gluten-free for certain, is a really nasty antibiotic. I had side effects I never thought I would see off something of this nature. First off it destabelized my blood sugar, I shot up to over 300 within 3 hours of taking it and the next morning my MS was a fasting 178. It dropped to 85 within a half hour and then was back up to 137 an hour later.

That was enough to convince me not to take another dose...... And then I started to hallucinate. I have never been happier that I had the experiences I did in the late 60's early 70's, at least I knew what it was that was making my world all pretty colored mosaics and flashing lights. If I had never 'tripped' it would have scared me to death. I went to bed looking at the colors and hopeing they would be gone in the AM. They were.

My doctor gets back today and I expect him to give me a call. After reading the leaflet that came with the drug I found they do not reccommend it for folks with diabetes, epilepsy or tendon problems. I have diabetes, epilepsy (although no seizures since a couple months gluten-free) and am an Ehlers Danlos person who dislocates regularly in their sleep. I guess the drug reps info wasn't real complete and he hadn't read the literature before giving it to me.

I wanted to make sure that folks are aware of these bizzare side effects. I don't know if the same thing would happen to someone without the brain damage I have from the celiac but no one mentioned them to me before I took the stuff, if they had I would have asked for something different.

[rsm]

I took it once a couple of years ago and broke out in hives overnight, it was bad, very bad.

[GlutenWrangler]

I'm on Levaquin right now for a Pseudomonas infection. I had some rough side effects at first too, but nothing like you had. I'm currently on my 8th day, and I think my body is getting used to it. I was in a horrible mood and I felt almost dead for about 3-4 days, but it ended up going away. But keep in mind, I'm not a diabetic or an epileptic, so it is definitely much more dangerous for you. I'm sorry it was too rough for you. It's definitely a strong antibiotic. Hopefully you can find another that is both strong and tolerable.

-Brian

[ArtGirl]

It just reinforces the fact that we need to be fully aware, read the drug information, and make fully informed decisions... irregardless of whether or not we THINK the doctor knows what s/he is doing!

I never trust doctors to know the ins and outs of the drugs they prescribe. I ALWAYS check with the pharmacist and read the inserts.

[ravenwoodglass]

I never trust doctors to know the ins and outs of the drugs they prescribe. I ALWAYS check with the pharmacist and read the inserts.

I agree completely. I just read the info the drug store gave me before I took that one dose. I should have read the insert also. I sure will next time.

[Anteau25]

I was prescribed levaquin about 2 months ago, but my pharmacy called me before they filled it because it could affect blood sugars. I am a diabetic also. They contacted my dr, and I got a different antibiotic. After reading your post I am even more thankful that the pharmacy caught it before giving it to me!