| Key to ratings for biaxin: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 5 | Lyme Disease | Worked great. Love this antibiotic. No side effects at all. | Herx (common w/Lyme) was mellow first time. I had to take again a year later for a long time, it was harder, but did it and beat co-infection, Bartonella after 9 months on it. My choice abx for cell wall deficient lyme and Bartonella. | F | 46 | 2 years | 1/31/2010 | 1 | sinus infection | It made my heart skip, and I felt disoriented at times, the worst of it was that it caused pain in my lower legs and joint pain toward the end of treatment it started causing my tongue to hurt. | I would not take this drug again. It did help the infection but the scary heart episodes. The leg and joint pain that started just five days short of finishing the antibiotic is still bothering me and continues to give me some scary moments. | F | 55 | 17 days | 1/31/2010 | 5 | H Pylori | stuffed up nose. for first 2 days mild nausea one hour after taking meds, goes away after 20 min. Other than that I get the taste of metal in the mouth. But THAT IS IT. | I read these forums prior to taking the H PAC triple therapy kit including Prevacid and Amoxicillin too and you guys scared the crap out of me. After speaking to 4 different doctors they assured me the health benefits were far greater than the discomfort from POTENTIAL side effects but that I most likely would not feel any. The doctors were right and you guys are scaring people into not taking what they need. If you are reading this and are concerned about the drug you are about to take GO ASK YOUR DOCTOR HIS/HER OPINION | M | 30 | 7 days | 1/29/2010 | 2 | sinus infection | insomnia, chills, tightness in chest, loss of appetite, extreme thirst, anxiety, tiredness | On top of the side effects, I don't feel like my infection is any better. Still coughing and congested. Feeling pretty lousy physically and mentally. | F | 52 | 8 days | 1/28/2010 | 1 | chest infection from flu | nausea, nagging headache, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, panic attacks, high blood pressure (not normal for me - usally on the low side) chest pain, confusion | I do not recommend this drug at all. I don't believe it is should be on the market. I had to be hospitalized for dehydration from the medication giving me severe diarrhea. Was checked for possible heart attack because of chest pains and dizziness. I was very confused and couldn't stop crying. | F | 40 | 7 days | 1/28/2010 | 1 | Sinus Infection | rapid heart-beat then bad palpitations, metallic taste in mouth, nausea, increased thirst, diarrhea | Rapid heart-beat was the first night, palpitations since. Today would have been day three of a 10 day dose, I quit taking them due to the side effects. All these symptoms after being on it for only 48 hrs is not worth it!! Calling my doctor first thing Monday morning to get something else. | F | 38 | 2 days | 1/23/2010 | 1 | Sinusitis | Extremely severe insomnia, constant, horrible taste. Also a bit of anxiety (crying, feeling of panic), on the fifth day severe headache and nausea, dizziness/ light-headed, shaky and also experienced some pulse acceleration. | This is my fifth day and I am going back to the doctor to get on another medication. This medicine is absolutely TERRIBLE and I would advise that although a doctor may say these aren't the common side effects (as mine so rudely did), this website may disprove that. | F | 21 | 5 days | 1/22/2010 | 3 | possible whooping cough | Slight nausea, headache, bitter taste at the back of my tongue, insomnia and as a result, tired during the day. | On day three of ten. Coughing and phlegm have improved somewhat so far. I dread another week of these side effects. | F | 30 | 10 days | 1/21/2010 | 1 | acute bronchitis | extreme anal inflammation due to repeated caustic bowel movements, loss of smell, loss of taste | It is 8 moths since I took Biaxin and my sense of smell and sense of taste are still disturbed... piercing laboratory type smell associated with cooking (especially onions) and deodorant... can barely taste anything at all. Was told by doctor, when I reported these effects, that all should return to normal in a couple months... that was 6 months ago. I was very ill with bronchitis, but really wish some other medication could have helped me. I needed two courses of Biaxin ... 20 days. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF ANYTHING I CAN DO TO REGAIN SENSE OF SMELL AND TASTE THAT HAS HELPED OTHERS. THANK YOU! | F | 64 | 20 days | 1/17/2010 | 1 | Sinus Infection | Extreme nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, horrible taste in mouth, massive headache that wouldn't subside, insomnia, vivid dreams,anxiety,dizziness, muscle weakness and urine retention. | Was on Biaxin XL 500mg, 2 pills once per day for 12 days. I was so sick, dizzy and weak that I could not go to work. I was unable to drive or walk a straight line. Way to dizzy. Felt "hungover" constantly for duration. I had severe anxiety and racing heartbeat, as well as the craziest dreams, night time insomnia and nightmares. I was only urinating 2 times per day, it did not matter how much fluid i was drinking. Urine was orange and cloudy. Constant dry heaving and loose stools. On day 10 i broke out in a rash all over my torso. Two days after my last dose I got a sore throat and yeast infection! SO angry! Would not recommend to anyone. | F | 25 | 12 days | 1/14/2010 | 3 | Sinus infection | Increased insomnia, dry mouth, metallic taste (constant), anxious, increased intake of water (due to dry mouth), but decreased urination. My dose is 2 tabs, 500 mg once a day, day 4 of 10. | M | 49 | 4 days | 1/8/2010 | 4 | pneumonia | foul taste in mouth, decreased urine output | It worked, but oh man did it create a horrid taste in the back of my mouth so bad that it would wake me up. I was brushing my teeth a couple of times during the night. It was very bitter, like a mix of strong grapefruit juice and bile. Only after finishing the course did I look up the side effects and discover that my lack of urination was probably related to the meds. I just thought I was dehydrated. | M | 40 | 5 days | 1/5/2010 | 1 | Sinus Infection, Bronchitis | Extreme heart palpitations, dizziness, feeling of doom, uncontrollable crying, panic attacks, sleeplessness, vivid dreams, chest pressure, irregular heartbeat, severe depression | I have been taking Biaxin for 2 days and have had to take myself off of it due to the side effects listed above. I have reported the side effects to the FDA and am going back to the doctor tomorrow morning so I can switch to another antibiotic. This medicine has completely unravelled me over the past two days. I can't imagine what people go through when they have panic attacks or depression. | F | 41 | 2 days | 1/2/2010 | 1 | chest infection | abdominal bloating, vomiting bile, kidney impairment, loss of smell and taste, rapid heart beat, heart failure, loss of smell and taste, "symptoms of myasthenic syndrome" ie: extreme weakness and fatigue in that order over 5 months | 2x500g daily for 4 days (out of 7 prescribed) cured the infection, hospitalized for 2 weeks 15 bags of IV saline to wash out system --ruined my health for 2 years -- sense of taste came back after just over a year, --kidney and cardiac function still impaired, --still physically weak and tire easily --- 6" tall weight went from 235lbs to 265 to 170 to 225 in just 14 months-- no odd dreams or hallucinations----- never again will I go near this stuff -- itcan have very long lasting effects | M | 51 | 4 days | 1/2/2010 | 3 | Pneumonia | Increased saliva, light-headedness, insomnia during night, but sleepy during day, concentration problems | I have been on this for three days now, have seven days to go. Although I haven't had any bad side effects (yet) I am alergic to Sulpha. After reading so many bad ratings, I have yet to rate this but am still satisfied. As with any antibiotic, it will kill all the good bacteria in the gut, so you need to suppliment with probiotics either in pill form or yogurt. Do this every day to rid the stomach cramps or diahrea. I'd rather suffer a few days myself with a few side effects than be admitted to the ER. I still cough at night and during the morning when it's hard to wake up. I find I drink a lot of fluids during the day too. And I still have my appetite. Everyone is different, we all have reactions as our systems are not the same. Biaxin is a strong antibio but there are far worse. | M | 38 | 10 days | 1/1/2010 | 1 | Lyme Disease | after five days at 250 mg, I experienced extreme insomnia, tingling through-out my body (like electrical feelings), arm and leg weakness, anxiety and depression. These symptoms haven't gone away after 2 months being off the drug. | Does anyone have suggestions for me as to how to elleviate my side effects after 2+ months off the drug? | F | 39 | 5 days | 12/30/2009 | 1 | chest infection | heart pain and arythmia. Convulsions. extreme anxiety that lasted over a year. felt CRAZY! was not myself!! | Brittney Murphy was taking this supposedly before she died. www.lawyersandsettlements.com/case/biaxin.html | F | 35 | 3 days | 12/23/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection | Terrible taste, almost immediate upset stomach and nausea. A little shaking and a weird feeling. Exhaustion as well. | I felt weird the second I tasted this horrible taste in my mouth. My stomach felt terrible and so I got online to read about it...after reading all the comments below, I will not finish this drug. I will find something else or deal with it until it clears because I really don't feel like dealing with these side effects. I haven't tried to sleep yet but I hope I don't have these night terrors that a lot of people seem to have experienced. | F | 21 | 1 days | 12/15/2009 | 3 | Sinus Infection | Horrible test in my mouth, almost constant. Severe emotional mood swings and depression. | I don't think I have ever cried so much. Since I have been on the medication I have cried a ton and feel depressed, like a total loser with no friends which is not the case. I am typically very optimistic and cheerful. It definitely makes my sinus infection go away but makes me feel like I'm losing my mind for the 10 days I'm on it. I just wonder is there another drug that can do this without these side effects?? | F | 25 | 10 days | 12/14/2009 | 4 | Post Nasal Drip/Sinus Infection | metallic taste, loss of smell, gas and upset stomach. | I am on day 5 of 10 so far taking 2x500mg every 24hours with food. I have had ZERO feeling of depression, anxiety or vivid nightmares. I have still been able to go snowboarding, night clubbing, fall asleep with no issues. Metallic taste is nasty, but this medication has cleared my sinus infection by at least 80% already. I was for 3 months constantly swallowing disgusting mucus and wake up with zero air flow in my nasal cavities. I have been using a neti pot also to help clean and moisturize my nose. As of my day 5/10 experience with this drug i'm extremely impressed with its power to clear infection. This medicine has benefited me greatly. | 19 | 5 days | 12/13/2009 | 4 | sinus infection/bronchitis | Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, weird dreams, bad taste in mouth. | It works very well on the infection but this constant 'foggy' feeling, exhaustion and my gut being in such turmoil is aggravating. It makes me so tired! I'm looking forward to finishing it. 10 days on this is 5 days too many. | F | 43 | 10 days | 12/11/2009 | 1 | sinus and ear infection | insomnia, awaking with panic attacks, chest burning, burning feeling throughout body, nervousness, shaking, metallic taste, dry mouth, fear of falling asleep and not waking up, stomach cramping, leg weakness. | I was taking 2 500mg pills once a day and a decongestant. After having the side effects, I called the doctor and they thought it was the decongestant so I stopped taking the decongestant. Then took the antibiotic only the next day and felt worse and was not able to sleep for more than 30 minutes at a time and would wake up into a full panic attack and feelings of disconnection with the world. Doctor suggested to try benadryl to sleep. This did make me more sleepy but I was still afraid to fall asleeep so I wasn't able to fall asleep. Didn't take it the third day and about 20 hours after taking the Biaxin I was feeling better and able to fall asleep without fear. My doctor thought my symptoms were not very typical for this medication, but it seems from all I have read I am not alone. I am going to find out if they can prescribe me something else. i am glad I found this site. | F | 32 | 2 days | 12/7/2009 | 1 | Bronchitus | psychological effects: fear/dread, panic, feeling "weird", difficulty falling asleep due to horrible thoughts, feeling in danger if i fell asleep. | psychological effects: fear/dread, panic, feeling "weird", difficulty falling asleep due to horrible thoughts, feeling in danger if i fell asleep. | F | 23 | 1 days | 12/6/2009 | 5 | sinus infection, maxillary, frontal | Sleepy, slight metalic taste. No abdominal discomforts or GI distress. No other side effects. | This bad infection was unsuccessfully treated with Levaquin 500 mg for 10 days, then Zithromax 500mg for 10 days. I felt just awful. Thank God for Biaxin. This medication started clearing my infection within 24-48 hours although I was prescribed 14 days. I took the entire 14 days as my doctor explained not to stop it even though I was feeling better. This medication worked for me when no other medication would. | F | 55 | 14 days | 12/3/2009 | 1 | Maxillary Sinus Infection | This medication was unbelievably crazy, I got a 7-day 500 MG package, and I took the antibiotic at the same time every day with food. At night I can't sleep, I go to work looking like I partied the night before, as of this second I have extreme abdominal bloating thats forcing me to stay awake, I do not reccomend this medication to anyone and I will NEVER take it again. | M | 22 | 4 days | 11/30/2009 | 3 | brochitis, sinus infection | metallic taste, severe abdominal cramping, tiredness (couldn't keep my eyes open within 15 minutes of taking), yeast infection | I was told by a nurse practitioner to take acidophilus (in the vitamin section) 2 pills 2 hrs before taking biaxin to counteract the stomach pain. It has helped some - I'm not doubled over anymore. Today is day 2 and the metallic taste does go away if you take biaxin with a full glass of water. If you scimp on the water you'll get dry mouth and the metallic taste comes back. | F | 31 | 2 days | 11/29/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection | Extreme Stomach Upset, Headache, Feverish feeling, Mental "Fog", Bizarre and very Vivid Nightmares, Sad feeling | I took this for only 1 day (two doses), before the unexpectedly awful stomach upset led me to Google this to see if I was alone. Was doubled over in pain--a strange, empty, almost starved feeling that did not go away with eating. Felt feverish and head-achy and just ... sad. Had a bizarre, out-of-the-blue violent nightmare that evening that was SO vivid. I jolted awake terrified and feeling paralyzed in my bed. Was terrified to go to bed the next night, during which I had another extremely bizarre and vivid, clockwork orange-like dream. I took my doses on Sunday, and today, on Tuesday, I am still feeling very emotional and almost depressed. Have also been experiencing "brain fog", where I am blanking on simple information like my zip code or garage door code. I can't WAIT until this horrible drug gets out of my system! I want to feel normal again! 1 day on this and I feel like I am going crazy. | F | 27 | 1 days | 11/24/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection & Bronchitis | Loss of vision, extreme vision blur, stomach pains & yeast infection | Vision was decreasing rapidly and started not long after starting this medicine. Got so bad I was sent to Opthamologist who in turn could not find a reason for such severe loss of vision and sent me to a neuro-opthalmologist. Once I stopped medicine (on my own) after 24 hours vision cleared rapidly and now is back to normal. Very scary! | F | 18 | 4 days | 11/21/2009 | 1 | bronchitis | terrible taste in mouth, couldn't sleep, crazy dreams, headache, no taste or smell | F | 42 | 3 days | 11/14/2009 | 5 | sinus infection | Nauseau, sweats, metallic taste, flatulence | After one day the horrible pressure from sinus infection was gone, and I could actually breathe from one side of nose. After 48 hours the nausea was gone, and my breathing was almost normal, sinus headache also gone. Had sweats off and on the entire time, but well worth it. I really liked this antibiotic. | F | 56 | 7 days | 11/13/2009 | 1 | Bacterial throat infection | metallic taste in mouth, stomach cramping, bad dreams, loss of appetite, nausea, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea | I couldnt wait for this medication to finish. I think it has given me c. difficile. Although it cleared up my sickness quickly, I would avoid going on this medication in the future. | F | 25 | 10 days | 11/11/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis, possible pnemonia | When I first started taking this, I felt so lousy. I was glad to be on something to relieve my chest cough. However, the metallic taste is horrid and set in within hours of beginning the drug. I am unable to sleep at night, then lathargecially tired during the day. My heart pounds, and I broke out into a full panic attack during church. Not pleasent. I didn't know what was wrong. I am in remission for cancer since last year. I thought for sure with all the side affects I was feeling my cancer was back and through my whole body, as I have been waking up in the middle of the night with intense body aches. Now, I think it is just the RX, and in a week or so most of this will go away. I will never take again. EVER. Horrible dreams, sick stomach, bad taste, panic, depression, anxiety. NOT worth the cure. | Read my other comments. DO NOT TAKE, especially children. | F | 37 | 10 days | 11/10/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis | oh my gosh I feel so bad. My 9 year old daughter was telling me she felt wierd,she was hearing and seeing things. Her eyes even swelled up and we thought it was pink eye. I wish I would have read this sooner. I made her an appointment with a psychologist as I thought she was developing anxiety disorders or worse. She was terrified. | F | 9 | 7 days | 11/6/2009 | 5 | gum infection | I did not suffer any side effects from this medicine | I was skeptical about taking biaxin because of this website but it turned out to be fine. i suffered no ill effects and did not have one side effect. please do not let this website sway your opinion on this medicine...everyone reacts differently to medicine. if i let this website stop me, i would have done myself a disservice. | F | 29 | 7 days | 11/2/2009 | 3 | Upper respiratory infection | I've taken Biaxin for years because I'm allergic to both penicillin and cipro. Biaxin has always caused me to have a bad taste on the back of my tongue, stomach and intestinal cramps, and occasional vomiting. But this time is the worst. I'm on Day 3 of 7 taking 500 mg 2X/day, and in addition to all the above my skin is crawling and painfully sensitive to touch in the way it is when I have a high fever (just took it, it's 99.3), my brain is foggy, and my legs and arms are so weak I can't walk or sit comfortably. Did they change the formulary recently? I've never known such awful side effects. | F | 46 | 3 days | 11/1/2009 | 1 | walking pneumonia | XL - 500 mg 2x's day. metallic taste that won't go away, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, severe anxiety, feelings of doom and death, crying, shakiness, fatigue w/insomnia | i will never take this drug again. i'm i feel like i need to go to the ER but i keep telling myself it's the anxiety. my body feels like it's burning on the inside. can only sleep for about an hour & 1/2 at a time. dream are so vivid and I'm calling out in my sleep. i'm done taking this. | F | 42 | 2.5 days | 10/29/2009 | 1 | stomach infection | Metallic taste that never, NEVER goes away. After 2 days started getting a pounding heartbeat that caused almost complete insomnia. I never have had a nightmare since I was a child...and as soon as I tried to doze off I'd dream I was falling or driving through a stop sign. Anxiety, shaking, teeth chattering. How in Hades does medicine like this make it on the market? | M | 53 | 7 days | 10/28/2009 | 1 | URI | For any old movie buffs out there, I would call this the "Dr. Phibes Antibiotic" (which means that it gleefully kills bacteria while leaving an horrendous wake of side effects behind it) | M | 26 | 3 days | 10/28/2009 | 3 | Pneumonia | Rage, extreme hunger about 2 hrs after taking pills but hard to gag down food and throat goes dry. Have to "iron fist" it to eat even when ravenous. Disconnected feelings, aggression, distinct metallic almost rank odor and taste in mouth, upset stomach that resolves with food, extreme fatigue, dizzy, staring off into space randomly. | Scary drug, I would only take it for extreme conditions. Don't like the mental health issues it can cause. The extreme emotional state and sudden rage are scary enough to avoid the drug even if it's extreme conditions. Oddly, did help costochondritis (I have chronic costo) as secondary effects. Got pneumonia from complications from H1N1 flu. On day 4 of medications at time of posting. | F | 30 | 10 days | 10/27/2009 | 1 | URI | Insomnia,muscle aches,frequent urination,tingling in feet and hands,fatigue | I could only make it four days and switched | M | 53 | 4 days | 10/26/2009 | 2 | Bronchitis | Anxiety!!!! Crying. Bad taste in my mouth. Mild sense of unexplainable dread. | Yesterday was day 7 of 500mg x 2 once a day of Biaxin. A couple days ago I had some anxiety because I was thrown a curve ball at work (or I thought that was the reason), but this morning I felt panicky and had to stop myself from crying before i went in. Not normal for me although I have had anxiety and depression before. This was like the same horrible feelings... all I could do to just stay there... but onset suddenly and with no real triggering factor. I also had a feeling of unreality probably because I was spending so much energy keeping my emotions in check. My cough is gone, so it did work, thus my rating of 2, but you'd think that with all the prescriptions doctors write for depression and anxiety meds, which myself, I don't take, they might think to ask when you go to a clinic, if this might be a problem?? I think 7 days is enough, and after reading a lot of these posts (thank you all!!!) I am kinda scared what else might happen. | F | 38 | 7 days | 10/25/2009 | 1 | Sinus infection | Extreme leg weakness and aching, crying and freaking out, wanting to die, lathargic, can't sleep, crazy dreams | Started taking biaxin 4 days ago...first dose made me feel weak with no energy. I am now on day 4 and feel like I have lost my mind. My legs are aching so bad I cannot stand it! I am also extremely depressed now; crying, screaming, thinking of ways to die. I am not taking anymore of this crap! It cost me $99 but I;m throwing it out! | F | 27 | 4 days | 10/20/2009 | 2 | Pneumonia | Muscle weakness and stiffness in hands and forearms. Dizzy. Numbness in neck. | It initally helped me...but then the side effects kicked in. I'm going to stop taking it and be prescribed something without the weird side effects. | F | 42 | 2 days | 10/18/2009 | 5 | Lyme Disease | Bad aftertaste. I found that it's whenever I haven't had enough fluids that I notice the taste. So, if I drink enough water, I don't get the aftertaste, and it's only when I wake up in the morning and haven't had a drink in eight hours that I have this side effect anymore. | After a month of intravenous antibiotics, my doc put me on Ceftin (closest to the IV stuff I was on), to finish killing off the Lyme. But the Ceftin severely affeced my lower G.I., and I had to go off it or risk colitis. So, the doc put me on Biaxin because of its ability to go intracellular (Lyme hides insides your cells), and I've been feeling much, much better. It seems to be doing the job without causing me any side effects other than the aftertaste, which is so minor that it's totally worth dealing with it if I'm feeling so much better. And I've had the pleasant side effect of not having had a sinus infection in months (I usually have at least four a year). | F | 29 | 5 months | 10/11/2009 | 3 | Sinus infection | Severe headache that will not subside. Lethargy. Chest pressure. | I was prescribed this for the first time instead of Zithromax and I still don't understand why. I paid $70 for a 10 day supply and I am stopping on day 5. I cannot handle these headaches-debilitating. Spoke to a different doctor who told me to stop ASAP. | F | 38 | 5 days | 9/24/2009 | 2 | upper respiratory infection | worked at first; then progressively became allergic | started with metallic taste in my mouth (which the doctor said was a rarity); helped stop the coughing and take away the infection; but the longer I stayed on it the worse some of my symptoms got. I ended up gasping for breath with my chest muscles tight squeezing my lungs and my throat closing up. The doctor refused to believe an allergic reaction; but I took some antihistamine and all of it went away; when I took the next dose after feeling normal - my throat started to close up within 10 minutes of taking it and my breathing was labored. Definitely not something to mess with. I won't be finishing it and am including it on my allergy list. This was a sneaky one so it almost seemed as if my symptoms were being caused by what I had, thankfully I had some perscription antihistamine on hand to counter it, OTC Benadryl didn't help. | F | 37 | 5 days | 9/23/2009 | 4 | Bacterial Tonsillitis/ Strep Throat | coughing brings up a bad taste in the mouth similar to chewing a tylenol, post nasal drip with that same repulsive flavour for the whole 7 days, Chest pains accompanied by racing heart beat for the first 2 days. Dangerous lack of appetite In the week I think I may have consumed about 2,000 calories and lost 10 Lb. | This medication was not cheap 50$ Canadian for 14 pills The first 2 days I experienced headaches, dizziness and fatigue as well but that very well may be due to the infection more than the medication. | F | 26 | 14 days | 9/20/2009 | 5 | chronic lyme | metallic taste, strange dreams and I GOT MY LIFE BACK!!!!! | this drug has saved my life!!!! regularly using it has allowed me to function with chronic lyme that had me almost totally disabled before I found this medication. | F | 56 | 4 years | 9/15/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis | Extremely rapid hearbeat. Nervouness, anxiety attack. Nausea, dizziness. | One dose of this medicine made me feel very sick. I thought I was going to die. My hearbeat was very fast, I began to shake and had to call paramedics because I thought I was going to die. | F | 48 | 1 days | 9/10/2009 | 1 | Severe Ear Infection | The first night after taking 2 pills I had insomnia, a VERY rapid heartbeat (I usually have a low BP),awful stomach pains that wouldn't go away, severe anxiety, I was afraid to fall asleep because I thought I might not wake up,felt worried for no apparent reason,vivid nightmares when I finally fell asleep, horrible taste in my mouth, dry mouth. Today after the second dose I have severe diarrhea with blood in the stool and the stomach pains are worse. | I plan to just see the urgent care doc who prescribed tomorrow to get a different medicine. IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THESE SYMPTOMS PLEASE STOP TAKING THE MEDICINE & CALL YOUR DOC FOR AN ALTERNATIVE. Judging by so many similar bad experiences, it seems the risks outweigh the benefits of this drug for many, many people. I sincerely hope the FDA is aware of all of this! | F | 23 | 2 days | 9/10/2009 | 2 | bronchitis | Long term loss of sense of taste and smell, mild nausea, loss of energy | It has been 3 full months since I took Biaxin and i still have no sense of taste or smell. I am very scared that I may not get it back. Any advice?? | F | 29 | 10 days | 9/1/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | After a few days, shortness of breath, then a moving rash like hives flaring up at night. Insomnia which was helped by the benadryl I took to eliminate severe itching. General depression and malaise never experienced before. Scary stuff which should not be on the market! | I also had an allergic reaction to Zithromax - tinnitus - a few years ago and told my physician who recommended Biaxin. I now see that the two drugs are pharma cousins which my physician should have known, so stay away from the entire lot. | M | 67 | 5 days | 8/30/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis | On day 8 and did not sleep a wink last night,woke up my husband because I was sure he was dead in the middle of the night.I woke up crying, re-living my past and convinced I was going to die and no one was telling me.Shaky, panic like no other panic attack and not feeling better. | I would never take this again unless I was very, very sick. | F | 33 | 8 days | 8/16/2009 | 4 | Sinus | Metallic tast in morning, went away once I ate breakfast. Food was tasteless. | I would use it again for my sinus infection | F | 50 | 10 days | 8/15/2009 | 4 | SINUS | bAD TASTE AND ACID REFLUX AT NIGHT ---BUT DID HELP MY RED RAW SORE TROAT AND SEEMS TO BE STARTING TO CLEAR UP THE EAR INFECTION--IT IS THE SINUS HEADACHES AND BODY ACHES THAT IS GOING TO TAKE LONGER. WANT TO ALSO ADD TO ALL TO TRY A NETI POT (MADE BY NEIL MED AND THERE ARE STORE BRANDS THAT DO THE SAME THING--CVS PHARMACY) FOR THE DRAINING OF SINUSES--THAT THING IS AWESOME!! GOT LOTS OF RELIEF FROM THAT AND FELT SO GOOD. GOT CRAP OUT OF MY HEAD USING THAT AND WILL CONTIUE TO. aLSO THE STEROID MEDROL PACK IN UNISON WITH THE BIAXIN IS GOING TO WORK QUICKER THAN THE ANTIBIOTIC ALONE. GOING TO GO GET THAT NOW. | SAFE--EFFECTIVE- AND ALTHO IT KINDA MAKES ME FATIGUED AND FEEL CRAPPY --IF YA HATE AMOXICCILLIN LIKE I DO --THIS IS A BETTER WAY TO GO. (AND RESTROOM TROUBLES YA JUST GOTTA DEAL WITH UNLESS IT IS ONGOING THRUOUT YOUR 10 DAY DOSE OR SOMETHING....) | F | 44 | 5 days | 8/14/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | about 4 days into it my glands in my throat swelled up, i had terrible headaches everyday, felt sick to my stomach and felt like someone was sitting on my chest.... | i have never had any sort of reaction to medication except for this one.. this medication needs to be looked at by the fda again | F | 27 | 5 days | 8/7/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | Horrible insomnia, nightmares, really bad metallic taste in my mouth.....awful!!! Dosage: 500mg 2x per day.....this is the 6th day of taking it and I will never take it again--have a call in to the doctor--I refuse to take anymore | will never take it again | F | 55 | 6 days | 8/4/2009 | 5 | Sinus infection | Worst for me: fatigue, insomnia,(waking every 20-40 minutes)& vivid dreams Other: spacy due to lack of sleep, normal loose stools as on other antibiotics, possible achey feeling. (have CFS so hard to tell) | I LOVE this antibiotic. It saved my life in 1993--I was on it for 1 year. On it NOW because of sinus infection. Am surprised side effects worse now--had NONE for the year I took it. But will always love Biaxin & works GREAT!!! | M | 55 | 5 days | 8/3/2009 | 3 | Bronchitis | Metallic, gross taste in my mouth on the last day I took it (7th day). I felt as though I had minor diarrhea throughout the week, but I wasn't eating much while I was sick so it could have been worse. 3 days after I stopped taking Biaxin XL, I started to get mini pimples all over my chest, shoulders neck and face. I don't have an acne problem so I'm 99% sure it's due to Biaxin as nothing else in my routine/diet has changed. | It seems to have cleared up the bronchitis, but the side effects are quite uncomfortable. The metallic taste only lasted a day and my digestion is fine, but the breakouts are still happening a week later - I hope it stops soon. | F | 24 | 7 days | 7/30/2009 | 4 | sinus/ear infection | Metallic taste and reflux at night. Severe yeast infection which required treatment. | Yeast infection is a know side effect form this drug due to its attack on Lactobacillus ......if you develop this be sure to report it to your MD promptly for treatment. If so Azithromycin may be a better drug. | F | 46 | 7 days | 7/29/2009 | 5 | Chronic Sinus Infection | Severe nausea and tenderness in the stomach even with food. | Had a sinus infection for 3 months. Nothing else worked. Took it for 10 days and was mostly cleared up. Call the doctor and took 5 extra days and it completely cleared up about 3 days after that. THRILLED that it's gone! | F | 34 | 15 days | 7/14/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis | dry mouth, metal taste in mouth, anxiety, crying, feeling sad, listless, not sleeping, tingling lips, dizziness. | Starting taking this med for Bronchitis. after 5 days still coughing. horrible metal taste in mouth, not sleeping even after taking sleeping pills...on 5th day was very dizzy... I was not told of any of these side effects.. Not a good experience for me. | F | 51 | 6 days | 7/5/2009 | 4 | bronchitis | No side effects. | This helped cure a bronchitis cough that I had for two weeks. I felt relief within 24 hours. | F | 26 | 10 days | 6/28/2009 | 4 | Sinus Infection | Metal taste in mouth,could not get rid of it! Stomach pain,nausea, and mood changes. | Biaxin did help get rid of my sinus infection very quickly. But the side effects were enough not to take it again! | F | 28 | 10 days | 6/22/2009 | 2 | strep throat | 5 days in and no relief. Cotton mouth, insomnia, but sleepy during day and had to pull over 2 days to take a nap in my car, loss of sexual dexire, sensitve to sound - watchn tv on mute, eyes burn, irritible and antisocial, no bowel movement in 4 days, sweating like crazy | taking 800mg 2 times a day | F | 29 | 5 days | 6/14/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis | Dry mouth and terrible bitter taste starting about the third day on the prescription Woke up often during the night. | I just tossed the last pill of my 7 day run in the trash as I absolutely can't handle the taste. Although this medication worked to clear the infection, I would rather take something maybe less effective for a longer time and avoid the bitter taste. As I write this, it's really annoying. | F | 55 | 7 days | 6/10/2009 | 5 | sinus | Very strong metallic taste in mouth, extremely hungry, very dry mouth at night, and REALLY HAVE TO PEE A LOT! | Even though I have these side effects, I gave this drug a 5 because it made me feel better. I am allergic to many other antibiotics and usually take this one when I'm sick and it works very well. My husband and I were both sick at the same time and on different antibiotics. I felt better days earlier than he did. | F | 37 | 10 days | 5/25/2009 | 5 | Sunus Infection | Bad taste in mouth; drowsiness, sleepiness in daytime; lethargy; heightened depression symptoms. | 2x per day for 10 days; Dr. said I needed something stronger this time. I am under Dr.'s care for depression, so the side effects were confusing - I slept a lot, but it did take care of the infection. | F | 54 | 10 days | 5/25/2009 | 5 | strep throat | completely cured my strep throat, but has left a bad taste in my mouth during the entire 7 days I was on it | F | 38 | 7 days | 5/24/2009 | 4 | strep throat and conjunctivitis | metallic taste, vivid dreams, lethargy, sadness | although the side effects were unpleasant, I felt it was important to finish the medication as it was making me better. | F | 53 | 7 days | 5/22/2009 | 1 | sinus | biaxin almost killed me ,I had 4 panic attacks and aniexty I thought I was going insane my whole face went numb and my head was tingling ,I thought I was having a stroke every other side effect you can imangine I had it . | Please do not take this medication It it pure rat poison It will make you very sick It is not o.k. Do not Take it If you are taking it sssssstop!!!!!! | F | 3.5 days | 5/18/2009 | 5 | Sinus Infection | None. Not even a bad taste in my mouth besides what the infection was causing. | I was checking on the drug to see if it was also used to treat an ear infection because I think I might have one as well. Found this website with mostly bad reviews and figured I should add a positive one for potential uses of this drug. 3 days ago I could hardly stand up due to severe pain in the back of my head, jaw and throat. Doctor prescribed this and within 8 hours was up doing house work and on day 2 was out of the house feeling 80% better. I agree most people leave comments if they had a bad experience but there are probably 20 times more people who had positive experiance. | M | 29 | 2 days | 5/17/2009 | 1 | Severe Chest Infection | Bold metallic taste, extreme vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia. | I also have Chronic Bronchitis and have been prescribed this medication multiple times, i hate it, it ALWAYS makes me sick and i can't stop vomiting. | F | 19 | 10 days | 5/16/2009 | 1 | Bronchitis | headache 5mins after taking it, night sweats,woke up several times during the night with dry mouth and just plain not being able to sleep! woke up with my legs covered in rashes and dark urine this happened after taking just one pill!!!!! | F | 17 | 1 days | 5/14/2009 | 5 | sinus infection | Just the bad taste in my mouth but cured my sinus infection right up. | F | 55 | 7 days | 5/13/2009 | 4 | Lyme disease | The only side effects I have had are hunger in the mornings and a slightly bad after taste, mostly after I go to bed. I am on a coated version of the medication and it tastes like vanilla. | I know I come to this site when I am checking a drug that I think I might be reacting to. Not everyone has a bad reaction to a medication and I caution anyone that comes on here and warns people not to take a certain drug. You don't want to discourage someone of trying something that may help. I take 2000 mg of this drug a day and it seems to be helping with my Lyme disease. | F | 56 | 58 days | 5/7/2009 | 1 | Tonsillitis | Really bad taste in mouth; racing heartbeat and heart palpitations; elevated bp (mine is normally very low); bad dreams (when I could sleep); nausea(even taking it with food didn't help the nausea); insomnia (very ususal for me I am usually out as soon as I lay down at night!); dizziness (extreme); some chest pains (probably from the racing heart rate);Feeling like I could not catch my breath; depression; feeling like I was going to die; will not take again EVER! | I will never take this medicine again, took it for 7 days before I could not stand it anymore. Nurse at drs' office said it was an allergic reaction to it. Guess I will add it to the ones I can not take (like any form of penicillin) Took about a week to fully clear the stuff from my system (this was not the generic form either) I just wonder if I would have had hives from it too if I had not been taking my Zyrtec for my allergies too. | F | 39 | 7 days | 5/6/2009 | 3 | sinus infection/bronchitis | strong metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, sleeplessness, vivid dreaming, loss of sense of smell, feelings of dread | It is more than 2 months since my prescription finished, and I am still experiencing loss of taste and smell. I suppose it helped prevent a secondary pneumonia, but these lasting side effects are difficult to deal with. I have an appointment with an ear-nose-throat doctor to see if there is anything else going on. I've read that biaxin can cause a secondary yeast infection, which may be the cause of the lingering dimished sense of taste. | F | 55 | 10 days | 5/5/2009 | 4 | yes | nausea, hedaches, nightmares, bad taste in mouth, fatigue and after 6 days i couldnt sleep. I felt completly unaware of anything and unwilling to to anything however, biaxin cleared up the infection very fast, so all the side effects i can handle even the ones that made me feel like i was going crazy. | i told the pharmacist how alot of anitbiotics like penicillin and biaxin cause me to have a bad taste in my mouth and he said to take it with orange juice and drink that if i had a bad taste in my mouth, now i dont really like orange juice but it deffinatly helped :) | F | 18 | 2 weeks | 5/2/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection | I was up for three days straight. It was HORRIBLE! Get off this med right away. I was going crazy. | I have never had any side effects from a drug. This was the most horrible experience of my life. I didn't sleep for two nights straight. I started to think it would be better to die than to continue like this (I have no depression problems). I finally figured out it was the drug and stopped taking it. I was able to sleep the next night. | M | 30 | 3 days | 4/28/2009 | 2 | Sinus Infection | Extreme Nausea, little appetite, fatigue/weakness, mild diarrhea, bloating, bad nightmares (which I never have). The pharmasist told me to take it with food (which I did) but did not help. I have only been on this for 2.5 days and never had so much side effects with an antibiotic before:( | M | 36 | 2 days | 4/24/2009 | 5 | upper respiratory infection | The horrible metallic taste....always keep breath spray or tictacs handy. | My doc started me on Levaquin. Many side effects...and I specifically asked for Biaxin as a replacement. I've taken it before and knew how my body would react. But it's better than the respiratory stuff. As so many of you have stated, Biaxin is hard to tolerate. But in my opinion, it works for me. | F | 62 | 7 days | 4/19/2009 | 1 | lung infection | Terrible loss of smell, can't smell anything just five days after taking Biaxin slow release. The NIGHTMARES, ANXIETY, depression, crying fits are so scary. This medication almost sent me to the loonie bin. I had no idea that an antibiotic could do this. I have dry cough and a nose that is so dry it parched. the worst is the sick taste and smell of breath from this medicine. | I would like to know from others on this site what the doctor said when you tried to change the medicine. AND Could anyone who lost their sense of smell tell me if and when it comes back? AND What can you do to clear this drug out of your system | F | 47 | 5 days | 4/13/2009 | 1 | bronchitis | Panic attacks when I try to sleep. The only way I can cope is to plan to stay up all night. I can handle the bad taste and stomach upset, but I need to stop the adrenaline rush! | Unless you're desperate, ask for something else! | F | 48 | 5 days | 4/13/2009 | 1 | tooth and sinus infection | Hives and swelling on legs, arms, body and ears, Terrible itching, difficulty breathing and swallowing, swollen face and hands | I took only 2 tablets, one each 12 hours apart. The side effect started a couple hours after the second dose. I had benadryl allergy in the house so I took 2 tablets. I did not get worse after taken the benadryl but it took several hours for the hiven and swelling to go down. 12 hours after the initial swelling my hands were still swollen | F | 59 | 1 days | 4/13/2009 | 1 | bacteria infection | Stomach pains, diarrhea constant( all day and part of the night)ssleppnesness. Tired all the time, bad mood, not feeling social horrible taste in my mouth. Taste buds are weird. Not hungry | I hate it! I cant stand the bad taste in my mouth. Any suggestions? | F | 55 | 30 days | 4/12/2009 | 4 | sinus infection | Metallic taste in mouth, irritation when urinating on day 4 | The side effects were fine compared to amoxicillin - my doc switched me to this due to shortness of breath and hallucination in dreams (or so that is how it felt) | F | 37 | 7 days | 4/8/2009 | 1 | Sinus Infection | Severe dizziness and nausea within the first dose, diarrhea, nightmares about death the second night, terrible stomach cramping, severe bitter taste in mouth, paranoia, crying and scary hallucinations. | I have never felt so awful on a medication in my life. I have a history of anxiety and depression...I can't believe this was prescribed to me. All the symptoms I could live with except for the stomach cramping and the mental effects. I ended up in the ER this morning from hallucinations. I felt like I might die. The whole experience was terrifying; do not take it if you have a history of mental health problems! | F | 29 | 2 days | 4/5/2009 | 1 | Sinusitus | Constant dull headache, rapid pounding heart beat, tightness in chest, insomnia, | I lasted 7 out of 14 days on Biaxin XL (500mgx2) for a sinus problem. Sinuses felt better after the first couple doses, but I could not make it past day 7. Told my doctor about the side effects, and he said I was probably allergic. Its been 3 days since quitting: chest is feeling looser but I still get occasional bouts of rapid heartbeats around 100 bpm which is higher than my normal rate of 75 bpm. Hopefully things will return to normal once the drug has been completely eliminated from my system. | M | 35 | 7 days | 4/3/2009 | 4 | Upper respiratory infectn/sinusitis | Metallic taste in mouth (like chewing on aspirin), loss of hearing in one ear, insomnia, nervous feeling, fast heartbeat, mild abdominal cramps. | After having an allergic reaction to Levaquin, my doctor prescribed Biaxin for 7 days (2x a day).I am currently on DAY 5 and so far it has helped. I started noticing I was getting better after the 2nd day. The side effects started immediately after I took the first pill. I could deal with the metallic taste and even the mild abdominal cramps. What I hate is the insomnia (which started on Day 3)and the nervous feeling at night. If you have to take this pill, then I suggest taking it with food (it won't give you an upset stomach with food). Will I take it again??? I would probably try it again. | F | 28 | 7 days | 3/31/2009 | 3 | Sinus, chest, and ear infection | Strong metal taste in mouth, so disgusting and strong to the point where it woke me up in the night several times. Nausea for a good two hours or so before my body calmed down, and I'm usually not moody - but it had me feeling exhausted and crabby towards everyone. And also feeling useless, as if there was nothing I could do to feel better. Loss of appetite. And just general unhappy feelings. | If you're not strong at heart... back away. | F | 16 | 10 days | 3/31/2009 | 1 | upper respiratory infection | loss of appetite. loss of taste. stomach pain, which felt like a hunger pain that could not be relieved. unable to sleep. and worse of all: hallucination! | i will never take it again. i never had a such a reaction to a medication before. it was really scary. | F | 51 | 3.5 days | 3/27/2009 | 1 | Sinus infection, ear infection | Hives and swelling on face, difficulty breathing | I took only two doses and started having a severe reaction. I went to the hospital and they put me on an IV drip with a hospital strength benadryl and steriods. The taste in my mouth was metallic like putting keys in my mouth or a copper penny. | F | 34 | 2 days | 3/26/2009 | 1 | Mono/bacterial sinus infection | Constant Metallic/Crushed Asprin taste in mouth | Had the runs as well and a bad taste in my mouth. It has now been 2 months after I quit using the drug and my family is sick of hearing me complain about this "taste in my mouth." It was nice to see I'm not nuts! I'm curious to know, how long did the metallic taste persist in your experience with the drug? I would just like to get an idea of how long I've got to put up with this. I see that for some it seemed to go away rather quickly while with others it persisted. I will never take this drug again. If anything this experience has taught me to THOUROUGHLY question the doctor about side effects before I take his advice on using a medication for which he has posters all over his walls!!! | M | 29 | 2 weeks | 3/25/2009 | 1 | bronchitis | It's been 2 months since I took the full dose and my sense of smell has not returned back yet to normal. Weird thing I noticed after (not sure why I did it but...) put anti-persperant close to my mouth and the metalic taste was even more concentrated. Possibly the aluminum stuff interacting. Anyway, all that "metallic stuff" in your body can't be good. Trying to detox... | M | 36 | 12 days | 3/24/2009 | 2 | sinus infection | Increasing nausea, dizzy, lightheaded feeling. Extreme tearfulness and inability to concentrate and focus. Depressed mood. Blood pressure was elevated with ringing in my ears. All of this lead to an ER visit where my high blood pressure was treated with clonidine. Within 30 minutes the ear ringing had lessened considerably. I had also developed a severely painful herpetic ulcer deep in my throat and am now being treated for that. The anxiety and psychiatric symptoms are intense and frightening with this drug. I have never experienced a reaction like this with an antibiotic. | I will never take this drug again. I have been off of it now for 2 days and still am exhausted from what I went through. | F | 53 | 6 days | 3/23/2009 | 2 | ear infection, bronchitis | Metallic taste in mouth, especially late at night and into the morning hours. 24-hour headaches that started on the 3rd day. Dry mouth at night while sleeping. Irregular heartbeat at times. Night sweats. | Does not seem to have much effect on the ear pain or the bronchitis. Going to call the doctor and ask to stop taking it. | F | 68 | 7 days | 3/19/2009 | 2 | bronchitis brought on by flu | Tight chest, difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue which made it all but impossible to do daily exercise or make it through casual tennis match. Bad taste in mouth. Made me sleepy all the time and slightly depressed. Really sapped my energy and made it hard to tend to normal work and daily activities. | M | 43 | 7 days | 3/18/2009 | 2 | Sinusitis | Symptoms similar to very low blood sugar. Extreme hunger pains. Trembling hands and a headache that went away almost immediately upon eating. Symptoms worsened with caffeine. | I have taken Biaxin three times, and every time with the same side effects. I feel extreme hunger (almost to the point of nausea), even shortly after eating. If I try not to give in to the hunger, I get a headache, my hands start shaking, and I get very dizzy. If I eat something, within minutes, it all goes away, only to return an hour or so later. | M | 41 | 1 days | 3/16/2009 | 1 | sinus infection | tight feeling in chest, low level anxious feeling, badly disrupted sleep, bad taste in mouth, ringing in ears | Aside from some horrific nightmares that I experienced while on the drug, the worst part of this drug was that the side effects (other than the metallic taste) have not gone away. My sleep is still disrupted, my ears ring off and on, the tight feeling in my chest has not gone away and I feel anxious for no reason. It has been over a week since I stopped taking Biaxin XL. I noticed that other people had side effects for months after taking Biaxin. Do they ever go away???? The sinus infection was not entirely cleared by Biaxin XL either. | F | 39 | 10 days | 3/15/2009 |
| Key to
ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |