A Word Of Caution Regarding Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

[[Buddie]]

My goodness thank you SO much for this thread!

I have been bitten in an arm by a dog and the wound has gone septic. I told my doctor here in Spain I am allergic to penicillin and also to fluorquinolone antibiotics and thought he understood.  However he went and prescribed me Ciprofloxacin which is on this list!  It is a good job I noticed ... he has now changed them to Eritomicine (Erithromycin) which I think are okay, I have had them in the past.

I am so grateful that this thread exists and am keeping a copy of this post on hand at all times.

[...]

[[Buddie]]

Fluoroquinolones can definitely make things worse for people in benzo wd. I had 2 doses of Cipro in the middle of my first CT withdrawal and it really worsened my situation and led to me being put on a stronger benzo after 4 months of intensified symptoms. I think it is probably a factor in my severe protracted wd, I just don't know how much of a factor. I know it felt like it was causing the same damage as benzos, only much faster.

I think that some of the side effects of them are worse than benzo w/d

[[Buddie]]

It should be noted that not everyone who is withdrawing from a benzodiazepine would have problems with this class of antibiotic.

Earlier this year I took a fluoroquinolone (Cipro) for 4 weeks with no problem. I have been taking benzos for years but I didn't notice any withdrawal symptoms or any adverse effects while I was taking the Cipro.

I guess my experience just shows that different people react differently.

[[Buddie]]

I was took levaquin after a year off benzos, and it caused a mild flair up of symptoms.  Muscle tremors and some nasty anxiety.  Not pleasant, but nothing serious.

I think if you can take a substitute antibiotic, that is probably a good call.  That said, you don't want to screw around with a bad infection.  If your severally bronchial or septic, your dealing with illnesses that can be directly life treating.  So be informed and make sure that the substitute is as effective and well indicated for your infection. 

My 2 cents.

Best,

[...]

[[Buddie]]

Hi  there [...],
BG here just reading an old post of yrs wow im glad that i wasnt put on fluconzone ant biotics looks like it has caused you alot of grief as well as others here im on my last week of doxycylcine to treat well you know what ive had going on.

I feel for you as i suffer badly from sinus infections too, you would think that doctors would look into what meds you are on and give something that wont mess up yr withdrawal even though you are off the benzo now,us others have a way to go yet but we will get there will help from people that have been there like you!!

Take care friend
BG x

[[Buddie]]

Levaquin is like Xanax....Toxic...Lucky for anyone that did not have any troubles being on a Fluoroquinolone...You dodged a bullet this time...please be careful you may not be as lucky the next time...I have a friend that did fine on them for at least 3 different times then wham on fourth time got hit with very bad side effects...my Doctor says sometimes you dodge a bullet then other times you don't..I would not tale anything in the Fluoroquinolone or Benzo family ever again even if I were on my death bed which I feel most of the time from ever taking these 2 nasty drugs!!!!!!!!!!!Please be careful just do not want anyone to experience the Hell that I have after taking Levaquin over 4 years ago and still not able to drive because the nerve endings in my arms and hands are damaged..I have very little feeling in them ((((

[[Buddie]]

I'm glad I know this now. I was hospitalized with a severe UTI and given Cipro. I was on 0.5mg clonazepam bid. I ended up instantly being unable to sleep, having panic attacks and crying spells, was given temazepam with no effect, and then ended up psychotic the night I was discharged. I also happened to find out I'm allergic to Cipro as well.

[[Buddie]]

I was aware of the negative effects these drugs could have on you during withdrawal process but I had no other options after using several other classes of antibiotics to clear up a urinary tract infection. I was very careful not to overtax my muscle during my workout sessions, but could definately feel the difference and since I had been doing reasonably well, all things considered, before the Cipro and now I have what feels like a muscle, tendon or ligament tear in my left groin that pulls on my flank muscle which for some reason almost completely slowed down my entire G-I tract. I've discussed this with my doctor but unfortunately my G-I symptoms also mimic diverticulitis. Now I'm back on a Bactrium DS which is also bothering me. They also, but not to the same extent as the fluros can cause muscle and psychiatric side effects.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who while during their tapering did take a fluro and subsequently experience a soft tissue injury. I'm not looking for RX advise, just whether it has happened.
Sorry I have not been able to ad my taper info on my signature. It's mostly because I can not sit too long without upping the pain level in the area.
Thanks
Star Gazer

[[Buddie]]

Breaking News!!!! More reasons to stay away from flouroquinolone Anti B's

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/harmful-side-effects-antibiotics

[[Buddie]]

When I was in the emergency room on my way to surgery for a ruptured appendix, the nurse attending to me asked if I had any allergies to medications. I told her I couldn't tolerate Fluroquins and she asked what happened if I take them.  At that very moment I didn't have the  cognitive ability to explain why.  I don't exactly remember what I said, but post surgery, when I had been home for a time, I requested the records from my appendix adventure this is what she wrote:

Patient cannot tolerate fluroquinoline antibiotics because they make her go crazy in the head.  lol