I was recently prescribed a 3 week course of Levaquin (500mg/day) and Rifampin (300mg - twice a day) by my llmd in an effort to treat Bartonella.
I have never actually tested positive for Bart, but my llmd says many have it, and he's experienced some success using this regimen.
My problem is this - two years ago I was on levaquin for an unrelated infection, and after having been on it for awhile and not feeling too good, I took one 500mg pill right before bed, and I woke up around 5:30am with a racing heart, which felt like someone just slammed on the gas pedal.
I have informed my llmd of this, and he suggested trying to break the pill in half (250mg) and take that during the day for a couple days to see how I do on it first. He says the racing heart may very well have been a digestive thing since I took the medication on an empty stomach in 2006.
So I've been doing some research, and this Levaquin really does seem to be some dangerous stuff. It has a black box warning for tendon tears, and it's been involved in fatal adverse reactions. To me, as someone with a good deal of anxiety to begin with, this just scares the hell out of me, especially when you consider what happened to me the last time I took it.
My llmd told me I could take Zithromax in place of Levaquin if I wanted to in this regimen, but that Levaquin would be his first choice.
So I'm left really conflicted now. I realize none of us are doctors, but can I ask what you would do in my predicament? What do you guys/gals know of Levaquin and the safety or dangers of it? Do you think the Zithro with Rifampin combo would work just as well?
Any advice/guidance/what you would do in my situation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful replies.
Sincerely,
Marc
Posted by Gert (Member # 13584) on :
Hi Marc, I just started Levaquin yesterday and have to say I have been down on my back since this morning.
I feel really "out there" while on it so I do hope this passes. I have all symptoms of BART and it stinks.
Good luck with treatment.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
There's always Rifampin.
I just can't take quinolones like Levaquin. Caused severe nerve pain for me.
The tendon issue is pretty scary too!!!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
The biggest risk with Levaquin is the tendon issues. Stop taking it and call your LLMD if you have tendon pain.
I had a lot of pain and fatigue on Levaquin. It made me feel horrible.
However, I made tremendous progress on it!! It was my miracle drug that made me start feeling human again.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I took Levaquin a couple weeks ago and had to stop after about 9 days due to tendon issues. They are getting better now, but took weeks to clear up. It was very painful, and I could barely walk.
However, this doesn't happen to everybody.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i had tendon issues too and had to stop. i've been off it for over 3 weeks now and my left knee is still bothering me. i have to ice it and use a topical cream.
it pops when i move and sitting is very painful.
i wish i'd never taken it.
[ 09. August 2008, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: randibear ]
Posted by Boomerang (Member # 7979) on :
Hubby has been on it for 2 1/2 months with no problems. It has been a good ABX for him....stopped the twitching/jerking so he can rest!
Posted by loveroflifeone (Member # 16450) on :
I was on Levaquin for 37 days and had to stop due to the fact I couldn't breath.
When I first took this med the first week was hell. In regards to the tendon. My left foot tendon hurt and I put magnesia oil on it since I was told we get depleated of this, also my knee hurt so bad I was limping. My dr said this was normal. That is one awful drug. I wouldn't function and was mostly bed ridden.
Also have bad mood swing.
I'm now on Zithromax 500 mg and Mephron 1500 for Babesia