has any body experienced these side effects of clarithromycin/

I suffered severe anxiety/panic attacks after taking clarithromyci, along with sudden food allergies, headaches, weight loss, fever, elevated blood sugar levels--my entire metabolic system was messed up. It's been a little over a year, and everything has pretty much cleared up. I asked for prayer at church and that was the turning point for me. I also took a probiotic for a few days that contained the helveticus and longum strains, and that took care of the anxiety. I am so sorry to hear that you've been suffering. I believe that you will get better in time, hopefully sooner than I did. I will keep you in my prayers.

I really feel for you Tricia. I had very similar issues after taking the same drugs and for similar issues. I'm a very positive, very balanced person and this medication threw me totally off course - horrible anxiety, depression, stomach aches and the most scary thing was thinking it wasn't going to stop. Trust me, it will get back to normal. It took me about 2 weeks after stopping the clarithromycin to get back to 'normal'. Take a very good pro-biotic (with multiple strands) get plenty of rest and treat yourself kindly. I know how disorienting it feels, and just trust that it's just the drug messing with your balance - you will be fine. I will keep you in my thoughts. With best wishes, Melissa.

Also Tricia - I found that doing things (like going to work) actually took my mind off it a bit so see you you go, but if you feel anxious at all, try and eat foods that calm you use some aromatherapy or whatever helps to calm you down. I also can't believe that this medicine doesn't have hard core warnings on it - definitely tell your doctor. I told mine and she was surprised. If we don't tell them, they won't know!

The anxiety/panic was the worst part of it for me, althoughit seemed to affect every organ of my body. I do remember drinking plenty of water to try and flush out my system. Have patience, and in good time, symptoms will subside. I remember the joy of being able to eat some of my favorite foods again without getting a blinding headache or having the sensation of my body being on fire. For relief from the anxiety, until I was led to take the Jarrow 15/35 probiotic, I pressed into the Lord, speaking Paul's word to the Phillippians: "be anxious for nothing, but in all things, in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and the God of all peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds until the day of Christ Jesus." If you are not a Believer, please don't take offense, but if you do trust in God, He is able to carry you through this until you body returns to a healthy state. Not trying to preach, just sharing what helped me.

Hi Trisha,

I hope you are now completely recovered from this horrible experience.

I know that it was a few months since you posted this but I believe my mum is experiencing similar side effects that you experienced at the moment and I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that things will improve.

She was on 1000mg of clarithromycin twice daily for pneumonia. After a few days on the medication she started to display signs of mania as well as suffering from insomnia. Unfortunately, we had no idea it was the medication so she stayed on it. By the time she had finished the 7 day course of antibiotics she was in a real state. Incredibly hyperactive with severe anxiety. After a second trip to A&E they confirmed that it was the medication.

It has now been four days since she has been off the medication but we are seeing only little improvements. I notice that you said it took you two weeks or so I guess we just need to be patient but it is incredibly distressing.

This antibiotic really is unbelievable in how it can effect you in such a significant way.

Thanks

Scott