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Terbinafine Loss of taste

Posted , 110 users are following.

jonathan21989
jonathan21989

I had taken terbinafine for about six weeks for a toenail infection when my sense of taste pretty much completely disappeared over the course of 3-4 days.  I have a vague salty/bitter taste in my mouth, but nothing tastes of anything....sweet, salt, bitter...all gone.  I can put pure sugar on my tongue and not taste a thing.  That refreshing zing you get from toothpaste?  Gone.  Everything tastes grey at best, or just nasty at worst.

The infection responded well to terbinafine - I have about 4mm clear nail now, but I've decided to stop taking it as nothing is worth this cost.  I've switched to Loceryl lacquer but I don't even care about the nail anymore.  I just desperately want to be able to taste things normally again.  I can completely understand how this can cause weight loss and depression.  My advice would be to avoide terbinafine.

13 likes, 364 replies

364 Replies

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  • gail82560
    gail82560 jonathan21989

    Posted

    Hi jonathan, this stream has helped with the feeling that I am alone an unable to get help. Thank you for that. I am now at 16 weeks with little or no taste. I taste the bitter part of anything and am trying to be patient. It is very depressing.
    • rob87282
      rob87282 gail82560

      Posted

      Hi try not to worry it took about 5 months for my taste to come back.

       

  • doppler
    doppler jonathan21989

    Posted

    The thing I cannot comprehend is how our healthcare providers have no clue that it is taste loss. The call it altered taste. I told them there is no taste to alter. You are eating an apple and you absolutely cannot believe you are eating it and there is zero flavor. It's just wet and slightly cool. 

    Again, if I tell people about it they just laugh incredulously. I and say yes, it is incredible and it is horrible. 

    I have found I can taste peanut butter, but it has none of the sweet taste we are used to. I can tolerate watermelon because it is refreshing, but tasteless. I can also taste salt somewhat so I add that to a hard boiled egg. 

    My my diet is focused on protein shakes with banana and kale in the morning, half a peanut butter sandwich, hard boiled egg and watermelon for lunch and dinner is a toss up because Imhave to prepare dinner for my husband. He is very understanding and will eat anything I want, which is nothing! LOL! So I ask him to pick something out or I'll just try to stick to our summer grilling menu. 

    I am am just so bummed because blueberries are I. Season and they are my absolute fav fresh fruit. I know I can freez them, but it is not the same.

    after a week output taste, I have somewhat lost my pouty depression and have resigned myself to be patient and hope my taste returns soon.

    kim

  • doppler
    doppler jonathan21989

    Posted

    Oh, I forgot...l did anyone try to do a detox? If so, did it work? I've had people recommend it to me. 

  • annette00717
    annette00717 jonathan21989

    Posted

    Has your taste totally returned ?? I took lamisil for my toenails for about 2 months . Now everything tastes bitter. Stopped the lamisil about 10 days ago. I haven't had a meal for over two weeks . You're right toenail problems are the least of my worries ! I've lost 15 lbs so far . Annette

  • amy93204
    amy93204 jonathan21989

    Posted

    Hi Jonathan I have started taking terbinafine 250mg a week ago and have lost 13 pounds nothing has any flavor. I forced myself to eat a piece of toast yesterday I just have lost interest in eating already I have thought about not taking it but my toe nail really needs it. To avoid losing more weght I have stopped running and am now doing yoga only. I worry when I read the FDA website wher it says can be permenant . I hope not. 
    • rob87282
      rob87282 amy93204

      Posted

      Hi Amy a while back l lost my taste on this drug it took about 2 months for my taste to fully get back to normal. I would advise you to stop taking it.
  • Franksie
    Franksie jonathan21989

    Posted

    Hi Jonathan, Another of your followers to add!

    Thankyou for this it has helped me loads to know that I am not alone. I statred with terbinafine the start of August 2016, taste loss began 2 weeks ago when i stopped taking it straight away. Taste has 98% gone, I cant taste anything from watermelon to whisky. 

    I am type 2 diabetic and take Metformin I have sent a yellow card to the NHS. 

    Easy to see how this effects your life, I love food and for this to happen is simply dreadful. others seem to laugh and call it odd but it is devestating like a prison sentence on bread and water. Fingers crossed it WILL return and the sooner the better. 

    Good luck all and I hope that we can all be re united with our wonderful taste soon.

     

  • kathy00335
    kathy00335 jonathan21989

    Posted

    I stopped my med at 6 weeks also.  I have no taste for 3 weeks now. I had a mini meltdown last week just because of the inability to enjoy any food.  I wanted to lose 12 pounds. I dont think that will be a problem. I am drinking protein shakes and taking vitamins routinely to keep my body nourished. It's really sad that even water tastes nasty. I am using vinegar and tea tree oil on my 2 toenails. They look better.  I WILL NEVER TAKE TERBANIFINE AGAIN.  8 weeks is a long time.Maybe i will have it back before Thanksgiving. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.  Good luck Jonathan. Thanks Mirving

    • Franksie
      Franksie kathy00335

      Posted

      Hang in there Kathy, its been 3 weeks without taste for me now! Starting to get me down. It seems it is no good talking to people about the problem as they do not understand and most laugh it off!!!!.....Hold on this is seriously effecting my life and you laugh! Thats how it feels. 
    • kathy00335
      kathy00335 Franksie

      Posted

      I know what you mean. We have got to hang tough. From what I have read, 8 weeks seems to be the magic time frame. I will totally respect my sense of taste even more so when it comes back. Thanks for the reply. Stay in touch
    • Franksie
      Franksie kathy00335

      Posted

      Will Stay in touch, keep me updated. Have you tried peppermint oil I have I could taste it but had no other effect.
    • rob87282
      rob87282 Franksie

      Posted

      Hi don't worry your taste will come back it took about ten weeks for me.

    • kathy00335
      kathy00335 Franksie

      Posted

      No I have not tried that. It's just going to take time rolleyes

    • kathy00335
      kathy00335 rob87282

      Posted

      Hey thanks.  I am glad to know it will return.  Patience is the key. I appreciate the encouragement.

       

    • rob87282
      rob87282 kathy00335

      Posted

      Hi i thought my taste would never return sweet things took the longest.
    • kathy00335
      kathy00335 rob87282

      Posted

      Well I guess it's the way to shed a few pounds not quite the plan I had in mind. Most the time it's salty. It's not really bitter anymore

    • rob87282
      rob87282 kathy00335

      Posted

      Yes that salty taste is a classic symptom but it will eventually go.
    • Franksie
      Franksie rob87282

      Posted

      Thx for the encouragement Rob! so frustrating!!!!! Driving me mad. 
    • rob87282
      rob87282 Franksie

      Posted

      Hi Franksie,it was so frustrating and worrying for me thinking that I would never taste properly again but be reassured your taste will return.
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