Augmentin and Headaches: What Users Say

• kat...
• July 25, 2014

For Sinusitis "This medication worked to clear up my sinus infection but gave me BLINDING, and I mean BLINDING headaches to the point where I couldn't even move my head without wincing in pain. That was the only side effect I experienced though. My guess is it's a pretty strong antibiotic and can affect everyone differently."

• tna...
• February 2, 2014

For Sinusitis "I took this medicine for a sinus infection. Worked great for that but the side effects for me were unbearable. On day 7 of the medicine, I had the worst stomach cramps that I have ever had and diarrhea. Sleepiness was a constant, I slept all day and night. I had no desire to eat at all. I experienced chills, cough, fever, severe headaches, irritability, heartburn, and greatly decreased frequency of urination."

• Mel...
• June 5, 2011

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was on Augmentin twice a day for 7 days. I thought I would have diarrhea and cramps, headaches, all the fun stuff with antibiotics. But all that happened to me is about 2 hours after taking it, I found myself VERY sleepy, which it was bedtime anyways. Just try to take it 2 to 3 hours BEFORE bed, so it won't upset your stomach while you are sleeping. Also, what really helped me is drinking DanActive yogurt, so I get no diarrhea while taking it, and it works well. I also was taking Culturelle (Probiotics). That and the yogurt helped with diarrhea very well."

• Tol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2016

For Sinusitis "I get sinus infections twice a year like clockwork. I usually get a Z-pack and a couple of days of prednisone, and I'm usually better in a couple of days. This time around, I was given 875 mg of Augmentin for 10 days, along with a 10-day step-down dosage of prednisone. I took the meds as prescribed for 4 days and had to stop. I've never had such debilitating stomach pains in my life. I'm talking stomach pains, not intestinal pains. I felt so nauseated, though I never vomited once. My head felt funny, like a headache was trying to develop, and I began to sweat. It has been 5 days since I stopped taking the medications, and I am still having issues with my stomach! Never ever again! I need answers!"

• Sun...
• February 11, 2013

For Sinusitis "I felt like crap 36 hours ago (headache, toothache, congested nose) but feel SO much better after 4 doses. I should have gone to the doctor sooner. Mild impact on my digestion, but I'll take that any day in lieu of the debilitating headache and toothache I was experiencing."

• Jem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I took my first Augmentin pill at 1 PM after eating a burger and at 5:30 PM. I threw up after having severe nausea and headache. I went to after hours at 6:30 PM, and they gave me medicine Zofran and then a shot for nausea and said not to take any more, that I was having a side effect to it. It did not help, and I threw up three more times when I got home. The last time was 2 AM. I do not recommend this if you have not taken it before. It has been a horrible experience."

• For...
• August 8, 2016

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed Augmentin for a sinus infection. Worst medication experience of my life. I never get headaches, and after just three doses I had the worst headaches. My head throbbed. I couldn't sleep. My vision was impaired. I had excruciating stomach pains. I was far sicker than I was prior to going to the doctor. I will never take this horrible medication again. Beware of the side effects if you do."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 15, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Prescribed Augmentin fairly frequently for diverticulitis (as I suffer from autoimmune neutropenia too, I am on a lower threshold for treatment as the risk of life-threatening infection is high). I always feel better after two days, but that's when the gates of hell open and the side effects knock me out completely. If I don't take in enough fluids, my kidneys feel like they'll explode, I feel so incredibly weak and lifeless, it gives me a constant headache for the duration of treatment, nausea, no appetite, diarrhea, intestinal pain worse than what it's supposed to treat, and it causes my emotional state to deteriorate severely - I can't stop crying and feel so very stressed, agitated, and anxious."

• Bil...
• January 5, 2012

For Strep Throat "On day 1, no change in the symptoms. Day 2: I got diarrhea. Day 3: no more fever and pain relief, diarrhea reduces as well. Day 4: No fever, no diarrhea, and a little headache. Days 5 to 7: I forgot I was sick, had to put reminders on the phone in order to remember to follow the 7-day prescription. Worked for me."

• bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this by my doctor for sinusitis. I’ve been on all types of antibiotics in my life, and this stuff is horrible. Went on my lunch break, and I was convinced I was dying. Anxiety, panic attacks, tarry stool (gastric bleeding?), chest and back pain, side pain, chest tightness, abdominal cramping (felt like something was tearing into my stomach), sweating, terrible diarrhea, pale, dizziness, huge headache, etc. Only took one dose, stopped dosage, and called my ENT doctor for an appointment."

• mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "Took Augmentin for a bad sinus infection. After day two, symptoms decreased a lot. I could smell things I haven't smelled in months. Day 3, vaginal itching, day 4, worse vaginal itching and headache. Decided to treat for a yeast infection. Day 5, feeling better. Taking probiotics with it daily. Have had some diarrhea, but I have IBS, so nothing more abnormal than usual. Even though the side effects aren't pleasant, it worked better than any antibiotic I've been given this year for this everlasting sinus infection."

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

For Kidney Infections "Was prescribed this Augmentin (875/125) 2 doses a day for 7 days after being misdiagnosed with a UTI and on Keflex for a week before that did nothing for my fever or pain or infection. When I was finally diagnosed with a kidney infection, I started taking Augmentin. I’m on day 3 and feeling so much better without my fever and kidney pain. However, I am having mild side effects. I get a decent headache within hours of taking each dose, and there is some diarrhea. However, taking it with food lessens those side effects, and the main thing I know is helping is taking good probiotics daily as well that has helped keep my flora balanced and prevent the thrush a lot of people experience after this medication. Very effective, just be sure to replenish the good bacteria in your system as you are taking it."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 11, 2020

For Sinusitis "I was recently prescribed Augmentin 875 mg two times a day for 10 days for a very severe upper respiratory/sinus infection. On day one, I had pain in my head, some sweating/chills, lethargy, and stomach upset. Day two, I had bad diarrhea, anxiety, nervousness/agitation, sweating/chills, and some tiredness. Day three, I had all of the above, as well as developing one hive on my right arm after my evening dose. The medication helps my sinus infection, but the side effects are troubling. I do not feel good for at least two or three hours after taking this medication."

• Ste...
• September 11, 2019

For Sinusitis "Was prescribed Augmentin for a sinus infection, and my anxiety has been crazy (already diagnosed with anxiety, and it seems to be worse). My throat felt worse before it got better. I'm also having headaches, nausea, and loose bowels. I can't wait to be done!"

• Hat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2019

For Sinusitis "I was prescribed this from the hospital for sinusitis. I’ve been on all types of antibiotics in my life, and this stuff is horrible. Woke up this morning convinced I was dying. Anxiety, panic attacks, tarry stool, chest and back pain, side pain, chest tightness, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, pale, dizziness, headache. I could go on. Stopped dosage and heading to PCP tomorrow to figure out what’s going on now."

• Mol...
• February 28, 2016

For Sinusitis "Went to urgent care with a toothache. Told I had a severe sinus infection. Mind you, I've had swelling on the left side of my face for 5 years, been through every test out there for answers with no success. Ever since the swelling started, I've suffered ear infections (left side only) and sinus infections to no end. Dentist would tell me my X-rays don't look normal but offered no explanation. Okay, so urgent care prescribed penicillin 500 mg, but I explain to the doctor that I may have a tolerance to that with all the antibiotics I've been on, so she prescribes Augmentin 875 2x a day for 10 days. Over a few days, I'm dizzy, nauseous, pressure headaches like my brain is being squeezed. The worst medicine EVER!!!"

• Jel...
• June 5, 2018

For Sinusitis "Was prescribed Augmentin 875/125 tab twice daily for 10 days for bacterial sinusitis. I am currently on day 8 now. I was a little iffy about this medication the first two days, as it did upset my stomach and cause many trips to the restroom, even using with food as directed. Day three, I had a nasty headache and insomnia. But honestly, by day 4, I felt pretty good. Actually awoke without any congestion. Energy started returning. Day 5-6, I started having some nausea and congestion again upon waking, but trips to the restroom stopped. Day 8, mild congestion, but feel normal for once. Doc did advise if the post-nasal drip, etc., didn't cease, I may need to see an ENT. So I'd say that this med is doing its job handling the bacterial infection at least. Feel 90% better. Symptoms were uncomfortable when they hit, not unbearable."

• Jef...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I took it for a severely abscessed tooth. It did clear up after 5 days (2 1000 mg tabs a day). However, I felt horrible the entire time. Gave me so much anxiety that I had 2 panic attacks. I had headaches, stomach pain, and diarrhea. No appetite, even though you have to eat in order to tolerate the medicine. My infection was really bad, and I'm thankful that the Augmentin cleared it up, but I'm not sure if I would be willing to take it again."

• JIS...
• April 29, 2017

For Sinusitis "I had a sinus infection and was put on Augmentin for a week. I suffered from horrific headaches. I wanted someone to just knock me out because I couldn't handle the horrible headaches all day and night. My taste was affected as well. Even water didn't taste good. My stomach also affected me, and I did take a probiotic. I wouldn't take this medication ever again."

• Sto...
• April 21, 2017

For Sinusitis "Prescribed an 8-day prescription of Augmentin, and I would not recommend this poison to anyone else, EVER. I wake up every day with a headache like my head is in a vice and stomach cramps that rival the pain of the sinus infection I went in for in the first place. And yes, I eat yogurt and take extra probiotics. My heart beats like a horse's hooves on a racetrack and keeps me up far past any respectable time to go to sleep. I don't feel like myself at all, I'm telling you so you can run far away from this treacherous toxic substance."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2020

For Strep Throat "Augmentin is a powerful drug, and within two doses for strep throat, my throat started to open back up. I could breathe easier and swallow without too much pain. However, it gave me the worst headache I have ever had. I tried Tylenol, ibuprofen, and BC powder, and my head still felt like it was going to explode. Switching to amoxicillin. I just hope it works as well as Augmentin without this terrible side effect."

• Lym...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2022

For Bacterial Infection "I had bites of deer ticks on my spine. I developed a stiff neck, an excruciating pain and inflammation on my head (encephalitis), and a high fever of 104 when I laid down in bed. The next morning, the fever went down to 101 when I got up in the morning and took a shower. Due to the fact that MDs have no clue how to treat encephalitis versus a headache, things got very bad. Finally, an MD from Connecticut, here in Miami, tested me for Lyme disease and prescribed 825 mg of Augmentin. With the first dose of Augmentin, the excruciating headache and stiff neck went away. In three days, I was forever cured."

• Bir...
• July 2, 2017

For Sinusitis "I will never take this drug again. I was prescribed a 10-day/twice-a-day dose for a sinus infection. I took one pill. Within 4 hours of taking the pill, I was experiencing fever-like chills, tingling, nerve pain in my feet, and restlessness. I had nightmares and a terrible night's sleep. The worst part is the headache I can't shake and the extreme fatigue. My head feels like it's in a vice. I've done nothing but sleep all day-only moving to take Advil, which barely touches the headache. I just assume suffer through the sinus infection rather than experience the past 24 hours on this drug."

• Dan...
• November 26, 2020

For Strep Throat "Augmentin worked fast within 3 days for my strep throat, but the diarrhea and stomach aches I had taking this were awful. Even for a few days after I had finished the 10 days of antibiotics. The first few days, I experienced some trouble sleeping, night sweats, and the headache here and there. Generally worked well, but side effects were not fun."

• Anonymous
• May 19, 2016

For Sinusitis "DO NOT TAKE AUGMENTIN! I am healthy (run marathons - no pre-existing conditions) and never take meds. I was prescribed this for a headache (after a vehicle accident) and a little sinusitis at Onpoint. I was so sick, and after 5 days (my heart started hurting, lost all healthy bacteria (worst diarrhea and stripped stomach lining), had a fiery red rash after 10 days all over my body! It took 2 weeks for the rash to go away after I got off Augmentin. My body systems have never been the same!! Destroyed them. THIS IS TOXIC, tell your doctors too). If you MUST take an antibiotic, use something safer. Also, my husband (really healthy) didn't quite believe me. He was prescribed it, he was flat on his back/couch, vomiting and couldn't MOVE after 2 days! He stopped immediately."