Cipro and Insomnia: What Users Say

• HL3...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed Cipro every 12 hours for a urinary infection, but only took 3 doses as my side effects felt terrible. I had the worst headache I've ever felt. It felt like there was so much pressure in my head that it could explode. My muscles started to ache, and my body would tingle. I had absolutely no energy, and felt like my brain wasn't even working, and like I was in a different body. Complete disconnect from reality. Trouble staying asleep at night, and just laid awake in pain. Back pain, neck stiffness, and my vision blurred. Worst thing I have ever experienced. Called my doctor before I was supposed to take the next dose to get something new and instantly felt better. Hoping this new one works without the side effects as I'm terrified to feel that way ever again."

• Max...
• November 8, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I took my second Cipro pill today out of a 7-day dosage. The burning sensation has almost disappeared, as well as the bladder pressure. However, the back pain is still strong. Side effects include diarrhea, weakness, and sleeping problems, but it’s tolerable. I will come back with an update on day 3."

• Rec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2015

For Urinary Tract Infection "I've taken this medicine about 7 times. It works well for the UTI, and prior to taking it this last time I had little side effects. This last time, however, was horrible. I couldn't sleep (not even a wink!) was shaky, felt like I couldn't walk, sore everywhere, headaches from hell... all of these effects started to happen on the 5th day... the 7th day (last day) was the worst and continued for the next week. I like this medicine because it works for the UTI, but I will not take it again. The side effects are scary."

• her...
• September 22, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "Cipro works well for me without incurring any noticeable negative side effects. Strangely, though, I get many of the terrible side effects described by some here when taking levofloxacin - the insomnia, the crippling panic attacks, etc. It just goes to show, I suppose, how differently these meds affect different individuals."

• Dm3...
• May 13, 2017

For Kidney Infections "I was prescribed this medication for a kidney infection. On the third day, I developed breathing problems similar to asthma, a rapid heartbeat, a burning sensation in my chest, and found sleep to be very difficult."

• Ste...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 14, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "Took Cipro for a UTI twice a year for a couple of years. First time got a UTI, and it was gone quickly. Then got another six months later, continued frequently, the whole time acquiring other issues. When telling my doc, they said I was getting older. The issues I was experiencing weren't from drug toxicity, as they weren't going to stop writing the scripts. Tinnitus, neuropathy, small nerve neuropathy, vicious detachment, tremendous stomach issues, insomnia, depression, loss of memory. Nerve damage or neuropathy has destroyed my life. I can't pick things up anymore without pain. The burning, freezing feeling in my legs, feet, hands, and fingers is so painful at this point I'm losing the battle. The horror continues daily. Help me!!!!! Please."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2018

For Sinusitis "Pros: Noticed great improvement of my symptoms after only 24 hours and continued to get better each day. Cons: After the second dose, started to have loose bowel and stomach pain. Also experienced nightmares and severe insomnia. By the third day, 6th dose, the side effects were much too severe to continue this antibiotic."

• MrS...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2018

For Pneumonia "I was given this medication for pneumonia (extended period of time). I was severely agitated, very anxious, and had difficulty sleeping. After discharge from the hospital, I was given oral RX for home use. The symptoms stated above worsened and new symptoms began. I also take Klonopin. After much research, I found Cipro binds to GABA receptors, causing displacement of the Klonopin (both bind to GABA). This caused Benzo Withdrawal Syndrome, which obviously put me in dire straits. I reported this to the FDA. It appears they are aware of this problem. Please be careful using these two medications together and research, as more data is available now supporting these major interactions. Hopeful Black-box warnings will soon follow."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2017

For Prostatitis "30-day prescription up to 60. After the first week of mild nausea and mild diarrhea, I developed a weird tightness in my right hip, severe tennis elbow, and weird pain/headache behind my left eye for 2-3 days, bloating, some nights unable to sleep due to insomnia and tremors/weird body vibrations. Mornings were hell due to my coffee drinking and the foggy brain. Do not drink coffee while taking this! 3 weeks after stopping, I still have some prostatitis symptoms but have greatly improved. However, the side effects from the med of muscle tightness, brain fog, foot pain, hip pain, back tightness, lack of appetite, and fatigue still remain but seem to be subsiding a bit. I wish the docs would explain the meds they prescribe, but I don't think they really know!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2021

For Kidney Infections "Don’t take this. I’ve been taking it for three days, and I can’t sleep, I’m in pain, my Achilles tendons hurt. My legs have pins and needles, and they are extremely restless. My heartbeat is irregular and fast. My mental health has plummeted. I don’t know what to do. I can’t take this for five more days, I have to stop. I just want these side effects to be over, this is a nightmare."

• Xim...
• August 23, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "It is good for UTI, but it's not good for the body at all! The second day, I started having muscle problems, sleeping problems, anxiety..."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2010

For Urinary Tract Infection "Cleared up the infection but caused dizziness, nausea, insomnia, and headaches."