Metronidazole and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I think I experienced every side effect listed for metronidazole. I would like to share ways to get through the course of medication if you are feeling poorly. 1. Get lots of rest and keep relatively warm. I found a heating pad worked well for muscle soreness. 2. Get plenty of sleep whenever you can! 3. Drink plenty of water. 4. Do not drink alcohol. 5. Because you might lose your appetite, choose your favorite, easy-to-digest food. 6. Choose low-level activities. It wouldn’t be a good time to move the contents of your house! 7. Keep your spirits up... know that it will soon be over! 8. Finally, find a good book to read, work on a project, or search on your favorite social site!! You can get through it!"

• Amy...
• October 3, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was on metronidazole (Flagyl) & ciprofloxacin for diverticulitis. Let me start off by saying these two medications together SUCK, however they DO work. I have never had any problems with medications...ever (in 40 years). This time though, at times, I thought I was dying! Best described as the worst flu ever. Massive nausea, occasional vomiting, diarrhea, exhaustion, horrible taste in my mouth, nothing tasted good, and my appetite was bad. Day 4 was the peak of feeling awful. I went to every review site trying to gather what worked to curb the symptoms. Everyone is different, so what worked for others didn't necessarily work for me. Here is what did work for me a bit, in case it can help anyone else. 1.) Try not to take them together. Split up the doses by like an hour or so. 2.) Take each dose with a little food (even if you aren't hungry), something bland. DO NOT USE DAIRY PRODUCTS. This made my nausea worse! 3.) Have mints or candy at all times. Your mouth will feel gross and things will taste funny. However, I found spearmints also helped soothe the tummy a bit. 4.) Pepto-Bismol. 5.) Try not to take them immediately before bed at night. Give it about an hour or two. I noticed nausea will wake me up throughout the night if I take them too close to going to sleep. GOOD LUCK, and remember: Your doctor prescribed these for a reason. A reason that could turn into life-threatening unless you get it controlled. The worst thing ever is to start taking an antibiotic and then stopping it mid-cycle, as your body then becomes immune to it and is essentially ineffective."

• LKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I took Flagyl and Cipro together for 10 days for apparent diverticulitis. I haven’t used any antibiotics for years. My experience was awful and I’m still having problems after my last dose 4 days ago. I have diarrhea, bad taste in my mouth, loss of appetite (forcing myself to eat), weight loss, and body aches. My doctor is going to check for other problems but I think these medications really messed me up. I hope the symptoms go away. It’s scary feeling like this. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences. Makes me realize I’m not alone."

• aaa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2021

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I'm always prescribed this for when I have bacterial vaginosis - 500 mg 2x/day for 7 days. I always make sure to take it on a full stomach to avoid nausea. The only real side effect I experience is dark yellow/orange urine after taking it for a few days, and it goes away when I stop taking it, and slight nausea and loss of appetite. Like I said, having a full meal before taking it helps a lot. It works as intended. My only complaint is the horrible bitter taste when taking it, so to avoid that, I have to take it with extremely sweet drinks like some soda and try to swallow it fast so I don't taste it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2013

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Been on this for a week! Even though it's taking care of my issue, I can't wait to take my last pill. I've been sick to my stomach, loss of appetite, headache, dizzy, blurry vision, disoriented, fatigued, can't sleep well. Just ready for this course to be over."

• alo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Went in for my Pap smear and found out I had BV. I was prescribed Flagyl (1 tablet 2x a day). The first day I only took one pill during my lunch break but forgot to take the second that night. The next day I took two pills as prescribed (morning and night). The following morning I noticed dark urine... allegedly that's a 'rare' side effect. I’ve also experienced dry mouth, a metallic aftertaste, headaches, and loss of appetite. Other than that, I do see an improvement already. I’m glad these pills work quickly, just hoping I won’t have to take it ever again after the 7th day."

• Num...
• November 19, 2019

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "Taking the antibiotic combo metronidazole and Cipro for a flare-up of diverticulitis and now on day 4. My side effects are that I feel so dreadful, very weak, no appetite at all, dizzy, nauseated, night sweats, vaginal discharge, diarrhea, and I have lost 7 lbs already. Forcing small bits of food down as I have to eat something, drinking lots of water, feel nauseated. I am in the UK. This medicine is utterly brutal and toxic, but my pain is nearly gone. Longing for day 7 to end the drama."

• Lal...
• December 23, 2013

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "It seems I've had experiences that a lot of these other people do with feeling worse than I did before on these medications with the Cipro and Flagyl. I'm nauseous, I'm dizzy, I have a foggy brain, I can't eat, the taste is horrible, and I feel like I can't function. I've been on this for the second time in a year, and it's doing the same thing, same side effects. I don't like feeling this way at all. I can't drive or go to work. I've been on it for 4 days out of 10, and it's Christmas! My pain has subsided, though."

• ECa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Flagyl antibiotic sent me to the psych hospital! Within 24 hours of taking Flagyl, I was having side effects of being super drowsy, couldn't eat, having panic attacks, hallucinations, and so depressed I couldn't even get out of bed. I was also really confused and just out of it. I went to the psych hospital, where they made me finish the course, and it took WEEKS before I felt okay mentally. In its defense, it got rid of the BV. Flagyl is one of the most powerful and potent antibiotics out there, and I would only recommend it if you really need it."

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro Sunday night when I went to the ER for severe abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed acute colitis. Day 3 of antibiotics and now feeling nauseous, light-headed, no appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pain gone but will suffer through if it clears up those pesky parasites. Doc said could be short or long term. I vote for short. The docs should warn of possible side effects to prepare a person."

• lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I have SIBO, and my doctor prescribed Flagyl 250 mg 3 times/day for 14 days and Rifaximin 3 times/day for 14 days to treat SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Overall, my experience with Flagyl was unpleasant. I experienced moderate side effects that made me feel worse, so I stopped after 4 days and kept on the Rifaximin with no problems. On Flagyl, I experienced fatigue. When I tried to work out to boost energy, I felt horrendous: nauseous with flu-like symptoms. I experienced loss of appetite for normal healthy foods and found that I was binging on unhealthy foods. A slight metallic taste in my mouth, and a moderate feeling of upset stomach that came and went. Also, moderate bloating. If I had been extremely sick and Flagyl made me feel better, I may have kept on it, but for someone with mild SIBO, this drug wasn't worth it. If you're only mildly ill, I'd suggest finding an alternative medicine, if possible."

• Non...
• April 11, 2012

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "The taste it leaves in your mouth is horrible, but I have been on it along with Cipro since Saturday and as of this morning could tell a big difference in how I feel. The soreness in my lower stomach is almost gone and until today it has been unbearable. It leaves a metallic taste in your mouth, takes away your appetite and made me feel nauseous but I would take it again if I had another flare up with the Diverticulitis it seems to help."

• Mar...
• February 18, 2020

For Diverticulitis "Taking Flagyl with Cipro for diverticulitis, feel weak and tired, a bit dizzy and loss of appetite, but the pain is pretty much gone. Taking these monster pills with applesauce, and it really helps! Also taking a good probiotic. Day 4 of 7."

• mac...
• October 20, 2011

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "While I'm confident Flagyl is working, I have suffered some severe side effects, one of which is unlisted. I believe it is working because my abdominal pain has significantly decreased since being diagnosed with diverticulitis about 1 week ago. I am also taking Cipro. The reported side effect of having a metallic taste is very understated! Not only do I have an AWFUL paint/chemical taste constantly in my mouth, but my sense of smell is on overdrive! This has contributed significantly to my loss of appetite, nausea, and in many cases my inability to function. I threw away my sheets because I couldn't sleep; I carry around room deodorizer with me because whenever I walk into a room I gag due to the smells - that are only overwhelming to me."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2020

For Dental Abscess "I would never take this drug again. Side effects included: * Violent vomiting even when I had nothing left in my stomach to throw up * Nausea * Diarrhea (hasn't stopped since I finished the dose 3 days ago) * Fatigue * Tingly legs and feet / shaky at times / felt unbalanced * Yeast infection on torso * Fungal acne breakout on face * Loss of appetite Tips: * If you are taking it 3 times a day, take it 8 hours apart (so 7 am, 3 pm, and 11 pm) with as much food as you can stomach * Do not drink alcohol 2 days before starting (or while taking) * Drink as many probiotics as you can * Stay close to home / bed / toilet * Ask your doctor for something else."

• Ele...
• September 6, 2014

For Bacterial Vaginosis "I experienced a couple of side effects: metallic taste in mouth, sore throat, abdominal pain, loose stools, headache, nausea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and a yeast infection at day 5! Side effects aside, this stuff works. All symptoms of bacterial vaginitis disappeared by day 2. Take some probiotics while taking this and hopefully you can avoid a yeast infection. Felt like the longest week of my life. I need a drink (you have to avoid alcohol on this)."

• Vic...
• November 27, 2016

For Diverticulitis "I was given metronidazole and Flagyl after a diverticulitis flare-up that took me to the emergency room. It was fine the first couple of days I took them. After the fourth day or so, my real nightmare began: irritated, bitchy, depressed, moody. No appetite, bad taste in my mouth, even drinking water was a task. I also had severe chills, feeling exhausted, even walking to the restroom was a task. In other words, I felt like I was being poisoned by these horrible meds. After a vomiting episode and so much gas in my stomach, I called the 24-hour hotline to my doctor's office, she agreed to stop taking them. It was already almost 10 days with those nasty meds. It's been 2 days now since I stopped them, still feeling crappy, exhausted, and my tummy is still unsettled."

• Spa...
• November 30, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "I took Flagyl for 10 days, 3X a day to treat a parasite (Blastocystis spp.). Before taking the medication, I was having extremely bad-smelling farts, almost constant diarrhea, and abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. They heavily warned me that this medication sucks, and they were right: it does. That being said, my excessively smelling gas went away within a few days. Days 2-3 and 8-10 seemed to suck the most as far as symptoms. I also experienced mental fog from taking this medication. I really felt not on my game mentally and had a hard time concentrating. I did have some problems sleeping at night while taking this medication and then problems as well once the medication had been finished. For about 4 days after taking the medication, I had oral thrush and whiteness on my tongue. The bad taste in my mouth stayed for a while. I am 9 days finished with this medication, and I feel like I still don’t have any appetite or interest in food. All in all, it was not great, but I would take it again."

• Gru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2019

For Diverticulitis "I take metronidazole 3 times a day for diverticulitis. I have been on this off and on for 5 months. I have lost 30 pounds and have no appetite. I just don't feel like I am living. The taste is terrible and dry heaves nonstop. I have to stay on this medication until we schedule surgery. I am not eating much, tired, and don’t want to do anything. The holiday is approaching, and it is my favorite holiday. I hope never to have to be on this again. I feel like I want to jump out of my skin and cry a lot. This is not how I want to live my life."

• CCB...
• December 31, 2015

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "My NP put me on a regimen of Flagyl 500 mg twice a day for 7 days for urinary symptoms I was having, although my cultures were negative. I followed the regimen for 5 days before finally stopping. My side effects were severe and had me ready to go to the ER: stomach and pelvic cramping, continual discharge, complete loss of appetite, extreme nausea when attempting to force myself to eat solid food, and general nausea when not eating. I felt extremely fatigued, emotional, and anxious. I was on the verge of several full-blown panic attacks at work. I'm not sure if my symptoms are taken care of by Flagyl because the side effects are so much worse. Day 2 off of the drug and having the most severe side effects yet."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2012

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "My doctor gave me this because I had bacterial vaginosis. Not even 12 hours into my first dose, I got the metallic taste in my mouth, then severe stomach cramps and nausea. I'm on day 5 and have had bouts of nausea throughout the course of my medication. My appetite has gone way, way down, and I'm so tired! I literally will sleep 12 hours and then get up for 2, then go back to bed for another 4! Having trouble staying awake at work, but it is doing its job!"

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2013

Metronidazole for Giardiasis "I took Flagyl and Cipro for giardia and salmonella diagnosis. Both taken for one week. The Flagyl has a terrible taste, and you have to drink something besides water while you are taking it because everything tastes metallic. It works to eradicate the infection, but I was very happy when the seven days of treatment were over. I also experienced a lack of appetite, however, you must eat something when you take Flagyl, or it will upset your stomach. Other side effects experienced: bloating, burping, hiccups, terrible taste in my mouth all the time, lack of energy. But the need for the medication outweighs the side effects, and it took care of the infection."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

Metronidazole for Bacterial Infection "Will never take this medicine, Flagyl, again. The first day, I started with a headache. Then came the lack of appetite and nausea, which caused me to lose 3 pounds. Next was feeling tingly in my hands and full-out panic, anxiety, and depression. I called my doctor, begging to get off of this medication. Thankfully, I just took my last dose. I will never take this again."

• sis...
• September 15, 2018

Metronidazole for Diverticulitis "I went to the ER with acute diverticulitis and was prescribed Metronidazole along with Cipro and pain pills. I was administered a couple of pain shots and thought I could go home and take these meds and get better. Three days later, I was back in the ER and let them admit me this time. The terrible headaches, horrific taste in my mouth, nausea, and vomiting were about more than I could bear. I have had sleeve surgery, and so my stomach is small, but this gave me such bad heartburn and indigestion, I could not imagine a medicine making a person this sick. I also had diarrhea with every bathroom trip and very dark urine. I couldn't even stand the taste of water, or the food I ate tasted horrible, along with a lack of appetite, lethargy, and lightheadedness. I finished my prescription of ten days, but I hope I never have to take this horrible drug again. One good thing about it is my diverticulitis pain is gone, and I pray it will never return."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2017

For Bacterial Infection "Omg, I loathe taking these pills, it's all I can think about all day, and I'm only on day 3 of a 7-day treatment for BV. I feel awful: severe headache, fatigue that has kept me in bed all 3 days, nausea, loss of my appetite, dizziness, bloated, gassy, muscle aches like I have the flu. Is there nothing with fewer side effects to take for this? I barely had any BV symptoms to start with, I feel like a dysfunctional zombie. There's no way I'm gonna make it through 4 more days. I can't function like this. Everyone's body is different, my body doesn't react well to this."