Clarithromycin probably will increase anxiety and depression.

[Lucille-B]

Hi everyone, I need to write my story as a warning so no else needs to experience what I'm going through.

I was diagnosed with GAD in 2008. I haven't been on any medication in the last 8 years except for occasional anti anxiety meds (Purata 15mg twice a day) for only a couple of days at a time. So I'd say I function fairly well with my anxiety disorder normally.

Last week Friday I was prescribed Chlorithromysin antibiotics 500mg twice a day for a throat infection by a GP I haven't seen before. It has been an absolute nightmare. Literally.

Day 1 metallic taste in mouth, loss of appetite, insomnia. Day 2 metallic taste, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, loss of appetite, hallucinations (some audible) and sadness. Day 3 metallic taste, extreme anxiety, palpitations, depersonilization, fear, hopelessness, loss of appetite, nightmares, crying bouts, hallucinations, headache and insomnia.

I had a break down. I thought I was completely losing it. I phoned my mom who is 66 to come take care of me (I'm 31). I just cried the whole day in my mom's arms. This is very out of character for me I'm normally a lot stronger. That Sunday afternoon on day 3 while I was lying in bed with my mom trying to calm me the thought occurred..... What if it's a side effect of the meds????!!

I did some research on Google an there it was!! Hundreds of people with simular and much worse experiences on this medication!!!!!!!!!

Now at this point I should mention I was prescribed Tramadol last year and experienced insomnia, anxiety and night hallucinations, but not nearly as severe as this experience. So I should have read up on Chlorithromycin first but honestly Ive had other antibiotics before and never imagined it could have such debilitating side effects.

So on the afternoon of day 3 I stopped the meds but the side effects kept snowballing. I had been drinking my Purata meds during this time but it wasn't even touching sides. That night was horrible. My mom was holding my hand all through the night. I couldn't sleep. Felt like I was on the edge of having a panic attack the whole time.

The morning of day 4 my mom took me to to see my GP I normally see because I couldn't drive. I had a panic attack in his office. I hadn't eaten, hadn't slept and my heart rate was shooting up to 140bpm. He used 2 techniques to slow my heart down and prescribed a stronger dose of anti anxiety meds, Urbanol 5mg and told me to come see him again on Wednesday (day 6). He confirmed it was the antibiotics. I should also mention my throat infection cleared up. So the antibiotics do work for the infection but honestly I'd rather have the infection than the side effects.

The Urbanol took the edge of somewhat during the day but last night was really hard. I had taken 10mg of Urbanol and my heart was still racing all through the night. I got in a couple of hours after 3 am but it was on and off with lots of visuals and discomfort. I was able to eat yesterday for the first time in days.

It is now the morning of day 5 the headache is gone. I feel a little bit better than yesterday during the day. I have taken 5mg of Urbanol 3 hours ago. I haven't been able to work at all and I've lost 4kg's since Day 1. I have no idea what tonight will be like but I am hopeful the side effects will lesson over the next couple of days. This has been the worst I have felt in 8 years.

Stay away from Clarithromycin!!!! (Also stay away from Tramadol). I wish I had read a warning before I took it.

[Cares179]

Wow this is awful! I am so sorry you are going through all this. Thank you for sharing your story with us and I hope you get back to your normal self quickly!

[Lyn842]

Wow! I'm so sorry you went thru that. How awful! I'm glad you are coming out of it. Be well, stay well and thanks for the warning. I have used tramadol with no side effects. Everyone is different.

[Lucille-B in reply to Lyn842]

Thanks Lyn, I am probably more sensitive to meds then than most.

[AZ1970]

My daughter who is now 17 has been on meds since age 5. Every time she had to take antibiotics, she would become unstable to the point of needing to be hospitalized. It was bizarre. Fortunately she doesn't become sick like that much anymore so she doesn't have to take antibiotics. I am sorry you went through that. You have a very supportive mother. I am glad you are feeling better.

[Lucille-B]

It is so bizarre to me! I have read countless stories since Sunday of people with similar experiences and yet it's the first time I've heard of it. Glad your daughter doesn't need those meds anymore. Thank you for the kind words. My mother has been my hero.

[Lucille-B]

Gosh! Thanks for the reply. I have used Penicillin in the past and that was also fine for me. In future I will stay clear from all other antibiotics. Making a note of the ones you mentioned. I am starting to feel a bit better indeed. Just hoping tonight will bring some much needed sleep.

[Lucille-B]

I just read an article on being Floxed! Shocking!! I am so sorry this happened to you.

[Lilly5]

Hi Lucille. When I get tachycardia, I either lie down or sit down and breathe in through my nose and let the air out through my mouth. My brother who is a nurse told me to do that when I got my first tachycardia attack and it prevented me from calling an ambulance. He said my heart was at 170 beats per minute. Also when my heart is beating fast I can't stand noises or the tv, so I tell them to turn off the tv, or if I'm at a public place I cover my ears and concentrate on my breathing. I hope this helps.