Worried about medication reactions

[roady]

So, I've been suffering from ongoing health troubles for a while now (over 2 months). They've sort of put my life on hold... Anxiety has certainly played a role in my struggles. I'm waiting for a referral to a GI specialist, and while I am, my doctor has prescribed me some antibiotics as a sort of "try and see" method of trying to deal with my problems. I know I shouldn't have, but I googled the medicine I was prescribed (Flagyl or Metronidazole). I found this forum where people were talking about the horrible side effects they'd had (neuro things like increased anxiety, dizziness, etc), and one of them had permanent damage to her inner ear resulting in a lifelong struggle with balance issues. I am already experiencing dizziness, anxiety, and depression, and I'm terrified to take this drug. I want to get better and heal, but my fear is paralyzing me. I am allergic to Cipro (another antibiotic), which affected me very strongly after only a couple of doses. I was living alone at the time, and I remember lying in bed sobbing because I was so depressed suddenly (direct result of the Cipro, I discovered). I was sick for a couple of weeks after. Now I'm already so ill, I'm so scared of what will happen if I have a bad reaction to this drug. I don't want to go back to the hospital, but I also want so badly to get well. :weep:

[saab]

So sorry to hear of your issues. Is there anywhere you can go to stay whilst you start on the drug? Maybe a friend or relatives for a few days? Remember that people often only post on the internet when they have problems. Noone registers on a forum to say they are feeling better, so all the successful cases go unnoticed.

[roady]

Hi Saab, Thanks for the reply. I live with my partner now, so thankfully he can look after me if I do have a bad reaction. I guess I'm just feeling a bit fragile... Afraid of making myself "more sick" with meds... I've tried taking one this morning, but I got sick and "lost" it. Not sure if it was a reaction or just my HA. :/

[skippy66]

I have avoided tons of meds because I was too scared of the side effects. In a way I'm glad because it stopped me ever taking anti-depressants which I now know are not needed to cure health anxiety.

[roady]

Yes, I am very fearful of meds as well... Plus I feel like I'm very sensitive to them. Even before my HA had really developed, I would have terrible reactions to simple, often prescribed medications. I think I just have a delicate constitution, especially my stomach! :doh:

I've been made ill by omeprazole, tylenol with codeine, cipro (antibiotic), and tetanus injection. I will just try my best to keep going, and hope that something helps soon.