Peripheral Neuropathy: bad reaction to pain and antibiotic meds

I got an allergic reaction to Clindamycin after taking it for over a week in preparation for a dental procedure. Had itchy, red hives on neck, chest and abdomen. Can’t take it again. No other issues from it though.

I had taken Clindamycin years ago, before peripheral neuropathy with no problems, so it was puzzling to have such a strong reaction this year.

I use Antibiotics cautiously. I have found I get a little weaker after taking them, and it can take me a couple of weeks afterward to get all of my strength back. One might argue it was the underlying issue that caused the weakness, but it seems the majority of the antibiotics pushed my way have been for “preventative” reasons, all before or after dental, dermatology or bigger surgeries that have risk of developing infection. Even if it’s for an actual infection (sinus), I talk to them about prescribing the most proven PN friendly antibiotic at that time. If it’s a precautionary antibiotic prescribed, we have the same discussion as well as weighing if we can do without it and react “if” signs of infection start, or at least the safety of when the antibiotic can be safely stopped vs the standard 5-7-10 days if the infection risk advises us to be that vigilant up front. I cannot prove antibiotics have personally affected me, but I feel my body has told me I indeed feel a weakness develop. Always have the discussion with your doctor and make your PN concerns clear with him/her.

Very interesting comments that lead me to wonder if I'm exceptionally susceptible to drugs. I'm not allergic to common food or odor allergens. But two recent experiences lead me to believe that I may be more susceptible than most to common doses of commonly used meds. I was put on Cymbalta, a SSRI, at a very low dose because long-COVID seems to reduce seratonin. On the 4th day I had diarrhea at which time I quit taking the drug. A few weeks later, feeling as well as anyone with long-COVID can, I got the most recent COVID vaccine. The following day, I had a bout of urgent diarrhea. The vaccine was in me, and I knew I needed it to keep my antibody level up, so I went on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) for a few days and recovered. But each of these episodes tells me to be very careful about introducing any new med. (I have gone through an elimination diet, and found I was not allergic to anything that I eat.)

My 'PA' at a private clinic prescribed Levofloxcian 50MG, for a bad bout of Bronchitis, it almost crippled me more than I am now! It caused severe pain, in my lower back, unlike any I've had, and pain up and down the back of my legs! I could barely stand or walk! I read the drug issues and interactions and asked about them. He said; you won't be on it long enough for any issues. REALLY? My Primary Doctor returned and prescribed a muscle relaxer and Presnazone for 5 days. It's starting to work. He said I would have prescribed the same thing the PA did. Who is he kidding, or protecting? One of my Neurologists retired, and the other left the practice of medicine and left his patients hanging! Who do you trust?

Ablations is what i have for that every year.Next year i am looking into that monitor they put in your back that is supposed to last 10 years and relief the whole time....no more back pain supposably.

Hello @surayabay24, You will notice that we merged your discussion with another discussion on the same topic so that you could meet other members like @lgpn5094, @dbeshears1, @celia16 and others discussing neuropathy and antibiotics. If you click the link below it will take you to the beginning of the discussion:
--- Peripheral Neuropathy: bad reaction to pain and antibiotic meds: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-bad-reaction-to-pain-and-antibiotic-meds/

Who do you trust is a good question. If I no longer had my neurologist, I might consider talking to my local pharmacist for any questions I had on the medications.

That is fine. Whatever gets the word out.
Thanks,
Lee

Google your meds and see if any of them might be a problem with your neuropathy.I have bad reaction to several antibiotics and pain killers

I now check all safety precautions, google, neurologist, internist.
KEEP in MIND - Always Check for medication complications when used with Gabapentin, including antibiotics and pain medications. We have learned some the hard way.