I was prescribed Avelox for a sinus infection Jan.2008. My Dr. did a Cat Scan on my sinus’ and reported that they were impacted. I had not taken an Antibiotic for years prior to this. I was very hesitant to take it, but I had taken Cipro in the past and seemed to tolerate it fine. I took my first dose and an hour later I was very dizzy, and had the shakes really bad. I did not want to stop taking it, because I was still running a fever. After taking it for five days, my legs began to hurt and it was difficult walking up the steps. I asked my Son in Law who is a Pharmacist if these symptoms were normal, he told me to stop taking it. I did, but the fever returned so my Dr. said to start taking it again and finish it. It was the 8th day that I took my daily dose. It was like a bomb went off in my body, I had severe chest pain, I quit producing saliva. I was sure I was dying. My husband took me to the ER, once there they started me on IV’s and gave me Benedryl which just made me tired it did not help my chest pain and also made my mouth drier than it already was. They kept me in the hospital overnight. The next day I felt like I was not in my own body and the pains in my chest continued when I got home. I could not walk up the stairs without becoming very winded. I had horrible insomnia, that was complimented with the feeling of a million bee stings in my legs and arms and head. I went for a follow up checkup a week later and had to sit in the Dr’s office for 4 hours until my blood pressure became normal. It was dangerously low, I was still having chest pains at that time so they did a EKG which came out abnormal. I could not eat without severe stomach pains. The vertigo and anxiety and panic were off the charts. I had to take 3 months of work off. I can honestly say my body and mind have never fully recovered. But I am better so I am thankful for that. How has my life changed, I cannot drive a long distance anymore due to the vertigo that seems to get worse with light and movement stimulation. I use to love to go for long walks, but now I can only tolerate 20 minutes and my tendons are screaming. I have a huge fear of Doctors and prescription drugs. What I learned is that you should always listen to your body and respect what it is telling you. My hope is that Dr’s will stop giving these drugs for minor infections and learn more about them and there horrible side effects! I have learned to be grateful for the recovery that I have had. But also mourn the person I use to be and will never be again.