Suggest Treatment For Severe Sinus Infection And Chronic Insomnia

Posted on Thu, 13 Apr 2017

Question: I'm sick with a sinus infection. Dr prescribed a ZPak. I have chronic insomnia anyway from trying to dose down off the Fentanyl patch that was given to me in the hospital when I had back surgery last year. I didn't have any issues with taking a ZPak in the past but I took my first dose at 3 pm yesterday and now it is 3:24 am and I have extreme anxiety. Can the ZPak cause anxiety? I'm on Fentanyl 25 mcg - one transdermal patch every other day and I took 1/2 of a 0.25 mg Xanax tonight to help alliveiate the stress. I'm exhausted but for some reason my body is fighting sleep - it's like I'm afraid to close my eyes.

Answered by Dr. Riddhi Shah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,Azithromycin may lead to Anxiety and Insomnia(difficulty in sleeping)

Detailed Answer:
Hi,thank you for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

Z pak contains antibiotic-Azithromycin.

Azithromycin may lead to difficulty in sleeping,nervous feeling.

Please rule out that any incident may have happened or you might have remembered about any incident which may have lead to Anxiety and unsleepiness.
If no such incident is present then it may be advisable to change the Antibiotic like Amoxycillin group of Antibiotic.

Half dose of tablet Xanax 0.25 mg(Alprazolam) which would be 12.5 mg dose may not be able to relieve anxiety and unsleepiness. You may need a higher dose.But only take a higher dose of Xanax ,the other day if the Anxiety and unsleepiness continues after consulting your doctor.

Hope this answers your question.Take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy