Can Nitrofurantoin Make You Feel Weird? Understanding the Side Effects

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Nitrofurantoin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections (UTIs). While most people tolerate it well, many report feeling an unusual or "weird" sensation. The potential for this drug to cause a range of side effects, from common dizziness to more serious neurological issues, can prompt patients to wonder, 'Can nitrofurantoin make you feel weird?'

Quick Summary

Nitrofurantoin, used for UTIs, can cause various sensations, from common nausea and dizziness to rarer neurological effects like confusion or nerve damage. These side effects can contribute to a general feeling of being unwell or 'weird.'

Key Points

Common Side Effects: Many people feel 'weird' due to common side effects like dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue, which are typically manageable and temporary.
Neurological Risks: Rarer but more serious neurological issues can occur, including confusion, depression, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), especially with prolonged use or in high-risk patients.
Taking with Food is Key: Taking nitrofurantoin with food or milk helps reduce common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Systemic Reactions: A general feeling of being unwell can be a sign of a rare but serious systemic reaction affecting the lungs or liver, requiring immediate medical attention.
High-Risk Groups: Individuals with kidney impairment, diabetes, or vitamin B deficiency have a higher risk of developing severe nerve damage and should be monitored carefully.
When to Seek Help: Report any significant or persistent side effects to your doctor, and seek immediate emergency care for symptoms like severe tingling, chest pain, or yellowing of the skin.

The Spectrum of 'Weird' Side Effects from Nitrofurantoin

When starting a new medication, it is normal to experience some side effects as your body adjusts. With nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic targeting bacterial UTIs, the reported feelings of being "weird" can range widely in severity and origin. These sensations can be neurological, digestive, or part of a systemic reaction, and understanding the difference is key to managing your treatment safely. While short-term courses are generally safe, the risk of some serious side effects increases with long-term use.

Common but Manageable Sensations

Many patients experience mild, short-lived side effects that can easily be described as feeling "weird". These typically subside as your body adjusts or once the course of medication is completed. Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, weakness, and vertigo. Taking nitrofurantoin with food can help reduce gastrointestinal upset, and staying hydrated may alleviate headaches. Avoiding driving or operating machinery is recommended if experiencing dizziness or drowsiness.

More Concerning Neurological and Mental Health Symptoms

Although rare, some patients may experience more significant neuropsychiatric effects. These include confusion, cognitive changes, depression, and anxiety. Very rarely, hallucinations have been reported. A serious, potentially irreversible side effect is peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, or burning pain, particularly in the hands and feet. The risk of peripheral neuropathy is higher in individuals with kidney impairment, diabetes, or vitamin B deficiency, or during extended treatment.

Rare but Serious Systemic Reactions

A feeling of being "weird" can occasionally signal a severe systemic reaction requiring immediate medical attention. These rare reactions include pulmonary issues like cough, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Liver injury (hepatotoxicity) can also occur, causing symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal pain. Hemolytic anemia, the destruction of red blood cells, is more likely in individuals with G6PD deficiency and can cause weakness and fatigue.

Comparison of Side Effects


Feature	Common (Short-Term)	Rare (Serious)
Symptom examples	Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, urine discoloration	Peripheral neuropathy, confusion, depression, lung problems, liver damage, hemolytic anemia
Onset of symptoms	Often appear within the first few days of treatment	Can occur during treatment or, for chronic issues like lung fibrosis, after several months
Duration	Usually temporary and resolve after the course is finished	Can be persistent or, in the case of neuropathy, potentially irreversible
Management	Taking with food, staying hydrated, rest, OTC pain relievers	Requires immediate medical evaluation and stopping the medication
Risk factors	Can affect anyone, some may be more prone to GI issues	Long-term use, kidney/liver problems, diabetes, vitamin B deficiency, G6PD deficiency

What to Do If You Feel Weird

Monitor your symptoms. Track what you're feeling, when it started, and its impact.
Take with food. Always take your dose with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially with diarrhea or vomiting.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can worsen dizziness and confusion.
Rest and take it easy. If dizzy or tired, avoid activities needing alertness.
Contact your doctor. If a side effect is troublesome or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.
Seek immediate medical help. For symptoms of serious side effects like severe tingling/numbness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, yellowing skin, or severe headache, call emergency services.

Conclusion

Yes, nitrofurantoin can cause a "weird" feeling due to a range of potential side effects, from common and mild digestive and neurological issues to rare but serious systemic reactions. Taking the medication with food can help manage common discomforts. It is important to be aware of your body and report any significant or persistent side effects to your doctor. Symptoms of severe reactions, particularly neurological signs like persistent numbness or chest pain, require immediate medical attention. Patients on long-term therapy or with certain health conditions should discuss risks with their doctor. Being informed helps ensure a safer treatment experience.

This article does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional regarding any concerns or before making decisions about your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects of nitrofurantoin. If you feel dizzy, you should sit or lie down until the sensation passes and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

While rare, psychiatric side effects such as depression and confusion have been reported with nitrofurantoin use. In extremely rare cases, psychotic reactions or hallucinations have also occurred.

Peripheral neuropathy is a rare but serious side effect involving nerve damage, which can cause symptoms like burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet. It is more common with long-term use and in patients with kidney problems, diabetes, or vitamin B deficiency.

To reduce nausea and stomach upset, you should always take nitrofurantoin with food or a glass of milk. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding rich or spicy foods can also help.

You should contact your doctor if common side effects like dizziness, headache, or nausea are severe or persist. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions, signs of liver or lung problems, or persistent neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling.

Most common side effects resolve once you stop taking the medication. However, rare but serious side effects like peripheral neuropathy or chronic pulmonary reactions can be severe and potentially irreversible, especially if treatment is not stopped in time.

Yes, while rare, side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, and depression have been reported. If you notice changes in your mental clarity or mood, you should speak with your healthcare provider.