Do antibiotics cause behavioral changes?

My 18 month old has had an upper respiratory infection for about 3 weeks now. I took him to the doctor earlier this week because it was time for his check up and to get resolution on this long cold. They ended up diagnosing him with an ear infection so he’s on amoxicillin. I’ve noticed a couple days later he’s more resistant to naps and sleeping in his bed at night. He will cry incessantly unless he gets his way. I don’t know if it’s that he’s been away from daycare for a while, the meds, or just being sick with the ear infection or all three. Has anyone had anything similar happen?

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Oh my god yes!! Amoxicillin is the worst especially if it's the yellow one. My mum says she would always ask for the white on, as it didn't make us as angry

@Kath He has the pink one. But thank you for confirming my suspicions. Other than natural cures which I will research, what else could he take in the future? I don’t know if I should take him off of it now or not?

@Chloe I would definitely keep him on it until you talk with the Dr. Especially since he's been sick for a while. Maybe they can give you an alternative. My Dr has Saturday appointments and telehealth. Does yours have something like that you could possibly get a hold of someone tomorrow?

@dehilia I will try to call them to see if I can

I think when they’re sick or teething or having an ear infection laying flat might be more uncomfortable or painful. Maybe try giving Tylenol 30-45 mins before trying to lay him down

@Sierra Well he sleeps on his stomach but I’ll try that

Yeah, mood change is a potential side effect

You said it’s pink, im wondering if it has red 40 in it? Personally, every time my child gets sick (antibiotics or not) it throws off everything and it’s a mess to get back on schedule.

@Chloe keep him on it too clear up the infection, once it's out of his system he will be back to normal, it's just a side effect on top of being poorly

antibiotics kill the good and bad bacteria in the gut which is your second brain. Throws a lot off honestly makes sense

Antibiotics greatly deplete B vitamins, and literally wipe out the intestinal flora both of which are required to regulate mood and behaviour. Unless the ear infection is bacterial (most are viral) they won’t help either. You can support him with a quality multivitamin and some probiotics.

Idk. I feel like when you are healing things get worse before they get better and when a baby has an ear infection, laying down is where they feel the most pain…. Just a thought. I’d be cranky if my ear was bothering me….