“Floxed” is a term commonly used to describe fluoroquinolone toxicity, or fluoroquinolone toxicity syndrome. Thousands of people around the world blame fluoroquinolones for debilitating side effects that have changed their lives for the worse. Some recover, but others are not so lucky and Bobby Caldwell was one of the latter.

Singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell, who released several albums spanning R&B, soul, jazz, and adult contemporary, and was known for her versatile music and soulful voice, died Tuesday night. He died in his sleep at home in New Jersey.

The What You Won’t Do for Love hitmaker hadn’t been able to walk for about 5 years, according to sources cited by TMZ. Bobby coped with painful bouts of neuropathy and a ruptured tendon in his ankle.

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“Bobby passed away here at home. I held him tight in my arms as he left us. I am forever heartbroken. Thanks to all of you for your many prayers over the years. He had been ‘FLOXED,’ it took his health over the last 6 years and 2 months. Rest with God, my Love,” his wife, Mary Caldwell tweeted after his death.

The tweet soon went viral with many wanting to know what floxed meant.

Floxed meaning

Fluoroquinolone toxicity is a phrase coined by patients. It is a term that is being used to describe the series of negative side effects that are attributed to taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics. It can cause conditions ranging from tendinitis to aortic aneurysms and has sparked lawsuits against the manufacturers of these drugs.

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Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released several warnings about the drugs including popular antibiotics such as Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox. However, the drugs have been allowed to remain on the market because the agency has determined the health benefits outweigh the risks for some people.

Floxed symptoms

In many cases, floxed can feel like a bomb going off in your body with new symptoms appearing on a daily basis for the first 90 days. The most common symptoms of being floxed are weakness, muscle wasting, neuropathy, anxiety, fear, panic, tendon pain, palpitations, depression, and fatigue.  

There are also chances of experiencing tendinitis and tendon rupture, as well as mental effects, such as hallucinations and confusion. Some people can also experience psychosis, and mood swings, in addition to what he called “word salad.”

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Floxed cure

Treatment for fluoroquinolone toxicity can be a long and arduous one, starting with an in-depth history and physical exam, followed by individualized testing.

Once the etiology of a patient’s floxing has been segregated, they can be put on a customized program consisting of IV therapy, Laser Therapy, health coaching, and lifestyle changes. It may also involve tailored supplement recommendations.