Severe Side Effects While Taking and then Stopping the Pill
Hi -I'm new here and a little anxious about many things.
8 days ago I started taking Loestrin 24. I had never been on birth control pills before. Within days I was nauseous. On day 6 I almost passed out with a dizzy spell. Then came the left arm and face numbness. The dizzines went. But I called my PCP next day about the numbness. She sent me straight to ER because of stroke concerns. I immediately stopped taking the pill.
I was tested with CAT scans, xrays and was finally hospitalized for monitoring and had an MRI. The numbness dissipated and the MRI was all clear and I was discharged yesterday.
Yesterday my "coming off the pill period" started. Then I started getting tingling in arms and legs. This continued today accompanied by nausea, headache, dizziness, and overall weakness.
I am about to see my doc again, but any insight you have is appreciated. I get the sense that these new symptoms are because of stopping the pill? But I was only on it for 6 days could it be this bad. Mind you, if being on it put me in the hospital coming off it isn't going to be easy either.
I'm terrified of the dizziness and worried that I may be hospitalized again.
Re: Severe Side Effects While Taking and then Stopping the Pill
I probably won't be of much help, but I took Loestrin 24 for one month and had to stop because it was giving me stomach problems and I was extremely emotional. Also, after I stopped it I still had stomach problems for about a week.
I'm definitely glad that you stopped taking the pill, but the side effects you listed are somewhat common when you stop birth control because your hormones have to adjust again. Your body may also just be worn out from all it went through in the hospital. I would definitely still see the doctor, but try not to worry too much.
Re: Severe Side Effects While Taking and then Stopping the Pill
chronicworry -thanks, I did see the doc and they basically said the same and tried to reassure me and that I'd been through a lot. My neurologist wants to see me for an EEG this week. Hopefully that will put to rest some worries. He's concerned I had a stroke that resolved itself/seizure or migraine! Ha ha! Take your pick.
I am aghast quite frankly at the way the BC pill is prescribed without a true and detailed medical history assessment.
Re: Severe Side Effects While Taking and then Stopping the Pill
I think it's absolutely ridiculous how quick some doctors are to hand out birth control without asking any questions. I have classic migraines and I never thought to tell my gynecologist about it. While I was on Loestrin, I read that if you take birth control and have classic migraines, your chances of stroke increase a lot. I got off of it FAST, but it scares me that they never asked me any questions before giving it to me.
I honestly have never heard of tingling as a side effect, but I'm sure your neurologist can help you with answers about that.
Re: Severe Side Effects While Taking and then Stopping the Pill
Sorry to hear that you had such a bad side effect ; you're right if this is the case then perhaps they shouldn't be given out so freely! Or atleast the prescription process should be more thorough. Let us know how you get on at the doctors
