Splenda

I have had very normal, stable blood pressure for several years. I ordered an ice tea from McDonald's and requested a Splenda as I typically only use one packet. The tea apparently already had Splenda as it was very sweet. I drank about half the ice tea. I immediately felt different and couldn't figure out what was wrong. Approximately one hour later, I began to feel extremely dizzy and light-headed. I took my blood pressure and it was 206/109! My husband rushed me to the hospital.

After numerous tests that all came out negative, I was sent home. My BP remained elevated for about 8 hours. I have had no other BP problems since then. This was a dangerous situation that could have caused me great harm. There was nothing else that I ate or drank that could have caused this high spike of blood pressure. More tests must be done to see if this is really a safe product!

I received an email from Splenda inviting me to join a weight loss program. I was to receive three newsletters from HealthMedia Balance and HealthMedia Move. I was never able to log in to read the newsletters and could not sign up because I did not have an access code. I called the number on the email and spoke to Desiree. I was given this number for assistance, I called only to find it was a number for foot fetish and they give you a 900 sex line number! When I called HealthMedia, they said they are an insurance company and have nothing to do with Splenda.

I was promised $50 for filling out a survey, but I can not access the site to fill out the form. They discontinued my account on March 28, 2011 but billed my credit card the monthly fee of $12.00 on April 27, 2011. Since Splenda discontinued my membership in March, I should not have been billed in April. As of May 13, 2011, no credit has been applied. The telephone number on my statement for the charge is **, this number has not been assigned. They have the following under my subscription plan: "You canceled this subscription on April 28, 2011. The expiration date for this subscription is December 31, 1969. You can purchase another subscription if this subscription has expired".

I signed up in February 2011. I want credit on my Discover card for $12.00 Can you believe these people?

Three weeks ago, I began putting Splenda on my morning oatmeal. This was a new regime for me. Starting off with a healthy breakfast, with a teaspoon of Splenda, was on my new diet plan. I also began putting Splenda in my iced coffee at lunch. I bought the big bag at Costco. Why not, it was zero calories, and very inexpensive.

Over the last three weeks, I began to have panic attacks. There was nothing going on in my life to cause me to be in this state. Along with the panic attacks, I began to have heart palpitations. I assumed the heart was fluttering, and my blood pressure rising because I was panicking. This continued on and off for the last few weeks. Finally last Friday, while I was driving in the car, I had the mother of all panic attacks. I pointed the car in the direction of the ER, because I thought this was the end. After an EKG, heart xray, blood tests and the monitoring of my vital signs, I was sent home with the diagnosis of an Anxiety Disorder. This did not sit too well with me since I have been dealing with a chronically ill husband for the last 7 years, and a daughter with a seizure disorder for the last 15 years. I am accustomed to stress and have never been in a panic state. This new diagnosis was bewildering.

On Monday, it hit me. Splenda is the only change I have made in my diet. It has been 4 full days since I have any Splenda and my health is back to normal. The anxiety, chest fluttering and the hot flashes are gone. I am shocked that this is still on the market. If I was a wealthy woman, I would take an ad out in every major newspaper and tell everyone about the potential dangers of Splenda. I have never been allergic to anything in my life so if this can effect me like this I can't even imagine what it would do to a person with a compromised system.

I read the Duke University report and agree that this product may interfere with the absorption of prescription drugs. I have tried using the product several times and after prolonged use began feeling odd. After having a heart attack recently, my doctors wanted me to lose weight and prescribed that I might try artificial sweeteners. I began using Splenda on a regular basis with no sugar at all in my diet and after a couple of months, my blood pressure had sky rocketed despite the use of Plavix, Losartin, and Cardvidilol and aspirin. As a result, my doctor increased my dosage of Losartin and only by accident I quit using Splenda. My blood pressure returned to mostly normal levels and at times was quite low, maybe because I really didn't need the extra meds.

My doctor has recently reiterated a need for artificial sweeteners.This time specifically prescribing I try Splenda. After two weeks of use, my blood pressure again elevated. I quit using Splenda again and again, my blood pressure returned to near normal. I have a doctor's visit very soon and I am going to relay this info to him. I will not use Splenda again because I believe the Duke study is correct regarding Splenda's interference with the absorption of prescription drugs. I realize that this is not a controlled study but I am convinced because of my own experience. After realizing my blood pressure was elevating, I began taking my BP 6-8 times daily. It is now lower and I don't yet now whether the extra meds that were (a doubled dosgae of Losartin) prescribed will have the adverse effects of lowering my BP too much. Only time will tell.

I have been using Splenda purchased here in Uruguay. It was extremely cheap. Try as I might, I cannot find online any information about recognizing counterfeit packaging. According to the company, counterfeiting of Splenda is going on. China has been named as a source. Reports are that these counterfeits have dangerous chemicals within them. I have expertise in printing/proofreading and could possibly recognize counterfeits if the company would draw a distinction between counterfeit packaging and the real genuine product. The company has a responsibility to inform consumers in vulnerable countries and to help them avoid what may be a potentially contaminated product and dangerous to human health. Can you help me please?

I started using Splenda sweetner about 3e years ago, I then started developing symptoms, sick to my stomache, weak, pain in chest dizziness. My doctor tested me for everything under the sun including bone cancer. Thousands of dollars in medical bills and tons of sleepness nights worried that I would have cancer. When I quit the Splenda all symtoms were gone within one week. I dont know who to turn to for help. This is all documented with my doctor

I believe that this product has made me ill over the last 11 years. I have liver problems that I've never had before, my weight is constantly fluctuating, I have intestinal problems and find that I'm taking more and more medication because my body doesnt seem to be reacting properly to it. I've used splenda since it came out in 1998. My granddaughter gained almost 25lbs in 1 year and she's 12 years old and all I cooked with is splenda. She is an active child and we couldn't understand why she gained so much weight when she has a pretty good diet. She's had labwork done and there is nothing genetically found as to why she has gained so much weight. I have documentations from my doctors stating various health concerns that have arisen over the years. I would like to be a part of a study and help take this company down if the findings are that Splenda is contributing to my health issues. I truely believe with every fiber in my being that this chemical is the reason why I have so many health problems. Please someone reach out to me. They can't get away with harming people with their products. I believe that I am living proof as to what Splenda can do to you as a result of long term use. Whatever tests or consulations need to be done in order to prove this I am willing to cooperate with to achieve a common goal.

I started having burning and itching rashes on my hands and feet. Its been going on about 5 months now. I went to doctor and they did every test known possible. He asked me had anything changed in my diet and I realized the only thing that had changed was that I started using splenda. I just stopped using splenda and everything seemed to be back to normal. I even able to sleep now. Well Ive had to miss days due to the pain and itching in my hands and feet. I also have had to pay medical bill due to me having test run. Physical; scar on my hands and feet also

I have use splenda for a few years now in my coffee and tea and even on my cereal. But it seems that since Ive used Splenda, I have gained weight and even find it harder to lose weight. I feel bloated.

My blood pressure is usually 120/80 (the very definition of normal). 20 minutes after consuming Splenda, it spikes to 140+. Splenda is a DANGEROUS HEALTH HAZARD to the general public. It should be removed from the market in the Unites States. I have taken away the Splenda from my diet and my BP has normalized. I have reintroduced Splenda and had the same symptoms.

I also know it's not a placebo effect because I have eaten it inadvertently (others making desserts) and have had the same effects. I only knew the dessert had Splenda in it AFTER I had the symptoms. This is a dangerous, dangerous product. If it spikes MY blood pressure that high, what will it do to people that are already borderline/high? This could be DEADLY as it could cause strokes!

Spiked my blood pressure from 120/80 to well over 140. I got very dizzy and almost collapsed at work.

I read another customer complaint on Splenda which alledges that Splenda caused esophageal achalasia in the customer. My 13 year old son suffered the same condition and was required surgery. I had changed their sodas to diet soda. Specifically Diet Rite Cola sweetened with Splenda.

I also have experienced extreme exhaustion when using Splenda in coffee and sodas. I also began to exhibit central sleep apnea which prevented me from falling asleep because as my brain function relaxed, I ceased breathing and abruptly awoke gasping for air up to 10 times a night. I initially didn't make the Splenda connection but after suspecting, began to test my symptoms by refraining from use of Splenda for a few days, then returning to using splenda for a few days - for a test period of two weeks. In every instance, my symptoms returned when I ingested Splenda.

My now 15 year old son has had corrected surgery that cut the base of his esophagus. He experiences frequent bouts of acid reflux. Over time this may increase his risk of cancer. I have experienced extreme exhaustion and severely diminished quality of life, headaches, and central sleep apnea.

I consume approximately 12 to 18 packets of Splenda per day. I have had three stomach surgeries within the last six or so weeks, all unexplained. The only link I can possibly think of would be my intake of Splenda.

Inability to absorb vitamins, possibly. Also, three surgeries to stretch my esophagus and pylorus (which had shrunk to the point I could no longer eat without vomiting). The doctor said he did not know how long the stretching would last before it shrunk again, as he was unsure of the cause of the shrinkage to begin with. I did not ask him at that time if he could associate my intake of Splenda with my stomach problems, but I will do so at my next followup visit.

I have also had very low Vitamin D values and very low Iron absorption. I am constantly tired and cannot perform many of my daily activities such as house cleaning. I manage to go to work most days but have taken two lengthy absences from work because of my fatigue and stomach surgeries. Of note, I have also had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

My husband , Rodney Heath Sr. used Splenda for about 8 or 9 yrs. ,I guess. He had Diabetes.Well he had trouble with sick stomach for about 6 months.October 11, 2008 he had something we thought was a virus and he died Monday morning October 13,2008. They said he died from a Gastrointestinal bleed.He was taking medicines for Diabetes , Neuropathy, and pain medicines.He was a sick man when he died.

I had been using Splenda for everything, including cooking, for about 5 years when I came across an article about artificial sweeteners and the side effects. I stopped using it and within one week felt like a new person. No more headaches, joint pain and tiredness. I tell everyone I see using it about my experience.

I quit using it in time and to this day if I drink or eat anything with artificial sweetener in it, by accident, my joints ache within hours. So I am usually very careful and check ingredients.