What are the effects of abruptly quitting Spiriva?

I stopped taking Spiriva 2.5 weeks ago. I've had a racing heart, severe insomnia, chest pain, urinary problems, dizziness , weird feeling on left side of body. Just to name a few. I was hospitalized for 3 days to run tests on my heart last week. I am scared this medicine has done permanent damage to me. I have only slept 2 nights in almost 3 weeks. The FDA pharmacist I spoke to said it takes a month for this drug to fully eliminate from the body. My experience has been horrible.

I agree with Mary. If she has weakness on her left side, that is NOT from suddenly stopping Spiriva. It sounds more like a small stroke or TIA which can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. If she has been struggling to breathe this can elevate the blood pressure which can then lead to a stroke or TIA. she needs to seek medical help asap to look into the left sided weakness. If a person has a small stroke, chances are GREATLY increased that the person can have another stroke and the following strokes can be larger and more debilitating so it is very important to seek follow up care for something like this.

Hello cklogie. I take Spiriva as well as Combivent. When not taking the daily dose, in the morning (Spiriva) the side effect I experience is more difficulty when doing chores for example, breathing. I have COPD. I suggest your mother in law mention whats happening to her Pulmonary doctor. The light headedness and dizziness is probably normal. The "left side?" I'd take notice about. Regards pledge

I don't think you have to wean off of it.She should not have stopped it without her dr knowing however.She could be lacking oxygen and that is what is causing the light headedness. She needs to go to the dr and tell him what she did, or start back on the spiriva. Its foolish to stop respiratory drugs without advice. Most respiratory conditions older people have don't get better, they just feel better because of the medication.