Epinephrine and Numbness: What Users Say

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2022

Epinephrine for Asthma, acute "I have used albuterol rescue inhalers for several years. My prescription had run out, and I had to be seen by my doctor in order to refill it. In the meantime, I purchased the Primatene Mist inhaler, hoping to buy some time. BIG MISTAKE! I took ONE puff and had the scariest reaction I’ve ever experienced. My lungs were on fire, I broke out in a cold sweat, my heart rate dropped to 56 bpm, my hands started to tingle and went numb, my blood pressure shot up to 156/136! I normally sit around 117/65. I could barely open my eyes or speak. I nearly blacked out! That went on for about an hour before it finally calmed down. Absolutely terrifying. I scared my husband and children. My blood pressure and heart rate returned to normal, but it left me weak, trembling, wheezing, and coughing with sore lungs for the next few days. Be VERY cautious!!"

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2011

For Allergic Reactions "I had a severe allergic reaction to something and was in the ambulance when I was given epinephrine intravenously after Benadryl failed to slow the reaction. The epinephrine hurt as it entered my bloodstream; I could trace a burning pins and needles sensation as it traveled up my arm, across my back, and into my head. Then it hit - sudden, terrible throbbing headache, my limbs going numb, absolute instant vomiting, and involuntary bowel movement. I said, 'I'm going to die,' since it felt like my body was shutting down. My heart rate jumped, but my blood pressure dropped like a rock - from 145/95 to 85/50 within thirty seconds. It took several minutes for the pain to subside and the numbness to fade. Did it help? Yes, but I don't think I'll use it again."

• cja...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 15, 2019

Epinephrine for Asthma, acute "Used Primatene Mist only 1 time, and I went into shock, body numb all over, could not breathe hardly. I went to the doctor that day and was told this inhaler never should have been sold over the counter. Epinephrine is too strong. He would never order this for patients. Lucky for me I had only taken 1 dose. However, it took me days to get all of this out of my system. I felt awful and weak for days. Never take anything over the counter for asthma or anything like that, see a doctor first."