Tiotropium and Headaches: What Users Say

• MAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have been using Spiriva for a short time, and I now have a constant cough, headaches, and a burning throat. I have now read the list of side effects, and it seems, for me, that it is going to cause more problems, short and possibly long term. I find it concerning. I will discuss with my doctor to come off it. I don’t feel confident on it. Buteyko breathing technique and exercises saved my life 28 years ago, and I was off all my drugs, including the nebulizer, which I used many times a day. I will go back to that, I think. Very concerned about the side effects I have experienced so far."

• Mel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2021

For COPD, Maintenance "I was fine on this drug for a while. After six months, I began to notice dry, flaky skin and eye hemorrhages, with migraine-type headaches with flashing halos in colors. Then my blood pressure got dangerously high. I checked the side effects of this drug, high BP is rare, but it is one of them, as are eye problems and headaches. Very bad for people with heart conditions, 52% mortality. Having to get used to living without it. BP is normal again, and I don't have red eye all the time. As is, skin getting back to normal, it was like cardboard dry, no matter what I did. Plus, one big red hive on my cheek."

• Cha...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 2, 2020

For COPD, Maintenance "Yeah, I tried it for 3 months. It sucks, it gives me an automatic headache. The doctor recommended that I go back on the HandiHaler, and once I went back to it, I didn't have all the headaches and other stomach complaints that I had with the Respimat mist. Sorry you failed at it, give us savings cards towards the HandiHaler. It will save money."

• Ros...
• January 29, 2020

For COPD, Maintenance "I've just been diagnosed with mild/moderate emphysema. I have only one symptom: shortness of breath once in a while. I have been using Spiriva for 5 days and have the deepest, most congested cough. It's so bad it gives me headaches. I just emailed my doctor with my symptoms and said I couldn't take this any longer. I asked why I have to treat at this time. I'm worse now than when I used the Spiriva. The cough makes me sound like I have T.B. I sure hope it goes away."

• Hat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2019

For COPD, Maintenance "I was put on Spiriva over 4 yrs. ago. I noticed a change in my urine output pretty quickly, but the worst of it came out this week after being given Baclofen as well. The 2 together have had me dealing with sore throat and swollen glands. Difficulty swallowing, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, UTI, dry mouth, weird taste and smells, tremors, and insomnia."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 28, 2021

For COPD, Maintenance "Spiriva was a miracle medicine for me. I've been on it for almost 4 years now, but my health has changed. I'm having very bad blurred vision, extreme insomnia, tachycardia. I suffer from mental fogginess, forgetfulness, confusion, dizziness (I am only 44 years old). I also jump with any noise and get scared easily, I also have major anxiety. I suffered from insomnia before, but not like this. I feel as if I always have fluid in my lungs, something in my throat. I have a runny nose constantly (I am fully vaccinated, had minor side effects, but everything always targets my chest). Spiriva has controlled my asthma for a while, but now I'm not so sure, if I didn't take it or forgot to, I would not be able to breathe. I have tried well over 9 asthma medications and had severe side effects to most. Spiriva did help me manage to reduce the use of my albuterol (emergency inhaler). I have stopped cold turkey 4-5 days ago and need to contact my pulmonologist. I am having bad headaches lately too."