• extreme mood swings
• irritability
• anger
• depression
• insomnia
• anxiety attacks
• heightened sugar cravings

I became an avid Splenda user in the spring of 2005. As a dieter, I used it in everything--probably consuming three cups throughout the day.

Last summer, I noticed my mood changing. I was getting irritable, angry, and frustrated. I sought professional help from both a psychiatrist and a therapist. I started having random anxiety attacks, but not like anything I'd ever experienced before. A tight stomach and chest with none of the mental anxiety to accompany the symptoms. I spent almost a year on various medications and going to weekly therapy sessions--still trying to figure out the source of my deteriorating mood.

One day, my husband (irritated with my overindulgence in the very expensive Splenda product) bet me $50 that I couldn't go a day without Splenda. I told him I'd go two weeks. I cut Splenda out of my life cold turkey.  I went through horrible withdrawals. I had headaches, stomach upset, and night sweats. After "detoxing" I felt better. Two weeks turned into a month. I was not using any Splenda.

About the same time, I noticed my mood stabilized. My anxiety attacks disappeared. At the time, I didn't put two-and-two together. I just figured I was getting better. I stopped my therapy sessions. I stopped taking all medications. I was off Splenda completely for over a month and I felt wonderful. I was human again.

Not realizing any of this, I started using it again. The bet with my husband was done and we still had some of the Splenda in the cupboard. At first, a couple of teaspoons was enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. Within days, I was back up to my outrageous three cups a day. I couldn't get enough. I've been using Splenda non-stop for the last three weeks and all of my previous symptoms have all returned with a vengeance.  I have become so ill-tempered and prickly that I went back to therapy. Last week, my anxiety attacks returned.  My sleeping has become spotty at best.

I have quit Splenda cold turkey again. I'm back in the detox period and suffering headaches and other withdrawal symptoms. This chemical concoction is very dangerous and is obviously hurting me. I hope my story helps others."

Thank you A. for sharing your story with our visitors.

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