Methyldopa symptoms and conditions

After a year of trying to figure out what these symptoms were from, we have it narrowed down to Lisinopril. I would feel upper abdominal pain, which within a period of several hours would migrate to the lower abdomen, followed by several more hours of vomiting. I didn't notice a cough, just pain, nausea and vomiting - every 15 minutes for 6-7 hours. It landed me in the hospital twice, my GP couldn't figure it out, my GI doc couldn't figure it out, finally sent to a GI doc at a well-known teaching hospital - no dice. I too was tested for genetic disorders, had CT scans, ultrasounds, capsule endoscopy - no irregular results. I was on 2 prescriptions - birth control and lisinopril. We switched the BC, to no avail. Finally, we switched my blood pressure med to Methyldopa, no more symptoms. This drug ruined a year of my life.

Update: I posted a message on 2/15, detailing my experience with Lisinopril 5 mg. I'm happy to report that the marathon coughing is finally over :) Yes, it felt like the coughing would never end! It gradually subsided in a span of two weeks. I would still occasionally cough as I noticed that there still seems to be an abundance of phlegm. But at least the constant coughing is gone. And, no more stress-incontinence as long I don't start the hacking cough. I feel so much better. I'm not as dizzy or light-headed. I'm still on Benicar 20mg (an ARB II ? not an ACE) and HCT 25mg. So far, no intolerable side-effects. My bp is controlled and will soon go for a follow-up visit. Just hoping I won't have to take this poison again.

One thing I noticed, on the following day I stopped Lisinopril, I had difficulty swallowing like even a teaspoons worth of food. It lasted for about a week and I was bloated. I was sure that I was having a bad reaction. But overall, things are generally better. I can say that life is good again :) The doc said that for some, it does take some time for the body to rid itself of the Lisinopril.

I disagree with the guy who implied that perhaps these are perceived symptoms. I think not! I am living proof that indeed, Lisinopril is the culprit. Like I said, I was never on any prescription drugs for the long haul other than your garden variety antibiotics. When I developed pregnancy-induced hypertension during my third pregnancy, I was put on Methyldopa for a few months. Any drugs I take, I always notice adverse side-effects. I'm in-tuned with my body when it comes to that, as are most people here who had complaints. So to suggest that these are "general and can be caused by and associated with many things" -- is an ignorant comment. It's not mass hysteria. Most people who posted here have already suffered the side-effects before they read what others wrote. They know from experience and observation that their condition was not normal after taking this drug and not because they first compared symptoms with other people.

You wrote: "Perhaps I would feel different if there had been a strong and relatively immediate reaction to the drug, but much of what I read suggests to me that people have other issues and problems, not a side-effect."

Wrong! Even the doctor concedes that many people do have these bad reaction to this drug. Not everyone is wired the same way, so naturally, some won't notice immediate side effects unless they're extremely allergic.

I started taking this drug yesterday and felt fine throught the day, Today I feel bad. My hands and feet are sweating, and I just dont feel well. I am also being weened off of Methyldopa so I dont know if it is due to that or this new drug....can someone advise me if this is normal or not???