Snake venom symptoms and conditions

I have been taking lisinopril for almost a year and it has decreased my sex drive. It has also decreased my blood pressure which is more important. My wife would prefer me to be healthy and doing it less often than dying on top of her. The only recent major problem I have had is dizziness and vomiting. I took it a few days ago and found myself sweating and dizzy. I tried to eat something and vomited it up in a mnute or so. I think changing my diet and exercising is more important than taking snake venom to open my veins. I am going to get off this stuff and try to eat right and exercise. I am a Black male 6'2" and about 265lbs. At 44 I should not be feeling dizzy all the time. Before this drug I took barley pills which made me dizzy as well. The nausea and dizziness are terrible and I think I will come off this stuff permanently after seeing my doctor. I do get nervous when I go to the doctor but I also know that I eat too much and at the wrong time and I need to exercise more. Worrying about the economy isn't helping either.

Well, I beg to differ with "huh1051" regarding the snake venom. This is straight from "Wikipedia"... History/brand names
Lisinopril was developed by Merck & Co. and is marketed worldwide as Prinivil or Tensopril and by AstraZeneca as Zestril. In India it is marketed by Micro Labs as Hipril. In the United States, a generic version is available. Like other ACE inhibitors, it is derived from the venom of the jararaca, a Brazilian pit viper (Bothrops jararaca). So, "what" do you believe!!!???? This drug breaks the blood brain barrier which is probably why so many people get depression. However, I "think" this drug is causing more than just depression. It's shrinking the brain and affecting memory.
bellabear

DO YOUR HOMEWORK PEOPLE, Lisinopril is NOT made from snake venom. Blood pressure meds were developed from INFORMATION that was obtained by recognizing and separating certain enzymes from the venom. The drugs were then formulated to SIMULATE the effect the venom has on human blood pressure. I too, am taking lisinopril along with a long laundry list of meds after a heart attack and 3 stents. No doubt anything you put in your body that God didn't make can cause harm, and evidence of serious side effects abound. However, harm can also come from false information and perpetuated lies, such as blood pressure meds containing snake venom. THEY DO NOT............ only the research comes from the pit viper. NO VENOM.......... get smart, read more, understand what you read and you will be healthy.

I was on Lisinopril for 10 months and got really sick and it took forever to realize it was this drug. In finding out all of this info we found that my grandmother was also on the drug and we quickly got her off of it. My grandmother's doctor told us that this drug was originally made from snake venom and then it was changed to SYNTHETIC snake venom which for some reason has caused more problems for people people. Synthetic or not, i don't want snake venom in my body and it has been a long 4 month recovery from this. My adrenal glands were totally shot along with horrible stomach problems, memory issues, leg pains and many, many more.........

FOLLOW-UP~11/-25/08 finished 12/3/08
I lasted 2 days on Lisinopril 10 mg.~after feeling pressure in my chest (which I had never experienced, EVER), feeling very emotional...wanting to cry all the time & just generally feeling ill. I was never comfortable knowing, the med was made from snake venom. I was borderline HP for several years 140ish/80ish or lower but recently went 152/98 @ the doctor's office @ home it is usually normal with a couple of spikes. My doc. switched me to Atenol 25 mg., I seem to be tolerated the drug thus far. I do feel tired & feel some fuzziness in my head, slow heart rate, & more difficult to exert & I'm more emotional. I'm not sure about this yet....
Keep writing all your experiences, it's important~

I have been taking 20mg of Lisinopril and 5mg of Amlodipine for more than 5 years.The only physical complaint that I can directly attribute to these drugs would probably be the dry cough in the back of my throat. Other symptoms such as general fatigue and insomnia could possibly be attributed but I don't know for sure. Recently I visited my doctor and asked him what would be the perfect number for both systolic and diastolic pressure for someone of my age . This question proved unbelievably difficult for him. After much prevarication we somehow agreed between us that systolic between 140/145 and diastolic between 80/85 would be good numbers.I then told him that I had stopped taking the Amlodipine for over a month. Also during this period I had taken blood pressure readings twice a day and apart from a couple of spikes I was satisfied that my numbers were acceptable. He then said that unless my BP monitor was calibrated once or twice a year then I could not rely on my readings as they could easily be 5 - 10% out. Is this correct do BP monitors have to be calibrated to be accurate? Since I thought my BP readings were acceptable my intention was to lower my intake of Lisinopril and eventually stop using it altogether. My hope was that exercise, diet, supplements etc. could replace the snake venom circulating in my body but I am no longer convinced that this is a realistic aim.

I am a male 55. Started taking Altace 15 years ago. BP kept creeping up. I work outside for a living. Sometimes work is very hard, climbing mountains, carrying land surveying equipment ect. Dr started me on lisinopril 40 mg, dropped altace which I had been taking with HCT 25mg. Started getting numbness in left hand and charley horse in elbow after playing mandolin for 10 minutes. I thought this strange. Now I have muscle cramps in legs and I am wiped out when I get home. (thought must be getting old) Then other joints, shoulders, and knees stared hurting and lower back. Started thinking what has happen to me?! I am completely falling apart! That's how I found this web site. Now I wonder, snake venom sounds about right. I had started thinking I had been poisoned. Guess I'll make a DR appointment or move to an "old folks home". At least I won't have a stroke.......right?

I am 43 year old financial advisor at the second largest bank in the United States. I have always considered myself in very good athletic shape. Three star athlete in baseball, football and basketball in high school. I went on to letter for four years as captain of a division I baseball team. After college I continued to run, work out, and manage/play baseball up until this day. It was at my routine physical that my Dr diagnosed me with hypertension. No surprise I thought as being under plenty of pressure at work. My blood pressure was140/85.
Although I continue to work out three to four time's per week my weigh has spiked from 190lbs to 208 lbs in the year and a half that I have been taking Linsinopril. Until I found this web site I couldn't explain the cough, pain in the left side of my neck or the feelings of emptiness/depression that have followed me around like a cloud. That is when I can get out of bed and function that is. I used to be happy and fun loving. The person that you wanted to be around. I truly believe that this drug( that I have heard contains snake venom) is a big reason why I haven't been myself. I am not the type of person to spend time researching the internet and have always been skeptical of nuts writing or responding to any one or thing over the internet. I consider myself to be fairly rational and sane. However, this drug has made me dull and empty. My lowered sex drive almost ended my marriage. For a year in a a half I have been in a psychotic hell. I never thought about questioning my Dr. until recently when my marriage almost ended as a result of my feelings and anxiety attacks. Although my blood pressure is 115/70 my life has been a mess. I find it hard to believe from the posting here that only 1% of users of Lisinopril have suffered any type of serious psychological reaction to this drug. Perhaps the clinical trals focused on rats or elephants, but certainly not living humans.

I have since stopped taking Linsinopril (two weeks now) and the sun is beginning to come through the clouds again. If you have been taking this drug I plead with you to stop immediately as it seems enough clinical data was ever taken to fully understand the impact of this drug.

I hope that someone else does actually read this post and find it useful enough to impact their life. STOP TAKING THIS POISON

Listen EVERYONE. A LOT of the pills you are going to take have side affects and A LOT of them react with the other meds you are taking. It is a horrible time because you mostly attribute your feelings to your sickness and you want to trust the "system" to take care of you...Well be VERY CAREFUL HERE. I BEAT HEART FAILURE. I'm 34 years old, I went from transplant list to normal heart because of the research I DID ON MY OWN and today = NO HEART MEDS.. NO SURGERY.. BUT NOW I HAVE SEIZURE ACTIVITY IN MY BRAIN WHICH I KNOW THESE DRUGS DID TO ME!! There is no doubt. I felt so bad for so long, just like you all do... But once my heart function went up I still felt horrible... Only THEN I knew to get off the meds, but by then it was too late. It had done it's damage. Instead of just being a heart failure success story.. I have a new sorry chapter to battle with this seizure garbage. This "seizure" feeling which I had when I first started taking the meds now remain even though I am off. FYI - Did you know Lisinopril is made from SNAKE VENOM??? LOOK AT YOUR SIDE AFFECTS>> SOUND FAMILIAR???..Look it up.. It's true. I know it's a tough call though.. What do you do?? You need to do something to help your heart right? Just listen to your body.. That's the best advice.. Your body talks to you. Listen to what it is saying to you. Some people can handle certain drugs and some can not. Just like some people can handle a bee sting and some can die from one. Simple concept really but for some reason it boggles doctors minds if you have a bad reaction...doctors are not gods... Do your own research like I did. It will give you an edge and help you feel less confused. Know your medication: what it is doing and why... EMAIL ME.. ALL COMMENTS WELCOME_ I Will have a Heart Failure website someday so I can help others... but for now I have to figure out this seizure thing.. Good luck.

I'm 36 and have been on this med for about 1.5 years. I've had some mild sporadic side effects on going but thought they were just my failing health! Chest pains, tingling in my hands, arms (my left arm bothers me more and scares me of course), my legs and even feet. I have insane muscle spasm/cramps. I have twitches and spasms in places I had no idea were even muscles. Backaches, head and jaw aching, blurred vision, feeling hung over and drugged, tired and require at least 9 consistent hours of uninterrupted sleep if I am to feel okay for half of the day. No energy otherwise, pain in my feet now when I walk, heart flutters and twitches and neck spasms and pain all over my body. I've been in the ER a number of times with them unable to find me ready for the heart attack I think I'm having. I've even been depressed and suicidal with feeling this bad. These symptoms increased in discomfort and My bladder/uterus are enlarged/swollen and morning urination especially is painful even if I have not much to evacuate. I noticed that these symptoms grew more frequent and stronger and the past few months I literally thought I was going to checkout any day. I was just waiting. I thought, oh well, you're on meds for bp, but you got on too late. Your time is up. I noticed also that right after I take my pill I feel worse. So I feel the best (which is not really at all) right before my next pill is due. After reading everybody elses problems with this med, and that it's actually made from snake venom, I am going to as safe and painless as I can, wean myself from this junk. Who in their right mind would give snake venom to people? If you get bit by a venomous snake, these are exactly the things that are effected. Your nervous system, your heart, breathing, blurred vision, etc. My only fear is that having these symptoms now for this long have done permanent damage. I pray not.

I've been on Lisinopril for about a year and a half now. I thought some of my side effects were just my bad health - tingling in my hands and arms and legs and feet. I've been in ER a time or two in fear of heart attack and they cannot usually find anything particularly wrong with me or my heart. I thought since my blood pressure was down, that this medicine was a life saver. I had no idea these side effects could be from the medicine. Especially since they were pretty mild and sporadic originally and only in the past few months have they seemed to increase almost daily. Also I had to get an ultrasound for my enlarged uterus and I believe the pressure I feel (I had no pressure just a few months ago) is due to the increased side effects of this drug. My concern is this, how do you safely wean yourself off of this junk once you've been on for years. I don't want to even take any more bp medicine - hbp will eventually kill me but feeling daily like I'm going to die at only 36 is not worth living a long life if these symptoms are all I have to look forward to. Save my heart, but give me neurological disorders? I don't think so.

My mother was given this drug, Lisinopril, because the doctor decided she had high blood pressure after she went in for a bladder infection (she's had these all her life, every now & then). The doctor also prescribed Nitrofur (please avoid THAT one like the plague - she was on the couch for a week in stomach agony). We didn't put 2 and 2 together on what was really going on until yesterday. She was on Lisinpril for 3 months and every 2-3 weeks had an episode of extreme stomach spasms, bloating and fatigue. These episodes have lasted 3-5 days each, keeping her on the couch in agony. I researched the internet and found out that Lisinopril is made from SNAKE VENOM, can you believe? Turns out lots of people have reactions from this, including coughing. There was one woman who had the exact same things as my mom and wouldn't you know it, stopped using Lisinopril and the episodes went away. Turns out this is an allergic reaction, something they say is rare, BUT I think it depends how long you take it and how sensitive you are. So my mom immediately stopped taking it. What's happening inside is something they call gastrointestinal angioedema (in layman's terms, internal hives). If you experience coughing, the hives are in your throat. If you experience the stomach pains, the hives are all in your intestinal tract and very possible more areas internally. So then I looked up and found an excerpt from "One Earth Herbal Sourcebook" on Google and found the author had experienced something similar, using ayervedic (indian) herbs to fix the problem. I couldn't find where to buy ayervedic herbs, calling Whole Foods Market with no success. Well, all over the world there are healing herbs that do similar things. So I did find 2 that would work. Marshmallow (the herb, not the campfire kind) will help relieve swelling internally. There is another herb called Goldenseal (don't use it if you have very high blood pressure as it can cause a spike) that has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Anyway, now you know what is going on inside - hives you can't see from snake venom. Take that to the doctors and see what they say. Maybe your just better off like we are to research yourself and find a natural answer from nature. I hope this can help others avoid the hell we've been through.

HELLO EVERYONE....IM SITTING AT WORK AND JUST DECIDED TO RESEARCH THIS DRUG LISINOPRIL...BECAUSE I AM REALLY BORED....WHEN I GOOGLED THE NAME I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE.....OMYGOSH...I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY...I HAVE BEEN TAKING Lisinopril FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW....I ALWAYS READ THE INSERTS THAT COME WITH THE MEDICATION BUT I NEVER SEEN THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT WE ARE HAVING ON THE INSERT...I SING IN THE CHURCH CHOIR AN I ALWAYS WONDERED WHY MY VOICE WOULD BE SO HORRIBLE AND MESSED UP..I AM SO HAPPY I GOOGLED THIS DRUG...DOSE ANYONE KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES BEFORE YOUR BODY GOES BACK TO NORMAL AFTER STOPPING THE DRUG....

Was previously on Micardis HCT; dr. switched to generic Lisinopril HCTZ 12.5 in 11/07 when I went on Medicare & was concerned about cost of Micardis. Since that time I've put on 10 lbs. and had increased pain/muscle fatigue and general lethargy. Unusual, as I've exercised 4-5 days per wk. (incl. aerobics/strength trng/flexibility.) for 20+ yrs. Also, frequently, have problems swallowing pills due to feeling of obstruction in esaphogus tube. In July '08 I awakened to slight numbness/tingling in lips and my lips then proceeded to the swell to the point of pain and my lips (in profile) protruded further than my nose. I received steroid injection and prescription for steroid pack. Diagnosis was possible allergic reaction to new cosmetic product. Today (9/3/08) I woke up with the same symptoms and again had to go to the dr.for a steroid injection & meds. Diagnosis this time (different dr.) was possible side effects of "blood pressure meds." Has anyone else experienced edema of the lips, wt. gain, and problems swallowing?

I want to add something to my original post. I only took this med for 10 days (5mg) and was miserable. After 3 weeks I was beginning to feel better (having 1 bad day, then 2 good) when suddenly I experienced pain in my left side, numbness and tingling. My doctor sent me for a kidney scan. Five days after this new pain began, I developed another rash. I realized that I had shingles. So PLEASE be careful if you have any symptoms. This puts a terrible stress on your immune system. Apparently my immune system couldn't handle the stress and the result is shingles. So, I'm miserable again and probably have another 3 weeks to go before I begin to come out from this episode.

Also, for those of you who are switching to another blood pressure medicine that is an ace inhibitor (as lisinopril is), you will not tolerate those either. They are all made from the same ingredient, snake venom.

I think some of the severe symptoms reported here are just that.. severe, and as advised on the drug information insert they can happen, and should be reported to your doctor. We are led to believe our doctors will stop the meds and try something else. If they are not willing to do that, or try to convince us it's all in our heads then... we should stop the meds ourselves and find another dr. These side effects are real, and scary. I've stopped cholesterol meds for that reason. I don't need a dr. to tell me to stop... I know my body, and how I feel and know when something isn't right.

I've been on Lisinopril for two weeks now. I was initially on the diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide, but had so much arrhythmia that I thought my heart would jump out of my throat. The dr. discontinued that after less than a week, and put me on Lisinopril. I am a bit dizzy sometimes, and do have a mild cough, but I had the cough before the meds so I can't really blame it on that. However, for all those with the problem of coughing and headaches... I read at drugs.com that you should take this medication with a full glass of water, and drink lots of water throughout the day. This tip was not in the drug handout and I thought that odd. Something so easy, and yet left out. Luckily, I drink water at my desk all day at work. This weekend while home I didn't drink water and had a horrible headache the entire time. I never connected it until I read that you should drink lots of water. Back to work today and drinking water and my headache is gone. It's worth a try, it might help. My husband is on Lisinopril/HCTZ combo, has been for at least 3-4 years with no adverse side effects.

We are all different, medication effects all of us in different ways. I hope I never experience the kinds of side effects I'm reading about here. If so, I'll be off the drug in short order. My dr. told me there are loads of other medications we can try. While there are side effects to everything we take, mild is ok but no one should put up with life altering and/or life threatening side effects like what I am reading here.

Back again Oh my am so confused on what to do.. I was taken off this med(LISINOPRIL) at my extreme constant complaint- and put on another--well either I have atypical reactions to all these drugs or am still having side effects from the Lisinopril-- I am taking diavon now-- I feel even worse-- rash is back head hurts so bad I could cry and I am weak all the time.. I could pull every hair that is left on the top of my head right out! I now have that rash around my neck and upper legs- was told before it could be the shingles hey I never had them before,, never.. my nerves are shattered I cry a lot and am hesitant to change again-so I stopped this is day 2 and my headache has subsided
What are we to do I am at wits end.. I know I need something but what today I am at 140/90 going back up,, any suggestions? I started taking Zinc yesterday was told that I am experiencing LOW ZINC LEVELS DUE TO THE LISINOPRIL(HAS ANYONE ELSE BEEN TOLD THIS?)

Hello all thanks very much for your comments on this drug. I need help quickly. My father is 55 years old and the Doctor have him taking this drug Lisinopril. All night long he is have a dry cough and only gets about 3hours of sleep a night. Please help with other options then this drug. you can e-mail me at ******

I've had some issues with Lisinopril also, headaches, back aches and some dizziness. Just wondering if is normal for a drugs to have all these posting of people having issues ..maybe is only 1% of the population and I am one of the unlucky ones?

I"m 54 and have been taking Lisinopril for 5 years.
Decided to stop now. My late Mom was a retired nurse and she use to make jokes about taking snake venom. But I didn't take it seriously until, I found out that Lisinopril was made out of Brazilian Pit viper venom..
Had problems sleeping, fatigue, muscles burning, tingling. aches with high pulse when ever I took this drug.
Figured it was something that i just would have to live with.
That God I finally decided to stop taking it and switch to natural herbs instead My health care practitioner is a retired Medical Doctor.
And he said natural herbs are better without the adverse side effects.

Well since we are taking snake venom, here are the symptoms for a snake bite:
* bloody wound discharge
* fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
* severe localized pain
* diarrhea
* burning
* convulsions
* fainting
* dizziness
* weakness
* blurred vision
* excessive sweating
* fever
* increased thirst
* loss of muscle coordination
* nausea and vomiting
* numbness and tingling
* rapid pulse

My husband has been taking Lisinopril for about 5 years now. He was taking 1 tablet a day. He was feeling dizziness, and lightheadedness, so he went to his Cardiac Doctor. The Doctor checked his Blood Pressure and said it was high. Than the Doctor prescribed 2 tablets instead of 1. When he takes 2 tablets it makes the dizziness worse, so he went back to taking 1 tablet, and feels somewhat better, but it's not the best. Does anyone know of a
medication that he can take for the high blood pressure that won't cause dizziness? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

Smmr1321

I am a 50 year old female and started taking 10 mg of Lisinopril about 2 months ago for HBP. I also take Lovastatin with no problems for about 2 years. Within a few weeks, I starting having the dry, hacking cough along with the tickle in the throat. I also starting itching over various parts of my body. I starting urinating a lot especially at night. Between the coughing and going to the bathroom, I was not getting much sleep. I was tired all the time and was not able to concentrate very well. A few weeks ago, I noticed my skin was getting little red spots. It finally dawned on me that all these symptoms occurred after I started taking the Lisinopril! I went online and found this site. I can't believe they would put a drug like this on the market! I quit taking the medicine about 4 days ago and my cough is starting to decrease, my itching is almost gone and I am not urinating as much. I have an appointment with my doctor in a few days and will tell him that I will NOT be taking this medicine anymore. I will find another way to decrease my blood pressure without medicine. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS DRUG!!!!!

After a ER visit and finding out that I have cardiomyopathy, the doctor has put me on Lisinopril to bring down my blood pleasure. After reading so many posts, and seeing that many of the posts are recent, it has me more than concern. That fact that many of the complaints from the patients to their doctors were look at by their doctors as being unwarranted. I have taken two pills so far. I'm not going to wait around to see whether or not I will suffer any side effects. I think I have enough input to make a sound decision for myself. Most of these doctors are on the payroll of big pharmaceutical, and , they push whatever drug they are getting paid for. Seriously, "Snake Venom", enough said.

I was first diagnosed with hypertension in the late 80's and have been on several different medications to treat it. I think that Lisinopril is the worst that I have been on. I have extreme fatigue and severe dry and burning mouth, sore tongue and difficulty breathing and flu like symptoms. I have anxiety and PTSD so my symptoms have been blamed on that. With all these symptoms,
I sometimes wonder if it would be better off to have the hypertension.
Sometimes my mouth and throat is so dry and sore, I can't eat and I have difficulty breathing which is not addressed with asthma medication. Daytime symptoms are bad at night but when night time comes, it is almost impossible to sleep.
I would be interested if anyone has these symptoms and would like to hear from you.
Jenny