Lisinopril and drugs

Hello everyone! I am a 28 yr old male, and I have now been taking this drug for about 1 1/2 yrs. What is so overwhelming to me is that I have been having some of these side effects, but it never occurred to me that they may have been caused by this medication. My side effects are not major, but they do really affect my self esteem and I think have some what depressed me a bit.

None of us have direct physical evidence that this medication is the cause, but I don't think this is a big coincidence. Below are what I believe may be side effects of this medicine:

Unlike before I now feel:

-Anxiety (im always nerves, and was blaming debt for it)
-Decrease in sexual drive (also blaming my financial problems)
-Joints popping all the time (blaming my gaut)
-Bigger forehead because of minor loss of hair (blaming age)
-Problem falling asleep (blaming financial problems)

and again im always scared, even if everything is ok (ive been holding together because on the other hand, since i was born, I have always been a very strong minded person). This is really depressing because two years ago, nothing would be scare me, I mean nothing, I was afraid of nothing. No matter what time it was, or what situation I found myself in, my buddy down south would be ready for action, now when im going to have sex, im all worried hoping that it works!, (dont get me wrong, it works like 90% of the time) but before it would work 200% of the time, i mean i was turned on by a damn broom, and now its not the same. This really *ux!

I have been blaming everything on my financial ruin that I am currently in, but am having second thoughts on what is causing all of this. This site has really opened my eyes and given me a whole new theory and even hope.

I once asked my doctor that if I went home and got on a diet, exercised and did all that was necessary, would he consider taking me off the pill or lowering my dosage and he immediately said NO. I mean he almost didn't even let me finish asking. He told me that If i wanted to go in a pine box to stop taking it. So he scared the crap out of so I have not stopped taking it. I can afford to go to different doctors because i don't have insurance or money to pay for the visit. I wonder if this doctors has advised me based on his financial convenience. I mean is it possible that a doctor may lie? I never thought doctors would lie. Im afraid of just getting off the pill, im afraid that all the doctors are going to tell me not to get off of it. my bp is usually about 130/85 some times up to 140/90.

I would appreciate peoples thoughts on what I should do?

Thanks everyone that takes part in this blog! it is really helpful for people like me that have no money to get advice.

Hope everyone makes the right decision!

Regards!

I just happened to do some research about lisinopril, and happened to stumble into this website. I am 43 years old, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetics, i also have a history of hypertension and migraine which is under control. my physician just switch my medication from Norvasc to lisinopril, Im already on my 3rd week of taking it, 20mg a day, however, i noticed that i have more frequent headaches, more of a migraine headache that pulsate in one side of my head, i tried taking some over the counter medicine, but with no relief, i went back to see my doctor, and i was given some sumatriptan for the migraine, but at the back of my mind, i already suspected that the lisinopril might have triggered my migraine headaches, i have a relief when i take the sumatriptan, however the migraines keeps coming back. and its been seven days already, i was not able to work one day, because the migraine made me nauseated and vomit. i was doing well with my other medication, and never had migraine like this that last for 7 days up to now.after reading the comments. i have second thought of taking this medication.it seem like it might be the one that triggers my migraine headache. what do you think?

My whole life 120/70. Two months ago 160/103 wtf. I am on my second month of lisinopril. I am pretty sure it has caused me to be absent minded and grouchy. I was never these before. Worse yet for me is that I am a life long runner. I live to exercise so that I can enjoy the more fun things in life. beer wine and good food. ( I am 47 years old) I ran my first marathon 26.2 miles in January. I now have trouble running three miles with out getting fatigued, dizzy and winded. This sucks!!! any advice would be appreciated.

If none of the other postings tell you to get off of this drug, I certainly hope this one will. I began taking 5 mgs. of Lisinopril after visiting my Physician due to back pain. I have been a runner my whole life and went in because I had pulled my back out. I was very nervous; hence the high blood pressure….I was told by the nurse that I probably had white-coat-hypertension. Anyway, after being scared out of my mind, by this Doctor, I agreed to go on this drug, even though, at 50, I had never taken any other kind of drug in my life….HATE DRUGS! I began having heart palpitations after the first day on this drug, and one month after taking this poison, I began experiencing severe itching on my head, neck, and top of my back. I had just visited my salon and thought it was due to hair dye, which I had never had allergy to before. The itching increased and then I started getting severe cramping of my legs. I called my Dr. and was told to purchase organic shampoo/conditioner/soap, and that the leg cramps were probably Restless Leg Syndrome. He told me it was DEFINITELY NOT from the meds. He told me to let him know if the cramping got worse as there was something else that he could prescribe for it. This itching went on gradually for about 5 months. I purchased ever kind of organic shampoos, etc. with no relief, and the cramping of my legs became unbearable. Then, in April of this year, every thing starting to happen. I began itching all over my body and when I itched, it left big red welts wherever my nails hit. After about a week of this, I began breaking out in hives here and there. Went in to the Dr. and told him that I thought this medicine was doing this. This Dr. assured me again, that this would not be the cause of this and told me to take Benadryl and come back the next day so that he could see if I was any better. The Benadryl helped immensely and upon the next Dr. visit, he told me that I had come down with some sort of allergy and it was NOT due to the medicine. Went home and itched my body raw for the next week. Now the hives had turned into huge welts with water in them and my body began swelling with each new day! I stopped this poison on my own and was told to come back in to the Dr. immediately. I was put on Prednisone and told to take massive doses of Benadryl and this idiot Dr. still insisted that it was not from the Lisinopril….my ankles, arms, etc. now were almost double in size and the itching was unbearable. The seven day pack of Prednisone didn’t do a thing. I will say, though that after three days off this poison, my leg cramping subsided and my heart palpations did as well. I decided to take this in my own hands and went to see another Doctor. The Doctor I had been seeing, I found out, owned the Center where he practiced, and I believe he kept having me come back just to make more money. By now, my entire body had huge sores and pits and scales on my skin….I felt like a leper. I went to a Holistic Dr. and told him my story and he could not stop apologizing for the agony that I had been doing through. He told me this was ridiculous. His nurse asked me if I had ever heard of Johnson Steven’s Syndrome, and told me that she thought I had it. I was immediately sent to a Dermatologist and given steroid shots….which did nothing. My skin was pealing off each and ever day in flakes and I itched so bad I wished I were dead. I underwent skin biopsy’s and blood tests which came back showing that I was overwhelming reacting to some sort of allergy. This Dermatologist, who was excellent and didn’t even charge me due to his concern for what I had been through, sent me to an allergist. My small stature body had now increased 25 lbs due to water retention and sores covering my whole body. I can not put into words the agony I was in. Upon the visit to the Allergist, he recognized immediately what I had. He said he saw this type of thing, (not this bad, however), often due to the Lisinopril. Why didn’t that other QUACK Doctor stop this from the beginning…I believe it all comes down to money! Anyway, after almost 6 months of the hives, sores, etc., I am finally seeing a bit of improvement. My legs and back and back of my arms are permanently scarred…they are poke-a-dotted due to the huge hives and massive sores, and I still itch all night long if I don’t take my Benadryl. Who knows what the Benadryl will have done to me in the long run. Please, please look into this medicine and all other medicines that you take. There are holistic, natural methods of getting your ailments under control. Through my experience, I have encountered the most money-hungry, unprofessional Doctor in the world, but I have also experienced the most considerate well-intentioned Doctors. Please do your homework, and find a Doctor that has your best interest in his sight. Through this ordeal the only thing that sustained me was prayer. I have always been somewhat superficial about my looks, weight, etc. and this truly was an eye-opener. It’s amazing what these medicines can do to you, and don’t you wonder if the Pharmaceutical Companies don’t know all of this and could care less due to their hunger for money?!!!! It’s gotten to be a sad world. God Bless!!

Hi, folks, I posted back on September 22nd here, and have also responded to a few of your postings. I fear a lot of people visit once but never return here. That's a shame. An ongoing conversation might help us all.

Anyhow, I pretty thoroughly hate all the anti-hypertension drugs since every one that I've been given has caused me suffering and, in many cases, damage either temporary or permanent. I'm now on Cozaar, very expensive but I'm hoping it will prove tolerable.

One thing I would recommend is for all of you to look up a book by a research scientist, Richard Moore, Ph.D., M.D. It's called "The High Blood Pressure Solution." You can find it new or used at Amazon or perhaps even at your local bookstore or library. Dr. Moore taught at the University of Indiana, and was adjunct at the University of Vermont and also New York Stony Brook. A top level researcher. One of the great things about his book is that he explains, at the cellular level, what is the cause of most cases of hypertension. Not all, but most. The chapter on the science is high school level science, but you can skip it if you wish and still get the important stuff. After reading his book, for the first time I really understood the roles of sodium and potassium in blood pressure. It's not helped my BP very much, but at least I know what's going on. For those of you who've just recently developed high BP, it could possibly help you a LOT.

Bless you all, folks, and good luck. We all need it!

I'm a 55 year old male. I started taking Lisinopril about two years ago at the 5mg level. In April , my doctor increased it to 20mg. I had a sensitivity to sunlight at the 5mg dose. After about two weeks on the new dosage I was having speech issues. I knew what I wanted to say, but the words wouldn't come out.I had to form the words in my mind to speak.At the time I thought I had a small stroke. I went to my cardiologist as the first step. He sent me to several specialists. I've had 2 cat scans, an MRI,EKG. sonic grams.and other tests. They found no cause for the speech problem. Recently I connected the dose increase to the speech problem. I'm waiting to see my doctor to discuss the issue. Has anyone had similar problems with Lisinopril?

Started taking Lisinopril approx. 6 years. ago. Shortly afterwards I started a spiral downwards for no apparent reason. Did not connect this med. Shortly after starting it I was put on Synthroid for low thyroid. Started having loss of balance, dizziness, vision problems, muscle and nerve pain. B/P went up instead of going down. Have been to every type of Dr. (Neurologist, Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Internist) and every nerve & muscle test and blood work came back negative. I have extreme cold in my hands and feet, increased back pain. headaches. This past week I have broken out in a rash on my torso and down both legs. The doctors answers are that I'm suffering from depression. The irony is that when the symptoms first started I questioned if I could be having a reaction to the medication and they flat out said no. After reading some of the comments as of today I am discontinuing the Lisinopril and will searce for something natural. I'm fed up with doctors and really short on cash from all the money spent trying to find an answer.

Extreme Fatigue, Anxiety, Muscle and Joint Pain, Extreme Hair Loss, Chest Pain, Heart Palpitations, Vision Problems, Vibrating sensation on my insides, Tingling and burning in all extremities.

I am 61 years old. I started taking Lisinopril 10mg, once a day about 6-7 months ago. Because of cough, I switched to Diovan 80mg, once a day (samples from my physician friend). After running out of Diovan samples, I started taking Lisinopril 5 mg, once a day again about three months ago. For better BP control, I ended up again taking Lisinopril 10 mg, once a day about 5-6 weeks ago. I started to simultaneously suffer from having persistent, extensive and progressively worsening joint and muscle pains in my both sides of neck, both shoulders, both upper arms, left elbow, left lower arm, both wrists, both hands, all fingers, both knees and left calf muscles. I had difficulties walking, moving my arms, shoulders, doing anything with my hands at the peak of the pains about 7-8 days ago. In the night, my fingers were very stiff and uncomfortable that I hardly could make a fist and I had difficulties getting up to go to bath room because of pains. I felt like I were a 90 years old man. Even Cataflam and Advil did not work well to relieve the pain. As a retired physician, I started to suspect it was Lisinopril-induced side effects. I searched on Google and found this web site. Now, I realize that I am not alone. I got my Lisinopril from CVS Pharmacy. I immediately stopped taking Lisinopril about one week ago. All my joint and muscle pains have been dramatically subsiding (although not completely disappeared) without taking any NSAID pain killer. Even "cough problem" became much worse during the same time. I am convinced that Lisinopril I got from CVS caused my serious, extensive, multiple joint and muscle pains. Perhaps, FDA should look into this side effect: whether it is common ACE inhibitor related side effect or it is possible manufacturer, country origin of the product related problem (made in a non-USA country and imported by CVS?). I would never take Lisinopril again. Posted by myh810.

My post is going to read similarly to all the other posts. It's 2:45 a.m. and I got up, feeling like I was having a heart attack. I went online to see if I could learn more about Lisinopril. I've been taking 10mg for just over two weeks. I've been short of breath, wheezing, sore throat just started, had chest pains and palpitations, lowered body temperature, and mild anxiety. I was put on this medication to lower significantly elevated blood pressure -- at times as high as 212/106. That scared me! I don't want to have a stroke and yet, on this medication, I feel terrible. My BP is lower which is good and my headaches have subsided, but considering the side effects I've already experienced, I'm reluctant to continue with this drug. I see my doctor on in a couple of days and I'm hoping she has a better option. I also take Atenolol and am wondering if upping that dosage is a viable option as I've had no notable side effects with that drug. Thank you all for your posts.

WOW! My Mom is 65 and having a lot of these same issues, rash, swelling of the hands and feet, itching, tired ALL the time, depression and she is really "foggy". Her feet are so swollen she cant walk! Her Dr acts like she is just seeking attention and just orders more blood work! After reading all of your comments I am sure its the Lisinopril! Her doctor told her she should NOT stop taking the meds because she could have a stroke! I am angry he is using this scare tactic. I live 2000 miles away but I ready to make a road trip to get this madness to end! She really needs to find a new Dr and stop using this dangerous drug!
Thank you all for posting these issues!

I have been taking it for almost a week. I was swimming and got this awful leg cramp and had to get out of the pool. I got some potass. pills and took a couple before I noticed it wasn't recommended. Dear me! I couldn't go to sleep last night and rolled a lot and just couldn't relax I'm hoping things get better in the next few days. My back was hurting a lot today so don't know if there is a relationship or not. I hope this gets better as this medication did take it down a lot from 166 to 110.

I'm just not used to taking medication at all, but want to live awhile.

10-1-09 For the past year my husband has complained of severe headaches, muscle and stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, hot flashes weight gain and severe depression.(he takes anti depression meds) He sleeps 8 to 10 hrs during the day and all night. He has seen a stomach specialist and a neurologist. He has had numerous tests done by both Drs. He had his gallbladder removed in Dec.08 He had over 100 gallstones His thyroid is very low, (has been since diagnosis 6 yrs ago) his medication has been increased 2xs in the last 2mos. He is not any better. He will see an endocrine specialist 10-5-09. I have researched for hours on the internet for anything that will help the drs. find what is causing all of these complaints. He has so many symptoms, nothing matched and from head to toe. No luck until now. He has every symptom that you good people are describing. I will most certainly use this information and share these stories with his Dr. I have seen the LIFE being sucked out of my husband. None of these "Specialists" have ever suggested that perhaps the lisinopril might be the problem. I GUARANTEE YOU I WILL!!
Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories, GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU. A. A.

I recently back in April of this year received Cyberknife radiation for Adenocarcinoma with metastasis to my brain. After surgery to remove my brain tumor in March of 2009. I went though whole brain radiation and the Cyberknife to my lung. The doctor was very adamant that as the lung heals from radiation you will develop what they call wet lung or neumonesis sp? This will have to be treated separately, or severe coughing would continue. My primary care doctor in the mean time put me on Lisinopril 20 mg for hypertension. I have not gotten a good nights sleep in 2.5 months since, then came the pneumonosis. This cough persist to this day waking me from what little sleep I do get, and amazingly am now suffering from joint pain especial in my hips. It's to the point I can't even cross my legs anymore it hurts. When discussing this with my primary she says its in my head as of today and reading this site and side effects I am taking myself off of Lisinopril and will seek a second opinion, even a third if need be thank you all so much for posting your side effects from this drug.

i have been taking lisinopril now for 2 years, i have blurred vision, im very bloated all the time ,i have put on weight,but my worse side effect is i suffer with bad stomach pain which causes me to be sick about 3 times a night its getting worse now the only thing is its just lots of acid coming from my body.when i told the doctor she thought it might be my diabetes tablets but after reading these side effects i think it could be the lisinopril tablets.

Three weeks after taking Lisinopril (10mg 1x) I developed a severe back ache that migrated to my lower right front section. I started having problems with the strength in my leg muscles to the point that I could no longer walk without the fear of falling. Two weeks after I stopped taking Lisinopril, the back and lower stomach problems went away and I can now walk 20 feet but still have problems with balance. I still can not walk ujp any stairs or lift my leg more than 1 inch. Never had this problem before I took Lisinopril. I have not been able to work now for 2 months.

Was prescribed HCTZ and started taking it off and on in early August. Pain in the butt cutting the pills in half. Started to feel weird feeling in my left ear and cheek and then numbness spreading up my face, forehead and scalp.(I did have a few beers the weekend before this happened) Took myself to ER. MRI, CT, full blood work, thyroid check, EKG, heart and lung xray. ALL PERFECTLY NORMAL. Of course I was diagnosed with possible MS, Belle's Palsy, and was told I might just be wired weird.

Went to primary the following day for follow up and was told that my blood pressure may have been the cause of the episode. Prescribed Lisinopril and started taking it immediately 10/12.5. Started feeling good pretty quick, but noticed a few crazy dreams and almost like I was falling.

Missed a few doses and and had a few beers over the labor day weekend. Started meds on Monday but started feeling pins and needles coming back in different parts of my body. Continued to take meds and then went camping. Had a few beers around the fire. Woke up next morning with slight case of Vertigo. Continued with meds through the weekend and have felt dizzy, dumb, tired, my eyes don't move correctly, my left arm has felt numb and swollen, my left cheek tingles and I feel so swollen in my gland area under my ears. Knee pain too.

I didn't take a dose today, and I feel 100% better. Still tingly and numb in spots, but better. A little anxious and my heart feels like it's beating really deep and fast. BP is 154/82 after going down quite a bit on the drug.

Anyone else had trouble with the alcohol? Any similar symptoms? This site has calmed me down as I've always been a worrier/hypocondriac type. any response or idea would be really appreciated. Thanks everyone...good luck!

49 year old African American, this is the worst experience I have ever had, constant coughing, diarrhea, throwing up after my evening meal, headaches and always tired, been off the medication for a week and everything is gone away but the coughing which is less common now that it was. I can finally sleep and not stay up all night coughing, don't take this stuff.

I have been taking Lisinopril for about six weeks now,,, about a month ago I started getting this horrible tickle in my throat, especially at night, it has become worse over ther last few weeks and I can't stop coughing almost to the point of vomiting. I am so glad that I found this web site. Luckily I don't seem to have any of the other side effects others are experiencing, and I don't want to, I am stopping this med and calling my doctor tomorrow. Also, my 82 year old mother is on this and she has been telling me for months that she is tired all the time, and coughing, no energy, depressed, I am definitely calling her first thing in the morning and telling her to call her Dr. (which happens to be her granddaughter by marriage) and hopefully she too can get off this horrible med... Thanks for all the posts.

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and went to an Endocrinologist and he put me on Lisinopril to protect my kidney function from any more damage from the Diabetes. He says it was minor damage that i had but taking the Lisinopril was an added precaution. I am 61 years old and have had no cough from this drug, but my ribcage and lung area, especially at night are in pain. I called him and he told me he doubts that the pain is from Lisinopril because it wasn't one of the usual side effects. I am to be off of it for a week to see.How is it that these doctors don't know that this is a side effect when there are people all over this website with the same complaints. I welcome any reply at ******

I am a 57 year old male took lisinopril for about 6 month. Had to go to er with Angioedema. Lips, jaws, and mouth swelling. The doctor in the er said that lisinopril did this to me and I should never take it again. It was supposed to lower my blood pressure.

I was on lisinopril for appx 6 month, during which time I had a continual hacking cough, went on an inhaler and switched to diovan. Now a year later, every time I get a simple cold it goes right into bronchitis, I had never had bronchitis before this med.

I am 55 years old and began taking Lisinopril HCTZ in September of 2008. My blood pressure was 224 over 124. I was at stroke level. I have headaches, dizziness, tingling in my arms, and a chest pain that has gotten worse in the last 4 months since taking this medication. The chest pain was so severe I thought I was having a heart attack. I rushed myself to the Emergency room at the hospital. No signs of an heart attack. After my experience from severe dizziness and chest pain on yesterday, I decided this medication was going to kill me before high blood pressure does. Today I found other means to lower my blood pressure and they worked. This medication has too many side effects.

As I read these posts I want to S C R E A M! This drug is like a slow death from Arsenic. If your Memory is impaired, it should be. It's listed as one of the side affects right inside the pamphlet that the Pharmacist gets. I have a Pharmacist friend and she read me, muscle pain, joint pain, muscle twitching and on and on. It's poison for sure and anyone on it should get off it ASAP. My husband's been off for one year next week and he still experiences mental sluggishness and cognitive deficits. So much so, he's retired because he could no longer do his job. It creeps in on you slowly, and insidious. When you start to notice, you're scared to say anything or you don't associate it with this drug. Guess what, the only drug he's ever taken. And, oh yeah, lead to depression. This is a centrally active Ace Inhibitor that cross the blood brain barrier and is literally poisoning you. Actually, there is a derivative from a Brazilian Pit Viper. Synthetic or not, it's poison. Get off people, get off. It will eventually affect your memory more and more until you resemble some form of dementia. Maybe that's why so many people are sitting in Nursing Homes with full blow dementia. The disease that caused it are the DRUGS you're taking.
Get off.

I'm a 20 year old underweight male and usually 165/100. Since it's been like this for a few years I decided to go to the doctor's, and was first given metoprolol. After 2 weeks I couldn't handle its HORRIBLE side effects and was switched to 10mg lisinopril. Its been a month now and the only side effects I'm experiencing are shortness of breath and muscle aches throughout my entire body. It feels like everybody else said--like you worked out way too much the day before, except EVERY day. I've never had muscle strains in my life and have already had two in my legs and one in my arm, but even lifting a heavy box that would normally be no problem feels like it will rip off my arms and break my lower back. I don't know how you people keep trying different drugs and failing, if the next drug isn't perfect for me without any side effects I'm giving up and will just live happily ever after with high BP like I was before. Thanks for helping me figure out where these muscle aches are likely coming from!

This drug crosses the blood brain barrier thus the anxiety and depression. It is damaging your brain not to mention all these other ailments. It shrinks the brain and is causing cognitive deficits. All should google the recent article in Sunday paper from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette regarding Mylan Laboratories. Hmmm....maybe this is why so many people are sick from this drug. Here is the website address: *******
I still have tablets although my husband has been off them for 10 months. Guess what...they have a big "M" on them...isn't that interesting. I don't believe a word any doctor or any study has out there on this drug. This drug is tainted with something causing all these issues. This isn't healthy, it's poison straight from a venomous Brazilian pit viper. And if they try to tell you it's the synthetic version...bull crap! It causes the same horrible side affects that over 2500 people have described. I guess WE'RE all nuts and it's not the drugs . Huh!

Just a reminder to everyone that the upper norm. for BP taken in a clinic is 195/95 and at home, 135/90. Be aware of 'white coat effect'. Everyone gets stressed out in those situations and it's far better to monitor yourself at home. Think far too many people are being given these drugs when their BP is perfectly normal.

I started taking Lisinopril two weeks ago for relief of high blood pressure. Male, 45, 260 lbs, family history of high blood pressure and stroke. After one week I began experiencing intermittent chest pain, tingling and numbness in my left hand, and sensations like shocks in my head.

I spent several sleepless nights feeling for chest pain, feeling my heart race, expecting my heart to explode and wondering if I should go to the ER.

I visited my doctor and expressed my concerns. She immediately performed an ECG and verified that my heart was functioning normally and that my blood pressure was down. She also indicated that it's not uncommon for vasoconstrictors like Lisinopril to allow stomach acids to rise in the esophagus. This can cause chest pain and affect nerves leading to the brain and to the arm. She prescribed Zantac 150 twice a day and asked me to call her at home 60 minutes after taking the first pill.

I filled the Zantac prescription (one of the $4 prescriptions you can now get most places) and took one immediately. Ten minutes the chest pain was gone. Twenty minutes later the shocks in my head were gone and my arm went from tingly and numb to just slightly achy. Thirty minutes later all of my symptoms were gone. After an hour I dutifully reported to my doc that she was a genius and on my Christmas gift list.

If you're taking Lisinopril and having chest pain obviously let your doctor know about it. Studies indicate that denial is a serious issue and a contributing cause in heart disease victims. Many of my symptoms were classic for unstable angina, which is scary. However, they are also common stomach acid symptoms for first-time users of a wide variety of high blood pressure medications. It's possible that a simple antacid could relieve your side-effects.

Now my goal is to lose 80 lbs so I can get off this medication completely. Working 90 hours a week (the highlights of which are travel, sitting at desks, and eating) isn't going to cut it any more.

I am a 51 year old black male. I went to my doctor and she prescribed 50mg ic lisinopril for my HBP. I went to the pharmacy and got the drug. I decided to find out about the side effects before starting the drug. After reading all these scary stories, I have changed my mind from even starting this drug until I meet my doctor and show her what I have read. Is there anything else I can do to bring my blood pressure down other taking a drug? Because all these prescription or over the counter drugs have some side effects that would make you more sick than what doctors prescribe it for. Thanks for all the stories

Started taking lisinopril April 6th of this year. Have had many of the symptoms listed in these posts. I just thought I was still having symptoms from being sick. I have had a lot of anxiety and depression, as well as chest pain and heart palpitations. My hands were ice cold and had severe stomach pain. My head felt very cloudy and numb. I have had every blood test possible, 2 EKG's, a brain MRI, cervical MRI and brain MRA, and a chest x-ray. So far, everything is normal. I saw this site a few weeks ago and on June 8th, I stopped taking lisinopril. I have started feeling better, not completely, but definitely better. I am supposed to go back to my doctor on the 29th. He did not agree with me that these symptoms could all be caused from this drug. He reluctantly agreed that I get off it for these 3 weeks. I am still taking Hydrochlorot with no symptoms. Not sure what to tell him when I go back. Are any of the other blood pressure drugs safe???

Ok...now I am really angry. I posted in early June. I am 7-8 weeks out from stopping the drug (only took for 2 weeks) and, while I feel better in the am, I continue to have "attacks" mostly at the end of the day after work or when going to sleep. I have minimal dry mouth/cough (keep drinking water/peeing constantly but ok because I am eating foods to dump water which is why doc wanted me on this poison to begin with). The feeling woozy and nausea has subsided. I continue to have racing heart (happens when about to fall asleep and causes anxiety/insomnia), sharp pains all over the chest and in left arm (constantly think I am having a heart attack/stroke), tingling/burning in hands/feet, and to top it off shooting warm burning pain (very annoying) up and down legs (this is new). My doc told me to get off all my supplements (because he knows nothing about them and thinks they are complicating the picture...now I think he is ignorant). I restarted my CoQ10 which is protective for the heart and the racing has stopped so far (been a few days). In my research, most of the symptoms fall under "peripheral neuropathy" which can be caused by toxicity from drugs. Natural treatments suggest making the body more alkaline and detoxing the organs by eating nutritious foods (organic when you can), exercise, drinking lots of water (with lemon and cucumber slices which make the body alkaline and purify the organs) and taking alpha lipoic acid. To treat the neuropathy make sure you are getting enough vitamin C, E, and B complex with B6, B12 and folate/folic acid (I take B100 caps). Please research these before taking anything and make sure its right for you. I used to say check with your doc but, in my experience, most don't know about natural treatments. I will post again in a week to let you guys know how its going. Best of luck to all.

Like many of the stories here, I had developed a bad cough. I would start hacking and gagging. Sometimes I would be dizzy after the episode. I stumbled across this site when looking for answers to my coughing and gagging. I have been on Lisinopril for about 6 months now, and it seems to correlate with the the coughing episodes. I have had sinus CT scans, many drugs, and no answer nor relief.

I'm 57 yrs old and have been on Lisinopril
40mg for about 8yrs. I have a high constitution so at times I didn't notice
things as quickly as others. I have always gotten my Lisinopril from the V.A. and noticed in recent months their source of supply for this drug. The V.A. went to a supplier called Major Pharmaceuticals, the pill is oval shaped instead of round. I have had bouts with depression , joint pain
back, knees,hips and neck not to mention
calves of legs swelling and worn to the touch. As of Tuesday of this week , 3days
off lisinopril I have seen a dramatic change.
of course my primary doctor non V.A. was
involved and prescribed another medication.
After three day off this Lisinopril , I don't know the source of I am very pleased and feel great. I am starting to think the drug companies are going for bargin basement
drugs made where ever, THX S.

I, too, am trying to get off of Lisinopril. I am 49, and 10 lbs over my ideal weight. Went on the drug in December 2008, 2.5 mg a day. Since then, I have been depressed, tired, had a dry cough, sometimes a pounding heart and most recently, I am now losing my hair! And, yes, my bp is normal while on the Lisinopril. I have to say, that while I knew it was making me feel lousy, the hair loss was the last straw of side effects. I went on it at a time of high stress in my life and for now, life is calmer and my bp ranges between 135/80 and 145/90 when I am off it. Thinking of some natural, healthy approaches to lower my bp. Perhaps lose that 10 pounds and get more exercise. It is the worry of a high bp that makes the lisinopril hard to give up. The side effects though tell me it is bad for my body. I appreciate this website and reading about the experiences others are having while on this drug. I am hoping my hair will come back in if I stay off of it. Has anyone else had their hair grow back?

i am 30 yrs old and started taking lisinopril 20 mg along with 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide about 6 weeks ago and then lisinopril was raised to 40 mg and i dont know whats worse the high blood pressure or the side affects that im getting,tired all the time,that damn cough,shortness of breathe,diarrhea,and nausea and a racing pulse that when i was watching tv went up to 135 and my insides just started to shake.im starting to get a little scared with my high pulse .if anyone else has the high pulse due to lisinopril p;ease let me know,thank you

I have been taking this medicine for the last 2 months 5mgs a day. About a month ago I started having this horrible dry cough. I am very healthy and active and I do not get sick very often but, this cough will not go away. I have tried over the counter drugs but, nothing works. After reading your comments, I am calling my doctor TODAY to get off these meds.... Thanks

I have been taking 10mg daily of LISINOPRIL for almost a year now. It has helped my high blood pressure which had been (180/110) tremendously. My BP is now in the 130's/70's. I am also being treated for AF with Rapid Ventricular Response for which I take 160mg of Sotalol daily. I am very thankful for both of these drugs, I believe they may have saved my life. I will suffer with a few mild side effects. I am alive and doing well and in my thinking, that is whats important. My experience with Lisinopril has been a positive one.

My husband is a 64 year old relatively healthy man. His family doctor prescribed 20 mg. Lisinopril and 40 mg. Pravastatin to lower his blood pressure and cholesterol. He began taking both drugs on March 17, 2009 and since then has had nothing but problems. Dry hacking cough, lack of appetite, disorientation, dizziness, joint pain, leg cramps, stomach bloating and diarrhea, metallic taste in his mouth, sweating, numbness and tingling in his fingers, EXTREME fatigue (sleeping 18-20 hours a day), sore throat and swollen glands,frequent urination, itching rash on his forearms and head and just about every other bad symptom you can think of. Today I am going with him to his doctor to let her know that I took him off both drugs April 15th because I firmly believe they are toxic to his system. To date, there has been little improvement in his health, and I am wondering how long it will take for these medications to clear out of his system. In my opinion, Lisinopril is a VERY DANGEROUS DRUG and should be removed from the market. I am so angry that my energetic husband has been reduced to a state of the walking comatose. He cannot perform the simplest task without needing to rest or sleep. We can lower his cholesterol with diet and exercise, but now I'm wondering what we are going to do about his high blood pressure. It scares me to even think about adding another drug to his system without knowing what the consequences are going to be. Everything I have read in the blogs on his website indicate to me that someone is making a lot of money making people sicker. The question I'm going to ask my husband's doctor this morning is "would you give this drug to a member of your family" knowing the devastating side effects"? Then I'm going to tell her that I hope her malpractice insurance is paid up because if anything more happens to my husband, I'm going to own everything she has. And one more thing, after I hear what her response to my husband's symptoms is, I'm going to find another family doctor who takes a more conservative approach to the matter of high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Has anyone out there who has been on lisinopril gotten very sore tender breasts? I recently increased the dose from 10mg. to 15 mg. because my BP was getting higher and it seems like I've had this stinging aching sensation in my breasts since then? I've also had a tickling cough since I've been on it--worse at night.

GET AWAY FROM THIS DANGEROUS DRUG AS FAST AS YOU CAN . After 2 years of 40mg/day I could hardly walk due to severe joint pain. 3 different doctors all told me this drug was well tolerated and acted like I was stupid for complaining. All of them gave me the same speech and drew the same diagram on paper about why Lisinopril was the best drug out there. It amazed me that the drug companies had these guys so brainwashed.

When I told the doctor about some of these posts he said "Yeah, you can find any answer you want on the internet. People don't know what's going on" They wanted to give me more drugs to counteract the joint pain. They didn't know why my energy level was at an all-time low. It surely couldn't have been their wonder drug.

Needless to say, once I got away from this stuff I started feeling immediately better. I now take 5mg Norvasc and my blood pressure has dropped dramatically. I have lost weight, my joints are back to normal, I have energy. DON'T LET THE DOCTORS TALK YOU INTO LISINOPRIL .
IT'S YOUR LIFE.

I have been on Lisinopril for over 30 days. I started getting severe pelvic pain and a routine UA indicated I had an infection as well as blood and protein present. Dr. was worried about bladder cancer. Took sulfur based drugs for the infection and subsequent UA was clear but severe pain continued. Scheduled PAP and Dr. ordered ultrasound. He indicated that uterus was pushed over slightly to one side and indicated it could be fibro cysts. Ultrasound was normal. Dr. ordered CT scan, normal. Dr. wants to send me to gastroenterologist. It takes three 7.5 mg. Vicoprophen for pain to abate for 4 hours. I sat up all night researching and came up with isolated viseral angioedema a very rare and seldom known side affect of ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril). It affects the small bowel. Would assume that small bowel was so swollen that it was pressing on all other abdominal organs, especially bladder, causing pain. Had diarrhea at first then constipation. When looking up isolated viseral angioedema it says that gastroenterologist usually do lap surgeries looking for cause of pain before they figure out that it is the Lisinopril. Immediately quit taking and 3 days later almost pain free. If you have abdominal pain and are taking Lisinopril, cease before undergoing any further testing. It cost me $2,000 to figure it out on my own.

One person here said:
>My MD attributes the issues to aging. I going for a second opinion and third if necessary. I am told by my MD that there are no studies showing these side affects for this medications.<
"Aging" is the oldest excuse in the book for not investigating a medical problem. That LAZINESS. Doctors can get lazy, like any other worker.
The reason there are "no studies showing these side effects" is that studies are rarely done once a drug is FDA approved. They wouldn't do the studies at all if the FDA didn't require it for approval. When they do the pre-approval studies, they are careful to select people who have few health problems; they are not studying a good cross-section of the general population. It's AFTER a drug is on the market that the REAL side effect profile shows up. Doctors don't like to blame drugs for symptoms because they are part of the system that pushes drugs on the public. They don't want to get caught up in a malpractice suit, but pushing drugs is their bread and butter. Sad, but true. Slowly, more of them are turning toward more natural approaches to disease management. However, YOU remain your own best advocate.
I am going back to taking natural supplements like Hawthorne leaves and flowers (stronger than berry.) I resisted the drugs for years, and after reading all this stuff, I remember why. My mother struggled for years with the side effects. I'd rather die slowly of hypertension!

I've been on Lisinopril 20mg for a week now. I have been having the hoarseness, leg cramps, tired (no energy), getting no sleep, and cough. But what worries me most is my blood pressure has dropped to what I think is TO LOW, (example: 87/60, 90/58, 96/66 89/68. I called my dr. 2 days ago and explained my concerns. They told me to cut my 20mg pill in half and we will decide what to do at my next appt. which is in a few days. Even after cutting the pill in half, my bp is still running 96/67, 98/66. Should I demand to be taken off the Lisinopril and be put on a different medication?

I first started Lisinopril hctz about 3 years ago. Within the first day I had hives, a rash, itchy skin and RED RED face. Dr says it will go away. So I keep taking it. Fast forward a month and I start coughing, coughing at night so bad my husband can't sleep. It's so bad I feel like I'm choking and cough so much I am almost throwing up from the dryness and my throat being so constricted. During that time, I also start having some big whopping sinus pain and pressure. Felt like there was a tennis ball in my sinuses. Big time pain, headache. Dr says nothing wrong, just some allergies. I start taking Benadryl at night to sleep, to help with the itching, wheezing, coughing. It seems to help a bit. So I deal with all this. ALong with the coughing at times I am having trouble getting in air. Almost like I have to force it in. Not sure if it's my throat, sinuses or my chest. Next comes, some bass drum booming of my heart. I think it's so loud in my chest and my ears that others can hear it. This still happens on occasion. At times my legs feel like tree trunks or cement and I just don't have the energy to do anything. My hair started falling out in GOBS. I go to derm doctor, they say it's stress. It'll go away. Next I have kidney pain.... this goes on for a few months... come to find out I have a stone. But I never had any kidney problems before. Doctor's say it could be from the hctz and my kidneys having to work harder, but they were speculating. GP says keep taking Lisinopril hctz the benefits outweigh the side effects. I asked him if he has ever had a kidney stone he says no. I keep taking it. Leg cramps come next, bad cramps. I go to dr and he says it's my potassium, the hctz has depleted the potassium in my body and need to start on some big styrofoam potassium pills. All this goes on for almost two years. Fast forward to now. I'm still beat red in the face (and cannot handle the sun), coughing, sinuses full, itchy and bass drum beating (on occasion), heart flutters (on occasion).... four days ago I almost fainted because I was so dizzy within two hours of taking my pills in the morning. I am by no means able to sit on my butt and do nothing because of all these side effects. I have a farm to run, horses to feed and ride, hay to bale and put up, and I'm ready to get my body safe enough to start trying to get pregnant. I start doing research and find Lisinopril to be UNSAFE for a fetus. I start to think, well if it is unsafe for a fetus why is it safe for me? So then I googled side effects of Lisinopril and it brought me here. Thank God, I have a GP appointment tomorrow. I'm taking control back of my own body. I've had enough....

I wrote in December, described the cough, my problems with this drug, I was on 40 mg prescribed from my cardiologist, I went to see my doctor last week, she increased me to 80 mg, bp was lower, but not enough, she had blood drawn, I think maybe by the grace of god, I did not start taking the higher dose yet, this morning I get an urgent call, from my Cardiologist office, to stop the Lisinopril immediately, I am now scared to death, and scared for my life, they said the Lisinopril, is effecting my kidney function, my kidney function lab work is way up, now I am going cold turkey with this medication, hoping my bp does not reach a dangerous level, need more blood work, a visit to cardiologist next week, and now a visit to a urologist, I am scared to death, I feel like crying WTF!

I have been on this about two or three months. In the last two months I developed hoarseness, laryngitis, and loss of voice. I sound like Mickey Mouse or like I have been sucking helium.

Any one else have these symptoms?

I also have powerful leg and foot cramps at night but may have had this before.

HELP

I have stopped for about 2 weeks now and no improvement. Anyone have an idea how long this could last? I need my voice for work.

HELP

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 got a bad sinus infection for the past month after starting lisinopril, on many meds for this, i switched from avapro to lisinopril as i wanted to join the walgreens plan for cheaper drugs, the doc put me on lisinopril instead after i sent him the walgreens list of available drugs that they use, the avapro was not on the list,, ive been to my ent and allergy doc for this sinuse thing that is well over a month now and getting better, but i have spent more $ for drugs to combat this infection that r not on the walgreens list over $300 spent out of pocket but with a discount for switching to the lisinopril from the avapro that ive been on for about a yr,, it was not worth it,, BUT my cardio doctor thinks it ws just a coincidence that i got the sinus infection about the same week that i started lisinopril, he asked me to tell my ent and allergy doc about this, the ent thinks i shld go back to the avapro if ii feel that it may have started the infection with the little cough, i have not talked to my allergy doc about it yet, has anyone felt they got these symptoms with lisinopril????? i am still taking it all thru this sinus thing, MRI and 2 inhalers and antibiotics, narcotic cough med, sinus wash and musilex r doing ok and on the mend, i have no other symptoms and on the 5 mg , what do u all think? and anyone else have a sinus thing going on when starting the lisinopril??? D.

i've been on lisinopril for about two years and recently have suffered urticaria, itchy rashes on my forearms, neck and now back and shoulders. i also have a bloated stomach but didn't realize this could be down to the drug. my doctor has now changed the drug to amlodipine but so far i haven't taken it - three days no drugs.

I have been on Lisinopril for 2 months. About 2 weeks ago I started noticing small cough and I am dizzy off and on. I am a borderline diabetic which means I am not on medication for it. Let me tell you, Lisinopril suck! I feel like crap. I am always dizzy, I have to have things that have high sugar because my sugar level is always, always dropping. I feel really bad and it is getting worst. As of tonight, I will stop taking Lisinopril. I am due to see my doctor on Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008 and we will have a long talk. He is testing my blood. There is no way I will continue on this medication feeling the way that I do. I should have done research on the drugs like many of you did. My doctor assured me that Lisinopril was a good drug and it will help me with my kidneys since I am a diabetic. I believe drug has cause me more problems than what I had prior to taking it. I pray that my dizziness will stop and he will have to put me on something different. I am not over weight and I try to watch what I eat but, I will change my diet drastically and do whatever it takes to stay off HP drugs. This is really bad. I will come back with an update of what my doctor and I discuss. I thank all of you for sharing your story. I never knew that a drug could make a person feel like this.