Lisinopril and hives

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!!

I am a 46 year old guy, I have been taking Lisinopril for about 6 months, and just started to get "THE HIVES". It started about 3 weeks ago, with all over body itching, then progressed to hives all over. I also had lip swelling & numbness. This is my 3rd day of not taking Lisinopril, hoping that it is the culprit for my symptoms. For those of you who have had similar problems, how long did it take for your hives to go away? Please let me know, thanks!

I was prescribed Lisinopril by my doctor. I am a diabetic so my doctor told me this medicine would protect my kidneys(although my kidneys are fine). I was prescribed this medication at the end of February beginning March of 2009.About two weeks into taking the medication I got the first reaction I started getting these rashes that would come and go,then my lips would tingle and get numb then they would instantly swell at that point. When this first happened I thought maybe it was food I had eaten. I bought Benadryl and after a few hours it went away. (second attack) A few days later the symptoms worsened the rashes got worse and the swelling in my face got even more worse. Still thinking it was the food I ate I took more benadryl. This time the swelling lasted overnight the next morning I was fine.(third attack) About four days after that I was sitting at home talking with family and my face got very itchy around the lips my chest started to feel tight then instantly my lips got gigantic. My family members got scared and advised me to stop the benadryl and call my doctor fast. That night when I got home I called my doctor they were closed but the emergency nurse told me to come and see my doctor the next day. When I saw my doctor he immediately told me it was the Lisinopril that was causing the attacks and that I should discontinue using it and that my next attack may be fatal but I should be fine, keep taking the benadryl he told me. I got home and immediately trashed the Lisinopril. Just when I thought it was all over a week later (fourth attack) I get home after work watching television all of a sudden I get this terrible itch all over my body like bugs were on me, I hopped in the shower got done still this terrible itch all over. My lips tingled like crazy all of a sudden my body was full of bumps/hives everywhere my eyes were swollen shut, throat felt like it was closing up, couldn't hardly breathe, my lips were bigger than ever before. I was rushed to the emergency room, before I left I had taken 4 benadryl 25 mil tablets when I got to the emergency room I was seen almost immediately they pulled me in a side room gave me 2 shots of benadryl a shot of another medicine don't remember the name,a shot of pepcid,plus two pills I can't think of at the moment. I was in the ER for five hours waiting for the swelling in my body to go down,well the hives went away but my lips were swollen for at least 72 hours. I was diagnosed in the ER with Angioedema. I saw my doctor within 24 hours of my ER visit he prescribed me an epi pen he also made me get a life alert bracelet and told me to always keep benadryl with me. He told me the medicine should be out of my system it shouldn't happen again but just in case it does I should keep the epi pen handy,the bracelet,and benadryl always beside me.Well since that visit I have been taking benadryl every single day because I keep hive/rashes, now the edema is spreading it's not just the lips I get this painful swelling in different spots on my body. As I am writing this @ 2a.m I have to take off work today June 3rd 2009 because my lips are so swollen they feel like they are about to burst. I can't afford to miss all of these days of work and I definitely can't afford an emergency room visit which are $150.00 each visit so I have to wait and see my doctor @ 9:15 a.m. I refuse to go to work in this condition these breakouts are affecting my life for the worse. This is just a brief synopsis it is really much worse than this though. I am 31 years old and when I have these attacks people look @ me frightened like i'm contagious or something.I went from being only allergic to morphine which gave me hives once, and that was minor to having allergic reactions almost everyday along with a lot of other symptoms to this drug. I really hope something can be done about this. PLEASE TAKE THIS HORRIBLE DRUG OFF THE MARKET!!!!

53 year old, otherwise healthy Type1 diabetic. HCA1 scores are typically 6.5-6.7. I lead an active, athletic lifestyle, with no circulation issues. Prior to Lisinopril, I have never experienced allergic responses to meds, hives or any similar issues. I have never experienced blood pressure issues; but Doc suggested Lisinopril for preventative maintenance, protecting kidneys. I took Lisinopril 5 mg. once daily, for almost 5 months without issues. In the middle of month 5, Urticaria appeared around mid-calf area, accompanied by a nerve-racking itch. In the next 2 weeks, itching started in hairline of scalp, moving spreading all the way down to ankles. I was almost 2 weeks into an elimination diet before discovering on a blog that urticaria was a possible side effect of Lisinopril. Discontinued Lisinopril 1.5 weeks ago, several days after starting 30mg Cetirizine & 30mg Loratadine . Itching is still present; but all urticaria have subsided, save for scalp. Menthol has been the only effective comfort for the itching.
Prior to taking Lisinopril, my only urticaria experience originated from exposure to poison ivy. I am convinced Lisinopril is the root cause.

I have been on lisiniprol with hctz on 10mg dose since October 2008. My BP averaged around 144/95 before taking the med, now averages about 122/78. The problem i am having is this constant "tickle" in my throat which has been giving me coughing fits. When i breathe in deep i can feel a sensation to cough, sometimes my throat feels tight and sore, the first time i felt this was December 2008 and the doctor said it was a touch of post nasal drip and this was before i have read stuff on this board. Has anyone else experienced this kind of sensation in the throat? sometimes when i talk i even have to cough, i experimented once and did not take my dose and it seemed my throat felt better but then noticed my bp went right back up, i guess i better tell the doctor to get me off of this drug. She did tell me that the cough was part of the side effect. thanks and hope someone answers this.

I have been taking lisinopril/hctz for about 10 months, 4 months ago the hctz was raised to 25 mg and the lisinopril stayed at 10mg. I started developing what appeared to be food allergies. After eating certain foods (like chili, barbecue sauce and seasoned salt) i would start to itch anywhere there is tight clothing, always within 1 hour. Then within 3-4 more hours my whole body would be covered in really large hives. After overdosing on benadryl for about 24 hours the hives would subside but leave big purple skin bruises. My doctor thinks that the lisinopril is the culprit and has changed me to benicar.

I am 23 and had a blood pressure of 160/101. I took this medicine for one week and during that week developed a night mare of a dry cough. It has been horrible!!! I went back to the doctor and he took me off and prescribed me a new bp medicine that I have not taken yet. I haven't taken lisinopril for about 3 days now and the cough is still taking over my life. I'm not going bowling with my friends tonight because I am so exhausted from the cough. One night, I coughed so violently in bed, I vomited all over myself. It was disgusting and embarrassing. It has been hell and I hope it doesn't take much longer for it to go away. Does anyone have any guesses or experience with the time it takes for this cough to subside?

I'm 23 years old and really overweight. Going to see my doctor today because, I have constant itchy feeling in my throat like something is there but its not. I feel like gagging/throwing up all the time now, at first I thought it was just asthma, but talked to someone else taking lisinopril told me about the dry cough, so im pretty sure this is the problem. I don't see how anyone could keep taking this once you get these side effects. It's just a constant battle trying ignore the feeling in my throat, and trying to sleep is rough now,I wake up sometimes feeling like im choking.

itchy throat,nausea,dry cough,hard time sleeping and gagging.

Thanks for all of your input really helps, so I figured I'd let you in on how its making me feel, or so I hope its the problem lol

Add me to the club!

I dropped my son off at college upstate NY and decided to stay over at a motel due to traffic and bad weather. I was laying down on top of the bedspread when I noticed a lump on my right hip. Then I found two more smaller ones on my left hip. I immed. thought the motel had fleas or bedbugs or something. I was looking around for bugs/fleas but everything was very clean. I then went down to use the elliptical in the motel gym, came back, took a shower, watched TV and then fell asleep. I woke up about an hour later with severe pressure in the center of my chest and itching "down there". I scratched and then noticed these hives all over between my thighs. I still had the three on my hips too. I again searched for bugs and found nothing. I had already switched beds and was sleeping without the bedspread on. The next morning I felt a numbness in the left side of my mouth/chin. I called my wife, who is a nurse. She told me to get some Benadryl. I checked with the local pharmacy and they recommended Benadryl too. I took three doses total that day (6) pills and drove home.

That night, instead of being better, I was worse. I now had the thighs, hips and also the upper back by my armpits and around my waist, where the waistband of my pans/underwear sits. I went to the E.R. and told them I might be having an allergic reation and they saw me immed. I also had difficulty swallowing and right side of my chin/mouth was now slightly swollen and numb. I spent the night in the E.R. and was given IV Benadryl, 2 Zantac, as Zantac can stop the inflammation in a different way, and an epi pen shot. I left the E.R. about 630 in the morning feeling 50% better and with a Rx for oral steroids.

The steroids seem to be working very well. I am lucky to have a good primary doctor who returned my call immed. and told me to take the steroids and the Benadryl, discontinue the Lisinopril immed. and come to see him. The fools at my endocrinologists office dismissed my complaint and told me that it was probably from the Chinese food I had for dinner that night. The endocrinologist, Dr. Jeffrey Shiff of Massapequa, NY, didn't even return my call, someone from his office did. This woman told me that she reviewed my medications and didn't think any of these things caused my hives/allergic reaction. I told her that the internet was full of blogs and boards about Lisinopril and hives. She told me that since I had been on Lisinopril for two years, it was unlikely that this was a reaction to that drug. She said they see people all the time with this reation to Chinese food.

There is nothing on the internet describing this reaction to Chinese food. Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, from too much MSG, results in rapid heartbeat and a pounding headache, not hives and a sore esophagus.

The nurse in the E.R, told me they see 2-3 people per week with allergic reactions to ACE inhibitiors. Not just Lisinopril, but all ACE inhibitors.

In all fairness, it could have been the Chinese food, I had some sushi and some peanut butter chicken for dinner, but I have eaten these things before and never had a problem. I did have that feeling of fullness/blocked esophagus before I ate dinner and I chalked that up to eating a heavy lunch and then sitting in the car for a few hours.

In retrospect, I suspect that was from the Lisinopril, as I have had that feeling before after eating hamburgers and the like and then sitting, but only since being on Lisiopril. I have also had that full feeling after dinner, even when walking after dinner.

Like my G.P. says, it could be from anything, but it is very likely from the Lisinopril.

I will follow up with an allergist after this episode is over to see if I have developed an allergy to nuts or seafood or something, but when I think back to that "full" feeling in the esophagus, I think it is the Lisinopril.

I am a 56 year old woman who has been taking lisinopril for over 5 years! I have been taken by ambulance to the er and have fainted several times. Also experienced hives for months at a time and severe muscle weakness. The pins and needles feelings i could live with until it felt like someone was sticking me with a knife! I visited a heart dr. last week and he told me to immediately get off this medicine. I will go back and see him tomorrow and will be switched to a new medicine. I wish I had found this forum sooner. By ginao

I have been on Lisinopril and a diuretic for about 1.5 years -- started with 5mg of lisinopril. At first had a slight cough, but went away. In Feb 2008 routine blood tests were done and my ALT - liver enzyme was slightly elevated to 36. ( last test in 2003 was normal) --- had the test repeated in Aug 2008 and the ALT was up to 41. Doctor was not too worried, not very elevated - but I persisted as to why and she sent me for an ultrasound that showed all was normal for my liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys. My pressure was up a bit at the Aug appt - so she increased my Lisinopril to 10mg. I had another liver enzyme test done beg of Oct 2008 and now the ALT is up to 66. I told her the only difference is increasing my Lisinopril and that must be the cause for elevated ALT levels. She is not sure -- I am now being referred to a specialist -- but told to stop taking the Lisinopril for 3 weeks and they will see what the levels are. Have only seen a few mentions of elevated liver enzymes as a side effect -- has anyone else experienced?? My AST levels are normal.

I have been io Lisinopril for several months, and the only side effect I can say is a VERY ANNOYING rash on the inside of my upper thighs. It comes and goes and gets worse with warmth, like a heat rash. I also have now developed a rash on my butt that is looks to me like shingles. Very itchy, to the point of bleeding from scratching. I treated with diaper rash ointment and triple antibiotic ointment to not much improvement. Reently tried a jock itch ointment which seems to be working. Also took myself off Lisinopril 2 days ago, and things are getting better, but very slowly........

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 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.

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 ******

Took first pill (5mg) on 7/8. Second on 7/9. After lunch on 7/9, food stayed in stomach and would not digest. Felt like a huge lump. Digestion continues to be a problem. No appetite. Food does not look good. On 7/11, developed two hives with large red areas surrounding them, however, they were not itchy. Became quite tired also. Allergy symptoms of itching eyes, watering eyes, itching throat, stuffiness developed. Headaches to the point of taking a pain reliever. Developed muscle cramping in calves on 7/15. Still great difficulty eating with no appetite. Existing hiatal hernia became a problem at night with nausea. Terrible flatulence also. Exhaustion is now the description, not just tired. Feeling depressed, but perhaps that is a result of the exhaustion. Blood in urine on 7/18, the final straw. Discontinued med on 7/18. Hives have still not cleared up totally (7/28) and the tiredness has still not gone away. I have been told that when you have hives on the outside, you have hives on the inside too. I would never take this med again. Going to look into biofeedback.

I have been using Lisinopril for about 4 months. About two months ago, I noticed a rash, itching, and hives. After eliminating soap, changes in diet, weather, etc. I believe that Lisinopri is the cause.

I also noticed a cough and scratchy throat, although not as serious or pervasive as with other posters.

I stopped taking the medication 6 days ago. The side effects have not cleared.

My doctor was supposed to call me back a couple days ago, but never has. Go figure...

Was taking Norvasc when my Doctor added Lisinopril i took it from Friday to Monday experienced chest pain,blood pressure dropped to 95/60,neck and arms had tightness and cramps,also a few fingers went numb.

I am 60 years old and have been on Lisinopril for about a year. I have experienced the nagging cough (day and night), numbness in my arms and hands and occasional unexplained hives. I was suspicious of meds causing the cough, and now I can say it's likely the Lisinopril. I also have poor quality of sleep, due to coughing and numbness in upper extremities waking me up.
On the plus side, my blood pressure is under control. :-)
Linda, Oshkosh WI

I have been on Lisinopril for 10 months. In July 07 I started having itchy skin. It wasn't bad, just annoying. In Sept the itching was worst and I developed a rash. In November one evening I got a serve pain in my right hand and it started swelling within a matter of minutes. The next morning I called my doctor and she had me come in. She looked at my still swollen hand and seemed mystified and referred me to a Rheumatologist who diagnosed me with psoriasis, remember the rash, that is what he was calling psoriasis. I also developed a dry hacking cough. In Jan. 08 I developed full fled hives all over. Went back to the doctor. She started giving me BS. I told her I had done some research on Lisinopril and every symptom I was having was connected to Lisinopril. She took me off the stuff to see it the symptoms disappear. I have been off of it for 5 days now and I am still getting hives and my right foot became very swollen last night. Does anyone know how long it takes to get this stuff out of your system? It's poison.

I feel so blessed to have found this site tonight!!! I took Lisinopril for a year...June 05' to July 06'. I started experiencing allergic reactions....swollen lip, eye, hives (more like welts) all over. Did not connect to the lisinopril right away though I had just renewed my Rx and the pharmacy was using a different manufacturer for my medication. I then started experiencing indigestion and constipation (never ever had problems with)....actually had to go to the ER one night.....ended up calling 911 the following morning because I was going to pass out....woke up fine, after 10 minutes broke out in a sweat....my BP was apparently dropping....never passed out in my life, but knew it was coming so I opened the front door and called 911. The operator kept me on the phone talking while waiting for help....I started throwing up as they walked in the door, and felt immediately better. They had me sit, took my pressure....I was feeling much better.....I still didn't tie it to the Rx, but after several more allergic reactions and tired of taking Benadril, I asked to have my BP Rx changed. I continued to have allergic reaction on 4 different types of BP Rx over a 6 week period. I decided to stop taking all BP medication Sept.06'. Two weeks ago I decided to try the Lisinopril again as I have not been able to control my BP for the past year. I thought maybe I had experienced a food allergy last year....until I found your website tonight. What caused me to look for info tonight was a hot flash experience today....all day. I am 48 and Perimenopausal, but I have not experienced a hot flash as of yet....after reading all the blogs, I don't think I was experiencing a hot flash! I also have not been sleeping well the past two weeks....and I never have trouble sleeping. I also have been lacking energy and have had tingling in my hands and aching muscles....I'm not taking another pill!!! I'm going search for a natural remedy and start working out!
Kathy

Has anyone experienced a problem with hives since starting lisinopril? My doct changed me to lisinopril about 45 days ago and about 2 weeks ago I started being plagued by hives....

I have been on lisinopril for 7 years and and have gradually become aware of side effects coming on slowly - and now worsening allot of late. I was moved from 10mg to 20mg and things have gotten quite bad - allot of joint pain, generalized fatigue, and just lately I have broken out in hives in a huge way - on my torso and appendages - but these just do not go away - I take huge doses of anti-histamine, and it barley touches it. I just had to stop taking the drug - so I did not take my dose last night, but today I still am covering with welts and hives. I had my wife take digital pictures of the really bad areas that look almost scarred now from the recurring welts - cortisone cream doesn't help at all - I can hardly go to work like this. I don't know when this will stop but I have stopped taking my 20mg

I was prescribed Metoprolol and broke out in hives. My doctor then switched me lisinopril. I took it for the first time yesterday and I had a very bad sore throat to the point I could hardly swallow, diarrhea and I feel very blue (not myself). Is this common after only one dose?

After less than two weeks on Lisinopril I felt terrible. I told my doctor, but he insisted that I continue to take it because "it was so good for my heart." I do not have a heart problem.

Over the next year, I fell multiple times; and was seen in urgent care for hives, facial swelling, and other symptoms of allergic reaction. I was ultimately referred to an allergist who diagnosed an allergy to Lisinopril.

The drug did not control my blood pressure, and in fact could have caused anaphylactic shock. I was prescribed Epipens to carry at all times, in the even my airways closed at a cost of $500 out of pocket before Lisinopril was identified as the culprit.

I personally know of two other women with the same experience. The drug is not as great as it is made out to be by the medical profession.

All you are Hypochondriacs. If one person says this medicine is causing this, then of course; you all have the same problem "some how." Isn't this weird? It is called the "placebo effect." Normally all the people involved in the testing are given "Lisinopril" (or some other drug), then the placebo group is given a vitamin supplement, the group receving the vitamin supplement is being told they are receving "Lisinopril." Mysteriously?, the "placebo group" is all feeling better and their symptoms are gone. This is due to the fact that all these people in the "placebo group" have interacted with eachother and have told eachother "I feel better" than of course everybody feels better. So WEIRD!! So, my point is this forum is all your peoples "placebo group." If you guys never heard of these side effects from this forum you would have never experinced them. Hypochondriacs all of you are. This is a very good medicine that is helping all of you make up for your peoples lack of self-disipline to control your diet or exercise enough to lower your blood pressure naturally. So be thankful. Lets not complain about false side effects because John has them. I wonder what the side-effects of that cheese burger are that caused high blood pressure. It is funny, I don't see a forum for that. So deal with your so called "side-effects" that are associsted with "Lisinopril" or go on a diet people. Get over it!!

I have been off this poison for exactly a month now.....and my symptoms seem to be getting worse.....i ended up in the ER last weekend thinking i was having a stroke or heart attack but they couldnt find any....i have a rash on my legs and back the dr says is hives....my leg cramps never go away and still have stomach cramps and grumbling....dr says its stomach hives.....never heard of that....metallic taste in mouth sometimes and spells of feeling really ill....arms go numb etc....joints ache.....pains in hands and feet.....on the dash diet and taking supplements.....i pray i get better....

I've been taking Lisinopril for 5 years for moderate hypertension. I'm now 40 years old.

Given the side effects of the drug and my high / normal pressure (typically 140/90 or less without the drug), I decided to quit the drug and try to lose weight (among other things).

Seven days after going off, I am experiencing angioedema - hives with sub-tissue swelling - including last night my bottom lip becoming 4X it's normal size.

I found a source that showed 1 in 100 users of these types of drugs experience angioedema, but I've found nothing that suggests those who quit using it have to go through this.

Anyone had a similar experience?

After being on Lisinopril for 2 weeks, I experienced severe chest pains. Then I began having a persistant dry cough, left arm soreness, unable to sleep at night, hives, severe heartburn, and just plain feeling unwell. I thought I had pnuemonia or bronchitis. My doctor advised it was the Lisinopril and had me stop taking it immediately. I have been off of it for 1 week but am still experiencing the cough and heartburn and joint pain. How long does it take for this stuff to get out of your system? I wish I had never taken this stuff.

My doctor took me off Lisinopril a few days ago, following hives all over my body &, later, raised welt on my arm. I was also short of breath & felt nauseated & weak. I had to have a shot of Kenalog & he told me to take Benadryl every 4 hours. The rash is finally going away. I had also had pain & stiffness on the left side of my neck, which caused problems getting to sleep. Saw on this site that someone else had experienced this symptom. No one else has reported the first symptom mentioned.

I was taking Lisinopirl for one month almost to the day and then one day I woke-up with huge hives all over my legs and starting to go to the rest of my body. I went to the doctor that day and was told I was having an allergic reaction to the drug. That same day they did a blood draw and put me on a new medication called Verapamil. I have now been taking the new meds for one week and today I received a call from the doctors office and they are making me come into the hospital for "stat" blood draw, because my kidney functions were not good. I truly believe this is due to taking the lisinopril. I also had other side-effects in the muscles of my legs and was also very fatigue. I'll let you know what the results are. Sounds like I got some kidney damage from taking this drug! If your currently taking this drug, I would highly recommend getting off of it immediatally!

Hello. I was a long term Lisinopril user. I was taking 5 mg for several years with no apparent adverse effects, except for constant short coughing and scratchy throat. It lowered my Systolic pressure, but didn't lower the Diastolic pressure, so the doc upped my dose to 10 mg. Over the next several months, I began to get rashes, small pin-prick itches on my legs, sleepless nights due to extreme itching, fatigue, burning sensation in the chest, and excessive weakness. The Diastolic pressure still remained high so he upped my dose to 20 mg. Within a week, my hands swelled up and I got an extreme case of the hives all over my arms, hands, and legs. I never recalled ever having hives before and I didn't know what it was. I was terrified as to what was happening to me. The help counter at Walgreens Pharmacy told me I was having a severe allergic reaction to something that was causing a severe case of the hives. At that point, I still didn't make the connection to Lisinopril. The side effects continued to increase including burning sensation in the chest when I did the smallest chores, massive fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pains, headaches, rashes, and intense itching. I had 9 out of the 10 side effects caused by the drug. I research hives and found that I had the kind that would vanish after 6 weeks, because low and behold after exactly six weeks it went away. I kept complaining to my doctor about the problems that I was having, but he was of no help. After nearly 6 months on 20 mg of Lisinopril I became light headed even while lying down. I thought I was going to die. In mid-December, a year and a half ago, at 3:30 a.m., while lying down, I cramped up with severe abdominal pains, bloating, and extreme light headedness. I sensed that this was the end. I scrambled to my feet and tried to get upstairs to tell my family to call 911. I collapsed on the stairs and thought that this is where they would find my dead body. I made a second effort and struggled to my feet and made it into the dining area where I collapsed for a second time. My wife heard my body hit the floor. I saw the tunnel and light. She rushed out and called 911. When the paramedics arrived several minutes later I began to come out of it. My blood pressure was extremely low. After a short period of time, I recovered and felt relatively normal again. After that episode, I looked up the causes of light headedness on the internet and found a site that listed 10 medications that caused this side effect. Lisinopril made the list. I immediately stopped taking the drug. Within a few days, the light-headedness and rashes went away. I put 2 and 2 together and took my findings to the doctor. All he said was, "why didn't you tell me?" I had been complaining about these problems to him for the past several months. He switched me to a calcium channel blocker. Within a week I began getting rashes again and I discontinued the use of that drug. I now take a natural diuretic concoction of calcium, potassium, garlic pills, vitamins, other minerals, and a daily regimen of low dose aspirin. My strength and stamina have returned. I feel 90% better, but I think the experience has done permanent damage to my digestive system.

Jack - 2/28/06

I am a 63 year old female whose Dr. insisted I begin taking the drug after several OV's during which a 149/85 BP reading was noted. I declined the drug several times as the elevated BP readings were unusual as I am thin, exercise regularly and have a very healthy diet routine. I have experienced almost every one of the adverse side effects posted on this bulletin board including gagging cough, fatigue, hives and swelling of the tongue, lips, throat and hives. I am experiencing urticaria and angioedema. Beware of this drug!
I was on the drug from August, 2004 until my last pill Feb. 9, 2005. My symptoms have caused a major disruption in my life including: working(I have missed only 2 1/2 days from work but I am uncomfortable part of each day at work) exercising, eating, bathing, sleeping and simply being comfortable with my body. The cough no longer awakens me at night, just the hives. I hope the hives and swelling will end soon. Even with the above symptoms my Dr. did not want me to stop taking the drug. He gave me two new RX's, Zyrtec for the hives and Zantac- just in case acid reflux was causing the irritation in my throat. My thanks to everyone for their input. I think you may have saved my future good health. This drug should be off the market.

hi i started lisinopril 1 week ago my blood pressure is 170/90 i noticed that my toes are kinda numb and i keep getting itchy it almost feels like i have hives but not bumps just itch and this morning when i got up i am all shakey and nervous feeling i hardly slept last nite i had so much on my mind just dumb things nothing important or to worry about i was takeing 1/2 of a 20 mg pill for 4 days then i had to take 1 whole pill 20 mg i am gonna go back to 10 and see hat happens if this cointinues i will call my dr