Lisinopril and hypertension

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?

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 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 was prescribed Lisinopril last September due to hypertension level blood pressure that was at "emergent level" as determined in the ER. I had no other pre-heart attack symptoms other than headaches at night in sleep..

Prior to taking the RX I was doing 1 hr gym works outs 3-4 times per week, walk/jogging 3 times per wk 2-3 mi ea. NOW I'm lethargic and fighting to keep active. Joints are easily taxed and take several days to weeks to recover from what used to be routine.. Cough is dry and hits at night or day and leaves a general feeling of fatigue. Memory is impaired. Twitching muscles all over like little electrical impulses being shot off and extreme cramping of upper leg muscles when sitting down to stretch. Intermittent "heart flutters". Nothing I've every experienced before.

I'm heading in for followup now that I've read this forum. I had no idea of the severity of side effects. Here I thought I was being saved from eminent heart attack or stroke.

Raising two children and can afford to be lethargic or forgetful or worse.

Thank you all for your postings. You are indeed the life savers.

D.

One more thing...I think everyone taking BP Meds should google the FASEB Journal and read the article "From Viper's Venom to Drug Design: Treating Hypertension". Fascinating! Can't imagine going to the Doctor and saying" "Hey Doc, can you give me a shot of that Viper Venom" to lower my blood pressure"? Can you? Do you think your Neurological system has be compromised?

Without a doubt!

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Hypertension

Hello. I have been dealing with my hypertension now for approximately 1-1/2 years now and those of you that have read my findings through my previous posts know that I'm always looking for natural supplements to stay off of the lisinopril. I stumbled onto a new herb for bp. You absolutely have to try this. I went to see my doctor yesterday and I was having a really stressed out day dealing with a family crisis and my bp was 150/100. I left with a prescription, but I received my order of this stuff in the afternoon and I took the recommended two tablets twice a day and woke up this morning with my bp 108/69. This product gets shipped from India and takes approximately two weeks to arrive by registered air mail, but very much worth the wait. I have the link to order it and to read more about the herbal treatment. If you are interested, feel free to e-mail me and I will send it to you. Take care and good luck.

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.

July 8, 2009
I took Lisinopril for 2 months and began noticing soreness and stiffness cramping in my legs. Joint pain and general muscle weakness. Biggest indicator was my inability to ride road bikes (bicycle) nearly as much as normal. I did not have the muscle strength or stamina to ride like before. On one ride I had such sever cramping I had to get pick up, first time in 18 yrs of bicycling. It also states to not use sodium or potassium supplement while on this medicine, which I was doing for cramping. Also because I was borderline hypertension I did not notice any decrease in BP while on this. I have stopped taking this medicine. nn

59 year old female. A history of hypertension started on Lisinopril in April of 2009..I am so GLAD I found this site! I have developed a severe chronic cough. This cough keeps me up at night ( and everyone else in the home)
Severe soreness in every joint in every part of my body. I can not sleep, serious fatigue, I have had mental confusion, short term memory loss I NEVER had the mental confusion or memory loss. I went to my Dr. 2xs he put me on antibiotics, told me I possibly had aspirated mucous in my lungs or had "silent reflux" no matter what I have taked or done none of the above symptoms lessened. Therefore, I started to do my own research and wound up here on this site. I am going to my doctor tomorrow informing him of the side effects ( which I would have thought he knew) and asked to be put on another medication for my hypertension. My question I have that there does not seem to be a easy answer is how long will it take to reverse all these symptoms? Truthfully I put all these symptoms in to the "just getting older" category. Thank You so much for sharing

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.

I'm a very healthy 53-year-old woman, with the exception of a recent onset of borderline hypertension. I've been on Lisinopril for approx. 2 months now; first 5 mg/day, then was advised by my doc to increase to 10 mg/day when BP didn't stay down. At first I just felt woozie and sleepy (on the 5 mg), but soon after I began to have a feeling of "fullness" and throbbing in my temple areas. Often times, a migraine would follow. These symptoms only worsened when the dosage was increased to 10 mg. Then, about 5-6 weeks into treatment, I began to have heartburn (which I've NEVER had in my life!), and a burning sensation in both upper arms. I treated with Tums, which seemed to help the heartburn, but the odd, burning feeling in my arms remained. It never occurred to me until now that the Lisinopril could be causing ALL of these symptoms. Since my hypertension is borderline, and I know it's most likely related to a recent weight gain (due to menopausal hormones, ughhh), I am going to wean myself off of this horrible drug and just commit to losing the 5-10 lbs. I need to lose. I will monitor my BP carefully in the interim, but having never been on any medication other than biodentical hormone replacement therapy this past year, I don't see the need to start now. I see now how easily people can innocently start out with one, simple issue and a prescription, and end up in worse condition and taking MORE medication to treat all the resulting side-effects! It becomes a vicious cycle.

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!

Wow! Let me tell you my story: I was first diagnosed with HBP (170/140) during a high school sports physical in the beginning of 8th grade (I was about 14 years old). I was in top shape and a very healthy eater. I had probably (from what I remember) every test done to see what was the cause of this hypertension - and the only thing found was that my kidney's produce too much rennin (the hormone that increases BP). I was then put on Lisinopril 10mg. Everything continued well for about 6 years - I also stayed in shape and ate healthy. However, throughout those 6 years, I did notice my curly hair turning straight and my incredibly (can't do nothing with) thick hair started to thin and become style able. Now...I do know this is my fault, but in the past 2 years my healthy eating habits have slipped, I've gained weight and started smoking - plus have a sit down, don't move kind of job. However, about 1 year ago, I had a slight spike in my pressure and my doctor added a diuretic (HCTZ 12.5mg) to my lisinopril. Ok, that brought the pressure down and all seemed well. Then..... In December 2008, not long ago, I started not feeling well. Thinking I was sick, I went to the doctor's to find my blood pressure to be 190/140. Immediately, my does was increased to 30-12.5mg. That brought a quick drop in my BP down to 110/66 - I was so darn dizzy I could barely function. I was also but on short-term disability because all this caused me to be off work for so long. Unfortunately, when my dose was adjusted to 20-12.5mg and the dizziness stopped I went back to work. Now, I can't go back on S.T.D. for many, many weeks. And....... The past month has been complete HELL!! My hands (mainly fingers) and toes are almost always cold, I've been dieting for over a month and am struggling to lose weight, my hands and feet go numb more often than usual - I never used to find myself waking up in the middle of the night because of pins/needles feeling, my hair is thinner than ever and stick straight - I'm afraid I'm not going to have any left, I have UNBEARABLE headaches (sometimes all I want to do is sleep and sometimes, like tonight -it's 4:12am- I can't sleep), I have acne like a teenager - mind you, I never had more than 1 to 2 pimples at a time growing up, and that was rare (I was lucky)... Thank god for FMLA or I would have lost my job since I've spent so much time home since I thought all was good and went back to work. Only wish I could make a dollar again. Now to top it off...I was referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) who after seeing me only once for about 30min and reviewing blood work from the end of January (I had a high calcium level as well as some others that deal with the kidneys) wants to take away the diuretic (HCTZ) part of my medication (hopefully to reduce the calcium level) BUT DOUBLE MY MG OF LISINOPRIL. HE WANTS ME TO TAKE 20MG TWO TIMES A DAY. I was starting to think all these new symptoms that came on so quick were a result from the increase of lisinopril - now I think I'm sure. I'm not changing my medications until I can talk this over with my PCP - I'm going to ask we try a medication change. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or any suggestions why a 20-year-old has blood pressure as high as 190/140 with no family history of HBP or really any health problems? Any suggestions why the kidneys are producing too much rennin? Any meds that drop the pressure and we don't get headaches - I can live with cold limbs and numbness - it's the headaches that are rendering this 24-year-old helpless :(

I am a 52 year young female with sudden onset of high blood pressure. Was seen by a Cardiologist and given the usual tests such as EKG, treadmill, and so on. My tests were fine and he put me on Lisinopril HCTZ 20-25mg. After taking this medication for one week my blood pressure was within normal limits however my pulse races at times and I must sit down until it passes. I have been experiencing pain in upper back when taking a deep breath and mild chest discomfort. Further tests are underway to determine if I am having lung problems such as pulmonary hypertension. Has anyone had similar symptoms? Thank you

Someone, please tell me how long this coughing will last! I took Lisinopril for 4 weeks. During that time I had many of the same symptoms that I'm reading now, but didn't realize what was causing them. But after 3 weeks of a constant dry cough that led to gagging more often than not and cough attacks every hour on the hour even at night, I turned to the Internet to research tickling coughs. I too was sure I had throat cancer after experiencing lung cancer just a year ago. After reading all of these experiences from all of the people on this site, I was relieved yet furious. I called to inform my doctor of the side effect of the coughing that was keeping me from going anywhere but work (I'm a teacher so you can imagine how difficult that is). I was consuming 10 - 15 cough drops a day and night which was not helping my weight issue. She prescribed Toprol which I researched and read that it should not be taken if you have had a history of lung issues. Needless to say, I'm not going to take that either. My blood pressure is pre-hypertension so I believe I can control that myself with exercise and diet. It's been 5 days since I stopped taking the Lisinopril and the coughing has not subsided at all. I was up every hour on the hour last night and that was with taking a sleep aid.

I went to doctor for cold and she put me on lisinopril (10) and told me I had "pre hypertension. My bp runs 140/60. She told me she wanted it at 118/75. I laughed and told her mine would have to go up to get 75 as Ive never had it. She also gave me wellbutrin to see if that would help lower it as I have white coat syndrome. I am 73 yr old fm thats never had health problem. Within a month I had severe constipation and started taking benefiber, apple juice,extra brand etc.... no relief. I have now stopped the wellbutrin which I don't think I ever needed and dropped my lisinopril to (5). I may even drop that if I don't go back to normal. Next time I have a cold I will take OTC rather that go to dr.

I started lisinopril 2 weeks ago for hypertension and yesterday developed swelling to my abdomen and left upper leg that it is tight over my knee and difficult to bend. I know it is a side effect to this new med since I usually swell a little on my right knee from overuse after I had a meniscus repair a few years ago and if it was from too much sitting or standing the right knee would have been the first to swell. It is too bad that this side effect developed as the medication really helped my blood pressure initially but now I feel so bloated.

My experience with Lisinopril is similar to many others here. Mine is further complicated by the combination of drugs I am taking.
Due to my BPH I was taking Proscar and Doxazosin (4mg), the Doxazosin helping with hypertension as well (140/90). My doctor decided to add 5mg of Lisinopril to augment and help lower the blood pressure some more. He also liked the overall helpful aspects of the Lisinopril on the cardiological system. After about a week and a half on this regimine I was having dizzy spells and light headedness.....disconcerting when driving. I also had the infamous dry hacking cough noted my almost everyone. I stopped taking the Lisinopril and things went back to normal.
On my next visit to the doctor, he wanted me back on the Lisinopril but trying 2.5mg doses. That seemed to be OK for awhile. I have now added Flomax to my regimine and noticed the same dizziness problem. So I am staggering my pill taking which seems to be helping somewhat.
However, after three weeks on this program, I am having severe dry hacking cough episodes, 5-10 times per day. Also have to be careful when I stand up due to dizziness. Additionally, I am having sporadic insomnia problems that are out of the ordinary for me. Also, runny nose, sneezing and a tightening feeling in the chest and abdomen.....Almost like a mild flu. The tightening feeling is more like a caffeine overdose high...ergo the insomnia.
I attribute the hacking cough to the Lisinopril. The insomnia could be the same or possibly the Flomax. I'm not sure about the tightness. I plan to stop the Flomax next week when I go back to the Urologist and will stop the Lisopril at the same time and see what happens.
I would be interested in any input readers may have on my dilemma.

Several weeks ago my OB/GYN prescribed Lisinopril after another drug didn't achieve desired results. Very soon after I began to take it I developed a persistent dry cough, itchy skin, and sleep problems. I didn't connect these symptoms to the lisinopril but last evening at a dinner date my friend noted my coughing and related that another friend has similar problems and was also taking lisinopril. My husband then searched the internet and found this website. I have now stopped taking it and will see my doctor ASAP to pursue other treatment for my hypertension. After reading many of the postings here, it seems that at the very least, more research and/or testing is in order for this drug. Makes one wonder if there are other covert effects that could cause serious damage.

I am a twenty-nine-year-old man who was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I also have had a diagnosis of hypertension for nearly seven years, but have not been on any medications for the condition in as long. I was prescribed Metformin for the diabetes; Pravastatin to raise my HDL; and Lisinopril for the hypertension. I took myself off the statin after I read all the nasty things it can do to your body long-term a month ago. Since then I have been feeling crappy nearly every day; finding it hard to sleep, and when I do, get restful sleep; and I am overcome with attacks of weakness and fatigue while I am out and about each day. At first, I attributed these symptoms to weakness from the diabetes or withdrawal from the statin, but after reading the posts here I am beginning to wonder if its the Lisinopril instead. I take five mgs a day, and it has helped level out the blood pressure, but I experience palpitations and a higher systolic pressure sometimes. Especially when I don't take the drug at the same time. Any thoughts?

I am a paramedic and run calls of people having these reactions a lot. It worries me that Docs do not discuss these possible reactions with their patients. Lisinopril is a decent drug to treat hypertension in itself. I have had patients who have been on Lisinopril anywhere from a month to several years. Yes, it is true that it can happen without any change in behavior, health or meds. We do treat it as an allergic reaction. We administer Benadryl per protocol but Benadryl really does nothing in these cases. It really is just a matter of managing the patients airway and waiting for the residual Lisinopril filter from the patient's system. Just be aware of this or talkj to your MD about switching to another HBP controller.

I took Lisinopril for 3 months. Symptoms gradually got worse: eyes watered, nose dripped, ears itched, puffiness under eyes, hair loss, tired all the time, body was very tense, night sweats, couldn't sleep well, and started having sharp pains like pin pricks. The doctor said to stop Lisinopril and switch to Cozaar (for Losartan). I didn't want to start another medication until I got this out of my system, so I stopped Lisinopril 4 days ago. My symptoms started to subside in about 3 days, but then I started to get horrible cramps behind my thighs. For 2 days now the pain keeps me awake at night...I can't get comfortable. At 11:00 p.m. tonight I had to take 1 Lisinopril to "wean" off this horrible drug. I don't have hypertension, but was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes--so the medicine is supposed to "protect" my kidneys. Does anyone know whether Cozaar is any better? I hate taking meds!

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

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

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

I have been on 20 mgs Lisinpril for about a year. The most notable side effect I had was ACUTE PANCREATITIS, for which I spent several days in ICU in extreme pain. I only hope nothing permanent was done to my pancreas. Now I only take Atenolnol for my hypertension which seems to do the trick by itself.
Nicole

I have been taking HCTZ for 8 years due to having problems with swelling after having my first child. A good while later, I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension but having irregular heartbeats. My cardiologist added Lisinopril.

I had the same problem with cough and feeling like something was stuck in my throat. I went to an ENT and they could find nothing wrong - but I've been taking major amounts of Musenix for years to help clear my lungs. The feeling that my throat was scratched or something stuck in it have never gone away. Why didn't any of my doctors put two-and-two together???

It just clicked in my head recently that I had also started to have hair loss around that same time I started taking HCTZ. I had a lot of hair so it wasn't that much of a concern for years but is now more of an issue. I spoke to my internist 2 weeks ago and she thought it may be the HCTZ. She said to stop taking it that night. I questioned if I should taper it off and she said no reason to wait. (No mention of the Lisinopril and hair loss).

Two days later, I could hear a crackling sound in my chest/lungs when I opened my mouth. I called the doctor and her assitant said to let me know if it didn't get any better. Two nights later, I was extremely restless and coughing. I couldn't get a breath. Lots of crackling noise - fluid in my lungs. I had to stand up and work hard to get deep breaths - all night. Around 4 am, I decided I better take the HCTZ or I was going to die - so I did and the fluid started to leave my lungs and I was better by noon the following day.

I want to get off both of these medicines asap - I don't want to wind up a bald, dead 41 year old women leaving behind two young children and a husband.

Anyone else have similar issue when stopping HCTZ? What results have you had with resolution to hair loss after getting off the medicine?

Oh, also have had a headache going on 10 days for the first time in my life. I think it was from quitting the HCTZ "Cold Turkey".

I am still experiencing hot flushes even though I am post menopausal. I reckon it could be down to the Lisinopril pills. My dose has been doubled to 20mg from 10mg. Could this be the case? Has anyone else had these symptoms?

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

My heart rate spikes when my blood pressure gets markedly lower. I also get really dizzy when that happens. I know that so many of you are struggling with these side effects and I also know (based on experience) how nerve wracking it can be. Maybe...just maybe we aren't experiencing side effects from the drug exactly, but instead the effect of the drug working. Maybe once our bodies get used to the lowered pressure, our heart rates will normalize. Maybe when we adjust to the lowered pressure a little better, we won't get so dizzy....

Don't mean to sound preachy...I guess I'm just trying to suggest an alternative view...again, one that is based on experience../.

On May 24th, I posted some info. about my trip to the ER and being prescribed Lisinopril. I didn't want to take it because of all of the side effects and I have been on a quest for natural supplements ever since to try to get my bp under control. For those of you that are looking for supplement information, I came across the following links that may be helpful. Hope all of you feel better soon.

Hypertension Supplements-Hypertension Regimen Article:

www.hypertensionsupplements.com

Vitacost Vitamins sells there products at wholesale prices:

www.vitacost.com

Also, I had mentioned "Holistrol" or also known as "HiQi for Blood Pressure." This is another product that sounds promising and I am currently awaiting my shipment to see how this works. I do plan to update how my experience is with the "Holistrol" after a few weeks. I am currently trying the "TwinLab Blood Pressure Success" for the past week, but have yet to see any change in bp. It's probably too soon to see any changes.

I started with 20mg of Lisinopril this winter. Within two months I was coughing. Within a month I was diagnosed with pneumonia. Antibiotics were prescribed and eventually the pneumonia symptoms went away, but I still have the cough. It is dry, deep and constant. I cannot sleep at night. I have a rash along my neck and on my scalp. I can't focus and I've gained weight. Food tastes funny and I have a metallic taste in my mouth sometimes. I have lost so much sleep I can hardly function. The only way I can sleep is to take a Benadryl at night, but that is not good restful sleep. I taking myself off of it starting tomorrow.

I was recently prescribed 10 mg lisinopril for borderline hypertension. the first 2 days I felt better and my blood pressure went from 160/106 to 124/76 in 3 days. But also on day 3, I have developed a hoarseness and I feel extremely tired adn depressed. The calves of my legs feel like they weigh 50 lbs each, they feel heavy. I don't think I will take anymore of it and contact my doctor for a change in medication. I am glad I came across this website.

I'm a 44 year old female, and I have been taking 40mg. of lisinopril for over a year now. I also take omeprazole 20 mg. (a sub for prilosec) every day. Before taking lisinopril, I did have high blood pressure, but since taking this medication, I have had more problems than that. I have an irritating cough all the time and phlegm in my throat so thick that I feel as if I am chocking to death. I also have a severe rash all over my body and on the bottoms of my feet, and on my hands. I am depressed all the time, have no interest in sex whatsoever, and basically feel like crap all the time. I have a very bad pain in the left side of my neck that I know is not a result of sleeping the wrong way. I have to say, I never felt this way before taking this medication, but today I got to the point that I wanted to look up side effects to see if what I'm taking is hurting me. After reading some of these posts, I believe I know what my problem is. My husband was also on lisinopril, but 20mg and had such a terrible cough that we thought he had pneumonia. He is off the medication now, and his cough had disappeared. For me, the rash, and depression is the biggest thing. I have decided to take myself off this medication on my own, and try to find another way to deal with my high blood pressure. If you know of any herbs, and/or foods that help with blood pressure, I would love to hear about them. Thank you all for the information you have posted here. I'm sure it will help others think about what the doctors and pharmaceutical companies are trying to do to us. Seems the more medications they prescribe, the worse side effects we endure. Thanks again everyone!

Hello folks - thought I would post here as well.........I am on 20MG of LISINOPRIL 1 time daily. I notice during regimented times of the day I get the side effects. I take it when I wake up in the morning. I have been on this for about a year now...........it has lowered by HBP from 150's/80's to about 130/80..............regular........I am a 37 year old Male

Problem is the multiple side affects:

1. Tiredness - comes and goes all throughout the day - almost like I could just close my eyes and go to sleep anywhere.........feels like someone threw sand in my eyes.......
2. Shortness of breath
3. Sore Muscles - everywhere - it doesn't discriminate!!!!
4. Pain in the chest mostly the left side but sometimes the right
5. Headache in one spot in the head - doesn't last long
6. Wake up often in the middle of the night with dead hands or legs
7. Sometimes I just have a total memory blank on things I should know right away - usually only occurs when I'm getting tired.
8 Of course the panic from thinking something is wrong with me!!!

Anyone else with these set of symptoms????

Drop me a note!!!!

I am 37. My BP was around 160/95. My Dr put me on Lisinopril 10mg daily. My BP became normal almost immediately. I have been on it for over a year now and here is what I have noticed. I am CONSTANTLY tired and dizzy. Any thought of walking anywhere of any distance is horrifying because of the fear of collapse. I sleep over 10 hrs a night only to wake up exhausted. I am so sick of being tired. I just want to sleep my life away. This is no way to live. I am depressed all of the time. I can't even shop anywhere because of the anxiety which comes with it. i.e. numbness in arms, rapid pulse, faintness, hyper ventalation and just pure panic for no reason whatsoever. I can't control it. When I sleep, my fingers and hands fall completely asleep. They are dead. It wakes me up numerous times every night. I can't get good rest. I stopped taking Lisinopril a week ago. My BP is below normal now. My pulse is around 55 at all times. I have never had joint pain, just extreme fatigue. God willing, I won't have to take this med again, or any med. I forgot how I used to feel. I wasn't always like this.

Right after I started taking Lisinopri in May 2007, I had a major flare-up of my Psoriasis. I have had Psoriasis for over 35 years and it was only in certain areas, now it has completely spread over my entire body. I also have constant ringing in my ears, never thinking it could be related to the Lisinopril. Sometimes it works to lower my blood pressure and other times it seems not to help. Occasionally I experience dizziness. These are all symtoms I never had before, I am not overweight and do not smoke. I had been healthy except for borderline hypertension prior to taking Lisinopril. I am not taking any other medications. My dermatologist is pressuring me to start Raptiva and I have agreed, not realizing that maybe just stopping the Lisinopril might ease the symptoms of my psoriasis. I just started researching Lisinopril in the last few days when someone I work with casually mentioned that there may be a link between Lisinopril and Psoriasis flare-ups.

I am 58 with mild hypertension. Started Lisinopril 10mgs and started to cough and feel like I was getting a cold within 48hours. 4 days later I was in the MD office with what I thought was an Asthma exacerbation. We treated it with Solumedrol dose pack and xeponex nebulizer treatments. Two days later I am in the ER unable to stop coughing. My MD was on call and realized that this was due to the Lisinopril!! This dry hacking cough also sometimes produces some phlegm but I am exhausted. This is miserable. It appears from what I have been reading that Lisinopril has the worst record of the ACE Inhibitors for this cough side effect. I am an RN and had no idea that this could be so bad. No more ACE inhibitors for me...they go on my "allergy" list. There are other allternatives and I think the Calcium Channel Blockers are a better alternative.
Maybe it is time for the FDA to re look at Lisinopril????

I am a 66 year old female with mild hypertension successfully treated with 25 mg HCTZ for over 10 years. In January 2008 I developed sinusitis and ended up in the hospital for a week exceedingly high BP and an electrolyte imbalance. Initially the MD wanted to give me Lisinopril, but I told him that there is a hx of family sensitivity to the drug. Both my mother and brother had developed a severe cough and had to stop Lisinopril. He prescribed something else. It's now 2 months since my acute illness and they can't get my BP under control. I told my MD that I would be willing to try Lisinopril since the cough from my sinus infection is now gone. I didn't want to rule out using it just because of a family hx. Maybe I would react differently? I am already on 2 BP meds and Lisinopril made it #3. I took 2.5 mg Lisinopril and for 3 days felt wonderful. My BP was terrific. I suddenly developed severe acid indigestion which kept me awake all night. The next day I had a dry cough which would make me me gag. Then I developed non-stop belching, nonspecific stomach discomfort, and loose stools. I felt "not quite all there". My BP has been terrific. I just called my MD and she will prescribe something else. I asked her, taking only 2.5 mg, if it's possible to develop side effects in only 3 days and she said yes. Wish me luck as I try my new 3rd BP medicine.

My doctor keeps increasing my dose of lisinopril. It started at 10 mg, then 20mg and now 30 mg.The doctor wanted me to take 40mg , I refused and am thinking about slowly decreasing my dosage with my pill cutter. My blood pressure is high. But when I take it at home, it is lower by 10 to 20 points.
At home 125/80-1 hour before doctor visit
Doctor's office 150/95

59 year old female, overweight.

My nightmare with 40 mg. Lisinopril started 3 months ago with the dry, hacking cough which got bad enough for me to gag & left me short of breath. I stopped this med completely after reading the horror stories here. Had little effect in lowering blood pressure.

I felt achy all over - thought I had the flu or a nagging cold which wouldn't let go, yet no temperature or other symptoms. Been coughing for 3 months. Some numbness in left hand fingers. Very tired all the time with no desire to do anything.

Depression got much worse, I felt like I was dying or had cancer and just felt like I wanted to end it all to get relief.

Had moving chest pains and some pain in left arm. Bad stomach/intestinal pains with bloating, gas & cramps. Some dizziness & light-headed feelings.

Reading the posts on this forum has been a Godsend; I wish I had found it sooner. My mom just got a prescription for Lisinopril; I told her to not take it - it's poison. Referred her to this page. When I read the same symptoms over & over on these pages, this is a red flag. Only wish the doctors would take heed of this - in fact I plan to tell my doctor tomorrow to come here & read these postings - they are an eye opener and could well save others from the horror of Lisinopril.

I'm planning on weaning myself off all prescription meds and start an herbal/alternative lifestyle. I stopped this stuff cold turkey when I read all the posts here & am feeling somewhat better altho I still have the nagging cough. Truth to tell I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Help!! I need some advice. I'm 47 and have been diagnosed with HBP. I'm 6'2", 250 lbs. My Dr. has prescribed Lisinopril, which I'm suppose to pick up today. I've never been on any prescription medicine before. Don't have any known allergies. My BP averages 138/90 in the am and 170/117 in the evening. My fear is once I start taking this medication, am I on it forever? The side-effect described on this board are frightening. Any advice??

After reading the many complaints about the side effects of this drug, I want to know what we can do to get this drug taken off the market. Each time, I've mentioned to my doctor about this medication causing me to be extremely fatigued, she quickly dismissed my complaint. Many doctors are not listening to their patients. I wonder just how many of them are taking this stuff. What is the first legal step toward having this medication properly investigated???

I have been diagnose with hypertension toady. My doctor has prescribed Lisinopril-HCTZ 20/12.5 for me. Has anyone taken this combination before? After reading these posting I will return to my doctor’s office on Monday and see what other medications I can be prescribed for hypertension. I so glad in read this before taking the medication.

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

I am a 47 year old female recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. I started it 10 days ago and after 3 days I started had a tickle in my throat which made me have coughing, hacking and gagging to the point of vomiting. I can't sleep at night and during my work day which is constantly talking to people I have to excuse my self to have my "coughing fit". My head of course is pounding from coughing constantly. I saw the Dr. last week and she thinks I have a virus of some sort. After reading all of these side effects of everyone who has experienced similar symptoms I am 100% sure it is the Lisinopril. If I were truly sick the cough would have gotten better or worse at this point but it has stayed the same. I am so upset all the time about this that my blood pressure has probably increased! The cough has gotten so annoying that I stayed home from work today and I decided to stop the medication. I would almost rather die(drastic!) than deal with this horrible cough!

I've been on Lisinopril for almost 2 months. At first I was so tired that I needed a nap about 4 hours after taking it. The dry cough came and went more like a tickle. Went back to the doctor and complained that the sleep rx she gave me didn't work so she prescribed Trazadone 10mg and my Lisinopril is 20mg daily. I awoke the next day with nausea, diarrhea, headache. Decreased Trazadone to 1/2 or 1/4 but the diarrhea has not quit. I called the clinic and was told to stop the Trazadone(who needs sleep right?) and take 1/2 of Lisinpril daily. The diarrhea and the cough will not go away and the cough will come at any time. I'd rather take my chances with the hypertension than this. I am an obese woman but have lost 30 pounds in the last 5 months, so as I continue to lose hopefully I won't need any meds.

I was prescribed Lisinopril for pre-hypertension at 10 mg a day. I've only taken it for 2 days and have felt so sluggish and tired but revved up on the inside at the same time. Had a headache too last night and blurry vision. It does work in lowering the BP though. Last night I felt as if I couldn't take deep breaths to relax myself and then I started having shaking chills and tingling in the hands and feet. Thought I was having a panic attack so I took my clonazepam. Then I felt like I'd have to throw up or go to the bathroom to get relief. The clonazepam kicked in after about an hour and knocked me out, but I still woke up a few hours later still feeling extremely anxious even though the clonazepam was still in my system (I take it twice a day for panic attacks) along with Lexapro for depression/generalized anxiety. I'm refusing to take any more of this drug. I will lose weight and exercise and eat healthy just to avoid this drug.

Boy! It is funny how all of us posting here have all these side effects and the doctors for the most part say nothing or keep an eye on it. I to have symtoms ranging from bad headaches, the tickle in the throat and cough with it, to lower neck across shoulders the pain is intense. I was started out with a 20mg dose and on july 2007. There are differences with me as i have a hard time now getting to sleep. I toss and turn most of the night. It is now mid september and the doctor has never called to ask how i was doing. My blood pressure has not gone down but up. ranging from 174/110 on sept. 9 to 158/104 on sept16 2007. so i am taking myself off this crap and doing something different if only what are for-fathers did most of the time........they lived with it. Any thing has to be better than this.....thanks for all your help!

Hello. I started taking lisinopril 20 mg about 1.5 months ago because of hbp and I also started taking toprol for rapid heart beat 1/2 a month before that. Although it did lower my hbp it made me feel lousy. I started getting anxiety all the time, aches in my body (stomach etc), nausea, dizziness, spaced out, and numbness in my hands. My father passed away about 2.5 months ago and so I figured that the anxiety was something normal given the circumstances. I thought that the other side effects were part of the anxiety. I felt as thought I was going to go crazy or die. I also started to become a hypocondriac thinking that if I had a pain in my stomach it might be stomach cancer etc. It was not until I found this site that I see that lisinopril and/or the toprol might be the thing that is causing me to feel lousy. I was always healthy and I never had anxiety. I understand that I shoud feel a little anxiety and sadness because of my father, but I don't feel a little anxiety, I get intense panic attacks. I feel as thought I can't get back to normal, I just feel as though I'm not myself. I want to stop this meds as soon as possible before I, too, get worse side effects. Please let me know if you all think that it is the medications or is this just part of the griving process. All I know is that I started taking this pills and all this started to happen.

I'm diabetic, have underactive thryroid, hypertension. On several meds including 20mg Lisinopril. I was put on 40mg twice a day beta-blocker last week after my umpteenth time complaining about exactly the same stuff as I see on this website. Have been in the hospital twice in the past year for these problems (they said I was dehydrated)...wore the heart monitor, all that. Heart is fine they say. Just beats weird now and then. I'm now goung to have to talk to Dr. about this drug. Sounds like it may be my problem. I, too, have wondered, "Am I trying to have a heart attack".