Lisinopril and insomnia

I'm a 65 year old type 2 diabetic with low-functioning thyroid. I was put on lisinopril over a year ago to prevent kidney problems. I have been on 10 mg tablets. Even before I was diagnosed with diabetes I had low blood pressure so that was not a problem.

My main side effects are hair loss, coughing, insomnia and leg cramps, joint pain. I think the lisinopril is pulling nutrients from my body. I told my family doctor about the side effects I had found but he seemed more concerned about the possibility of kidney problems than any of the side effects. I know my hair loss is not age related as both of my parents had full heads of hair when they died and my mother was also a type 2 diabetic.

My blood sugar is under control, tests usually 85-90 twice a day, last A1c was 5.5 which is quite good. I take Byetta and metformin twice a day, levothyroxine, enablex. I recently started taking magnesium as it was besides calcium plus D, a multivitamin all ordered by the doctor. I also take crestor. Feels like all I do is take pills!

My weight is 166 but I'm short, 4' 10", so still heavier than I should be for my height. I try to get exercise but have degenerative arthritis in lower spine. Funny that I developed bursitis in my right hip recently, I just thought the arthritis was spreading. Now I'm not so sure it might not be due to the lisinopril also. I stopped using it yesterday so we'll see how long it takes my body to recover from this drug.

Does anyone have any experience with how long it takes to stop coughing or for the hair to regrow after quitting lisinopril?

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.

Well I'm dealing with all of the above. I went straight to 20mg for a 145/90, I feel like CRAP. Back pain, dry throat, feeling like I must breath deeply, insomnia. Last week the sweaty palms and lack of hunger around noon time started (I talk it with dinner). I like to have a few drinks at night and initially I thought it was alcohol withdrawal, funny it started when I got on the meds. Anyone else with a similar story? I haven't taken it today and we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

I have to agree with the July 11th comments. This medication should not be on the market. I was on Toprol XL for years and experienced side effects from that. Then my doctor recently changed my medication and put me on Lisinopril. Within days I started to experience dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, insomnia, racing heart ( these attacks would last for 30-45 minutes following muscle weakness ), weight gain, and oh my goodness the COUGH. That would start shortly after laying down and I would go on coughing for 2 hours. Between the cough and the insomnia what was the point of sleeping. I have been to the doctor twice complaining of the symptoms and they look at me like I am nuts. The worst part is the racing heart episodes which make me feel like I am having a heart attack. The amazing thing is, after all the tests that have been performed since I started this medication, I am a very healthy person. So why is it the doctors I have seen,who have run all these tests, at the cost of my medical insurance, never thought that maybe it is the side effects of this medication. WHY don't doctors listen more and WHY don't they take the time to inform themselves of these medications before prescribing them. They need to LISTEN more to their patients, after all
we know our bodies better than they do. My blood pressure is 104-63 with a heart rate of 110. I am 53 yrs old and my blood pressure should be between 129-142. Don't you think there should be a red flag some where?
This is where my trust factor is zero. I think the more medication doctors can prescribe the sicker it makes us. I can't speak for all doctors but I have seen 4 doctors and not one of them seemed to be looking out for my best interest. DON'T START THIS MEDICATION. Apparently there have not been enough case studies on Lisinopril. Oh by the way did you know that taking this medication increases your chance of a stroke by 60%. One more side effect. Thank you for this web site.

I have been on lisinopril for over 3 years - 5 mg/day. I am a 52 year old female in great shape and exercise daily. For over a year now I have had muscle aches, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, foggy brain feeling, insomnia, fatigue, some tingling in extremities. I also sometimes get these spells where all these symptoms come on at once. It's very strange. Been to numerous doctors including, PCP, 2 neurologists and a rheumatologist and after many tests they all come up with nothing. After reading posts at this site I think it may be the Lisinopril and with my PCP's permission stopped taking it 11 days ago. My blood pressure is fine - I am monitoring it daily. My symptoms still remain. Does anyone know how long these symptoms may continue? I am grateful for any additional information you could provide.

I was on Lisinopril for 6 years, and feel as if I was robbed of those years of my life. I experienced depression, anxiety, racing heart, body heaviness, abnormal EKG's, chronic hives on hands and feet, extreme hives all over my body off and on, swelling of face, lips, eyes, hands and feet, extreme fatigue, and insomnia. I was sent to cardiologists, allergy specialists, psychiatrists, and then pain specialists when, after 2 years of Lisinopril, I developed extreme lower back pain. None of these doctors ever mentioned that any of these symptoms could be side effects of the Lisinopril. After 6 years, I one day ran out of the Lisinopril and did not have the money for a refill, and after only 3 days without the medication, all of the symptoms stopped, except for the low back pain. I felt like a totally new person, and was able to resume my life once again. Though I still suffer from extreme low back pain, I'd take that any day over all the other debilitating symptoms. I'm still not so sure that the Lisinopril did not induce the problems in my back, which continue even after 3 years off the Lisinopril. (As a side-note, my doctor put me back on the Lisinopril 3 months after I quit it, and within 3 days ALL the symptoms came back. Needless to say, I stopped it immediately.)

Alright here goes. Im 25 y/o male have had high blood pressure since I was about 15. Last week my doctor took me off Norvasc and put me on 20mg Lisinopril. I have been taking this drug for only 4 days and am experiencing extreme fatigue, muscle aches, insomnia. I am so tired but I cant sleep. The pain in my legs is terrible when I lay down. I feel like a zombie. I just called my doctor and am waiting for a response from him. I don't want to believe it is the lisinopril causing this but what else could it be. I feel like i am dying............

I am 38 years old and have been on Lisinopril since Feb17th. I have stopped taking Lisinopril today after insomnia 4 times, dizziness every day, anxiety every day and anxiety attacks often . How long does it take to go away?

I began taking lisinopril 8 years ago(age 26) when diagnosed with aortic insufficiency. I was in excellent health physically and mentally at the time and my heart condition was and still is very minimal. This drug has literally broken down my body and I have developed chronic conditions. The minor side effects were the fatigue, dizziness, and lethargic feeling. As time went on I developed stomach issues, insomnia, skin conditions, memory loss, mood imbalance, and low platelet production. I never questioned or linked any of this with something that was considered by doctors a safe drug. After much confusion and weariness it literally dawned on me! I stopped the drug with agreement from my cardiologist, and for the first time in many, many years I am coming back to life. As the days go by and the aftermath of this drug leave my system for good, I amazed as each of my health problems disappears. I am sleeping the whole night, thinking more lucidly, and enjoying a calm stomach. I take my health seriously and I sincerely advise anyone to avoid the slow death of lisinopril.

I am a 37 year old female who has inherited my hbp. I was taking diazide, which gave me headaches, but now I take the lisinopril. I get the cough, to wear it is gagging sometimes and now I am having the palpitations. How long before you stop taking the medicine does the side effects go away. I don't like this medicine at all. My pressure is down however.......

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.

My husband is 50 and has been on Lisinopril for about 2 years after experiencing a stroke going down the freeway! He has had a few of these symptoms, but most of all we were wondering if anybody has stopped taking it cold turkey? And if so, what side effects did you have. We had a mix up at the pharmacy and he went without it for about 2 weeks and he has had insomnia, nausea, light headedness, he's shaky, palps, etc. All symptoms seem to be intensified. We were thinking tonight that maybe these symptoms were
occurring because he missed 2 weeks of doses with no tapering of the medicine.
What do you all think? Any input would be appreciated. We're at a loss. We haven't called the doctor yet. Like I said.....it just occurred to us.
Thank you,
N.

Lisinopril has ruined my life! I used to feel great. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, so my doctor put me on this poison. I've been on it for about five years, and each year have had different medical problems. My bp was high, but not terribly high before this poison (150 over 95). After going on the poison it went down to 130 over 80. I don't think it's been worth it! I've had a dry cough from hell, anxiety, insomnia, weakness, itchy skin, hives, pain in my abdomen, kidney stones, tired all the time, and worst of all it has affected my complexion, as my face is now red from it dilating the capillaries in my face. Luckily I found this site, and made a choice to get off this poison. I went from 20mg 2 weeks ago to 10 mg, and have been off it for 3 days. My blood pressure is slightly higher 138 over 88, but I don't care. I feel much better!! The last 2 nights I slept like a baby, and now feel like my old self. Before the last 2 nights I have NOT slept an entire night through for FIVE years. My skin is starting to go back to its normal color, and I don't fell so anxious. This medication is poison, but the MDs will tell you how great it is. This medication is the silent killer! Anyways, I'm going to go enjoy my day. Good luck.

Guys,

Thank you for making me feel sane... I started to take Lisinopril about 12 hours ago. I have had a headache for about 10 hours straight. I feel very confused and moody. I can't concentrate. I'm only taking 5mm. I feel very tired

Hi, I have been taking lisinopril 2.5 mg for a little over a year now. I am 20 years old and had high blood pressure for my age so my doctor prescribed me to a low dose (2.5 mg) of lisnopril. I didn't think much of it at first because I figured my doctor had prescribed it and knew what was best for me, so I have been taking it over a year now.
The past couple days, I've started to think more about things and am wondering if the lisinopril has anything to do with it. I have definitely noticed that my hairline is receding faster and my hair, especially in the front of my head, is thinning. I have also gained weight over the past year and cannot seem to get any weight off. I never had these problems of losing hair or gaining weight before I started lisinopril.
My question is could the lisinopril, even with the low dose of 2.5 mg that I'm taking, actually cause these types of things to happen?
If anyone reading this could please reply to me and let me know, I would appreciate it so much because I am really worrying about this. Thanks.

I was prescribed Lisinopril about a little over a year ago and initially I thought things were going great; my blood pressure was down, pains in my arm and neck subsided and my headaches disappeared. After several months of being on lisinopril I began to experience a persistent cough, insomnia, heart palpitations, heaviness on my chest and anxiety. At first I thought it was all in my head and that I was some how causing these symptoms. The panic attacks are the worst side effect ever. It is an extremely terrifying event, at least for me, to have to go through. At first I thought that is was a heart attack or something the doctors were missing but then I realized that is was anxiety. I could not understand why after 27 years of no anxiety that all of the sudden I was having up to four panic attacks a week. The doctors dismissed any claim I had so I decided to research on my own. This is when I found an article stating that certain medications could cause anxiety and this is when I came across this site. I am extremely happy that I was not crazy and that I was not alone. I have been off the lisinopril for about a week now and I feel great. As far as my blood pressure I am going to try treating it with a strict diet and exercise. NO MEDICATIONS. Again, thanks to all those that posted comments here.

I was just started on lisinopril two weeks ago for slightly high B/P, but I was freaked enuf about it to try a drug for the first time. I have had the most overwhelming body aches, especially when first getting up from sleep (and I was having serious insomnia issues as well, which were being tackled too). So, I am finally getting some well-needed rest, but when I get up I feel awful. Creaker than my 100 y/o grandpa! I switched to taking it before bed because I also had what I would describe as "equilibrium" probs; now, I flunked the balance beam in gym, BUT, I am not completely out of it. I am truly wondering if the lisinopril is worth it. I would probably like to take something else, even if I have to pay for it out of pocket (ouch, but worth it to take the best on the market, I think). Any help would be very much appreciated!!!

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

I am a 48-year-old male that is still pretty active playing competitive soccer several times per week. I am in good health except that my BP was considered a little high back four years ago and was originally put on a diuretic which made me cramp up easily on the soccer field. I asked my doctor for something different and was changed over to Atenolol. I have been living with the Atenolol side effects for that time and finally had enough. I had recently moved and changed doctors. Now was a good time to complain about the restless nights that I attribute to Atenolol (insomnia is one side effect). My new doctor knowing that I am an athlete suggested Lisinopril.
Again, my research is after the fact and was really spurred by a trip back home and a chat with my brother who is 49 and was just recently put on Liprinopril too. He described some bazaar conditions that he believed were Lisinopril side effects. When researched, he was right. He experienced the blackness or tunnel vision and the feeling of passing out while at work. He felt that he couldn’t drive as the effects where hampering his ability to do so. He stopped taking the drug and started a regiment of fish oil with his other daily supplements. This was two months ago and he is doing great. He too is still an athlete and runs in Masters Track & Field.
For me, it was a little different. I started Lisinopril on a Friday as my Atenolol had just run out on Thursday. I asked the Pharmacist if there was an issue with starting Lisinopril after stopping Atenolol only one day apart. She said there were no issues. 5 days later, Wednesday, while at work I developed an incredible lower back pain on the left side. I began to have nausea and heavily salivate as if I was going to throw up. I ran to the bathroom where I sat on the toilet for a half hour rubbing my back & hip believing it was some intestinal issue or gas. To no avail… When I felt stabile enough, I left work only to sit in my car wondering if was going to be able to drive and if I could should I drive home or to the hospital. Well, I drove home and went to bed for a couple of hours before I felt well enough to function normally. It’s been two weeks and the dull lower back pain that feels similar to a back strain persists. I’ll be heading back to the doctor with this information and will start the fish oil with my daily supplementation program.
Thanks to this website because I was able to find at least five examples out of about the first twenty postings that matched my suspected side effects.

Hi
My husband has been prescribed 2 different blood pressure meds Lisionpril and metoprolol back in June. Come mid July he started to have trouble sleeping and slight tingling in hands and feet. Then it progressed to the arms and legs and then the face and chest. We have seen cardiologist, neurologist, sleep apnea doctors, Had EKG, MRI, Heart sonograms, Nerve test done due to the symptoms. Everything came back normal. He is miserable. The burning and pain is unbearable to wear he wants to cut his feet off and the only thing we keep hearing is well LETS DO ANOTHER TEST or TRY THIS MED. So now he is taking a a sleep med for insomnia and some seizure med for the nerve pain, thinking he may have neuropathy. This is going on 2 months now of trial and error and after reading 20 minutes of experiences, I THINK ITS THE MED!!!!!!!
What do we do then? He had high blood pressure so what meds are good with no side affects of burning or insomnia? Any suggestions or help would be of great appreciation. Thank you!!!

I took 20 mg of Lisinopril and experienced skin flushing the first day. Mostly on my arms, neck and face. Has anyone else noticed this symptom?

OMG! It's 4:45 a.m. where I live and I just found this site...what a Godsend. I thought I was going crazy! I've had almost all of the symptoms everyone has listed here the worst being insomnia,racing heart rate(at night)and feeling like I can't breathe! WOW! I have been on this med for almost 4 years now(10mg/day,down from 12mg/day with HCTZ)and I think it's time to STOP! I've honestly felt so horrible that dying didn't sound like such a bad idea...hate to say that but it's true. My Doc. does not think that this drug is causing these problems and just wants to give me more drugs! I'm a 36 year old female that used to be the picture of health...not anymore. I'm going to stop this medication a.s.a.p. and would urge others to do the same...the side effects are worse than the so called 'cure!' Please email if you'd like to discuss further. Thanks to everyone! You have saved me!

I started taking Lisinopril and notice that I have been coughing. I cough so much until I have to throw up. I have so much sinus drainage and it is affecting my sleep. As soon as I try sleeping the drainage interfere with my sleep. I have cough so much until it cause me to throw up. I cough, non-stop all during the night, I cough during the day. The Cough is so severe with the drainage until I have to sleep sitting up. I notice I have stomach problem nausea a lot and it is hard to get to sleep insomnia. When I finally sleep it is interrupt from the cough and the drainage. I have so much drainage from my sinus. It is
a lot. I have a lot of red mark over my body; I also had a red rash. I have pain in my joint often.
Since I finally found out the source of the problem, what can I do to get this medication out of my system fast? If anybody have any suggestion so that I can get some relief from the cough and the drainage please advise.

Gloria A

This was my husband's experience, not mine. He started Lisinopril in October of 2007. After one month he started having anxiety/panic attacks, started having trouble concentrating on reading (which he loved), his memory was shot, he didn't sleep well, he lost his sense of humor. After two months, in one week's time, he spiraled into such a deep depression that he ended up taking his own life. I'm convinced it was because of the combination of Lisinopril, diuretic and Statin he was taking. He was a different person after adding Lisinopril and Simvastatin to his diuretic medication.

I started Lisinopril 3 days ago and have already experienced unwanted symptoms. The feeling if increased fatigue is definitely there, a dizzying sensation, sort of like a euphoric high is hanging around. While I don't have insomnia, I have noticed a change in my behavior- my aggression level has decreased dramatically. This might be a good thing, however at the same time, it feels like I'm weighed down, definitely not myself. After reading the horror stories here, I'm probably gonna take myself off it. I'd rather lower my Blood Pressure the natural way than pump more medication into my body...

I have been taking Lisinopril for about a year now. My highest BP reading was 217/174--that was high as some of the nurses in the ER had ever seen! I was one of those that didn't have any HBP symptoms--I was in the ER because I had a crook in my neck that had me incapacitated. I started taking the Lisinopril and my BP is now within normal range (120/70) and hasn't been that low since I was in my teens. I do have the dull headaches, night sweats, stomach pain, trouble sleeping, constipation, and the dry cough but I feel like dealing with those things is worth it since now I don't have to worry about my BP going through the roof and killing me in seconds.

I am a 65 year old man in reasonably good health. I had never experienced BP issues until recently, and when I found it was elevated, went to my internist about 2 months ago for that, and a general wellness assessment. After many tests, he determined that excess weight, and the BP should be addressed, so I was prescribed a fluid pill Chlorothalidone 25 mg and lisinopril 10 mg. After a week or so, I noticed a marked effect regarding the taste of food. Things I always ate ceased to appeal to me. Otherwise, I was feeling decent. About 3 weeks ago, I went back in for a checkup, and my BP was not responding to suit him, so he increased the lisinopril dosage to 20mg per day. Within 2 days or so, I began having trouble sleeping, tossing and turning, and having spazzed out dreams to the point of halucinations, and was up and down all hours of the night. More significantly, it felt like my guts were being blasted by a flame thrower, or for a better description, a leprechaun slinging a chain mace around in my insides 24/7. During this process, I have experienced momentary vertigo, and have lost what I feel is 75 percent of my energy. I am not a couch potato, and work 5 days a week. I am sluggish in the morning, and by 1 or 2 in the afternoon, could lay down on my office floor and go sound to sleep. I now have chills and flu-like symptoms off and on throughout the day. I have taken every conceivable antacid, pepto, milk of magnesia(which oddly seems to help) where nothing else does. The bottom line for me is that I feel this drug has transposed a fairly healthy person into a virtual zombie within about 6 weeks. My wife found this site on the internet, and after reading these responses of so many of you, having absorbed your comments, with the exception of the cough and shortness of breath, I am suffering identical effects. I will not be taking this medication again, and also will not take a brush-off from my physician. I have determined, because of these increasingly debilitating side effects, it would be far better to live with high BP or switch to another medication, and and at least drop dead in peace and comfort in a relatively high degree of normalcy, rather that what I have been going through. It has been rather easy for me to be able to tie my symptoms to this medication, given the information I now have on it, because in all my life, I have never experienced what has been happening to me in the last 5 or 6 weeks, described best in my mind as having constant influenza. I have taken my last lisinopril, and will see the internist next week in this regard.

i have high BP and was on a med that worked well but was rather expensive, so i asked my Doc if we could try something more affordable. he put me on Lisinopril and within a few days of starting this med i had headaches, coughing, upset stomach and dizzyness. i assumed this would be temporary as per getting used to the new med, but it only got worse... and by 2 months later i was also having shortness of breath, constant fatigue and trouble sleeping. i looked up Lisinopril side effects online and called my Doc to say that i was having many problems with this med, he assured me it was not the Lisinopril and to keep taking it. on Sept 28th 2007, i went in to see the Doc and my BP was still a bit high so he doubled the dosage of Lisinopril. 2 days after i started the new dosage i had such serious breathing problems i was literally gasping for air and had to go to Emergicare, my BP had come down and the Doc at Emergicare said the breathing problems were just seasonal allergies and prescribed some Prednisone which he said would help. he also said i might want to come in for some Nebulizer treatments. i continued to take the double dosage of Lisinopril and was so sick every day that i no longer even cared what happened to me. i had a constant pounding headache, chills/body aches, blurred vision, nausea, weakness, coughing, fuzzy confused feeling, and i felt totally exhausted...breathing was still difficult and at night just rolling over in bed caused me to gasp for air. well 2 days ago i could not take it anymore and called my Doctors office to firmly explain that the med was making me VERY ill, they said they would get a message to my Doc right away and in like 5 minutes they called back and said STOP this med immediately!! well it's been 48 hours now since the last dose of Lisinopril and i feel much better already. i still have a headache but the other problems are fading down to very mild. i can even breath again YAY....i only hope that in a few more days i will feel normal again. to ANYONE reading this dont take this med, it will make you very, very sick!! and for those of you who actually are on this stuff please pay attention to how you are feeling and tell your Doctor right away, dont ignore the side effects.. make your Doctor listen and tell him how you feel even if it seems like mild issues bcause it will get worse!! good luck and peace to all.. :)

I found this site by searching for numbness, tingling and bruising. I am having these symptoms in my leg and thought it could possibly be a side effect of the lisinopril that I've been taking since February. The relief is that I'm finding other side effects that I've had that I thought were just part of my growing older. As it turns out... looks like they are side effects. I think just because they didn't appear right away, I was thinking they must be from something else. I do have the funny cough, skin itchies, and fatigue. I've also started having insomnia which has just stunned me because I've never had that before. I just never know from one night to the next if I'm going to sleep through or wake up for hours at a time. Thanks everyone for posting your experience. I guess I'd better do something to change this medication.

I have been taking Lisinopril for about 13 months. For about 13 months I have been coughing; gagging, choking coughing. Even vomited at times. I have been seeing doctors for over a year trying to get rid of this cough. I have had numerous tests, taking numerous medications trying to make this better. Two days ago an allergist told me about the side effects of this horrible drug. No other doctor has ever mentioned this. I also have trouble sleeping, waking up hourly or more coughing. I have also been sleeping a lot during the day which I attributed to depression before this. I can't believe I have gone this long without knowing. I immediately stopped taking this drug and have contacted my doctor for an alternative. I am hoping and praying that the coughing and other side effects will go away soon. This drug should be posted with large warnings when prescribed.

I was prescribed Lisinopril 2 weeks ago (BP was 96 on the bottom). I am 32 years old. I have been sick since the second day with headaches, I am dizzy, I have been having the cold sweats (from my neck up, sounds odd, I know), insomnia, fatigue, horrible leg cramps, my neck hurts terribly on the left (it radiates a quarter way down my shoulder), itching (neck and upper back). I now have developed a fever, if it does not get better by the morning I am going to the ER (ironic because I have a Dr's appointment at 2pm 9/12/2007). I am having a hard time. I am not overweight (size 5 and 5ft9 inches tall), I eat plenty of fruits and veggies and drink more water than the law will allow, hardly any fried foods, red meat or pork are no no's. Something is wrong with this medication and if I find out it has caused me any issues, I will call a lawyer. I fell so sick and tired.

michele

I was prescribed 10mg/day for 140/80 BP. Started with 5mg/day. Almost immediatley had less energy and trouble sleeping. After 1 week terrible nightmares and no sex drive. After 2 weeks (still on 5mg/d) had a flare-up of Crohns. Stopped the lisinopril for a month while taking prednisone for the Crohns. Then restarted the lisinopril and the same thing happened. These are the only two flare-ups I have had this year! No more lisinopril for me. This drug is worse than the illness it is supposed to correct.

My husband took lisinopril for only two days and had to stop. His side effect symptons included headache, muscle and joint aches, fatique, insomnia, fever and chills, loss of appetite, and THE cough. All of these symptons were severe! It has been two days since he stopped taking lisinopril and he is still flat on his back. I am really amazed that this med ever passed FDA approval, and why any doctor would even prescribe it. I wonder if the docs prescribe it because you can get it at Wal-Mart and a local grocery store pharmacy for only $4.00 per month. Makes me think that the manufacture is trying to push this drug inspite of the horrible side effects by dropping the price, which the insurance companies really love.

I've been on Lisinipril for 4 months now, only 5 mg, but my bp has got worse. Also I wake in the night feeling panicked and heart racing and I can hear a sound like a wasps nest in the ceiling (its there in hotels as well as in my own bedroom). I don't know whether to blame the pills.

Had to stop the drug after 5 days. It was making me feel so incredibly bad and sure I was getting ready to check out. I did not have the cough, but did have the insomnia, muscle ache and cramps, made my lightheadedness which is bad really, really bad. I was getting abd cramps and the eyesight was getting strained. AND, the BP really did not improve. I stopped it, and the PVC's I have were so persistent and unpleasant I did return to my 25mg of toporol XL which I would prefer not to be on. But, I have to be able to function at some basic level. UGH. Liam

I have been taking Lisinopril for nearly a year and have experienced nearly all the bad side effects I have read about. I have had severe cough that does not respond to cough medications, copious amounts of clear slimy mucous that chokes me frequently. I even choke frequently when I am trying to speak because of the secretions. I have had severe bronchitis 4 times in 6 months. I am tired all the time and my anxiety is much worse. I now have insomnia which I've never had before. During one of the bronchitis rounds I had to take a very strong anitbiotic because it was trying to turn to pneumonia. The antibiotic made me very nauseated so I couldn't take my other meds. After two weeks without the Lisinopril, my symptoms cleared up completely. I resumed the lisinopril when I finished the antibiotic and all of my symptoms returned.

I am a 39 yr old man who is physically active. I was put on lisinopril 10mg, 2 months ago. Ive been coughing bad ever since. living on cough drops and cough medicine at night. NO HELP! Found this web site because lack of sex drive since I started using this drug, I was also on flexeril for an old back injury that came back around do to physical life style and hard work. I checked side effects on both meds and found out both had an influence on lack of sex drive and ED. After reading many comments about lisinopril, I also have back cramps, numbness in stomach and weakness in legs. Also realized I've been gaining weight like crazy. Also due to cough I alot of trouble sleeping. THIS DRUG IS A NIGHTMARE

I have been on Lisinopril/HCTZ 20mg for about a month. I have severe fatigue, trouble sleeping, cough, sneeze and have a hideous rash on both arms that itches and is spreading to my back and shoulders. Saw my MD yesterday and he thinks I might be alergic to HCTZ (tried to tell him I was on that for 6 years --no rash -- no side effects) he has now prescribed Linisopril with nothing added. If this has not cleared in one week I'm going off the Lisinopril. I'm wondering what this drug is dooing to my vital organs. Do you think the reaction is confined to just the outside of the body?? I don't.
Luckylady1

I am glad I saw this website and the stories of everyone. I am 26 years old and over weight I just recently this year started having elevated BP. I was put on Spironolactone but I want to have a child and it affects male fetuses so my husband wanted me to stop. I have been on Lisinopril for about 3 weeks now and I have the dry cough with phlem and the insomnia, I also experienced really bad skin itching but I am not sure if that is associated with Lisinopril or not. Im getting on the phone with my doctor tomorrow because I can't take this cough and I am exhausted! Im Done with Lisinopril

I have been on lisinopril for 1 year and for one year I have had a dry choking cough and have had what I describe as sever insomnia. Needless to say, I have been put on an antidepressant and ambien cr to help me make it through my days without high panic and then ambien because the insomnia has lasted for more than 3 months (tylenol, lunesta, atarax, plus about 2 others have been tried with no success).
I happened to be in my meditation to help me get thru my work day (frequent breaks or become visibly panicked). The ambien does not keep me asleep and with suspicion I am doing this keyword search and landed here. I will go back to my doctor to talk about switching and the connectedness of my symptoms. He has not listened in the past, but I hope he will or I will find a new primary. I am so very misarable without sleeping a full night and always feeling like I'm in someone else's body. I lost 42 pounds 2.5 years ago and have been told that my sleeplessness is a result of weight loss and need for less sleep. Sleep study found no apnea, etc.
I've had days where I just wanted to drive off the bridge from this disconnected and out of control feeling.
Thanks for all who contribute to this site. Otherwise I would still feel like the only one with this issue. I now have a little hope.

I've been on Lisinopril for a year. I was changed over to the generic brand just 3 months ago and am having more & more trouble. Sleeplessness is a growing problem.....just can't go to sleep and then can't stay asleep for more than 3 hrs. at a time. I've also experienced trouble with bounding heart rate. This will come on whenever it wants to. I have had a dull headache for at least 3 weeks and a great deal of pain & stiffness in the neck/shoulders area. The latest problem that I have started to experience is unstable vision. It is like looking through heat waves. This causes dizziness too. I have been listening to my heart beat rather loudly for some time now. I do have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and have multiple joint pain. I thought I was falling apart, but because of this site I find it can all be due to taking 10 mg. po qd @ hs. I just stopped taking it last night. I need my vision. I need my health. Thanks!

I have taken Lisinopril for a long time. Not sure when it came into the market, but seems like I been on them a few years. I been taking blood pressure meds for about 10 years. I am 53. Not sure when I was switched to Lisinopril. I have fought most the symptons that are on this website. I have never connected it with Lisino and neither have my doctors, even at Mayo Clinic. I always check out healthy as a horse, except, they write this off to having Fibromyalgia. I have had long periods of time when I did feel I could "catch my breath" It's like the feeling of holding your breath in, till you need to really breath badly. So you breath, and that feeling seems to stay to a large degree. Extreme Fatigue, walking 100 feet and back sometimes. Dry cough or clearing Phlem all the time. Dizzy for like, 3 years now, weakness in legs, pain in legs even in the morning. They carry a burning with them like if you were working out, but it burns like that if you just walk a short distance. Bad insomnia, so freaking tired, but the sleep button just doesnt kick in. Sometimes totally exacerbating as far as the fatigue is concerned. Do not know if its connected, but can tolerate the soap isle in the grocery store, I can just feel it suck any energy out of me. Hot flashes, ear aches..not infections, they just seemed to stay slightly inflammed. Lots of stiffness in neck and shoulders, and lots of just skin pain, across my back. So for years I have been fighting this fatigue and pain and we will see if it's connected to Lisino or not. Let me add also, when the fatigue is greater so is the brain fog and/or lethergy. Lots of headaches. I was feeling so weak not long ago, I thought it might be MS. But Dr. Said MS is not painful, and my legs, especially thighs, and hip joints hurt a lot. If this is caused by taking Lisino, I would have to say, I am about 10% of the man I used to me, Physically. Might as well throw a sexual activity report in here. All the plumbing works fine, it just the concern if that's where I want the energy to go for the rest of the day. Sometimes and physical excertion, the best way to describe it, it like an exahusting "flare", It will kick your butt and put in bed. Like, hmmm, think I will move the couch over there...bammm. Okay, I am done. I just wanted to be a bit detailed, it might help others out. If it is Lisino, I am sure it will take several weeks for me to get it off and out of my system, but I will write back. I hope this may help someone else out there.
:)

I just found this site. Whew, I am not going crazy! I began taking 5 mg. of Lisinopril a couple of years ago and it didn't seem to help my borderline blood pressure. We moved to another state and the the new Dr. upped it to 10 mg. I have been on this for a few months and have experienced several of the symptoms others have shared. My coughing, especially at night, can be horrific. Since I have allergies, I thought it was associated with them, however, I never had coughing spells like these, until Lisinopril. Other symptoms included heart burn and dull headaches. The most significant problems I have had are sleeplessness, a few anxiety attacks at night, diarrhea and serious dizziness. I have gained weight and my Dr. wants me to lose 15 pounds. But no matter what I do I can't seem to shed the unwanted pounds.

I spoke to my previous Dr. who told me to take Imodium for the diarrhea (common complaint in people over 50) and didn't seem too concerned about the sleeplessness. The dizziness has begun since being on 10 mg. and has been progressively worse. Maybe I should also go off the Lisinopril. Now there are concerns about diabetes-none in immediate family that I know of.

Been taking Lisinopril for 2 weeks, 10mg/day, for high BP. First side effect, which has now disappeared, was watery flatulence (don't know how else to describe it). That was followed by insomnia, leading to two sleepless nights in succession, now. (Funny--or not--but I experienced identical reactions to Toprol XL, a beta-blocker I tried for several weeks, previous to the Lisinopril.)

I am male age 56, I take 30mg. of lisinopril daily. for 2years.
I cannot get my BP below 140/90. I have reduced energy,
feel more depressed, trouble sleeping, dry cough.
Finally went to Dr. and demanded he take me off Lisinopril.
Am now on Avapro 300mg. Been only few days waiting to see if any difference in how I feel.

I started to take lisonopril six weeks ago after my surgery. When I ask my pharmacist about the side effects he tells me to ask my doctor. When I ask my doctor he tells me to ask my pharmacists. I think that especially doctors do not know about all the side effects because they do not have the time to read them all. The FDA approved so it must be good. How can I convince my doctor that the Lisonopril cause extreme tiredness, lack of energy, stomach pain, heart burn, weak and painful legs, insomnia, and some of the other simptoms that most of the takers on your website have? Since I am taking it in six weeks I lost 26 pounds that I can not afford, being an underweight person, and regardless what I do I can not gain an ounce back. Could somebody have a suggestion.

I was driving in rush hour traffic and I suddenly felt like I had pressure on my chest, the inability to take in enough air; was nauseated and going to faint. I was so frightened, I called a friend to tell her where I was because I litterally thought I was having a heart attack. She stayed on the phone with me and I kept driving, but the symtoms got worse and worse...I stopped by the road and called my son to come and get me. I was so dizzy that I couldn't even stabilize my vision.

He came and took me to urgent care...they checked me out and gave me an EKG...it came out fine.

The feeling subsided later in the evening and the next day it started again; only worse. All I got from the doctor was a $200 bill (I have no insurance.)

The dizziness is strong ans scary...the nausea is dibilitating; the dry cough, at night while lying down, especially is irritating and the sleeplessness is really getting to me.

I scanned the internet for answers and all I found was that panic anxiety disorder had the same sort of symptoms, but I couldn't imagine that would creep up on me so fast and every day??

Today, I feel the nauseating feeling again...the slight headache and I have had cramps on my feet for about 3 weeks now...amd the dizziness is so scary, especially when you have to drive 30 miles to work...

Today it hit me; LISINOPRIL...I took it about a year ago and felt the same way and guess what I starting taking again just over 3 weeks ago for my blood pressure? Yep...

I am NOT taking another pill...I am on hydrochorothiazide and I will have to find another way to control my blood pressure that rest of the way...diet ans exercise to start.

Thank you all so much for your testimonials, because you just made my life a lot brighter....and I think we should turn an attorney on to this site...we have been in a living hell because the makers refuse to believe us!

I am on my 3rd day with lisinopril and I have sharp, acute gas pain that is keeping me awake. It is 12:39 am and I cannot sleep as the pain keeps waking me up. The first two days it was just loose bowels and horrendous, smelly gas and now this. I have a slight cough, but nothing annoying. Is there something else out there for hypertension that is not so hard on the system?

I have been taking lisinopril for several months and I, too, have had the itchy throat with uncontrollable coughing. It seems worse when I lay down to go to sleep. I also have sleeplessness and don't know if this is from lisinopril or other medication that I am taking. In addition I have almost daily diarrhea. Sometimes the cure is worse than the symptoms.
My husband just started taking lisinopril and he is coughing and aching all over.

I've been taking lisinopril since 10/05/05.
My side effects are as follows......severe migraines......fevers......extreme fatigue.......blurred vision.......diarrhea.......an annoying cough that lasts all day......insomnia at night....sweating