Lisinopril and legs

My Update . . It is hard to imagine my body was able to tolerate Lisinopril for eight years! But when I was overcome I really thought I was going to die. I have been 'clean' for one month. 80% of the severe, weeping rash which I have suffered with for over 9 months is gone from my arms, hands, back, and legs. At first it was very discouraging, After stopping the drug my condition would get better one day then worse the next two days, then better, then worse. Now my fingers are completely healed and the lower back pain I have had for years, with no help from chiropractic adjustment is not only gone, but completely gone! Doctors are in denial. The only way I discovered the Lisinopril link was from this web site for which I am very grateful.

What haunts me is the thought of how many older individuals who may be suffering from Lisinopril and are not aware of how to be helped. Many of the contributors to this site seem to be young and computer/internet aware and are more capable to research a problem.

This drug needs to be investigated and featured on a news show like 20/20 or a Sunday morning program where hopefully many older individuals can be made aware of the dangers of Lisinopril.

okay people...I have been on Lisinopril for 5 years now with every side effect
you can think of...rashes, lethargic, severe depression, weight gain, pain in legs, back, arms, neck.
I am also a diabetic w/ nephritis (protein in kidneys)
I used to take cozaar, but insurance doesn't pay for that so now I take 20 mg lisinopril.
I am going to ask my doctor to chg my meds...this is ridiculous.

About 8 years ago I was prescribed Zestril by a private physician, after joining Kaiser 6 years ago I was switched to Lisinopril. 20mg/day. I had no problems until about 9 months ago when I suddenly had a SEVERE rash on my arms, back, and legs. After 3 physicians and an ER visit no one could identify the rash and no one asked about BP medications. I changed soaps, foods, clothing, and took lots of Benadryl. No improvement.

I never considered the Lisinopril because I had been taking it for so long.

My last physician was a very knowledgeable female doctor who confirmed that even after years of Lisinopril the side effects can suddenly appear.

It has been two weeks since stopping the drug and my condition has slightly improved but still very bad. Doctor says it could take weeks, months, or longer for symptons to leave.

My biggest complaint is that no previous physician including the ER never inquired about BP meds or Lisinopril. Incompetent at the least, bordering on malpractice.

Has anyone has similar symptons after a long use of Lisinopril?

I have been on Lisinopril for 6 days...taking 20mg along with norvasc 5mg. I don't have headaches usually and the last two days I have had sharp and very painful headaches, my throat started hurting yesterday and I had cramps in my abdomen, sides and legs so severe that I cried last night and I could not sleep. I am glad that I found this website. Besides all that, if I walk more than a few steps I feel as if I have to lie down and my heartbeat is very high. It is not the Norvasc 5mg....I have taken it for 3 years or so.

Calling my doctor and changing meds....it did reduce the BP, but I can't put up with this pain.

I am a type 1 diabetic and was put on the Lisinopril over a year and a half ago, maybe 2 years. I have my hair coming out when I shampoo and the red patchy skin on my lower legs which is dry making it embarrassing to wear shorts or capris. It makes me feel ashamed. I have laid off both the Lisinopril and HCTZ for a few days now. I got blurry vision, and I think it has made me gain weight. I get the swelling of the angles by this or both meds. Before taking these, I didn't have the swelling. I liked reading through the replys here on this medicine or both. I tried to identify some replies with myself and what I am experiencing. I want to get off this crap and take something else if at all "Alternative" at best. I did take atenylol (sp)? before. If anyone wants to contact me, they can e-mail me at ****** because, I would like to see what others are doing differently now to take care of the situation I am going through.

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

Oh my I am not alone.. I have tiredness muscle pain and am losing my hair.. has anyone else experienced this side effect.. I am only on this medication and I know it has to be the medication causing the hair loss.. Dr. says none has been reported but yet here I am.. I have a red bumpy like rash on the upper part of my legs that will not go away.. I am so glad for this site.. am calling doctor tomorrow --off this stuff now!

I have been on 10 mg Lisinopril for 5 weeks. I wake up in the morning with tight joints and sore muscles. My heart races. I feel light headed at times. I have asthma and worst symptom is it is causing me to stay up all night because I suffocate and cough badly if I lie down. I can hear myself wheeze during the day and night and feel like there is fluid around my heart or lungs. My hands and legs feel swollen. My stomach feels raw and I have no desire to eat red meat it just doesn't taste the same. My taste buds have totally changed as any food or drinks doesn't tastes "good" anymore. I'm also on Lopressor for HTN. I am going to stop taking the Lisinopril as I can not deal with the suffocating and wheezing. I get that more than the "cough" the doctor warned me about.

oh yea...i forgot to mention dry eyes and a hacking cough that was severe but has since gone away, really bad pain in legs, elbows and joints and toes that feel broken to the point that i recently had to get on pain meds, over counter meds didn't do the job. the more i read about lisinopril the more i'm convinced to start a half dose tonight. i'm going to experiment by tapering myself off and if i live through it i'll let you all know if the side effects leave.

My husband started on Lisinopril - 6/11/08. He also takes Coreg generic. He also takes Crestor. However, before taking Lisinopril, he had a persistent cough dating back to March. He was placed in prednisone for five days - 6/14/08. He has had chest pain, numbing of different sections of his legs, arm numbness. But, today, he threatened to attack me with a remote control and wished a tv to fall on my head.
This is psychotic behavior. Has anyone else experienced violent eposides and incoherant moments?

About 1 1/2 years ago my allergist recommended I switch BPM from Lisinopril to Atacand because of congestion problems associated with Lisinopril. I made the switch and had no problems with Atacand other than my co-pay was considerably higher. Because of this I asked my family practice MD to switch me back to Lisinopril because I remembered it worked okay. However this time - a couple of days after the first dose of Lisinopril I developed flu-like symptoms (aching, congestion, fatigue). I thought I was coming down with the flu AGAIN. After about three days I started having chest pain, a headache that wouldn't go away, blurred vision, dizziness, shortness of breath, very shaky, weakness, couldn't sleep. I thought I was on the verge of a heart attack at times. The fatigue and weakness worsened. I often felt that I couldn't get off the couch or out of bed. My legs felt like weights. It wasn't until I checked out the side effects on this website and read the comments of other users of the drug that I realized what was most likely happening. Needless to say, I called my doctor and asked to be switched back to Atacand. I'm more than willing to pay the extra $'s to feel better.

My father stared on lisinopril on Friday, on Monday his tongue swelled so badly that he lost his airway and by Tuesday he was legally brain dead from lack of oxygen secondary to tongue swelling. Thanks lisinopril for taking my dad.

I became very dizzy and my legs started cramping and tingling.I got to where I could not keep my balance while walking.As I was walking I would miss a step,as my left leg would catch,uncontrollably.This was all within one week of taking them.I called my doctor and I was told to stop the medicine and monitor my blood pressure x one week and call them with results.This is my first day without Lisinopril and I am still wabbling and some dizzy,but better than yesterday!

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

After 25 days on 10 mg/day Lisinopril the following symptoms: extreme dizziness all day, hypotension so bad can't even get out of car seat without almost fainting, night time dry cough (tickle type), unusual muscle tiredness in legs and back (I bike 10 mi/day, 5 days/week for years) and now a rash on both forearms!! Doctor took me off the drug yesterday and prescribed Diovan 80mg/12.5 to begin next week. Wants all Lisinopril out of my system. The most disturbing side effect was Confusion. Even had dreams relevant to the effect on my thinking skills. I imagined this must be what it's like for a person when they realize they have Alzheimer's. Two days off Lisinopril, a little hypotension, dizziness gone, confusion gone, but rash remains and is worsening. All of the above discussed with doctor. He moved me to his own choice for his high BP...Diovan. We'll see

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 have experienced many of the same side effects as you. Late 20's male..blood pressure has been mildly high for many years, was put on 10mg of lisinopril about a month ago- as many have mentioned the first 2 days my BP dropped considerably and I could hardly stand up without feeling like I would fall over due to the drop in BP. However, after 2-3 days this was gone and my BP stabilized in the 120-80 range. For 2 weeks I was great, no side effects. Then for the past week I have been very tired, very nauseas and noticed my arms/legs would fall asleep much more easily than before. All of these seem to be common side effects as you have all mentioned, however:
1) Not many of you mention nausea - I feel it 60% of the day, is this common also?
2) What do the doctor's then prescribe to make it go away - I cant live like this - cant concentrate at work due to tiredness and nausea
3) I go to doctor in a few days for my check-up, any suggestions on what to say?

I'm 23 and i've been taking 20 mg a day of lisinopril for a month now. before that i was on 10 mg of altace and had no side effects at all. since taking the lisinopril i've noticed my legs feeling no cramped but like that half asleep feeling at night. also my sex drive has decreased dramatically and i've found it difficult to get an erection. if anyone has had the same problems please let me know. any information would be very appreciated.

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!!!!

After I had a heart attack 3 years ago I had stents inserted I was put on Atenol, butemide, lisinopril, amoplodine, spirolactate and metroformin for my diabetes. Since taking these tablets I have suffered from some horrible side effects my weight has increased I cannot stand for long I get so out of breath I can only walk about 8 steps before I feel like I am going to colapse and my breathing gets really bad. I also suffer now from Lymphodema which is caused by excess water being made by the tablets lisinopril and the amoplodine my legs from the knees down to my toes are so swollen even though I take water tablets my legs feel like leads weights I have now become virtually house bound because I can hardly walk to get out of my house II get so out of breath now. I also cough up a lot of mucus all night which is clear and frofey my GP asked if I had ever suffered from asthma I said I have never had asthma in my life before, christmas I felt so bad my husband called a local GP in and he said that I had fluid on my lungs and an Xray revealed that I had fluid around my heart also I am convinced that these tablets were the cause of this I have to sleep sitting up I can't lay down now. I saw my GP and told her that I had read about the side effects of these drugs on the internet and I was sure these were causing my condition I asked if I could come off lisinopril, amoplodine and spirolactate and since I have come off these tablets although all my symptons have not completely disappeared yet I do feel a lot better this was five weeks ago that I stopped taking them. I asked my GP if there were any other tablets that I could take that were more suitable. I have suffered pain in my back in the kidney area as well and my potassium levels were very high. I have had diabetes for 52 years and my old GP told me that I would not live to see 40 years, the way that I was feeling I thought my god my times up.

I have a boyfriend who was diagnosed with high blood pressure yesterday March 25th. Prior to this about 3 years ago had a stroke, and a second small one. The doctor prescribed Lisinopril, after the first dose taken, he seems totally different. Seems to have a lack of attention on anything, a non caring attitude, very tired and starting to get the cough that is described in these side effects. I'm concerned about him. I'm worried about his high blood pressure that could result in another possible stroke but now I'm concerned he seems totally out of it while on this drug. Are there any other blood pressure meds that seem to get less side effects. The drug may resolve one thing but may cause many other things to go wrong. I don't know which is better for him. Taking this particular drug because it is cheaper to prevent the problem of high blood pressure, and possibly have something else go wrong with all the side effects. Or, stop the drug and find another with less side effects. What is the best solution. All drugs have side effects. When one thing is trying to be cured, the side effects could cause something else to go wrong. How does anyone know what is right.

I am 51 year old female. I have been having similar side effects that everyone is posting. The cough just started. And I am having cramps in my legs and back that I never had before. I also have been a little depressed. I just stopped taking the medicine yesterday. I am at a place called Optimal Health Institute. They put you on raw veggies and juice and fruits and nothing else for a week to 3 weeks or as long as you would like to be here. Also mild exercises to help you cleanse and you juice wheat grass 2 times a day. I decided to go off my meds yesterday (been taking 10mg for about 4 months) and my blood pressure reading just registered 119/78. It has been running 135/85 with medicine average. I just started but after reading all of these posts and my own side effects, I am definitely going off this junk. I hope this cleansing works. I am going to be here for 2 weeks.

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.

I am a 39 yr old male and have been on Lisinopril 20mg daily for approximately 6 months. I found this site looking for possibly explanations for my symptoms because I feel so lousy. I have always been extremely healthy, physically and mentally fit however HBP runs in my family. I am 6', 160lbs and on no other medications. After what I have read on this site tonight, I am extremely anxious to get off of this drug.

My symptoms include: Difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, anxiety, irregular heart beat and occasional high BP with pounding in my heart. My legs become numb pretty frequently (mostly in the AM) and I have difficulty walking. I am extremely dizzy which has caused me to stop working out at the gym which I believe has in turn lead to mood swings and loss of patience. I become confused and find normal tasks difficult. I, like many others experience an odd sensation that I am going to die. I have never been depressed and have never had any of the above symptoms in my life. Lisinopril is extremely effective in lowering BP but I am barely functional at this point and after what I have read, will be making a change immediately. I want to try to get back to exercising and will try to control my BP with diet, exercise, herbs and will do that while constantly monitoring my BP.

I honestly thought I had cancer or MS but I identify with much of what everyone else has said on this site and I am now convinced it is all due to Lisinopril.

Thank God for this site!!!

Since starting this drug last April, I've gained 15 lbs. I know some of the blame is my own so I've changed my diet and am exercising again, but I can't lose any weight. None. I have the dry cough, my legs ache, especially when I'm trying to sleep and I make a lot more trips to the bathroom. I never had trouble losing weight before this (if I did the right things), but it seems the harder I try, the higher the scale goes.

I have been on this for only 5 days- I also have the achy feelings in neck muscles and legs but I think it is mostly making feel depressed. I have never been diagnosed with depression - but I am having a hard time getting through a day. Do other people feel depressed on this drug?

Dry, hacking cough, leg and arm pain, loss of concentration, fatigue, worry about family members, strange dreams, headaches, stomach pain, chest pain, anxiety, malaise, pain in legs is becoming severe.

I was wondering if any of you are experiencing tingling in your hands and feet, which increases during sleep. I have been on this medication for two months and have just started noticing this sensation.

5 years ago started Lisinopril; woke up with burning feet sensation; spasticity began; legs progressively became stiffer; hyper reflexes; loss of balance; falling; arms are spastic--stopped taking it 3 months ago--not getting worst but symptoms are the same.

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

Approximateley 1 year ago, I went to the emergency room and was treated with lisinopril for hbp. The following day I woke up with a terrefic migraine and cramping in both legs. I learned via internet that it contains the venom of a Brazilian Piper snake. Now, one year later, I am still having the cramps. Patients should be told what is in the products that we are being given. I only had two pills but it has changed my life. I am still suffering with leg cramps. They are poisoning all of us.

Everyone is saying how they have or will get off lisinopril. This is a dangerous approach unless your doctor approves. What other BP drugs are considered safe with minimal side effects? After 3 days of lisinopril usage, I woke up this morning feeling very hyper inside. No outward shakes or anything like that. I NEED to take BP medicine so what are the alternatives? I'm 64, not overweight. Diuretics kept my BP in the normal range but the side effects of HCTZ kept getting worse until I had to change medication. If lisinopril is so bad why do so many doctors prescribe it?

Have been suffering from bad muscle cramps in the back of my calves, Cardiologist trying to find out why. I believe it is from the Lisinopril (40 mg a day). He has taken me off of Vytorin, that hasn't helped. pharmacist believes it is from the Lisinopril, my primary doctor doesn't think so but I am glad that I have my Cardio b/c he will try anything and believes in side affects that meds can cause, since reading all the other posts I can't wait to tell him and hope that is the answer. I miss walking and right now can't go a half mile without severe pain in my leg calves

I have been taking Lisinopril for at least three years, since my pharmacy substituted it for Fosinopril. It never occurred to me that a particularly nasty side effect was coming from that medication until I ran out and didn't take it for a few days.

My lower legs had been swelling very badly for a few years, but I didn't associate the swelling with the drug, and I had been fighting it with compression hose and diuretics. Once I stopped the Lisinopril, 90% of the edema vanished.

I have read a ton of the posts in this category. I have been taking Lisinopril as an addition to my regular blood pressure medication for approximately 3 years, with absolutely no problems. My 10mg was increased to 20mg a week ago. Still no problems. It has only helped me. If there are any changes, I will definitely post it. I believe that symptoms can arise from reading an article. I actually know a couple people who read things, and suddenly they are convinced they have the problem or disease referenced. I call it an Epidemic of Diagnoses. Always seek a doctors advice before stopping medications. Stopping suddenly on certain drugs, can be more dangerous than taking them.

I was prescribed lisinopril after I underwent open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement last July. Initially I was on 40mg, and was successively reduced to 5mg, which is where I am now. Basically, my dosage would be lowered after I would start to complain about side effects (dizziness, fatigue...), which my cardiologist would attribute to my recovery -- i.e. my blood pressure would stabilize, hence the higher dosage would lower it too much). Well, now I'm down to 5mg, and I feel worse than ever. I'm dizzy all the time, I have severe aches in my joints -- particularly in my knees and elbows, stiffness in my hands, pain in my feet, extreme fatigue, weakness in my arms, shortness of breath, and mild chest pains. My cardiologist maintains that it's not the lisinopril, yet after running full bloods, my primary doctor can't find a single thing wrong with me. I tried getting off the lisinopril for a little over a week, but I didn't feel any better. So, my question is this: does anyone else feel as crappy as I do, and how long does it take to get this drug out of your system? I'm only 34 yrs old, I'm not overweight or otherwise out of shape, and this is really affecting my ability to work and to spend quality time with my wife and 10 month old son. Ugh.

I am 49 years old. I have taken Lisinopril for 8 days. The BP dropped from 175 systolic to 125 in the first two days. Last night I experienced the worst leg cramps ever in my upper thigh and groin area. I frightened my family as I screamed in agony for over an hour. Today I have continuously felt that both legs are going to cramp. I also have arthritis in my knee, which has worsened after needing to immobilize the leg with heat during cramping. My sister suggested the BP medication may have contributed to the cramps, and that's when I found this site. Thank you for all your posts. My meds are going to the police station's collection site tomorrow.

age 71, took lisinopril (5mg) for 3 weeks. Developed cherry angiomas over body, legs and arms. Also had cough, immediately stopped medicine.now pressure and dull ache behind ear. wonder if this is an additional side effect. Will change diet and exercise to lower blood pressure naturally.
maggie

I am a 51 year old female that has experienced several side effects from lisinopril, especially when I started going into perimenopause at the age of 48. I am now menopausal, but I thought I was doomed to having hot flashes/night sweats, sleep deprivaton (wake up every hour or so every night), depression, forgetfulness, lack of concentration, bloating for many years to come. I discovered that the lisinopril was causing this when I went on a cleansing diet for a week in January and noticed that some days I felt great and other days I felt like crap. I realized the pattern was directly connected to whether I remembered to take my lisinopril. I started taking 20mg/day 7 years ago, was upped to 40mg/day 3 years ago and have stopped taking it for now so I can function normally, especially for my analyst job. I've been making some lifestyle adjustments (losing weight, deep breathing (I tend to hold my breath frequently), next I need to quit smoking) to lower my BP somewhat, but I am going to ask my doctor for an angiotensin receptor blocker (DIOVAN since some peope have mentioned here that they have been successful with that) when I have my appointment in 2 weeks. Uncontrolled HBP can cause more serious problems down the road, so I have to try to control it with meds for now while I continue my lifestyle adjustments.

I am 64 and have been taking 20mg of Lisinopril for 6 months. I thought I had a bad cold 6 months ago that would not go away and it was getting worse. I went to the doctor and was prescribed with my first round of antibiotics. It did no good and the coughing was getting worse as well as the congestion.
I went to another doctor and got another prescription for antibioctics. Still no progress and worse. Then my doctor prescribed 4 weeks of Levaquin 500mg and gave me a prescription for codene cough syrup and a nasal spray (Nasonex). Still getting worse. The coughing attacks were so bad that I felt I would vomit. My side muscles got so sore from the coughing that I could not breathe without pain pills. I was getting 2 hours of sleep a night at the most even with sleeping pills due to the coughing and congestion and anxiety. I thought I was dying. They gave me a CAT SCAN of my head and it was no polyps but my sinuses were all full. They gave me a chest xray and my chest was clear. They tried lots of blood test and I had no bacteria and a slight sign of allergy in my blood. Of course I have never been allergic to anything in my life. My doctor then prescribed 5 days of Prednisone at 2 pills a day. Still not better and very tired from all these drugs. I went to an ENT (ear, nose, throat specialist) who looked down my throat with a tube through my nose to see my voice box. He said my voice box was very red and irritated and he told me to take Prilosec (an acid reducer). Still no relief and worse. I was sure I was dying. Finally I realized that this all started about the same time my doctor had prescribed Lisinopril for my mildly high blood pressure in January. I stopped taking this drug as it was the only thing I could think of and the only drug I was taking. After about 6 days I started getting better. I had slept fairly well for 6 nights when my sister-in-law died and I felt I really needed a blood pressure reducer to get through the funeral. I took one more Lisenopril to get me through that one day and that night all my symptoms came back with a vengeance as bad or worse than ever. I stopped taking the pill again and experienced extreme fatigue from the withdrawl but am now getting better again. This pill can kill you!! There is nothing about this side effect on the drug. There must be hundreds of people out there with this same experience. I am writing this for YOU. Hopefully I can save some other people from this same life threatening, horrible experience. ( I did not find this site on the computer until this week as I am so mad about the loss of 6 months of my life. I thought I would check the computer out. Thanks so much for having this site as the minute I looked at some of the other responses I knew they had gone through exactly the same side effects from Lisenopril.) We could not go anywhere or do anything this summer due to my coughing attacks and no sleep. This drug is very DANGEROUS.

I've been on Lisinopril for about five months. I'm a female, age 47 taking 20 mg once a day. My BP was 150/90 but now low at 100/62. Doc says my young age can support low BP for now. The chest pain and leg twitches are the worst. I'm constantly tired and find a lot of times that I just can't think clearly. I often awake at night with arms that have gone to sleep. Not sure though if the symptoms are from Lisinopril or the low blood pressure that it creates.

Wish me luck because I've decided to stay on the meds but try some lifestyle changes instead. I quit smoking two days ago but have often gone over a week and then caved for a cigarette. Only smoke about five cigs a day anyhow. Started walking when I quit, starting at a mile first (1/2 uphill.) Technically, I"m not overweight by charts but have never weighed this much in my life before. I"ve always had a slender, tall frame until just six years ago (turned 40?).

Also, not sure how much is stress related at every level of my symptoms. Working through a separation and hopefully divorce.. For now doc says stick with this med and lifestyle changes will win out.

I took the horrible drug for five weeks. I have been to the doctor 3 times. They gave me anti-biotics and said I had brochitis. I have a terrible sounding cough and mucus, I missed over two weeks of work and sent alot of money on medicine. I stopped taking Lisinopril 10 days ago, I feel better but not 100%. My doctor says that if will take a while for the cough to go away. I so mad because I really believed I was dying and took chest x-rays and a TB test. My boyfriend has been giving my dirty looks, and guess he think he going to catch somethimg This medicine has ruined my summer and my vacation, because I'm afraid that I will gave a coughing attack so I stay close to home or if I do go out I keep cough drops and cough syrup in my purse. I feel like a drug addict.

My husband is 36 years old and started taking Lisinopril 10mg about 2 weeks ago. Since then he has noticed some cramping in his lower legs, but the main side effect he noticed was a severe drop in sex drive. He has never experienced this before and the Lisinopril is the only thing that has changed in his daily activities. Thanks to those who shared their experiences with this drug. I'm sure he's going to call our MD first thing in the AM.

I've been on LISINOPRIL (10mg) for a few months. I must add that this is in combination with ATENOLOL (25mg). I consider myself lucky to still be above ground after reading the comments just on the LISINIPRIL !! The dreaded strangling cough which struck at anytimehad me thrown out of my bridge club. The dreams and the sweat-soaked pyjamas and bad sleep patterns left me feeling as though I'd just escaped from Freddy Kruger. The cramps in the lower legs were heart stopping....and to top it all, yesterday I found I couldn't get my shoes on because my feet were swollen (though this could be the ATENOLOL...Or worse, the cocktail of the two. And I almost forgot, the pins and needles up both arms and the tingling figertips and the mild stroke when I was on the phone and started speaking gibberish to a friend. I was never like this before, all I had was slightly high blood pressure, not very serious diabetes, and slight anxiety attacks. Now I'm a short tempered, confused, coughing, tired, unable to concentrate wreck, unable to function in bed and left wondering how much longer I have left to live! I'm taking none today and seeing my doctor tomorrow...I will keep you posted should I still be alive.

I have been on lisinopril since January 07. I had a drug eluting stent put in my heart Feb 05, and after a bad experience with Beta Blockers had to go off of them, and try to find natural ways to help my heart/pulse rate. The lisinopril has helped with the pulse spikes, and lowered my bp, but the past three months I have been experiencing really bad cramps on the left side of my body and in chest. Very frightening and uncomfortable, wake you up in the middle of the night. both legs, and kidney area. Cannot carry my purse or anything heavy on left side. Also had bad cough in the morning. It got so bad this weekend thought I was going to have a heart attack. I awoke this morning realizing that maybe, just maybe it is the BP medication. Would not be the first time I have had problems with the poisen doctors hand out. I want to find a natural supplement that will lower my bp, without the lisinopril it was about 150/90, not great, but not too crazy. I think I won't refill the lisinopril and see how it goes....any ideas out there?

I am having tingling burning sensation in my feet, legs and hands and arms. My blood pressure was not improving on 5 mg so I upped it to 10 and those symptoms are much worse. The tingling sensation goes all the way up my left arm and up above my knees on my legs.

I have tried to take the Lisinipril before and stopped for these same reasons. My doctor does not seem to think that it is due to the Lisinipril. so I tried it again and the burning, burning sensation is driving me crazy and keeping me awake. I have to get up and stand in cold water for a while to get some relief.

I have not read about anyone with the same symptoms. Does anyone out there have these symptoms??

Been on lisinopril for about a year for high bp. Seems to help. Don't have a cough and don't seem to be feeling weak or sluggish. Do have a burning sensation on the tip of my tongue and a couple of really sore bumps have come and gone on the last few weeks. Also, I am now developing may little red cherry like blood blisters on my body just about everywhere. I've had the dermatologist look at them and he called them some kind of skin cherry and nothing to worry about. I know they are somewhat genetic and my father has a few but I am getting hundreds of them and it has been within the last 6 months. I was told this medicine dialated the artery going into the kidneys to relieve pressure. Wonder if it is dialating capalaries in my skin causing these cherrys? Anybody else got 'em?

Just started 5MG Lisinopril once a day at bedtime (about a week).
After looking up side effects, I found this site. I don't have hbp,never had. I was given this to help protect my kidneys (type1 diabetic). Side effects are: head ache, dizzy, muscle pain in legs and arms, stomach pain... This morning I was helping my daughter find her craft supplies. All of a sudden I was sitting on the floor with no sensation of getting there. I'm stopping this stuff. Google Apple Cider Vinegar uses.

Both my father (79 years old) and I (48 years old) were prescribed Lisinopril and Lovastatin in the recent past. Within a short period of time (2-3 mos), we both began experiencing excruciating Charley Horse-type cramping in our legs, and I experienced them in hands as well. My father's cramps were more severe. I quit taking the meds and he has not. His symptoms continue, mainly in the evening. My symptoms abated when I stopped taking the meds.

I don't have particularly high blood pressure, nor do I have high cholesterol, my doctor simply prescribes these meds "to prevent the onset of these problems". I am an insulin-dependent diabetic. My father suffered a massive heart attack 5 years ago.

I feel GREAT now that the meds are out of my system. Dad continues to suffer with terrible cramping in his legs and sometimes in his glutes. This can't be good for him. I assume the meds do something to his blood levels of vitamins or minerals, yet his doctor does nothing. He is going to visit a naturopath soon to see what that person recommends. He looks terrible and feels terrible.

Has anyone on Lisinopril experienced upper GI problems such as Achalasia, trouble eating, reflux, or getting food 'stuck' in the esophagus?
My wife has lost 50 lbs in a year due to inability to eat from what was initially diagnosed as Achalasia (rare disease that affects the operation of the muscles in the esophagus and/or lower esophageal sphincter at the top of the stomach). However, Botox injections in the LES provided little relief which is not typical for Achalasia patients. She tests negative for Barrett's Syndrome and any form of Connective Tissue Disease (or arthritis).
My MD recently put me on Lisinopril (another horror story); while I was researching the drug, I noticed that it could cause muscle weakness. My wife backtracked the date that she was put on Lisinopril and it coincided with the onset of her GI problems. While monitoring her BP several times a day, she has cut back to 1/2 dose and has shown a marked improvement in the last 10 days. (It is too early to say with certainty that Lisinopril is causing the GI problems.)
Has anyone experienced similar problems?