Ramipril and panic attacks and anxiety - British Heart Fou...

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Ramipril and panic attacks and anxiety

Tray831 profile image
22 Replies

Hi I’m 40 years old female, just been diagnosed with heart failure? Haven’t actually seen cardiologist since diagnosis as it was sent via the post! Have an appointment early January. I have been started on Ramipril at 2.5mg for 4 weeks and then 5mg for 4 days but become so anxious and kept having panic attacks that my go dropped my dose to 1.25mg a week ago but I am still very anxious and having bad panic attacks. Has this happened to anyone else on Ramipril and is there a better alternative?

I should say that I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks and anxiety for 15 years but have had it under control for past 6 months before Ramipril ☹️

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Tray831
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22 Replies
Bazmack48 profile image
Bazmack48

My hubby had a bad reaction to Ramipril, very bad cough, he was switched to Candesartan.

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to Bazmack48

Thank you for your reply

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

The *april family of tablets are usually well tolerated although in some people as mentioned earlier they cause an irritating dry cough. Panic attacks are not unknown but usually in males over 60. I would suggest you make an appointment with your GP to discuss...

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to MichaelJH

Thank you, I will try to get an appointment in the morning.

Hi I couldn't take ramipril either, mostly due to the cough, I was changed to candesartan, and eventually to entresto, which I am still on, but unfortunately they can't increase the dose of that or the bisoprolol as my blood pressure is so low, so it's not quite doing the job as well as it could, it's def worth mentioning to your gp or cardiologist, as there are alternatives there, take care char xx

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to

Thank you Chaz1958, I have just got back from doctors and he ha changed me to candesartan. So fingers crossed I won’t be so anxious and panicky. Thanks again for your reply x

in reply to Tray831

Hi fingers crossed, all will be ok now but I would def go back if you find the candesartan is not working for you either, I sometimes think the side effects from the meds is worse than the condition it's self! 😱 xx

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to

I totally agree with you! X

JORKATA profile image
JORKATA in reply to

Hi. Could you please tell me whether switching from ramipril helped you with anxiety and panic attacks. I have a filling that the same might happen to me. Although I had anxiety before it never have been so bad as since started taking ramipril.

Thank you

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to JORKATA

Hi, yes it definitely helped! I am currently on olmersartan as this is the closest to candesartan as my pharmacy have been unable to get them, but I am fine in these too.if you struggle definitely go back to see your gp, unfortunately so many different side affects with tablets - but you don’t need to struggle, ask your go for an alternative x

stevejb1810 profile image
stevejb1810

Do not underestimate how a diagnosis of heart failure can adversely impact your mental state. Rampril is not usually associated with anxiety etc. It is very common to get dry cough [with Ramipril] which can cause some people to seek alternatives. I suggest you talk to your GP as its possible that your panic attacks and anxiety have nothing to do with Ramipril per se, but more to do with your reaction to the diagnosis (which happens to coincide with the Ramipril prescription).

Steve

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to stevejb1810

Thank you

tabitha1964 profile image
tabitha1964

Hi - I was on Rampril after I had my heart attack but had to come off as with others it gave me a horrible cough and am now on Lorsartan. I was very anxious at the time, but I don't think it was connected to the medication. I remember my doctor telling me it would be a good year before I got over it mentally - and he was right. It is a horribly stressful time, a huge amount to come to terms with, but speak to your Dr - hopefully when you have your appointment in January you will get more information. Hope all goes well for you, take care x

Tray831 profile image
Tray831 in reply to tabitha1964

Thanks you tabitha1964

melpower34 profile image
melpower34

on was put on 5mg ramapril when first told i had high blood pressure . And never felt so ill crushing aniexty attacks out of breathe sweats. saw doctors and another doc to give me something else on amproldine it fine apart from. swollen ankles and feeling a bit low .. it might work fine for you ..

Initially I was on propanolol for BP but Enalapril was added I was horrendous on that and I,m now on Ramapril and I,m not feeling any better horrendous anxiety and panic tinnitus headache and tingling in my legs, Back I go to the surgery tomorrow, didnt have any problems when only on the beta blocker. Then yesterday I was singing in the kitchen and just started crying for no reason.I dont intend to keep taking these drugs if there going to make me feel this bad

Doxie3 profile image
Doxie3

Hi, I only had one dose of Ramipril when I was admitted to hospital with a racing heart and high blood pressure. I became a wreck. I was sobbing my heart out, wanting to go home, calling my husband to come and get me, my sister to come for me, completely out of character. The panic I felt was dreadful. This from a usual placid, calm person. I wore myself out through my crying like a baby. I was given paracetamol and eventually fell asleep through sheer exhaustion. I woke up the next morning feeling more myself again. But I refused to take Ramipril again and I did not experience the same panic again. That was my experience and it could be different for other people.

genteel profile image
genteel

Hi Tray. Its possibly not the ramipril.I can understand your anxiety. When I was diagnosed with hf i was a nervous wreck, in fact I probably had a bit of a nervous break down. I live alone, so even harder. I tried anti depressant but it made it worse. (only took one). I joined cardio rehab and stay with my mother or sister for company sometimes. I am trying to look at positives and doing all i can to keep fit, eat well, sleep well etc. I might go on holiday for some of the winter, which gives me a goal and something to look forward to. Please feel free to message me if i can be of any help. Take care.

Having been told by post that tyou are suffering from heart failure, with no ability to ask questions or get answers would be enough to cause most people anxiety issues.

I would say the introduction of Ramripil is probaly an association thing - it reminds you that you have this life threatening condition (in your mind) and no one is talking to you about it or telling you how they're going to fix it.

I was in a similar position when I was diagnosed with Lymphoma - it crucified me mentally until I started to undertake the CT Scans and Radiotherapy - then all got a lot better.

This time, when I was told I was siffering a heart failure and here's some meds to be taking (inc Ramripil) I was like, "OK, whatever" - but then I was told by ane xtremely knowledgable Cardiology Nurse Practioner who left us leaving without any questions left to ask (on that occasion ;-) )

I hope all gets better in the new year after your appointment. I'm still waiting for an MRI for an exact diagnosis, but the only thing getting me this time round is this bloody cough!

Jjohnsont profile image
Jjohnsont

Hi Tray831,

I have been on Ramipil for over 3 weeks now and over the last 2 weeks I've been waking up mid panick attack on the middle of the night. Its destroying my life. How are you feeling now?

Jimbob5 profile image
Jimbob5 in reply to Jjohnsont

I was prescribed and put on Ramipril 10mg for my blood pressure 3 months ago, within 1 week the problems started... I had 3 trips to hospital, numerous panic attacks, unbearable anxiety, bad cough and terrible insomnia. I complained to my Doctor and was told the cough is a side affect but the anxiety and insomnia had nothing to do with the Ramipril... I stood my ground and insisted I wanted to be taken off the Ramipril because my blood pressure was still very high so the Ramipril definitely was not working... I have now been put on valsartan and within 2 weeks my anxiety and insomnia have gone and my blood pressure has come down.... My experience with Ramipril wasn’t a good one either.

Exophonix profile image
Exophonix

Thank you !! I'm 43yo I did not take Any pills at all until Mars 2023 then a doctor prescribed rambril for blood pressure, in April I get a massive panic attack, something that I never had before. I stay at hospital for 1 weeks , I pass all test cause at that point no one know what I had. I continue to take ramipril cause I have no idea until NOW , in the past 2 months my life is a hells I constantly have panic attack!! I went to the emergency over 16 time in the 2 last months. I'm writing this message from the emergency again, but I will show that post to the Doctor 💊 and trust me I stop to take ramipril NOW

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