Dizzy when waking

[Ptjet]

I had a heart attack 5 weeks ago and had a stent fitted. I’m taking the usual cocktail of tablets and haven’t had significant problems but, on my phone check up, my consultant recommended that I take 2.5 mg Ramipril in the evening rather than in the morning as I had been doing. I did this for about a week then 2 days ago, when I woke up, I had extreme dizziness. The room was spinning and I couldn’t stand up. I called 111 who sent an ambulance. The hospital checked out my heart and everything appeared normal and the dizziness gradually lessened. I didn’t take Ramipril that night and felt better the following morning. I took it last night and felt more dizzy this morning. Has this happened to anyone else? Should I go back to taking it in the morning?

[Heartinthehills]

Hi Ptjet. It's 7 years since my incident and I have been taking 2.5mg Ramipril twice a day morning and night since then. After the heart attack I was diagnosed with Heart Failure probably why I am on the higher dose. Original cardiologist instructions also indicated that my dose of Ramipril should be increased to double the above when I could stand it. I had some dizziness to start with when standing up suddenly all down to very low blood pressure caused by the heart failure. This gradually disappeared as my blood pressure improved after routine regular exercise. Last year I checked with my GP if the dose should be increased and he said my body mass would not take an increase and I would 'keel over'. My BMI is now 19 following years of regular exercise and a good diet. You should probably go back to your GP on the timing of your one Ramipril tablet if it is the cause of your dizziness. Taking it in the morning after you have already started moving about and getting the heart pumping might make some sense.

[Ianc2]

I take 5 mg in the evening to help protect against the possibility of stroke. One of the common side effects (one in ten) of this drug is feeling dizzy, with possible fainting when you stand up quickly, and possible spikes in low pressure which may cause you to faint.

I believe that this drug stays in your system for about 12 hours so I try and take mine in the evening about 6 p.m. , with food, and let it be absorbed overnight so that I can go out walking at about 10 a.m.

The Package leaflet, as long as your forearm, will give a lot more information. I discussed this with my cardiologist who said that if I stopped, the dizziness and odd fainting events would probably stop. However the chances of a stroke would increase .

I have a chest recorder inserted to try and catch any sudden low pressure events. The latest ones are WIFI enabled but unfortunately mine is not. By the time you get the recorder out the event has been and gone. Such is life. I still try and get my 10,000 steps a day in and take my walking poles with me so that I can stop and lean on them and try and look as though I am admiring the countryside if I get a bit wobbly. It's a grand life as long as you don't weaken...

[GrannyE]

It is entirely possible that low blood pressure is causing dizziness is due to the Ramipril. I have a bp monitor at home and may be it might be a good idea for you to get one. They are not expensive. If you feel dizzy lie down with your legs above your head. I found lying on the floor with my legs leaning up the stairs was a good one. Take your blood pressure twice in the morning, twice at lunch time, and twice in the evening for about a week (writing the lower bp down)and present the findings to your Gp/cardiologist. That way they can see what is going on. Also make a note of the time when you take your Ramipril. Feeling dizzy and faint is not good cos you can easily fall that way. Never stand up suddenly. Good luck