losartan side effects

[Babsiom]

I’m so glad this site is here. I’ve tried Amlodipine after seeing a doctor for anxiety, this gave terrible knee pain. Then I had an anxiety attack and ended up in hospital. I took amlodipine again there but bp wouldn’t lessen. So they sent me home with Ramitil 5mg and sertraline on the last day. Felt like I could not go on, shaking and sick. Now on Losartan 25mg only, I’ve got cramps and feeling so weak, and had a panic attack last night and bad cramps with palpitations one day in. My bp was lower on nothing. Does it get better? Thanks, sorry I’m so frightened.

[Happyrosie]

I’m so sorry you have been so unwell. We are not medics here, just people who suffer from (or care for those with) cardiovascular problems.

We can provide sympathy and perhaps signposting towards other help that might be available, but can’t give medical advice.

You mention your blood pressure but I don’t quite understand what you are saying. But your main issue seems to be anxiety

I don’t know what medical system you have in your part of the world. Could your doctor perhaps refer you for counselling?

You might find the website of the specialist charity Blood Pressure UK to be helpful, or you could phone the cardiac nurses at the British Heart Foundation - go to their website for details of their opening times and the phone number,

[Babsiom in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks Happyrosie. I think the support here is brilliant. I felt like I was going mad but this website shows that I’m not. How many tablets do we go through to find the right one? The suns shining, time to make the most of it. I will visit the websites 😊

[stevetheadi]

Sorry to hear that.

The best way to lower your blood pressure is to stop worrying about it. Easier said than done, I know, but while you're panicking your BP will never go down.

I was prescribed propranolol. It stopped my anxiety attacks straightaway.

Take care.

[mozart27 in reply to stevetheadi]

I also take propranolol, the first ever betablocker. It helps not only to keep my BP under control but also helps with a hand tremor I experience. The hand tremor is worse when I am anxious in social situations. I take a low dose and don't get the side effects which people sometimes get with betablockers.

[Babsiom in reply to stevetheadi]

So true, thank you for taking the time to reply. 😊

[Redfloyd]

Had AVR and CABG last September, BP was slightly higher than preferred 140/70. Was put on 75 of losartan. For reasons unknown since Xmas my BP has increased dramatically, 200/95 so increased in stages my losartan. I'm now on 150mg and BP gone back down to what is was before. The only thing I noticed was being a bit nauseous every time I increased my dose but that only lasted a few days, apart from that I haven't had any side effects.

[Babsiom in reply to Redfloyd]

I’ve been changed again, I needed inhalers with the losartan. If we can just find out what suits us it’s such a help. Trial and error. Glad your ok Redfloyd 😃

[devonian186]

What is your normal blood pressure taken at home morning and evening in the proper relaxed conditions?

Is BP actually a problem or is it primarily the anxiety.

[Babsiom in reply to devonian186]

I was given nothing at the hospital straight away, so I assume a panic attack. My chest feels tight and I’m having to take inhalers which I only took for allergies before and I’m breathless. Trial and error. Thanks

[MountainGoat52]

Hi Babsiom,

I've just had a series of stress attacks and my BP peaked over 200/100. Due to my previous cardiac history I was checked out in cardiology at the local hospital and my Losartan has been increased to deal with my symptoms. It will be under review once I am over this.

I really do sympathise with how you are feeling. I felt absolutely dreadful with tingling, nerves jangling, headache and pain which included around the heart area. I have found deep breathing very helpful to calm these attacks - in through the nose drawing air from the tummy rather than the chest and exhaling slowly through the mouth. At first it took an hour or more to stop these episodes. Now, as soon as I get a feeling it is starting, I go into the routine. It happens only at rest when my mind / sub-conscious can wander, not when I am concentrating on sonething. I've had a couple of episodes on waking, so the sub-conscious is definitely involved.

As far as Losartan is concerned, I have found this to be a very benign drug with (for me) no side effects. I was started on 50mg when high blood pressure was diagnosed in 2010. It was increased to 100mg when my blood pressure started spiraling out of control. After my heart attack which was caused by a clot, the dose was reduced to 25mg as I had stents. I am now back on 50mg due to this recent episode.

I would think it likely that you are worrying about the medication change and this is increasing your anxiety. Do try to relax, maybe by doing something that you love which needs a measure of concentration to occupy your mind. Get someone close to you to look up de-stressing exercises and use them. Best of all get outside in this lovely weather.

With my very best wishes,

Gerald

[Babsiom in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thanks Gerald, I’ve never felt so lost or alone and I’ve got a wonderful family. You’ve been through the mill and are so positive. I hope you get sorted soon too. Thank you ☺️

[MountainGoat52]

Many thanks for your kind comments. Family is extremely important and keeping talking to them is key. I know what you mean about feeling lonely... it was exactly the same for me

I have managed to remain positive for many years and have enjoyed reasonable health, but events this year have piled on the pressure. Something had to give. I was surprised of the power of the sub-conscious. I even awoke one morning having an attack, but things are hopefully on the mend. Catching Norovirus didn't help, but it is all repairable and I am slowly getting back on track. A long walk this afternoon in the lovely weather has definitely helped.

With my very best wishes,

Gerald

[Sambobs17]

hello Babsiom, I think health anxiety is one of the worst things you can go through, I don’t remember feeling anxious until my health woes kicked in but I think most people do worry about there health, let’s face it we do like to be healthy we totally rely on it for goodness sake - so it’s not surprising your feeling the way you are but you need to, as people have explained far better than myself put other things in place the little challenges something that will occupy your mind if only for a short time then slowly but surely you will feel stronger I think we understandably put our problems to the forefront and they take over our mind space that started to get on my nerves as it became all consuming - so now I think not going there! so I do something even if it’s just bob outside tend the plants, yes I do revisit my issues but I’m doing my best to not let it take over I wish you well - I was lucky on amlodipine I didn’t have the side affects I am seeing the GP next week my HR is slow due to ectopic heartbeats it’s a calcium channel blocker which is supposed to slow the HR down so not sure it’s still suitable take care 😊

[Babsiom in reply to Sambobs17]

Thank you, I hope you get on well with your meds. You’re so lucky, it made me feel good but I needed inhalers all the time. I wish you well, and thank you.

[Sambobs17 in reply to Babsiom]

Hi there Babsiom, please let us know how you go on would love to know if you get sorted take care😊

[Babsiom]

I’m on Vascalpha now and feeling a bit weak with breathing issues, nasal drip. I did have Propnalolol but made my asthma worse. I’m going to try to ride it out or just stop everything. I’m taking breathing lessons and walks to pass the day. Thank you for caring 🌹