I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and given Lisinopril. I have to get my bp down before taking my physical for work again and i was not sure how long i should wait before scheduling it.
How long does it take for Lisinopril to kick in?
Question posted by sball on 7 Jan 2010
Last updated on 3 June 2021 by cubfan84
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9 Answers
cubfan84
3 June 2021
I've been on lisinopril 10mg for about two weeks now, and was taking metoprolol ER succinate 12.5 mg at the same time. Not a combination which I would advise anyone to take. Had some problems with the Metoprolol - chest cramps, severe anxiety/panic issues, I asked the doctor if I could discontinue the Metoprolol ER, and she said yes; it was too low of a dosage to result in problems. I've only been taking the lisinopril 10mg since, and have seen mostly good BP readings (120s/80s daytime, 110's/60's nighttime lying down), but I did start back into my exercise routine yesterday, and noticed my BP was somewhat higher - 130s/90s, even one or two 140s/90s). I am thinking that maybe the increased physical load may be responsible for the increase in BP, and that the lisinopril will start to become more effective over the next week or two. So, my guess is that the lisinopril will take about a month to two months to become fully effective.
I also think that easing into exercise after discontinuing Metoprolol ER may be wise, as it may prevent a sudden release of adrenaline and subsequent high BP readings.
Jackopilot
28 April 2020
Lisinopril is a derivative of Brazilian Pit Viper Venom. I would say ask a snake, but apparently talking to the "animals" ceased with Adam and Eve. As an aside, I would have said, no Eve, we eat the damn snake, but perhaps they were vegetarians because snakes talked. Anyway, lisinopril works great and I am taking my DOT physical today, after being off with an injury for ~ 3 months, so I will take it about an hour before my 8:00 am appointment, and I should pass. I don't recall the # of days using it for initial full effect, but I started out at 5mg and the VA increased the dose as I got older and fatter. So in my case, if I weigh less, I need less mg. My BP is probably increased because of just being cautious with the Covid-19 being an issue right now, so thank you Brazilian Pit Vipers for helping. Snakes helping instead of hurting, Who Could Know!
granny6033
4 Jan 2019
Lisinopril is a medication of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and after heart attacks. For high blood pressure it is a first line treatment, but works less well in black people. It is also used to prevent kidney problems in people with diabetes. Lisinopril is taken by mouth. Full effect may take up to four weeks to occur.
hlth123
10 Dec 2017
What does liosinopril do
Beckyunger
12 March 2017
I started taking 20 mg of this medicine after finding out that the horrible episodes of heart problems and dizziness, lightheadedness were being caused by metoprolol. After two days of taking the lisinopril I had one of the worst episode I have had. I stopped taking it but two days later cut one in half because my blood pressure was high. Within an hour I was having another terrible episode where I almost had to go to the hospital because I thought for sure I was dying. This is a terrible drug. Would much rather have the symptoms of high blood pressure than feeling like I'm going to die!
Inactive
18 Dec 2018
I had similar problems. Solution was to start very low and increase the dose slowly. For me, it was 2.5 mg/day for several days, then 5 mg/day for several days.
Now, I can pop them like candy.
Nikatrebor
19 Oct 2016
15 to 30 min.
pookie5353
28 Feb 2010
I was prescribed Lisinopril HCTZ 10/12.5 a few months ago but only two pills. It lowered my bp alright: I didn't have any. In just two days it went from extremely high (I was sick and had pneumonia to 87/49 or something like that. Needless to say I quit immediately because that is way too low and I throwing up or dry heaving.
A couple days ago I got a chest cold and coughing and noticed my by shooting way up there; I remembered I still had the pills, took one at 11am just so I don't blow a fuse and by the time I was ready to go to bed my bp was down to 107/76. I know very well that that is not the way to take bp medicine but I am still not very sure if I want to continue taking them. I didn't get sick this time so it's possible it was the antibiotics I took before that made me deafly sick. So it works pretty quickly for me...
Kdeaux59
20 Oct 2016
This is generally not considered the proper way to administer this medication. It is generally considered ill advised to stop taking blood pressure meds on your own or to take it PRN. See a Dr. before starting or stopping any blood pressure medication. In your case, it appears to me that your blood pressure spike may have been the result of your illness (which can happen) and once you were recovered then your BP went back to normal... or in this case below normal since you were now on 5 tabs per day of Lisinopril. I see this is an older post but I'm responding to it in this way in case others were to read it and follow suit.
bridget1031
23 Nov 2016
I've just started taking it 3 days ago. All I know is that I feel cold all of the time, since I started taking it. Other than that, I feel super. I won't know how well it is working, until December 10th, when I go back to the doctor. I'm trusting God that before then, it will be normal.
mitjason
7 Jan 2010
Lisinopril is an ace inhibitor and generally works pretty quickly, a few days and pressures can start to drop. So it may take many days until you're at a healthy level (3 or so weeks I would assume) I hope this helps!
barbles2413
7 Jan 2010
Blood Pressure medicine should start help to lower you blood pressure as soon as you take it. I am on BP medicine and I have a BP monitor so from my experience I took my pressure before my medication and then rechecked it in about a half hour. My doctor had me check my pressure everyday maybe twice and then once I started being consistant at the same time everyday. Remember anything can affect your blood pressure. Changing positions from like sitting to standing back to sitting situations being nervous. Just keep a log for yourself and soon you will be able to recognise if your blood pressure is going too high or too low
Good Luck Hope this helps
dalecoolbaugh
20 Feb 2017
I started on 5mg.daily, with little improvement at @30 days, raised to 10mg. Daily, at @60 days down from 140/90 to 120/80 cut out beer to a minimum of 1-2 bottles every other day, still use hymalain pink salt sparingly, work on it good luck !!
Related topics
high blood pressure, lisinopril
Further information
- Lisinopril uses and safety info
- Lisinopril prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lisinopril (detailed)
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