Candesartan and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• can...
• June 3, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "2 days after starting candesartan, I woke up with serious heart palpitations and could not breathe. My whole body was vibrating. It took several hours for things to calm down. After 6 1/2 months of only sleeping 4 hours a night, waking up every morning with heart palpitations, trouble breathing, vibrating, and spending the first two hours trying to calm breathing down, slowing down heart rate, and calming the anxiety, I decided to check the side effects list of this drug again, and I believe these are the side effects of this."

• Her...
• September 10, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 4mg Candesartan for around 18 months along with 5mg Amlodipine taken at the same time of day. I used to take the ACE inhibitor Lisinopril but found the constant coughing and clearing of my throat too much, hence switching to Candesartan. To my utter disappointment, I found the coughing, clearing of my throat, along with wheezing in bed at night, did not go away. Now I am a 61-year-old ‘fit’ male who has never ever smoked and does a lot of mountain/fell walking etc. I decided to drop Candesartan altogether and can you believe my coughing has stopped by around 80%, so I am now torn at what to do next whether to see my GP and try something else or not. However, all this being said, I have not eliminated the Amlodipine yet, but I have researched on the web with an overall consensus that Amlodipine does ‘not’ cause upper respiratory problems or coughs. So I guess I have a little more experimenting to do yet. I hope this helps some of you."

• Val...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 25, 2018

Candesartan for High Blood Pressure "I had shortness of breath, puffy left foot, itchy scalp, weight gain, abdominal fullness, loose bowels, and still had high blood pressure. When I was taking 32mg, I also had dark urine, joint pain, and muscle calf pain. I could not walk far. I had been walking between 3 and 4 kilometers daily but ended up not being able to walk half a kilometer. This drug did not make me feel better. I started off on 8mg - that was okay, then 16mg was okay but at the 32mg dose, I had huge problems."

• Mik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 8, 2020

For Heart Failure "Have finally stopped candesartan and I can't believe how much better I feel! I have been on 8 mg for 3 years and have tried to increase dosage (consultants wanted me to increase to 32 mg) but have resisted because of side effects when I increased dosage. I wasn't aware of how bad the side effects of 8 mg were and put them down to my heart condition and aging! Now I don't get dizziness and feeling that I'm going to pass out, don't get breathless, heart rate is much more regular, and I don't feel tired and fatigued all the time! Only negative is my average blood pressure reading has increased from 128/69 to 131/71. Stopping candesartan was like taking a miracle cure."

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I am taking Candesartan 4 mg for high blood pressure. While it brings my BP down, it comes with a string of terrible side effects. Headaches, unable to empty the bladder completely, difficulty breathing, severe bloating, severe water retention, blood-spotted rash on both lower legs, palpitations, and the list goes on. I'm no longer taking Candesartan, I have weaned myself off it. Not sure why my doctor prescribes medications that make you feel worse and cause so many side effects. I do not recommend this medication."

• Can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 23, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "This pill works well but has bad side effects. Pain in the back of the neck, back, feet, legs, arms, and even fingers. Stomach issues. Anxiety every evening. Palpitations, such as a thumping heartbeat. Dizziness. Tight throat and trouble breathing. Headaches. Ear pain and head congestion. Trouble sleeping. Tinnitus. Itching. All this on just 8mg. Does lower blood pressure from 160/80 to 130/72. Blood pressure rises in the evening for some reason. I am a female aged 73."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed this drug to control my high blood pressure of 165/110. I tried other drugs but suffered bad side effects. I'm on the combo Atacand of 16/12.5 and 4 mg. My blood pressure is under 140/90, and I have only occasional shortness of breath when exercising. As a great side effect is my ability to hold an erection stronger and longer-something that was missing before."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I have had a terrible time with this medication. Has not brought my blood pressure down. I have been having heart palpitations, sharp pains in my chest that are so severe I thought I was having a heart attack, also trouble breathing. I was fine on a lower dose with side effects, but it wasn't bringing my blood pressure down, so the doctor increased it to 24 mg from 8 mg. I hope other people have better luck with it. Just wanted to let people know if you're having these symptoms, that's what it is. Thanks."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "Trialing this drug due to side effects from similar antihypertensives. Initially, polyuria continued, as well as very low BP, extreme fatigue, breathlessness on minor exertion, with some mild chest pain and nausea. The dose was halved, and blood pressure increased to normal and polyuria stopped, but the rest of the symptoms continue. Trying to get in to see a doctor. Yesterday, an ambulance was sent for fear I was having a heart attack. I suspect they are drug side effects."

• hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I've been taking candesartan for approximately 2 weeks for very high blood pressure at 8 mg twice a day, in the mornings and evenings. So far, it's brought my blood pressure down nicely to normal levels that are also quite changeable throughout the day, however, my blood pressure was in the region of 180/90 to start with. I am happy with how this drug is helping. Side effects so far have been, from day one, slight tinnitus in one ear, weird feelings in my arms, shakiness and weakness, especially in the mornings, and heart palpitations occasionally. Also, some low-key anxiety and breathlessness, none of which is extreme, so I'm battling through. I have had migraines with aura for many years and am hoping this will be helped also. So far, I have had one whilst taking this drug...we will see how it continues. For me, the side effects are manageable so far, and it's better than risking a stroke or heart attack!"