Losartan and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Hoo...
• August 20, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on 75 mgs (yes, a 50 and a 25) twice a day about three months ago. I have never been so sick. Nausea has been the worst. Terrible indigestion. No appetite. And anxiety. I called my doctor yesterday, and he just basically poo-pooed my symptoms and said to come in on Monday (yesterday was Wednesday). I called back, and I'm going in today. I didn't take the pills last night, and the nausea is gradually easing. I'm not taking my morning dose either. My bp this morning is 139/91. It hasn't helped much because it's been around there since I started losartan. I will be asking for a beta blocker, which, when I've been on it before, never caused me any problems. We'll see what happens. Bottom line ~ don't take this drug."

• CAW...
• June 22, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "After 3 weeks, I had a severe allergic reaction to this med. My face was swollen with hives, and I felt weak, sick, and very anxious. I ended up in the hospital and had IV Pepcid and steroid. I went home in better shape, but I've been off the med for a week and still feel residual bad effects. I'm afraid to take any BP med, and I'm trying a low sodium diet. This scared the heck out of me!"

• Dog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I was removed from Valsartan after the recall. I had been on Valsartan for over 15 years. I am currently adjusting to Losartan 50 mg. The past 3 weeks have been upsetting. I am very glad that I read some reviews by others. I hope that my comment will ease someone else's mind. The effects have been... horrible dizziness and lightheadedness... anxiety presented as fluttering heart and shakiness. I did not put it together right away, but I am convinced it is my body adjusting to new/different chemicals."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Oh my goodness! Thank you to the person who reported about losartan causing anxiety. It is happening to me as well. I have never in my life experienced panic attacks before, and I have been suffering terribly with them. I didn’t put two and two together until I read your review. I am now thinking that it is probably the losartan that has caused me to feel this way. I pray I am better in a month as you say you were. Bless you for sharing. I am also grateful to the person who shared that you can’t cure high blood pressure with a pill. I have heard others say that too, and I am going to try to change my situation via a lifestyle change instead of a dangerous drug."

• Lin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 21, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Have suffered severe pain in my legs mostly. This has caused much anxiety. Do not sleep at all. I also have severe pain in my legs and back. Taking 100 mg. Just dropped to 50 mg. If I do not see improvement in 1 week, I will change to another med. I cry with pain in my legs and am so sleep-deprived that I can't function."

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

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed this medicine to treat my high blood pressure, which was only bad during stressful times. It helped a lot while I was interviewing for a new job to prevent it from spiking, but now, my experience has not been good at all. I don’t know if it’s because my blood pressure is fine while I’m not stressed, but this medicine has caused me severe anxiety. After a couple of hours of taking it in the morning, I would have really bad anxiety attacks, some tachycardia, and chest pain. I would get really nervous before taking this medicine. After reading this website, I can finally feel better, I can’t believe this is not listed as a side effect when there’s an entire website with people complaining about the same issue."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I was switched to this after Valsartan was recalled. Didn't make the connection but have been taking it almost 2 months. In the beginning, I was very anxious and shaky. I had to go to a neurologist. Then I had terrible hip pain and back pain. Then I developed random hives. Doctor took me off, and I feel better. I am only on a diuretic and don't want any HBP pills again if I can control it by lifestyle changes."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking Losartan 50, it's almost two months now. I started feeling so nervous for no apparent reason, to the extent that even when my phone rings, my heart pounds. I have severe dizziness, I feel so low every day, I am scared to go to bed, everything scares me... I AM SCARED OF DEATH. All these have started now. I went to see the doctor because I thought I was suffering from anxiety due to something else, but when I told him I am on Losartan, he said, oh YES, that's the culprit and changed it. Today is day 2 on a new drug, and I just can't wait to feel okay again. This is a bad experience, especially the anxiety attacks, it's bad news."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking Losartan 50, it's almost two months now. I started feeling so nervous for no apparent reason, to the extent that even when my phone rings, my heart pounds. I have severe dizziness, I feel so low every day, I am scared to go to bed, everything scares me... I AM SCARED OF DEATH. All these have started now. I went to see the doctor because I thought I was suffering from anxiety due to something else, but when I told him I am on Losartan, he said, oh YES, that's the culprit and changed it. Today is day 2 on a new drug, and I just can't wait to feel okay again. This is a bad experience, especially the anxiety attacks, it's bad news."

• Wal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I've just switched from Valsartan (due to the recall) to Losartan 50 mg about a week ago. I've started feeling constantly anxious and as if I'm about to come down with a big cold. Because my BP isn't too high, the doctor said I can stop this and explore options, so I'm stopping tomorrow. Yuck."

• Dee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 17, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on Losartan 25 mg 5 years ago after trying 3 other BP pills. I have been saying for a while now that I have not felt well since being on them. I had severe leg pains & mobility problems, ended up having steroid injection 2 years ago & another this year. I have had more anxiety than ever before. In April this year, I developed terrible coughing fits, etc. I have had X-ray, breathing tests, which are all clear. Reluctantly, this week, I was prescribed antibiotics & steroids, which seem to be having no effects. I am really convinced that the cause of all my symptoms is Losartan & have told my GP this more than once. After reading other people's experiences, I am now going to push for coming off these terrible pills."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Due to the Valsartan recall and it being unavailable for my last refill, my doctor switched me to Losartan. I find myself tired all the time and spend my day looking forward to sleeping. I feel anxious and depressed and have completely abandoned my walking routine (was previously walking 1+ miles a day for close to 3 years). Like others mentioned, I have to urinate all the time, which is very annoying."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking losartan potassium a month ago. Since then, I've not been the same. I have problems sleeping, anxiety getting the best of me, I have joint pains and muscle aches, and I have a dry mouth with sores in my mouth."

• Par...
• March 12, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "My mother, 83, has been on losartan 50 for nearly one year. Since then, she has anxiety. She also takes amlodipine 10 mg and Propranolol 20+10. Her blood pressure is normal now, but she suffers from anxiety too much."

• Myr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2025

For High Blood Pressure "My doctor started me on losartan 25 mg, it was not enough, so he upped the dosage to 50 mg. I was taking this for about 3 months. Then the anxiety started. I went downhill from there. Just walking, I noticed pain in my hips and calves of my legs, this was followed by lethargy. As time went on, I couldn't seem to catch my breath. I started having a low-grade headache every day, all day. Then loss of appetite and weakness, I felt like I was going to pass out, seeing dark spots. Any physical movements, I would break into a heavy sweat. And not to be ignored, bowel movements were from small and soft to nearly none. I was so scared I had something serious. My doctor suggested I go to the ER. That's when I looked up the side effects. I could just about check off with every one on the list. I looked up the drug interactions, 323 of them, and I had about 10 of them. I refused to take one more of these pills. After about 5 days and 18-20 activated charcoal pills. That's been almost a week, I'm still having problems."

• ill...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 18, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on Losartan for 7 years 'misdiagnosis' for high blood pressure. Granted, Losartan works amazingly well for me. My proper diagnosis 7 years later is overt hypothyroidism that triggered my high blood pressure, failing kidney function, and several other issues. I still take Losartan with my levothyroxine. Side note... to those experiencing issues with weight, vision, pains, anxiety after taking this drug, seriously consider having a full thyroid test done. Losartan should never cause those issues. Thyroid issues will. Thyroid issues raise the blood pressure and cholesterol levels."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed losartan and hydrochlorothiazide after what was diagnosed at ER as a hypertension event I had in March 2022. I am 65 years old. I only took it for 6 weeks, and it was a horrible experience. I felt extremely bloated with feelings of confusion, anxiety, and was tired all the time. I went online and read the many reviews and forums, which validated my concerns about it and thought, 'this is enough, not taking it!' I spoke with my doctor, and we decided I could skip the losartan and just stay on the hydro. I have been off the losartan for 38 days, and in the last 7 days, I experienced intense anxiety/panic attacks that I have never had before. Also, all of a sudden, sinus pressure like I have never had. I went to an ENT, and she blamed the pressure and tension from my allergies and prescribed a nasal spray. My doctor prescribed a low dose anti-anxiety med to deal, but it just knocks me out. Anyone else with similar 'after losartan' side effects?"

• Qui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Side effects: tinnitus, extreme dizziness, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, also insomnia at times, anxiety, with one case of extreme panic attack, blurred vision, loss of focus and concentration, loss of appetite, belching, and felt unbalanced on my feet. I drink plenty of water and still felt like I was drinking enough. I was on 50 mg once a day. My blood pressure is somewhat better, but the side effects have taken a massive toll on my body."

• Kag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "This medicine was horrible for me. At first, I was on one by a manufacturer that had it in little green oval pills. I did have anxiety and never wanted my sister to leave me after I took the pill. However, I felt fairly normal (although not completely). The pharmacy switched manufacturers, and they were then little white pills that looked almost like aspirin. The anxiety got terrible then. I had the strong feeling of buzzing from inside my head to all the way around it. I wanted my sister to stay with me ALL THE TIME. I didn't even want her to leave for ONE MINUTE. I was lucky if I could handle going to the bathroom alone. I HATED being alone. I don't like being alone as it is, but I can usually handle being alone for an hour."

• Gwe...
• April 8, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking this for 3 weeks 3 days, never been diagnosed for high BP, nor had my pressure monitor, had a drop in my potassium due to stress. In the ER on my second visit, they decided I need a water pill and a time release one for my BP, but my doctor took me off and put me on Losartan 50 mg. After taking it for 2 days, I felt the side effects: can't sleep, arms tingle with a light feeling of a burning sensation, palpitations, feeling anxious, not a good feeling. My mom and younger sister also take this med but no side effects, so for some it works, for others not so good."

• BPK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "Started this medicine about 10 days ago. 50 mg. Didn’t really notice anything the first couple of days. No lower blood pressure and no side effects. By the third day, that changed. Had to stay home from work due to severe stomach cramps and dizziness. This lasted for two days. My blood pressure was not going down at all, if anything, it seemed to slightly go up. Friday, I started having uneasy feelings like anxiety and became very tired. My regular workout at the gym was very hard to get through. By the weekend, I could not do anything. My blood pressure was rising, and my anxiety was crippling. By Monday, my readings were over 180/110, and I ended up having to stop the medicine and take my anxiety med to get my life back. I’m still in bed recovering 2 days later."

• Liz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 29, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "My blood pressure goes up at the doctor's office. About 10 months ago, my doctor finally talked me into blood pressure medicine. He put me on 50 mg of Losartan. When I went back for blood work after 30 days, my blood pressure was 138/80, which was not bad for me. At my six-month checkup, my blood pressure was 160/98. I asked him why the Losartan was not controlling my blood pressure at his office, and he said I had too much anxiety, and that blood pressure medicine would not control that. Well, I wanted blood pressure medicine to control my white coat syndrome, so that didn't make sense. About a month later, I started having severe anxiety attacks, dizziness, and fogginess. Almost could not function. I read all of the reviews on here and discovered it probably was the medicine. I cut myself down to 1/2 of 25 mg, but after 2 days, the symptoms had not resolved. I decided to stop taking it at all. Losartan is a horrible medication. I was on it for 10 months before bad symptoms happened."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "My Dr. switched me from lisinopril 40 mg to 100 mg of losartan approx. 3 months ago. First thing noticed was the anxious feeling, then loose stools, blurring of vision, and then followed by lethargy and a slow weight gain. After 2 months, I felt as if I were actually sick most of the time and it never eased up. Most importantly, it did not control BP as well as the lisinopril. Switched back to lisinopril and within a week was nearly back to normal (except for the weight). This stuff is horrible and worse than amlodipine, which I was given several years ago!"

• FL ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 6, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "On Losartan 25 mg for 3 yrs, after a heart attack. Just discovered side effects are related to the med. At first, Losartan dropped BP extremely low & couldn't stay awake or function. Reduced dose from daily to every other day. After a year, developed a chronic dry cough. At the same time, developed an adverse reaction called Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis, which is a rare skin disorder. I’ve had both cough & IGD for 2 yrs, happening simultaneously. Changing my med to see if both clear up. Other side effects are heart palpitations, extreme anxiety, depression, dizziness, leg muscle weakness, joint pain, achy shoulder blades, arms & hands, numbness and tingling in hands/feet, headaches, fatigue, sudden weight gain, abdominal pain, hair loss, acid reflux."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Started losartan 50 mg. Within a few hours, I had gray blurry vision. I couldn't focus and had trouble concentrating, did not want to drive. I stopped the drug, now I'm having migraines. The gray blur stayed for a couple of days off and on. Now I can't stand bright light, have diarrhea. Unbelievable, I've been in bed the last two days. I pooped on myself before getting to the bathroom. I think I have vision damage, going to the eye doctor because, yes, this drug can cause aggressive macular degeneration. I'm full of anxiety now, which I had before, and the doctor gave this to me knowing I have anxiety and my dad went blind with M.D. Not a good drug."