Losartan and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2010

Losartan for High Blood Pressure "Cozaar 25 mg was effective in reducing blood pressure, but very expensive and possibly caused dizziness. It was replaced with Amiodipine Besylate 5 mg (generic for Norvasc), and it works just as well at a much, much lower price. Dizziness has eased."

• rws...
• August 27, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "55 now - started BP issues about 4 years ago, approx. Took Clonidine with no side effects and BP correction. Took it as needed. BP issue started again past year, I believe. Other someone listed below but caused a chronic cough, which new doc IDs and changed me to Losartan. Initially, some mild dizziness spells, which dissipated now. Morning BP is high, was 135 or so / 90, but last week or two has been 145-150 and 95-100. Have had some gym exercise as well, eating 1800 or less on average, but still 35 lbs over (that's been years and years now). Do need to tell doc about morning issue, and what is going on during the night? Get a stroke or something? Maybe need Clonidine again during the night for fast relief?"

• Sen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 13, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 50 mg of losartan for over 3 years. BP had been averaging 130-140 and 80 to 85. Now it is typically something like 117 over 75. Side effects have been quite minor. I believe I get a slight dry cough and occasional dizziness. I take it at bedtime - relegating those side effects to the night. Bonus: I sometimes suffer from gout. I believe this med reduces uric acid - a welcome plus. Bottom line: works really well for me."

• Jen...
• August 17, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Just started losartan 50 mg. I do know it takes time to work, especially having blood pressure going as high as 158/113. The only side effect so far for me is dizziness, which I had before taking this medication, which the doctor seems to think is the blood pressure and vertigo making the dizziness. But I do see some change in blood pressure after taking the medicine. I can get my pressure down as low as 128/84, but throughout the day, I get readings as high as 124/102. I hope this medicine will eventually get my pressure back down to normal range within a couple of weeks, but it is being closely monitored by my doctor."

• dav...
• March 2, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Took my first 50 mg tablet yesterday. Six hours later, it was like I had been spiked, really dizzy, fell over twice, serious head pain. Then the worst part: I had a fit of uncontrollable laughter, it was like some sort of fit. I don't remember much of it, only what I've been told. Apparently, it lasted about 15 minutes, followed by vomiting. Anyone else had similar side effects?"

• Mou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I'm physically fit, however, stress has raised my BP. I'm approaching 50. So far, so good-day three. I have been calm when facing stressful situations. My BP seems to range around, but it will take two weeks to see how this affects me. No fatigue symptoms. No stomach cramps, normal bowel movements. Did have some light dizziness, but it's gone now. (Keep in mind you need to exercise.) This stuff is supposed to lower your BP if you're feeling fatigued."

• Bee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I realize each person can react differently to any prescribed medication, and interactions with other prescribed medications can be a factor. I was prescribed losartan by my primary care doctor. I had side effects that were intolerable: back pain and spasms of an incredible nature, plus thigh/hamstring pain. Nightmares! Panic attacks, lethargy, dizzy as anything, not just upon arising. I have tried other blood pressure medications too, but losartan (50 mg) once a day was by far the worst medication I have taken for hypertension, possibly the worst medication ever! Read up on the numerous recalls also!"

• MMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "51-year-old male, active by riding bicycles, regular fitness, and moderate weight lifting. Overweight due to muscle mass. I was diagnosed with HBP after recovering from a COVID infection with mild symptoms. My blood pressure was in the 135-145 to 80-90 range at the time I was diagnosed. After taking 25 mg Losartan, my BP would consistently measure 160/90. My doctor increased the dose to 50 mg daily, and my BP went to 170/95. I took myself off Losartan, and BP goes back to original levels. I restart Losartan, and BP goes up. It's very consistent. Other mild side effects are blurry vision, fatigue, light dizziness. I would be willing to deal with these if it actually lowered my BP. I think this medication is very dangerous and will probably end up in a class action lawsuit."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Starting losartan at 50 mg didn’t do much for my blood pressure. Doc increased my dose to 100 mg. I experienced minimal side effects until about month 4. Dizziness, feelings of fainting, terrible headaches, nausea. I could not function. I told my doctor, and he advised it was the losartan. I am trying a different medication and pray to God it works. Losartan did not."

• 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."

• 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."

• Gua...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Started taking Losartan, 20 mg about a year ago. No side effects, but my BP was not going down, hovering around 146/85. Cardiologist raised dosage to 100 mg. After two months, I experienced severe vertigo, lightheadedness, weakness in legs and arms, nausea. Went to GP, and he thought it might be Meniere's disease, but that was ruled out by my ENT, who thought it might be an inner ear viral infection. Nothing they gave me worked until I saw the side effects of Losartan. Stopped taking it, and symptoms started easing up within a few days. Still experiencing days of lightheadedness, but it is gradually getting better. Cardiologist took me off all BP meds, and BP has remained around 130/82 for three weeks. More tests with a neurologist if symptoms continue."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I took my first dose at 8 am on Friday. By 8:30 pm that night, after experiencing dizzy spells and hot flashes all day at work, I was in the ER as I had a rash/hives on my throat, chest, and back of my neck, and my throat was swelling shut. Not sure what happened here, but I was terrified to say the least. I know it only happens on rare occasions, but I am not able to find anything on the internet about how many cases have had this effect and what in the medication might have caused it."

• 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."

• nll...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "So, I've been on Losartan for about 16 days now. I also try to tell my PCP, 'Listen, I've been experiencing side effects like the dizzy spells, low energy, muscle pains and cramps, headaches, lightheaded.' Oh well, they just brushed it off. It is funny they always mention anxiety in the PCP office as well, and they referred me to an office to discuss what and how to approach it. As I didn't have any anxiety until I quit smoking about 3 months ago as well. Anywho, I'm thankful for seeing all of these posts before anything drastic happens to me, other symptoms-wise, and will be speaking to my PCP on Monday about coming in to wean off Losartan, as they told me I have elevated BP and prescribed this Losartan right away. Was 140/80, sometimes in the 130s/80s."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on Losartan since April 2019. Previous to that, I was on Lisinopril for 3 months. The Lisinopril made me feel very ill both physically and mentally and made my BP increase. As a 43-year-old male, I had dangerously high BP, occasionally peaking at 200/110. I'm on 100 mg per day of Losartan and 10 mg of Amlodipine. These have been fantastic in bringing my BP down to safe and normal levels, however, I've always had a slight fuzziness or fogginess in my head. It's a feeling like I'm not 100% alert. Recently, this has gotten worse, and I'm having periods of feeling dizzy, vertigo feelings, and focusing issues. I often feel like my eyes are straining, and my forehead and scalp feel tight. I've also noticed I don't take in information so well. Not so much memory loss, more like a foggy and lazy brain. It's only after doing some research and seeing sites like this that I realize I'm not crazy, and the BP drugs are the most likely candidate."

• Jul...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on Losartan since April 2019. Previous to that, I was on Lisinopril for 3 months. The Lisinopril made me feel very ill both physically and mentally and made my BP increase. As a 43-year-old male, I had dangerously high BP, occasionally peaking at 200/110. I'm on 100 mg per day of Losartan and 10 mg of Amlodipine. These have been fantastic in bringing my BP down to safe and normal levels, however, I've always had a slight fuzziness or fogginess in my head. It's a feeling like I'm not 100% alert. Recently, this has gotten worse, and I'm having periods of feeling dizzy, vertigo feelings, and focusing issues. I often feel like my eyes are straining, and my forehead and scalp feel tight. I've also noticed I don't take in information so well. Not so much memory loss, more like a foggy and lazy brain. It's only after doing some research and seeing sites like this that I realize I'm not crazy, and the BP drugs are the most likely candidate."

• BGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Felt so sick on this! Should be pulled by the FDA! Chronic exhaustion, heart racing, palpitations, couldn’t finish a task, anxiety to the point I felt I was coming out of my skin, extreme vertigo, ear congestion, sinus congestion! Isn’t this enough!"

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I went on this medication, 50 mg, after having horrible side effects with Novapril. It lowered my blood pressure, no big side effects to speak of. Now, in month 4, I am exhausted and dizzy. Wasn't sure what was going on as I am just getting over the flu. Then I went to my dentist, who also takes blood pressure readings. It was 90/58! So, I will have to make another doctor appointment and see about lowering the dose. I might take half a pill and see if I feel better in a couple of days. So, it works, you just need to find the right dosage."

• thr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Doesn't lower blood pressure. Drastically increases dizziness and anxiety, ended in a trip to the ER. At first, I thought it was due to something else, but eventually, it dawned on me that the drug is bad for me."

• Mak...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I am going into my fourth year on 100 mg of Losartan. Blood pressure is still around 180/95. But I am not experiencing the bad symptoms others are having. No headaches, palpitations, vertigo, upset stomach, etc. The pills I purchase come in different forms and colors. I sometimes wonder if the quality is tested or not. I had one 90-day prescription that was made overseas. Yeah, it was a generic brand. Maybe it doesn't really work, never made any improvements in my BP."

• BPd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I tried this drug a second time, as my longtime Bisoprolol had suspected giving me joint pain, leg weakness, general apathy, fatigue, occasional heart palpitations, lack of sex drive. After six days, Losartan did improve my joints, strength, energy (to a degree) - now, however, I have fatigue from the insomnia it has given me. I only sleep four hours total a night, if lucky. Also, general dizziness that never totally goes away, and elevated pulse, which I forced to take a sliver of a Bisoprolol pill at night to lower and sleep. BP fluctuates between borderline hyper to good. Sadly, I'm just going to take the Bisoprolol once again, hope to get away with as low a dose as possible to avoid joint pain and lethargy. Losartan causing constant lightheaded/dizzy feeling and insomnia just too much to take."

• Hal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2025

For High Blood Pressure "I only took it for less than a week, and I can't handle the vertigo anymore. It's absolutely terrible! I was put on 100 mg at first. That was the worst feeling I've had in a really long time. Just awful. Extreme dizziness! I told my cardiologist, and he said to cut it in half. Well, that was still too much! The nurse says to just hang in there, but I can't do it anymore. It's a living heck! I have a 10-year-old son that I have to be able to pick up from school and help with dinner and such since my husband is gone at work a ways away, so it's just me taking care of him 90% of the time. I have not taken any losartan in 2 days, and I'm still feeling the vertigo, and I was only on it for 4 days. I've taken other meds for high BP, and all of them have side effects for me so far, but this by far is the worst one. I have just been chugging about 70 ounces of water a day and cut way back on salt and alcohol, and I've managed to get my BP near normal within a day. Lifestyle changes are the only way to go."