Losartan and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I have every side effect. I take 25 mg and was taking it in the morning, but I could hardly pick my legs up. Pain everywhere. Very sluggish. All I want to do is go back and lay down. No motivation. Called the doctor to get another pill with fewer side effects, and his response was, per the nurse, 'You are on the lowest dose, and if you can't stand the side effects, just don't take it.' I am one miserable lady and just mad at my doctor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 29, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on losartan for 2 years now, to begin with 25 mg, then 50 mg, and shortly after 100 mg. The lower dose caused no side effects, but as soon as it was increased, I started to become lethargic and depressive. My thighs, knees, and back ached to the point where it was difficult to walk on occasions. There was no great improvement in my BP with the higher dose, so I reduced the dose to 50 mg by cutting the 100 mg tablets in two, and there has been an improvement in the symptoms, but it's not perfect. Back to the doctor, I guess."

• Sou...
• December 6, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Getting two blood pressure readings of 180/90 a year apart worried me, so I asked a physician to prescribe something. This is what I got (50 mg). I forget to take it about twice a week. My last reading was 150/90, but I had skipped my dose that morning. I occasionally have hip, knee, and ankle pains, diarrhea, and disturbed sleep with vivid dreams, but no more than I did before starting Losartan. Improvements I noticed: I have more energy, for sure. My arms don't feel 'tight' inside on days when I remember to take it. The only negative thing that is different is I sometimes get the feeling I'm losing my mind, in a way I never felt before taking this. I can get the feelings under control in a short time, though."

• Sou...
• December 6, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Getting two blood pressure readings of 180/90 a year apart worried me, so I asked a physician to prescribe something. This is what I got (50 mg). I forget to take it about twice a week. My last reading was 150/90, but I had skipped my dose that morning. I occasionally have hip, knee, and ankle pains, diarrhea, and disturbed sleep with vivid dreams, but no more than I did before starting Losartan. Improvements I noticed: I have more energy, for sure. My arms don't feel 'tight' inside on days when I remember to take it. The only negative thing that is different is I sometimes get the feeling I'm losing my mind, in a way I never felt before taking this. I can get the feelings under control in a short time, though."

• Sou...
• December 6, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Getting two blood pressure readings of 180/90 a year apart worried me, so I asked a physician to prescribe something. This is what I got (50 mg). I forget to take it about twice a week. My last reading was 150/90, but I had skipped my dose that morning. I occasionally have hip, knee, and ankle pains, diarrhea, and disturbed sleep with vivid dreams, but no more than I did before starting Losartan. Improvements I noticed: I have more energy, for sure. My arms don't feel 'tight' inside on days when I remember to take it. The only negative thing that is different is I sometimes get the feeling I'm losing my mind, in a way I never felt before taking this. I can get the feelings under control in a short time, though."

• san...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Have been on Losartan for 7 weeks. Noticed immediate lowering of my BP, which was good. But a little over a month into it, after a neck procedure, I started having awful belching daily, chest discomfort, slight pain in my jaw, and back pain where I hadn't had pain before. The belching and chest pain are the worst!!! Sleep fine at night. Though I wake up to a headache a couple of times a week. About ready to try something else. Can't stand the indigestion and chest discomfort.....and constant worry about heart attack."

• Mis...
• October 4, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I began taking Lisinopril in 5/2017. Within 2 weeks, I started having upper back, shoulder, arm, and rib pain on my right side. Just got a brand new desk and chair at work and thought that was the culprit. Started seeing a chiropractor, didn't seem to help. On 7/31/17, I went to the ER. I felt like I was having a heart attack, so it made it worse, and I had a panic attack on top of it. They did all precautionary testing, good news, my heart was fine. But I explained I had a cough from the BP I was on, so they switched me to 25mg Losartan. Things got worse. I've been to a rheumatologist, ENT, and GI specialist, and back to the ER. After extensive blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and medications that I probably don't need, I am finally convinced it is the Losartan, which has caused acid reflux, high liver enzymes, and recently a diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver. I have started to wean myself off them. When I see my GP next month, I am telling either to switch it or I will not be taking BP medicine."

• Mis...
• October 4, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I began taking Lisinopril in 5/2017. Within 2 weeks, I started having upper back, shoulder, arm, and rib pain on my right side. Just got a brand new desk and chair at work and thought that was the culprit. Started seeing a chiropractor, didn't seem to help. On 7/31/17, I went to the ER. I felt like I was having a heart attack, so it made it worse, and I had a panic attack on top of it. They did all precautionary testing, good news, my heart was fine. But I explained I had a cough from the BP I was on, so they switched me to 25mg Losartan. Things got worse. I've been to a rheumatologist, ENT, and GI specialist, and back to the ER. After extensive blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and medications that I probably don't need, I am finally convinced it is the Losartan, which has caused acid reflux, high liver enzymes, and recently a diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver. I have started to wean myself off them. When I see my GP next month, I am telling either to switch it or I will not be taking BP medicine."

• Mis...
• October 4, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I began taking Lisinopril in 5/2017. Within 2 weeks, I started having upper back, shoulder, arm, and rib pain on my right side. Just got a brand new desk and chair at work and thought that was the culprit. Started seeing a chiropractor, didn't seem to help. On 7/31/17, I went to the ER. I felt like I was having a heart attack, so it made it worse, and I had a panic attack on top of it. They did all precautionary testing, good news, my heart was fine. But I explained I had a cough from the BP I was on, so they switched me to 25mg Losartan. Things got worse. I've been to a rheumatologist, ENT, and GI specialist, and back to the ER. After extensive blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and medications that I probably don't need, I am finally convinced it is the Losartan, which has caused acid reflux, high liver enzymes, and recently a diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver. I have started to wean myself off them. When I see my GP next month, I am telling either to switch it or I will not be taking BP medicine."

• Lud...
• December 23, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I had begged my doctor to switch me from amlodipine and lisinopril, which caused me to retain a lot of water, to verapamil, which I had taken in the past. However, the verapamil was useless this time and caused swelling and pain in both legs, so my doctor switched me to Cozaar/Losartan, which I have been taking for only a couple of days, and my BP already dropped from 140/105 to 130/82. Swelling in legs and excruciating pain in my tendons have subsided. Overall, I'm not feeling perfect or even near, but way better than I was and hopefully on my way to better ways."

• Bol...
• September 14, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on this for 15 years following a triple bypass op. Until recently, I did not connect my problems with this drug. Now, all the constant need to urinate, the hip pain, the runny nose, the dizziness, the shakes, the tinnitus, the itchy skin, the dry mouth all fall into place. I am expecting my annual heart check-up this month, I stopped taking Losartan recently in order to test my symptoms before the appointment."

• 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."

• Wea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "First 6 weeks were good, then all things started going sideways. Between muscle weakness and pain, I could just about stand up to walk. Stopped taking everything, drank lots of fluids, and within 2 days was able to move again. Why does every pharmaceutical have side effects?"

• 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."

• 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."

• Deb...
• December 14, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Soon after starting Losartan, I began experiencing pain in both feet. I thought it was plantar fasciitis, but eventually, I began experiencing pain in my legs as well. My muscle completely locked up, and nerve pain, numbness, tingling, and also a rash-like appearance on my lower legs. I was told repeatedly that it was not the Losartan. I stopped taking it, and amazingly I started to improve. It's been three weeks off, and while not completely improved, I feel so much better!"

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking Losartan 100 MG over a month ago due to the valsartan recall. Not pleased with it at all. Tiredness, diarrhea, moodiness, headaches, body pain, nausea, heartburn, and lightheadedness. The doctor added 25 MG HCTZ that really wreaked havoc. Ended up in the doctor's office and urgent clinic three times in a week. May look into another class of BP medication. The doctor said the other classes have more side effects, though. Especially beta blockers."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ema...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I’m now taking losartan 100/25, after valsartan was recalled. I checked out these comments because since being on this med, I wondered if I was the only one experiencing severe fatigue and leg pain. This stuff is wretched. I’m hoping valsartan will come back as I have taken it for 10 plus years and had no adverse reactions. I hope I can go back to my old bp med soon❤️"

• Jen...
• February 11, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone. This was prescribed for hypertension. I took it for a while and noticed some coughing, but thought I was managing okay. I gradually noticed increased pain, which I did not immediately recognize as a side effect of the losartan. I eventually did a couple of trials by stopping this medicine for some weeks and then restarting. My pain was definitely much worse with losartan. I later researched this and found studies showed losartan could cause or worsen pain. No thanks! Thank goodness I recognized the awful pain was a side effect. Yikes! I take verapamil IR now and feel so much better. It has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces the pain in my body, reduces headaches, and helps the BP. Verapamil wins for me."

• wyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on this medication for over 2 years. I have gained a lot of weight. My legs are so heavy that I cannot walk any distance without having to sit down. Also, my hips, knees, and ankles hurt constantly, and I'm so tired all the time. I have looked up the side effects of all my prescriptions, and only Losartan potassium had all of these listed. And now I'm here reading all of the comments, and I see so many people having the same issues that I have, and I can only conclude that it's the Losartan causing my issues... I'm stopping this medication right now."

• wyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on this medication for over 2 years. I have gained a lot of weight. My legs are so heavy that I cannot walk any distance without having to sit down. Also, my hips, knees, and ankles hurt constantly, and I'm so tired all the time. I have looked up the side effects of all my prescriptions, and only Losartan potassium had all of these listed. And now I'm here reading all of the comments, and I see so many people having the same issues that I have, and I can only conclude that it's the Losartan causing my issues... I'm stopping this medication right now."

• wyn...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on this medication for over 2 years. I have gained a lot of weight. My legs are so heavy that I cannot walk any distance without having to sit down. Also, my hips, knees, and ankles hurt constantly, and I'm so tired all the time. I have looked up the side effects of all my prescriptions, and only Losartan potassium had all of these listed. And now I'm here reading all of the comments, and I see so many people having the same issues that I have, and I can only conclude that it's the Losartan causing my issues... I'm stopping this medication right now."

• 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!"