Olmesartan and Cramps: What Users Say

• Kis...
• March 24, 2017

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "I took Benicar for 12 years or more and went through the leg cramps, etc., but it worked well on my BP. I would get kidney infections occasionally but didn't know why. One day a few years ago, I came down with painful gout. My new doctor took me off Benicar right away. She said it contributed to my gout flare-ups because it affected my kidneys. I was so angry because I didn't know and hadn't read up on it. Have your kidneys checked regularly while taking this med. Now, through diet and another BP med, I do well with the gout, however, I wish I hadn't taken Benicar so long and had it affect my kidneys. Be careful!"

• Anonymous
• November 14, 2012

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "I have been taking Benicar for four years with no noticeable side effects; keeps my blood pressure at 115/75 easily. I had experienced negative effects such as leg cramps and severe dizziness with other medicines prior to taking Benicar. I still monitor other aspects of my life that affect blood pressure - adequate exercise, proper diet, etc., but am happy this medicine is available to 'close the gap.'"

• Cob...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "When I first took this med (olmesartan plus diuretic), I was fine. Now, ten years older, I'm now suffering terrible side effects: painful muscles, joints, skin rash, tinnitus, shaky, trembly feeling, anxiety, and cramps. My doctor doesn't believe me, and I am afraid to stop taking them."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "The worst medication ever! Helped with the blood pressure, but at what cost? Took it for almost 3 months only, I just stopped it less than a week ago. From the beginning, I had coughing and a horrible problem with acid reflux. Later, the chest pain kicked in. I was feeling tired and drowsy all the time. My muscles and joints hurt. Unusual cramps in my legs. Numbness, tingling, and itchiness especially on my legs and feet. Legs felt swollen, heavy, and sore. Abdominal pain all the time. My IBS got worse, having to pass bowel motions many times a day without any relief. Tinnitus and migraines happen more often than ever before. After suffering from this for almost 3 months, I stopped the medication cold turkey. Like magic, the cramps, tingling, and numbness went away the next day. Two days later, the muscle aches were gone. Still have tired and heavy legs but are less now. The only new thing I have is diarrhea. I found a study that says it can happen after stopping this poison."

• lit...
• August 4, 2013

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "I have been taking Benicar 20 mg for 2 1/2 years. The doctor switched me from lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide after prostate surgery. My blood pressure has remained in the 120/75 range the whole time. The only side effects I have noticed are a change in my sex drive and leg cramps. The lack of sex drive could be from the surgery, or the fact that I am almost 72 years young."

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2009

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "My doctor put me on Benicar HCT about 7 years ago. I was the type of person who hated to take medication so I didn't take it consistently. I think that is why I finally realized every time I would take a pill, I would wake up during the night with severe leg cramps. I told my doctor about it, and he changed my prescription to plain Benicar. After that, I take it regularly and have no side effects or problems at all, and it keeps my blood pressure level at 110/70."

• LBa...
• July 30, 2011

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "I started Benicar two weeks ago for extremely high blood pressure 220/105. After two weeks, my blood pressure is now down to 140/80. I do feel much better. More energy. The only complaint I have is the muscle/leg cramps and aches I get every night. Nothing helps. I am on 40 mg of Benicar once a day. I will call my doctor and see if there is any solution for the muscle aches. Otherwise, I am very happy with the results."

• blu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2016

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "Had an active lifestyle, was able to do a 40-50 min treadmill workout (run/walk) and was able to participate in outdoor soccer. Lost gf, grandmother died, horrible boss in new job in 3 months = 189/125 diagnosed accidentally. First 20 mg (85% effective), then 40 mg worked. Blood pressure: normal, weight gain 30 pounds added. Other impacts: cramps while playing soccer. Enhanced sensation of muscle fatigue (post hitting ball) or muscle in body. Next day feel effects. Stopped running/bike ride, rowing ok. Flaky rash on elbows, dime size, now double (use moisturizer/Nivea aftershave on it, works). Weight gain, depression 3 hours after taking meds, lazy. Potassium sports drink helped muscle recovery, feel good (doctor says don't take potassium)."

• Jai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I’ve been taking generic olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg for about 7 months. I’m 41 years old, female, and in good health. I also take Norvasc. I’ve had unexplained hypertension since I was in my 20s despite my normal weight. I haven’t had any abnormal side effects from the medicine that I’m aware of! My GI is normal, with no leg cramps or fatigue. If I had read all these horror stories before taking it, it would have scared me off it. I’ll keep an eye out for the long-term side effects though!"

• Ven...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed a 20 mg dosage, and my blood pressure came down. By the eighth day, I began to suffer from severe muscle pain/cramps in my legs, and I could not sleep. I discontinued taking olmesartan and tried another medication for high blood pressure."

• Tny...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2015

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "I am taking Benicar HCT 40/25. I have no sex drive, and really bad leg cramps. If I stretch, I immediately get a charley horse."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 11, 2018

Olmesartan for High Blood Pressure "It helped control my blood pressure, but the side effects were terrible: leg spasms and cramps."