Telmisartan and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Dee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 9, 2020

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I have been on 40mg Micardis 1 time per day for over 12 years and it always controlled my blood pressure. I had a minimal side effect of nasal congestion. Recently, my insurance decided that they would no longer cover Micardis and switched me to generic telmisartan. The pills no longer control my BP, and my doctor has increased me to 80mg, but it is still not working. Additionally, I have been dizzy and just have a general feeling of ill health. I want to make it clear that the GENERIC is NOT the same as the name brand, and I resent my insurance company for forcing me to take a product that does not work!"

• Sti...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 26, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Have had high blood pressure for 40 years (now 70) and had been put on about all the blood pressure meds (two and three at a time many times) in a vain attempt to lower my constantly high BP (many readings above 170/100) even when on other blood pressure meds. Then I read an article and requested to be put on Telmisartan. Oh My God, by BP fell to the 105-125/65-80 range consistently. If only I'd found this 20 years ago. Absolutely NO side effects other than occasional dizziness if I stand quickly. Just bend over and put your hands on your knees for a moment and all is well. Best, don't get up quickly."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed 20 mg of Micardis and, like many, experienced lightheadedness, dizziness, and back pain. It also caused my throat to swell, mild nausea, vision problems, chest tightness, heartburn, the feeling I was going to faint, flushing, and pressure in my head. Basically, my blood pressure medication made me feel like I was going to have a heart attack and stroke. I stopped taking it 4 days ago and still have these symptoms. Time will tell if this stuff has done permanent damage."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2012

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I'm a white male, 53 years old, 5'11'', and 185 lbs. I just discovered that I had high blood pressure about a month ago during a wellness checkup. The nurse took my blood pressure 4 times on the right arm and 3 more on the left. I was running about 180/120. After she told me that she'd seen 400 lb men with better numbers than that, I decided to see my MD. I've been on Micardis for almost 30 days, and it seems to have lowered it to the 140/90 range. I was also put on Bystolic just 5 days ago due to a rapid pulse of 100 bpm, now down to 75-80. The only side effects have been occasional dizziness and some sharp pain in my hip when I move. I did have a scary tightening of the chest and shortness of breath the other day. It seemed to pass in about 2 minutes."

• Ten...
• November 23, 2009

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I have tried: Toprol XL, Coreg & Diovan. All of these controlled my blood pressure. But all had more side effects than I thought was reasonable. When I started Micardis, I had some dizziness the first week. I now feel the best I have felt since starting blood pressure medication. My pressure is now 125-130/70-80."

• Ano...
• July 24, 2009

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "Soon after starting Micardis, I suffered from dizziness, nausea, irritability, and I had no energy. It continued, then I started experiencing shortness of breath. I was told by my doctor it was not the medication. I went to a cardiologist, and she kept me on it and put me on Imdur. Then severe headaches occurred. I'm now going natural and taking my chances."

• AVs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 17, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I am 35 years old, have high blood pressure because of genetic reasons. I am on telmisartan 40 mg daily (took it in the morning) since last year or so. The drug lowered my blood pressure (110s/120s by 70/80s) with initial bouts of dizziness during the day, which hampered my work. I started taking telma at night to counter the day dizziness, it worked well for a year or so with no other side effects. Lately, I have been experiencing dizziness again, I also felt a vertigo-like sensation once or twice, fatigue, and a drained-out sensation. Consulted my MD, he feels it may not be due to medication but due to anxiety. I have continued taking medication so far. Some days are better, some are dizzy."

• AVs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 17, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I am 35 years old, have high blood pressure because of genetic reasons. I am on telmisartan 40 mg daily (took it in the morning) since last year or so. The drug lowered my blood pressure (110s/120s by 70/80s) with initial bouts of dizziness during the day, which hampered my work. I started taking telma at night to counter the day dizziness, it worked well for a year or so with no other side effects. Lately, I have been experiencing dizziness again, I also felt a vertigo-like sensation once or twice, fatigue, and a drained-out sensation. Consulted my MD, he feels it may not be due to medication but due to anxiety. I have continued taking medication so far. Some days are better, some are dizzy."

• Anonymous
• June 26, 2009

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I started on Micardis 80mg, good for reducing my blood pressure, but I had bad vertigo, dizzy, had to lie down, felt sickly and had cold sweats. Did not agree with me. Reduced it to 1/2 a 40mg tablet. Felt okay for a day, then had vertigo again. Stopped taking tablets."

• Anonymous
• June 26, 2009

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I started on Micardis 80mg, good for reducing my blood pressure, but I had bad vertigo, dizzy, had to lie down, felt sickly and had cold sweats. Did not agree with me. Reduced it to 1/2 a 40mg tablet. Felt okay for a day, then had vertigo again. Stopped taking tablets."

• Anonymous
• July 27, 2010

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "On starting 40 mg Micardis, experienced severe dizziness that lasted about a month, eventually subsiding. Okay for another 4 months, then started to have burning and pain in feet and lower legs, especially at bedtime. Had to stop even though was doing a good job with blood pressure. Now taking Diovan and doing well."

• joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2017

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I suspect causation between Micardis (40 mg) and BPPV. I've missed my dose a couple of times, blood pressure rocketed up to 140/90s, and I felt great the following day. Normally, BP is 120/80s on 40 mg, but I feel like crap with a general level of dizziness throughout the day. Sporadic episodes, but this BPPV episode has lasted 6 months now. Worse in the morning and means lying down/standing up takes special head moves to minimize dizzy episodes."

• Day...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have taken Telmisartan 20 mg for three days and find the effects/side effects very unpleasant and scary. I have a constant headache, dizziness whether getting up or standing still, an increase in chest pain and dyspnea, and an increase in blood pressure with systolic up to 190s and diastolic up to 90s. This is similar to effects I had with ARBs 20 years ago, but the hypertension expert I saw claimed that the newer ones had virtually no side effects."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2009

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "I've been on Micardis for about a year because I complained about the side effects of Accupril (dizziness). The Micardis is better, but I stay around 140/90. I've noticed a reduction in sex drive since starting this drug, all else seems okay. I'm 35 years old."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I was on Coversyl for high blood pressure for a few years. Doing a fairly decent job. Then I was switched to telmisartan 40 mg because I have pulmonary fibrosis to rule out the cough associated with this condition to my BP med. I was put on telmisartan and I feel lousy. My legs feel like they weigh a ton, my sinus issues are magnified, dizziness is present and I get these headaches which are hard to get rid of. Not to mention irritability, sleeplessness, and confusion. I'm taking myself off. I'd rather have the disease than the cure."

• rol...
• July 10, 2010

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "Started using Micardis HCT 40 mg only 3 days ago, as an initial treatment for high blood pressure. No drastic side effects yet, except for slight dizziness and abdominal pain related to gas (once). I am worried about sexual issues, since there are lots of reports going around saying that Micardis may hamper erectile function. Other reports say exactly the opposite! Will have to test this on a long-term basis. All in all, seems pretty good."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have tried this medication twice. It did a great job in lowering my BP and pulse, but I have severe dizziness even while sitting. I cannot walk without help. I took it only 3 days both times. Last time, the dizziness and weakness lasted a week. I'm hoping this doesn't happen again as I just went off it."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Telmisartan worked great at first. There was a dizziness that passed eventually, and then I had a couple of months that were just fine. Side effects then started showing up. Diarrhea first. Then a cough started, which continued to intensify. Chest pains radiate in every direction, stomach pain, belching, reflux, back pain, intense hip pain, and my feet and legs ache. Weird abdominal pain and not sleeping well. I am a fit, very active person who works out 6 days a week. I feel awful. Did lower my blood pressure with random spikes, though."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking telmisartan after my valsartan was recalled. It's been two years now since experiencing extremely high levels of side effects from this medication. Vertigo feeling daily, muscle cramps in the back, legs, and feet. Nausea feeling and stomach cramps. Both medications seem to have the same effects on me. Until my valsartan recall, I would not have known just how bad these medications were. After reading and following the new and health reports, I have now stopped telmisartan. My doctor put me on Coversyl. I am now free from all these nasty side effects."

• pab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Cardiologist started me at an 80 mg dose, which lowered my blood pressure, but dizziness and vertigo were so bad it was not worth it. Did some research on herbs and found old garlic extract that people raved about with similar conditions. I take a 1000 mg tablet each day. I reduced my telmisartan to 40 mg recently, along with my garlic. Vertigo has decreased considerably. I am planning on going off telmisartan shortly to see if I can maintain a 129/69 with just the garlic tablets."

• pab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Cardiologist started me at an 80 mg dose, which lowered my blood pressure, but dizziness and vertigo were so bad it was not worth it. Did some research on herbs and found old garlic extract that people raved about with similar conditions. I take a 1000 mg tablet each day. I reduced my telmisartan to 40 mg recently, along with my garlic. Vertigo has decreased considerably. I am planning on going off telmisartan shortly to see if I can maintain a 129/69 with just the garlic tablets."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I had a bit of dizziness at first, which passed, no big deal. Then had a period which was great for a while. Unfortunately, I developed awful chest pain and reflux. The belching is nonstop. I rarely drink and only have one cup of coffee a day. No fried food or sugar. Also, gallbladder pain and pain on the left side under my ribs. I’ve gone off the telmisartan, I feel so awful."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "I am a 56 yo male, who switched from generic (Accord Pharmaceutical) 40 mg/25 mg Olmesartan HCTZ to generic (Glenmark Pharmaceutical) 80 mg Telmisartan, separately taking 25 mg chlorthalidone. I started the first week at 1/2 pill (40 mg), upping to 80 mg. Aside from headache and occasional dizziness, no other side effects. However, after two weeks, my BP did not decrease and actually increased (180/125). Read generic may not be as effective as name brand, as others reviewed when insurance made them switch. Was useless for me - disappointed, as I was hoping this would work, given other benefits of Telmisartan. Going back to Olmesartan HCTZ, which did cause sinus problems, heavy legs, and lower back pain (someone noted Claritin did the trick, so I will try). However, Olmesartan HCTZ managed BP to ave. 150/100. Adding a beta blocker at night (Nebivolol) to see if I can get into normal range. Also recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, so plan to treat."

• NDr...
• April 20, 2014

Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure "Extreme fatigue, unclear thinking, aches, irritability, dizziness."

• sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Same as some of the others. It's the fourth week and dizziness, shallow breathing till noon and BP around 118/77. I took it as my BP spiked in the gym while doing HIIT."