Valsartan and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Uns...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 1, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I went on Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide 80/12.5 mg once per day approximately a year and a half ago. On several occasions, I mentioned to my PCP and cardiologist that I was having a great deal of problems with my shoulders and stiffness in my hips. I was repeatedly told it was not the drug. I want to emphatically say it was the drug - The Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide caused the stiffness and mobility issues. After only three days of removing the drug and replacing it with a drug in a different class, my mobility completely came back. Not only did I have the stiffness and immobility of my shoulders, but I had a great deal of stomach discomfort, low libido, as well as fatigue. It was a shame it took a year and a half of my life to discover. I am a 63-year-old female who is very active, and that activity level was reduced considerably during that time period. Doctors need to listen to their patients."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I have tried several different blood pressure meds. Valsartan gave me the worst side effects: dizziness, shakiness, nausea, headaches, sore muscles, and extreme fatigue! I would not recommend this drug to anyone. Actually raised my blood pressure."

• dds...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2014

Valsartan for High Blood Pressure "I recently started taking this medication for about 1 month, 80mg/day, and I have experienced shortness of breath going up one flight of stairs, muscle weakness during light housework, and heart palpitations for no reason, dizziness, and fatigue. I went on vacation to Palm Desert and wasn't watching my sodium intake and not keeping hydrated. I paid dearly by watching my blood pressure go from 140/90 to 180/105 and ended up at urgent care. Doc gave me Diazide to flush out the sodium, and now my blood pressure is 110/70. The cardiologist decreased Diazide to 40mg. Some of Diovan's side effects are dissipating with this reduction. I am not happy taking any medication unless necessary, especially at the age of 46. Hope to be off all medicines soon."

• Anonymous
• March 16, 2011

Valsartan for High Blood Pressure "I started taking Diovan 80 mg some 15 years ago, it worked great for me. After about 5 years, I developed an allergy to the sun, and after many skin biopsies, I was diagnosed with discoid lupus. I had to stay out of the sun, almost like a vampire. My insurance (drug coverage) would no longer cover this medicine, so my doctor prescribed enalapril, which worked for a while, then blood pressure became erratic, and trying several other medicines made me so sluggish. My doctor wrote for Diovan again, stating it was medically necessary, and within 3 days, I had a severe skin rash. Lo and behold, I never had discoid lupus, so I quit taking it. Back to enalapril, and now my blood pressure is crazy again. I wish I could take Diovan, but I want to enjoy the beaches. Back to square one."

• Wsa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Been on every class of medication and out of options for BP 170/110. Trying Valsartan again as it is “least” disabling with other meds. But it causes huge electrolyte imbalances, severe muscle cramps, Charlie horses, cold/flu symptoms, stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle and bone aches, and dehydration - even though I drink 4-5 quarts a day. So will take to stay alive - preventing hypertension crisis. But pretty miserable. Wondering if the name brand would be better? I have hypothyroidism, a fragile baseline condition. So do try this med if you haven’t already! You may or may not have a similar degree of side effects or success. It’s worth trying, never give up. Good luck!"

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was having some high blood pressure issues for a while before I decided to go to my doctor and get it taken care of. I was feeling a lot of pressure in my head, no appetite, extreme anxiety, headaches constantly with some dizziness and feeling lightheaded and always tired. So she prescribed me this medicine. I’ve been on valsartan for 3 weeks. I have no more headaches, the dizziness and feeling lightheaded, and my anxiety went way down, as well as my blood pressure staying within normal limits. I don’t feel 100 percent back to my old self just yet. I’m still getting extremely fatigued at times, but I personally think it’s due to not drinking enough water. Be aware you need to stay hydrated on this medicine. But other than that, I was feeling like I had no energy or motivation before starting this medicine, and I feel like my quality of life has drastically improved so far. I was scared to take it, but I wish I could have started sooner. Don’t be afraid, it’s a long road, but you will be okay."

• Ind...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 8, 2021

Valsartan for High Blood Pressure "Have been taking Diovan HCT 160/12.5 for nearly 20 years with absolutely no issues. Recently, have noticed more fatigue and dizziness. Began checking and recording my blood pressure multiple times a day and found out that it is too low. I'm in the process of coordinating next steps with my doctor. Suspect that a slight dosage adjustment should do the job and have me back on track shortly."

• Dea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on this medication for some time now, and I have shortness of breath, palpitations, was put on a heart monitor for a month. Results show no heart problems. I am plagued with shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of my feet and hands, and this is worst in the summer. Dry mouth, sometimes my throat hurts from talking. I don't like taking meds because of all that is hidden from us by the drug companies. PS: accepting the terms and policy is not true."

• Cin...
• November 21, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on Valsartan 160mg 1x a day for 1 year. Prior to that, I was on the same med but 80mg. Again, for 1 year (did not lower BP on 80mg). Also, I take Metoprolol 50mg 1x a day for high BP, which I have been taking for several years to substitute for Lisinopril because of that dreadful cough. Ever since my doc upped my dose to 160mg, what I noticed is approx. 1 1/2 hours after I take it, my energy levels drop for the rest of the day to a very sluggish feeling and duh brain. I must admit I toyed with this---by taking it 1 day then not the next. Let me tell you, on days I did not take it, I felt my normal self. Even while taking the Metoprolol - great energy when NOT adding Valsartan 160mg. Additionally, it is not making a big enough dent in dropping my numbers--- doc suggested a switch from Valsartan to another med. But keeping Metoprolol as part of my BP cocktail. If this does not work, I believe I will have to switch back to Lisinopril and deal with the cough."

• Cin...
• November 21, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on Valsartan 160mg 1x a day for 1 year. Prior to that, I was on the same med but 80mg. Again, for 1 year (did not lower BP on 80mg). Also, I take Metoprolol 50mg 1x a day for high BP, which I have been taking for several years to substitute for Lisinopril because of that dreadful cough. Ever since my doc upped my dose to 160mg, what I noticed is approx. 1 1/2 hours after I take it, my energy levels drop for the rest of the day to a very sluggish feeling and duh brain. I must admit I toyed with this---by taking it 1 day then not the next. Let me tell you, on days I did not take it, I felt my normal self. Even while taking the Metoprolol - great energy when NOT adding Valsartan 160mg. Additionally, it is not making a big enough dent in dropping my numbers--- doc suggested a switch from Valsartan to another med. But keeping Metoprolol as part of my BP cocktail. If this does not work, I believe I will have to switch back to Lisinopril and deal with the cough."

• gec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2025

For High Blood Pressure "On 160 mg plus 12.5 HCTZ. For 3 months. Extreme fatigue and tiredness. Also take 10 mg amlodipine. Got anxiety and depression. On Prozac now. Wished I did not have this problem. Not sure what else to try. Blood pressure now normal."

• Bel...
• September 29, 2010

Valsartan for High Blood Pressure "Taking this for two months and really fatigued - used to run marathons for the last three years but now VERY tired. Thinking of going back to the doctor and trying another blood pressure medication."