Lisinopril withdrawals - how long can they really last?
Posted , 13 users are following.
About 5 years ago, I was prescribed Lisinopril (40 mg/day), Amlodipine, and Atenolol to get my BP under control. I've gotten a lot healthier over those years and was taken off of the Amlodipine and Atenolol a couple of years ago. Three weeks ago today, I saw my doctor because my BP was dropping to 85/55, my heart rate was dropping in to the upper 40's while resting, and I was feeling very ill. Dizzy, felt like I was going to pass out, anxiety attacks. He told me to quit the Lisinopril immediately and monitor my BP so I did. My BP has leveled out at about 125/80 - 130/85 so my doctor says I definitely don't need medicine but to continue working on my health to get it below 120/80.
However, the symptoms I described have not totally gone away after three weeks of being off the drug. In fact last week I ended up in the emergency room because I thought I was having a heart issue but it turned out to be a giant anxiety attack. I've had two ECG's done which show no problem with my heart (my heart rate will still drop in to the upper 50's on occasion, typically in the mid afternoon), I don't have any ear/eye problems but I still get quite dizzy and anxious. When I'm walking, the world feels like it's bouncing under my feet. That's probably the best way I can describe it. The ER prescribed hydroxyzine pamoate for the dizziness and anxiety but all that did was knock me out and feel extra groggy when I woke up. I saw my doctor again yesterday who prescribed Ativan for the anxiety which does help get rid of these symptoms but obviously it's not something I can take all the time.
Everything I've read indicates that Lisinopril is out of your system in a few days and the effects of it are gone in 1 - 2 weeks. I'm wondering if that's accurate since I'm still experiencing these symptoms, although to a slightly lesser degree, after 3 weeks.
0 likes, 24 replies
thurman57978 holden77
Posted
My experience is this. Even though the half life of Lisinopril may be 12 or more hours(not sure) that has nothing to with withdrawal symptoms and your bodies response to no longer taking it. Much like heroin or an opiate, your body has become used to the meds and quitting then does not mean your body won't go through some withdrawl. Rebound BP is a tern used to describe those withdrawl effects. Keep up the great work and congrats on being off those poisonus pills.
jeffrey58711 holden77
Posted
Yeah, I'm only 25 and was placed a lisnopril for my high blood pressure. Took it for a while before I got sick of the side effects (difficulty talking, not myself ). I stopped taking it 7 days ago and still suffering from withdrawal symptoms. I literally can barely talk without my voice sounding squeaking and sounding like I'm retarded. Fuxk these poison pills.
DisneyRob holden77
Posted
Question to those folks who got off the lisinopril. Did you have good and bad days at it was getting out of your system I have been off for about a little more than a week, Yesterday I was doing real good, today not so good. It seems I will go a few days and the dry mouth is gone, and then WHAM, I will get hit by it again. Yesterday a lot of saliva, no issues, or problems. Woke up today, and the dry mouth is back. It does seem to be getting longer in between times I get dry mouth, but it comes back, it comes back with a vengeance. Is this to be expected. And also how long until you finally closed the book on the side effects.?
julie4755 holden77
Posted
hi holden how long did it take for the lisinopril to get out of your system and the dizziness to go away? having the same issues and it is frustrating
joshuapryce1987 holden77
Posted
How long withdrawals last depend on your health system and also how long your body has needed the drug. I would say between a few weeks to a few months. If problem lasts after 5 months then it time to speak to the doctor about your concerns in detail. Although i would say you should always consult your doctor, when making an important health system change.
stuart_cambs holden77
Edited
I have been on Lisinopril for a few years and constantly have suffered ill health
and a general feeling of no being quite right. Recently this had got worse and apart from suffering the Lisinopril Cough, runny nose and general tiredness not to mention Post nasal drip, lack of sleep I had three episodes of Angioedema. For those that don't know what this is. My tongue swelled to such a size that I was having problems breathing and felt like I was being suffocated. I immediately stopped this Medication, took a antihistamine and contacted my GP and I am now waiting to see what my BP decides to do. Initially it raised but now as settle lower. I am a health Care professional of 40 years experience and after this episode I will be very reluctant to take Lisinopril again. Forgot too mention the cardiac ectopics and disrhythmias I have suffered. I consider this drug truely evil....
abhinav49699 holden77
Posted
Lisinopril is known to have a half life of 12 hours, which means half of the drug will be flushed out gradually within 12 hours. Anyone on long term medication takes three to four weeks to get it out of the system. A medical detox also flushes out the traces of medicines from the body.