I was taking Altace 2.5 with good BP results, but I became drowsy and I thought it might be the Altace causing it. Then I developed welts on my face. I found that both of these symptoms are side effects of Altace, so I stopped the med. The first day was fine the welts were dissipating and I didn’t feel drowsy. The second day I began to have anxiety problems without and any basis. I thought that the discontinuation of Altace may be causing the anxiety. I just took one Alace to see if the anxiety goes away.
Comments appreciated. Thanks.

donsabi,

The welts were quite possibly an allergic reaction to the ACEI and you were very right to stop them before you developed full blown angioedema.
I think the anxiety was caused by the worry about discontinuing the drug rather than the withdrawal. BUT it's quite possible that the buildup of extra pressor hormones that were trying to make angiotensin-2 but being blocked by the Altace hit you like a ton of bricks and anxiety, panic, worry can very well be the result of one of these "storms."

If you have anything like valium on hand maybe a couple days of it is a good idea til you settle down.

Are you going to retry the Altace in a couple weeks? If you do, start with 1/2 dose and watch carefully for any hives, swelling (especially lips and tongue), breathing difficulties...anything that looks or feels like an allergic reaction. If it recurs, then NEVER try it again.

Lenin,
I had such good results with Altace I don't like giving it up. I had tried Diovan in the past and it really didn't do much to lower my BP. I thought about reducing the Altace dose, but I am on 2.5mg capsules. I thought about opening them up and dumping half the med, but I am not sure if that would create other problems. Or possibly taking it every other day. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

Don,
If your welts disappear then try the Altace again. The welts might have come from MANY things. If the Altace appears to be the cause of the welts, you have no choice but to find an alternative because welts/hives/rash are usually the first sign of allergy and the message must be heeded because drug allergies can easily KILL!

If indeed you are allergic to ramipril, you cannot take even the smallest dose.
(But don't dump any til your sure.) It is going to take some experimenting on your part.

Lenin,
Thanks for the advice!

Out of everything that docs. have experimented on me Altace did the worst. I am now at 108/65 consistently on Lotrel 5/20 & Atenolol. What helps the most in the xanax 2 MGS a day for anxiety. Altace was the worst one, 2nd worst was Atenolol. It raised my B/P & made me feel very jittery. It did nothing for my B/P and gave me zero sex drive at 34. Weaning off of Atenolol next week.... next in line after that is the Lotrel. I have anxiety that causes the HBP. Just speaking my experience.

Lenin,
I take Altace and Benicar and I worry sometimes about an allergic reaction. Do you know if the combo poses more of a threat then the ACEI alone and is a reaction dose related?
Note: I took Vasetec for 3 years about 17 years ago with no problems.
Thanks,
Cass

Hi Cass. I was checking the drug digest for some food interactions for myself and checked on altace and benicar. It came up that there are no interactions between the two drugs.

Axe,

Why have you decided to wait another week? If you keep putting it off, you may not ever try. If your pressure goes up you can always get back on.
Best of luck to you. I only wish I was in your position to wean.

We have a big show this week. I am just afraid of how I will feel withdrawing from Atenolol, while having to practice for a huge show..... You make some great points.

We have a big show this week. I am just afraid of how I will feel withdrawing from Atenolol, while having to practice for a huge show..... You make some great points.
You may be surprised how well you feel when you cut back. I don't think you will see any adverse affects till you get all the way off. When I went from 100 to 50. I immediately felt more alert! I felt even better when I went down to 25.
I felt like I was 30 years younger!
Cass

Hi Cass. I was checking the drug digest for some food interactions for myself and checked on altace and benicar. It came up that there are no interactions between the two drugs.
Thanks bharkins,
I feel good on this combo but I am a worrier.
Cass

Thanks Cass..... I worry that is my problem. I feel exhausted right now even. I need to start.......