Altace Discontinuation - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

donsabi · 04-10-2005, 11:25 AM

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.

Lenin · 04-11-2005, 06:09 AM

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.

donsabi · 04-11-2005, 04:12 PM

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!

Lenin · 04-12-2005, 05:42 AM

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.

donsabi · 04-12-2005, 06:35 AM

Lenin,
Thanks for the advice!