what can happen if i stop taking lisinopril

[bethsheba]

Originally Posted by Storm Moon

.... He didn't only mention Lisinopril, but the entire class of drugs of ACE inhibitors having this problem in some patients. I was shocked cause I had never heard of it until I read about it in my PDR. ....

Thanks so much for the info, Storm. I know some people who are currently taking lisinopril so will let them know what you've learned as it is very helpful!
Sounds like you were very lucky to come across an er doc who knew his stuff!

Bethsheba

[Storm Moon]

No problem I really would rather just not take blood pressure medicines of any kind. I've already been through most of the classes of drugs: beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and now ace inhibitors. Is there anything left after that?

I started out on Atenolol back in '04 but it just made my heart beat so slow, so I switched to Norvasc in the middle of that year. I think I was on that with HCTZ for a good year until I noticed that it caused my ankles and feet to swell, so I went off that in '05. After that, I was put on Dyazide. That seemed to work the best for about a year and a half, but my bp started to go up last year in the summer, so then I was switched to Lisinopril/HCTZ. I'm considering trying occasional anti-anxiety drugs for HBP, is that recommended?

[bethsheba]

Originally Posted by Storm Moon

... I've already been through most of the classes of drugs: beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and now ace inhibitors. Is there anything left after that?...

Yes, fortunately (or unfortunately,) there are.

I started out on Atenolol back in '04 but it just made my heart beat so slow, so I switched to Norvasc in the middle of that year. I think I was on that with HCTZ for a good year until I noticed that it caused my ankles and feet to swell, so I went off that in '05. After that, I was put on Dyazide. That seemed to work the best for about a year and a half, but my bp started to go up last year in the summer, so then I was switched to Lisinopril/HCTZ. I'm considering trying occasional anti-anxiety drugs for HBP, is that recommended?

Do you have heart problems? If not, why did your doctor start you out on a beta blocker, if you don't mind my asking?

As far as the anti-anxiety drugs, for hypertension, I have read that in some cases they are effective. My personal opinion is that although anxiety can "cause" hypertension, anxiety is a secondary condition...that is to say that some chemical/hormonal/biological condition is causing the anxiety (I know many people attribute it to stress or outside environmental factors but if that were the sole cause, all of us would be experiencing anxiety producing hypertension as some of us have had to deal with some unbelievable obstacles/stressors in our lives). For that reason, in my opinion, the cause of the anxiety should be investigated. That's not to say a cause would be found, but some well known conditions can create anxiety...sleep deprivation or tumors, for instance.

How are your lifestyle habits? Anything you could improve on there? It's not the answer, I know...but it can make a difference in lowering your pressures.

Bethsheba

[Storm Moon]

Well.. I am overweight. I weigh around 209 and i've actually lost a few pounds in the last couple of weeks. So that's one there. My diet is probably not the best, but I try not to eat fried foods too much. Money is tight in the household so it's hard to buy healthier foods. When I eat out I try not to get anything greasy.

And here's something interesting. I just got back from my doctor visit, and she does want to cut the Lisinopril and just do the HCTZ. But she went ahead and swabbed my throat.. turns out i've got STREP!!! So that might be what's caused this to swell up and it's scary. I'm waiting now for the antibiotic to come in at the pharmacy. Interesting to say the least! She still thinks I should take Benadryl in case it was an allergic reaction though. We'll see.

[bethsheba]

Originally Posted by Storm Moon

Well.. I am overweight. I weigh around 209 and i've actually lost a few pounds in the last couple of weeks. So that's one there. My diet is probably not the best, but I try not to eat fried foods too much. Money is tight in the household so it's hard to buy healthier foods. When I eat out I try not to get anything greasy.

Well, we weigh about the same. If you're only on the one med, I have no doubt at all that if you lose weight you'll be able to go med free...but fried foods are not going to help and using money as an excuse isn't going to help either....not having much money to work with might make it a bit more challenging, but not impossible. Afterall, potatoes are rich in potassium but are "relatively" inexpensive. It's about making the right choices. I would much rather spend the money on good food than on medication! And good food will achieve similar results (for someone on one med). But you will need to educate yourself about what you should be eating and what you shouldn't. The DASH food plan is free and is on line on the government website...you could start there .

...And here's something interesting. I just got back from my doctor visit, and she does want to cut the Lisinopril and just do the HCTZ. But she went ahead and swabbed my throat.. turns out i've got STREP!!! So that might be what's caused this to swell up and it's scary. I'm waiting now for the antibiotic to come in at the pharmacy. Interesting to say the least! She still thinks I should take Benadryl in case it was an allergic reaction though. We'll see.

It sounds like you've got one fine doctor!, but then I'm partial to women doctors. I think they have to be twice as good as the men given the discrimination in the medical field, and yes, it does exist.

Thanks for the update. It gives us alot to think about.

Bethsheba