Benicar
The below information on Benicar has been taken from official FDA sources, but we cannot guarantee it's accuracy. Please use this site for educational purposes only. This site does not replace a proper discussion with your doctor.
| Brand Name: | Benicar |
| Generic: | Olmesartan Medoxomil |
| Availability: | Prescription |
| This drug was approved by the FDA in one form or another on: 2002-04-25 , | |
| This drug is made in one form or another by the following companies: Sankyo Pharma Inc. | |
| This drug is available in the following forms: Tablets | |
| View the actual FDA approved label for this drug at the following links: PDF Label |
About Benicar
Benicar is used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It may be used alone or with other medicines that treat high blood pressure.
Side Effects of Benicar
The most common side effect with Benicar is dizziness.
Who Should Not Take Benicar
Do not take Benicar if you are allergic to Benicar or to any of the ingredients in Benicar.
User Comments and Reviews:
Cindy Benicar 20mg May 12th, 2008 Rating: 10.0000 Have been taking 20mg of this med since mid August this year and have not had any side effects. BP has reduced nicely. Reason for this Rx was that other BP drugs in the ACE inhibitor and Beta blocker class can aggrevate Asthma.
Note on Potassium intake, Dr did warn not to take any supplements and watch eating foods high in it(Bananas), excess Potassium can affect your heart rhythm. If you're on a diuretic and taking Potassium supplements better check with Dr. when taking with this drug.
Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 10.0000 I have been on Benicar for 4 months. Some of you like myself may have a allergy or sensitivity to Sulfa drugs. If you are taking the Benicar + HCT (HCT is diurectic which is hydrochlorazide). You may have symptoms of bloating,gas ,fatigue, itchiness,rash. body pain, chest pain because of a Sulfa allergy. Most doctors don't know that Benicar+HCT should not be taken if you have a sulfa allergy. I had to challenge my doctor to look it up in his physicians reference while i waited in the exam room. He came back apologizing that I was right and immediately swiched me to PLAIN Benicar. When I took it the next day my energy bounced back no more fatigue. You got to do your homework with these medications and insist on a "general health" blood work up, especially with kidney,liver and potassium studies. I developed a tingling in my fingers but that could be the anemia I'm battling and not a Sulfa side effect. Hope this helps. wayne weird medicine May 12th, 2008 Rating: 9.6667 I'm 23 years old, suffering from family inherited high-blood pressure. My doctor did have me on 3 Clonidine a day. My blood pressure was still high with three of these pills a day so he gave me a whole box of sample BenicarHCT to take WITH the Clonidine. I have been taking all the medicine together for about two or three weeks now and have noticed that I am having hair loss, diziness, weight loss (can't complain about that one really, considering I'm slightly overweight), bloody bowel movements, constipation, extreme fatigue, trouble sleeping, strange dreams, frequent urination, extreme thirst, and as of writing this, I am having cold/flu like symptoms, with extreme congestion/runny nose. I do not know why my doctor prescribed me four blood pressure pills as he didn't even tell me about side effects or anything like that, just sorta handed these samples to me and said take them with my other pills, but I think that I will stop the Benicar myself and stay with the other pills and try excercise and diet because this pill seems to be bad news to suspectible people. And my family has a history of Sulfa drug allergies. So this pill is a double whammy for me. Hope this helps you out. HARRY BENICAR 40 mg May 12th, 2008 Rating: 9.6000
I have been on thisBENICAR pill for three weeks and have the same problems
back acke dizzines ringing in the ears and poor bowel movements and gas
problems stopped pills and am back to normal i will stay with the blood pressure problem and feel much better thanks to everyones lettersjean benicar hct May 12th, 2008 Rating: 9.0000 I have been taking 20mg of benicar hct for 1 month now i have experienced back pain along with dizziness and pain in the area of my liver i spoke to my doctor she suggest i continue with the benicar hct bp has come down but pain in back still present i don't think the risk is worth the pain i am experiencing i am leaning toward alternative medicine i don't trust the side effects of this drug. Anonymous Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 8.5000 I have been taking 40mg of Benicar once a day with 12.5 mg of HCTZ for a little over a year. In the beginning everything seemed fine except that within days of beginning this medication I developed a rash on both legs from the knee down only that my doctor diagnosed as eczema. He said there is no way it is related to the medication, but I have NEVER had anything close to eczema before in my life. Despite many treatments for it, it will not completely go away. Has anyone else had this problem?
Also, it seems that within the past few months of taking the same dosage I have gotten very dizzy, disoriented,tired and have suffered headaches on and off. All of those are uncharacteristic of how I normally feel. Since the doctor that prescribed this med. will not change it I have an appointment soon with a new doctor. Will let you know how that turns out.robert hartge Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 8.5000 Why would anyone want to take this medication? I take atenolol at 100 mg and lisinopril at 20 mg, each once a day. They worked well for me with no side effects. But, my pressure was still a little above normal, at 150/90 and it needed to be a little lower, so I was put on a sample of 20 mg of Benicar. I got off it after 2 days, my other third medication was adalat, and I had a terrible reaction to that, so it was suggested I try Benicar. It has terrible side effects, ringing in the ears, bad dreams, stomach upset, and I already have a problem with that, I got a fever and felt like I had flu. It also causes tiredness and severe headaches. I had a migraine episode at work the first day I was on it.
Why would a doctor think that this is in somebody's mind when so many people report these symptoms? Any doctor worth his salt would immediately take a patient off this. There are some other good medications out there.
I am doing the safe and sensible thing which is diet and exercise, and am doubling my lisinopril and taking atenolol. I feel much better having made that decision.
If you have normal blood pressure and this medication is effective in doing that, but with all the horrible side effects, who would want to take this awful medicine. You would probably be better off with slightly elevated blood pressure than all the problems this medication causes.
At least I have a good doctor that listens to me and changes my medications if something is not working.
This one is not for me, and quite frankly, with all the reported similar side effects, I think this should be taken off the market.
It is terrible.Kevin Benicar side effects May 12th, 2008 Rating: 8.2500 I started taking Benicar about two months ago. Within the last month, I have been having a weird heartburn/acid reflux thing going. I also experienced some back pain and dizziness. The dizziness went
away after a while. I am now in the process of trying to figure out if the Benicar is responsible for my heartburn problem. I'm 37, and I'm not the type that likes to take medicine. I thought that I might be overreacting. I am beginning to feel more confident that Benicar is responsible for my symptoms. This message board has been great. It is good to know that
this is not all in my mind.
I also got very sick for about two weeks with flu like symptoms (slight fever, headache, dizziness, muscle aches, but NO congestion, running nose). Not sure what I had then, but I don't get sick very often (once every two years and nothing like that). My doctor did not think that it was the result of Benicar.
I'm now thinking about finding a new doctor. My trust in medicine is WAY down.This is the first time I have ever been on any type of medicine for a long period of time, and I have never felt worse.
By the way, it did do a great job of lowering my BP.
Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 8.0000 For a long time now I have had night urination, do not know the cause, but I am thinking it might be benicar that has caused this. If I lay on a chair, not flat in bed, I do not have a problem. I have gotten up many nights every hour or less than an hour, and now I can hardly even sleep at night. I sometimes take Tylenal PM to fall asleep. I work part time and at 7:00PM I lay down, and do not have a problem of getting up every hour to the bathroom. I work midnight and do not have a problem, in 8 hours I go to the bathroom twice. I have had a miserable week, getting up so many times that I am going to my Dr. Also my mouth is so dry and it has affected my gums and teeth,my Dentist thinks BP pills are doing me damage.
My BP was very high and is now, not normal, but lower, but I'm also taking atenenal, and norvasc. I am a lot older than most of the messages on this sight, but I never had all these problems until taking these pills.Art K Benicar Side Effects May 12th, 2008 Rating: 8.0000 I have been on blood pressure medication for over 10 years with little imporvement. Over the years I have been on at least two dozen different meds. I've been on Benicar since August ( 5months). doctor started me on 40mg and had no problems. He then bumped me up to 40mg x2 and this increase rendered me totally impotent and I then went back to my 40mg once daily. Now for the last month I've been getting severe esphogal burping. Once I stopped taking Benicar, I've been fine, I know its what is causing my problems. I'm stopping it, side effects are not worth any medication. Dora Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.8750 I have been taking Benicar for 1 week and the only thing that I have noticed is that I have some nausea and frequently urinate. I will be checking my bp this week. I may have to cut the dosage in 1/2. I am 65 and do not take much medication.
I would have to take a nap in the afternoon after I first started taking the medication but now do not have to.Shirley No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.6875 I wrote in about taking Benicar and didn't finish my story. My Dr.started me on Benicar for HBP a little less than 2 weeks ago. He was trying a sample and I didn't have the side effects litature that comes with it. 2 days of being on it, I went to the ER for Vertigo and have had 3 attacks since, 4 days apart. The Vertigo started with ringing in the ears. I have gastro problems, nausea, back pain and dizziness the other days. A friend told me about her BP meds, something different than Benicar and said it causes ringing in her ears, about an hour after taking it. I checked out the side effects on the internet this morning and I couldn't have been more surprised to see the same side effects I have had for almost 2 weeks. I did not take a pill today and I will not until I see my Dr. in a week. Kim B Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.6000 I started taking 20 mg of Benicar four weeks ago. First I started out with nausea and diahhrea. My kids had the flu so I thought it was just the flu. I was so tired I could hardly work. Talked with my dr. and she said I had to get used to it. Continued for two more weeks and a dark mood started. I would wake up feeling like I wanted to kill someone and hated everyone and everything. I was so anxious and never had this kind of trouble before. I am 44 and blood pressure was running around 138/90. My blood pressures were sporadic on this. Sometimes 114/76 and the next 150/94, just like before I went on it. Then I started having pain near my liver. Just didn't feel right. Then I started losing control of my bowels, 3 times a day when I stood up. Dr. said it wasn't the medication. I took myself off 5 days aga and all symptons are gone and I am the nice mellow person I was before I started this medication. It was like a black cloud lifted and bowel problems are gone. I think these med. salesman do us a disservice by marketing this stuff to doctors, without all the side effects being know or discussed. Sandi Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.5000 I have been taking Benicar for kidney protection for one week. Last night I started experiencing extreme tightness and cramping in my ankles to where I couldn't even move my foot. I woke up three times with it and had to get out of bed and try to walk it off. Once walking was easier and the stiffness and cramping were gone, I was able to go back to bed until it happened again. I am a Diabetic and I realize that it could be that I've developed a circulation problem and it could just be a coincidence that it started after taking Benicar, but I was just wondering if anyone has experienced anything like this since taking Benicar. Julie benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.5000 I started taking benicar on Oct 10. I am a retired nurse with systolic hypertension(systolic 150-165). I had been taking hydrochlorothiazide with very little change in bp. I was started on 40 mg of benicar daily. There was almost no change in bp for the first 2 weeks, By the third week my systolic pressure was in the 130's. However,I felt terrible. I was anxious, irritable and my joints began to hurt. I have a connective tissue disease and I thougt that I might be having an attack. Although, I have not had any joint symptoms in 10 years. On Oct 31, I became extremely dizzy and my systolic had dropped to 100. I stopped taking the benicar on Nov 2. I went to see my physician on Nov 7. I had difficulty getting up from a chair without feeling that I was going to faint. I hurt all over and
was tired and anxious. My physician did blood work and checked me over. He really did not listen very well to my symptoms.I told him that I couldn't tolerate the dizziness. He acted as if I was not being objective about the medicine and said that it was too bad that I couldn't take it because " It's a good medicine". I was left rather frustrated when he pressed a sample bottle of Norvasc in my hand and told me to try that. I knew that there was something else wrong with me, but he wouldn't listen. In the past week, I have had Rotater Cuff surgery because I had a bad tear. I was having the rotator pain when I went to my physician, but that didn't cause hip, knee and foot pain. I do not have any anxiety,dizziness ,joint or foot pain and I am only 10 days out from the surgery. I am convinced that the Benicar was responsible for the dizziness, joint pain, and the anxiety feelings. Now my problem is that my systolic pressure has returned to the 150's and I am scared to take the Norvasc. I have called my physician's office to make sure that Norvasc is the proper drug for me and they haven't called back. I need a scientific approach where some listens to the data and lets me know if Norvasc is the next line of defense when Benicar doesn't work.Ellen Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.4118 I started taking 40 mg Benicar in June and by late August, I seemed tired all the time and just had no energy. This condition got worse each week and in September, I started having dizzy spells. By late September, I would tire out just walking across the room and went to the doctor with the problem. Blood tests showed nothing abnormal so nothing was done. I visited another doctor and more tests were taken and it was suggested that I probably have had some virus and time will take care of it. After visiting this web site and reading many comments, I reduced the dosage of Benicar to 20 mg per day. This was about 4 days ago and I am getting my energy back and the dizzy spells are fewer. I have tried several medications for high blood pr. and each has had some side effects but this is the worst. I plan on trying the same dosage for awhile and if it controls the blood pr. and the dizziness ends, I will probably stay with Benicar. If not, will have to try some thing else. SNH Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.4000 I have been very tired feeling after taking benicar for 1 week,but the glands in my throat are swollen now for 3 days and I have a headache...
I sure don't feel good about this,I will stop taking this medicine...
I am on 20M and would rather try the healthy way,diet and exercise...Peter Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.3333 I have been on Benicar 20 mg for about 2 years. I was also taking Zocor for high cholesterol. I started getting numbness/tingling in my right thigh as well as in my forearms and fingers. I went off the Zocor in May because I had read terrible side effects. I continued to get numbness and tingling which I believe is due to the Benicar. I went off the Benicar for about 6 weeks with a little improvement but my blood pressure sky rocketed. I have had high blood pressure for about 25 years. I went back on the Benicar and since then the numbness is back, night sweats, anxiety, and having trouble sleeping. I have an appointment next Monday to get off this medicine. I wish you all well in your efforts and will add comments if I can find a BP medicine with not so many side effects. fw Benecar side effects May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.2857 I have been taking 40mg of Benecar for about six months. I have complained to my doctor about dizziness, weakness, pressure/tightness in chest, muscle cramps; and questioned whether he thought it could be the Benecar. He said he didn't think so. I told him I had been taking a potassium supplement to help the cramps in lower legs and feet, and he told me I could DOUBLE it. (I didn't know about the potassium danger with Benecar). He sent me to a cardiologist who ordered a thallium stress test and echogram, which I spent 4 hours this morning doing. I got the impression that the test results were normal, but won't hear it from the dr. for about a week. When I came home, I had to go to bed from sheer fatigue. When I got up, I decided to look up Benecar on-line. I'm so glad I did; I have a terrible sinus/cold/sore throat/cough, and have also been experiencing the bad dreams and alot of the other side effects I have read about on this site. My dr. had told me I could break the pill in half if I wanted to. I think I will try that for one week...if symptoms persist, I will throw the rest in the trash!
By the way, my dizziness, weakness, chest pressure seemed to be severe when outside - sweating terrible, shaking. Sprained both ankles during last episode just stepping down a step. I love to garden and be outside. This medicine has reduced the quality of my life, and I only wish I had read these comments BEFORE I wasted an entire day on costly tests, and a whole summer of viewing my garden from INSIDE the house only, and suffering ALL these symptoms fearing I might have heart disease or something. I thought symptoms were heat/sun related until recently.
Yes, Benecar lowered my blood pressure to normal. I have a family history of high BP, am 52 yr. old female. This is the first bp med. I have been on, and I don't want to try another after reading these comments. I think I'll buy a book about alternative methods. THANKS FOR THE INFO AND COMMENTS.Carol Benicar Adversity! May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.2857 I started taking Benicar (after quitting Cozaar) about August 13. I was also on a diuretic. My side effects first started out with a mild "buzz". Some nights the needles and pins would be so bad it kept me up till 4 a.m. I almost went to ER twice. (they woulda thought I was nuts I bet). I've talked to 3 pharmacists about this problem...and they've told me that people have complained about the same needles and pins. Tomorrow I see the doc and I'm gonna to insist I be taken off of this med. sarah hopkins benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.1667 I have been taking benicar for six mts now and i have started to hurt in my back, my back hurts constantly, i also feel pressure in my head and my blood pressure will not stay down. i ache in my joints. i went to the doctor three mts after taking benicar and was increased to 40mg daily i feel as if i can not take this medicine now. i hurt so bad that it effects my sleep . i feel as if my skin is pins and needles. i have another dr. appoint soonI SL No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.1429 I've been on Benicar 20 mg for approximately one year. I've complained to my doctor on several occassions that I've had unpleasant dreams, difficulty in sleeping, dizzy, and tired. He says this has nothing to due with Benicar and since my B.P. is undercontrol he will not switch me to a different B.P. med. I have an appointment with another Doctor, because I know the changes I've had since starting Benicar. Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.1250 Have taken benicar for five weeks. The first two weeks I noticed a tightness in my chest, after five weeks this is still there. Noticed when I would go for a walk that my breathing was limited too and felt as though my lungs were not able to clear out unless I would walk for at least 45 minutes. Am now not walking as I'm extremely tired, dizzy when I put my head down, and don't feel good about myself. Will see the Dr. and have him give me something different. Dave Tired/Headaches Cant concentrate May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.0000 Hello, I am 32 years old and was diagnosed with HBP about 4 months ago. I have been on Benicar 20 mg for those 4 months and must say i'm extremely tired all the time. I do not feel any pain in my back, but perhaps that is because i'm relatively young and run between 10-15 miles per week. The tiredness feels extreme to me, i have bad headaches for the first time in my life. I'm eating a lot of tuna and though perhaps the mercury could be causing the lack of concentration but after reading this forum, I'm thinking it could be the benicar. It has lowered my bp from 160/95 down to 130/82 at last visit yesterday. God bless everyone! Mike Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 7.0000 I just was put on Benicar HCT 20 mg for one week and as of yet other than slight dizziness have had no ill effects -- I was using Toprol XL 50mg, than 100 mg to lower my bp and although at first both worked I would get the ear ringing, vertigo type feelings, and feelings as if my face was stretching and the blocked ears.
Benicar has been berry, berry, good to me......I feel better than I have in quite some time.
Can't wait to get to my target weight with diet and exercise.....bp meds are not better living by chemicals...
Good luck everybody and Merry Christmas!Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.9412 Has any one had problems with frequent urination??? I've had this problem and its getting worse. my family physican thinks it could be the Benicar. I also have trouble sleeping at night. Lynn Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.8571 My Dr. put me on Benicar for HBP about 6 wks. ago. I first started with 20 mg., but was dizzy & had severe headache for over 1 wk. She lowered my dosage to 5 mg. (1 wk.) then increase back to the 20 mg. Thought I would be okay, but started to noticed chest tightness & light pressure. Also, I started to have severe upper G.I. pain (heartburn). I stopped a dosage, symptoms went away. Started up again & symptons appeared again. I am almost sure it is the Benicar! It was lowering my BP, but I will try the "natural" way because the side effects are not worth it. I was disappointed the med. did not work. BWL Benicar 20mg May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.8333 I have been on Benicar for about 5 weeks. The first month, I was able to tolerate the medication well, but now I am experiencing extreme fatigue,
acute severe abdominal pain and my skin has become very sensitive to pain.
I am also experiencing alot of unpleasent dreams and wake up in a drug induced state.
Thank you all for your comments, it is nice to know that I am not alone and that I am not imagining these symptoms.
The Benicar has helped but, I am not convinced that the side effects out weigh the benefits. I intend to consult my doctor and have my medication changed. In all honesty I felt better before I began treatment.
Glenda M No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.8000 I started taking Benicar in July of this year. The it hasnt helped me yet in bringing down my blood pressure. Frankly I paid $139.00 for 100 pills and for 20 mg. I dont think they are worth it. I am 47 years old and my blood pressure at the doctor's office has been around 140/80. After one month my doctor told me to double my dosage a day. I was taking 20 mg a day, and now 40 mg a day.
Now I have vertigo in the mornings upon rising and fatigue. My doctor refuses to change the medicine. Well I guess I will have to seek another doctor to find the right solution for me.
Personally this medicine is not worth it.
Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.7857 Dizziness. extreme difficulty breathing. Weakness, Very very tired. Headache and upset stomach. Will never take again. Thank you. Ed No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.7500 I have been taking Benicar, 20 mg., once a day for about 5 months. I also take a mild diuretic. Other than occasional dizziness when standing up suddenly, I have had no other side effects and it has been very effective in lowering my BP. At this time, I am happy with the results. Anonymous use of Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.7500 I have been using benicar for approximately 2 months with a noticeable drop in BP. I have also lost some 27 pounds which probably contributed to the lower BP also. I did not notice any side effects such as dizziness, but I was a little lethargic for a while, but that has mostly gone away and I now feel like exercising more.
I do like to have a glass or two of wine at night, but I noticed after I began taking the Benicar, that one glass was enough and now I only have a glass once in a while. I was on a water pill but the doctor cancelled that shortly after I began taking the Benicar. Overall, I believe the Benicar has been beneficial to my blood pressure reduction with little side effects. Hope this information is helpful.tony ringing May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.7143 i been on this drug for 2 week now 20mg once a day i been have bad ringing in my ear and headaces bad ones this durg sucks and am mot takeing ot anymore thanl you anthony
Anonymous Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.6667 I started on Benicar last week, took one day, had such pain
and pressure in my head, haven't taken another since! Dr. appt in
4 weeks, to check BP. Am also on Toprol for BP and Zoloft for anxiety.
Don't think some of these doctors know what they're mixing together here,
for their patients, it's like you're just a "guinea pig" for them! Try this, try that! Read that Benicar is a sulfonamide-derivative, told the doctor I'm allergic to sulpha, are they REALLY listening to their patients?
At 90 bucks a pop per visit, you would think these doctors should, I say SHOULD, know what they are doing!
Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.6250 I have been on Benicar for several months and recently was switched to Benicar HCT, my blood pressure has not gone down and I have a constant feeling that my ears are blocked, like you feel after a long flight, I am also pespiring extensively. I used to cycle a lot but find a tightning in my chest now when I am cycling especially on hills that before were no problem for me. Anonymous Side effects May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 After having changed perscriptions from an ACE blood pressure medicine to 20mg Benicar, my blood pressure was reduced even further to a more normal 128/78 and held steady for weeks. Then, I noticed my back began hurting in kidney area, my skin felt like severe sunburn when touched by clothing, I had diziness and could not sleep for days. Dull headache persisted, and all of my joints ached.
I made the broad assumption that the cause was the Benicar, and backed off to 1/3rd tablet each morning (est. 6-7mg), and immediately, the side-effects disappeared. My blood pressure elevated slightly, but I can sleep again, and the joint pain and kidney area pain went away totally.
The "sunburned skin" sensation went away immediately as well.
I see my doctor next week.
Sally Misencik Benicar 20 mg May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 I've just begun taking Benicar (one week) and have no side effects as yet; if I am affected, I'll respond again. I intend to keep in touch with this website. David Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 I've been on Benicar (20 mg) for almost a year, and I can't say that is been all that bad. I've seen an impressive drop from 150/90 to 115/70; but I've also dropped 35 pounds. As relates to back pain, dizziness, nausua, bad dreams, and all the other side affects I've seen mentioned, please consider the possibility that many of the people on this site could suffer from some form of stress or general anxiety. Many of the symptoms mentioned are classic signs of high levels of stress and anxiety...especially elevated blood pressure. The mere fact that many of the people posting messages or "obsessing" about side affects, are pretty anxious. Take it from a professional worry wart. Just a thought. Lynne No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 I am a healthy, active 30 year old and I have been taking bp meds for over 10 years. (dx w/ familial hypertension at age 12)I have been taking Benicar for over a year. On Benicar, my readings are fairly close to normal. Withot medication my usual readings are 180/95(ish) Over 10 years, I have tried several meds, beta-blockers, ace inhibitors, diuretics, etc.. I've switched meds so many times because I experienced nasty side effects with almost all of them. I firmly believe that no matter what bp med you take-you will have side effects! BP meds alter the way your body moves blood around-that's going to cause some different feelings in your body. I too experience dizziness and fatigue on Benicar-but it's not as severe as the other meds. I also notice the more active I am-the less fatigue and dizziness I experience.-hope this helps! sharon g. No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 Been on 40 mg. Benicar for 1 month. Have had one attack of severe bronchitis and now, 3weeks later, it's back but this time I've been diagnosed with acute, chronic asthma attack. Have horrible deep cough, wheezing, heaviness in chest. Could this be from Benicar? Anyone else have wheezing, coughing, bronchitis, or asthma-like symptoms? BP is only mildly lowered since being switched from Diovan. Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 I was started on Benicar 20mg about 6 weeks ago. I immediately felt dizzy and lethargic, with strong headaches at times. After 4 weeks, my blood pressure had not dropped noticably. My doctor at that time increased the dosage to 40mg. I am still feeling dizzy and lethargic. I guess I will find out about any change in my BP in about 2 more weeks. Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 As a nurse who works in a Recovery Room and also has a husband who takes this medication, I am appalled at it's side effects and the seeming lack of physician concern.
I have had patients who had minimal blood loss during surgery that I have had difficulty keeping their blood pressure UP to an acceptable level post op. It does not appear to matter if fluid replacement is sufficient, the blood pressure will/may still be too low. Volume expanders seem to correct this (as do vasopressors if given at a high dose) but I HATE the side effects of this medication.
My husband has had uncontrolled hypertension for over 3 years and yes, benicar does lower his blood pressure. I do not, however, think that he is "controlled" when he has had many days that he has not been able to sit or stand up. His physician is reluctant to take him off this medication as this is the first one that appears to "control" his B/P. (IF you are foolish enough to conclude that having a blood pressure of 70/40 on several days is controlled). Wonder which organs were not perfusing as his normal has benn 150/96?? (Or higher).
He also has had severe low back pain every morning (when will the physicians listen to their patient's very real syptoms?). He takes the medication at night to try to lessen the dizziness it oauses with standing or perhaps even simply walking.......
I recognized the sleep disruption that was also a common problem of someone taking this medication; my husband has had insomnia since he began taking this medication.
He has been instructed by his physican to stop it until his next appointment and they will discuss it's benefits. I have yet to find one. Too high or too low, the blood pressure is not "controlled".Pam Goodson Benicar 20mg May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.5000 I am 49 year old female, I have been taking Benicar for 3 months for High Blood Pressure. For the last couple of months I have been very tired and all I want to do is sleep all the time. I hope it's not this medicine because I have my blood pressure under control. Melissa No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.4000 After finding my pressure to be a staggering 176/120 a few days ago my new doctor and I decided to start with the Benacar HCT 20 mg. Other than mild fatigue in my lower back I haven't had any trouble thus far (only 3 doses in my system so far though so we'll see what comes). The good news is that after only two days my pressure was down to 136/90 which I hear is still a bit higher than they would like but most likely won't drop me like a stone without warning. :o) So far I'm satisfied with this medication and I seem to have a little more energy than I used to. So for all of you reading this and other people's experiences with the 20 mg. Benicar HCT, I am one of the success stories. If any wierd symptoms occur over time (or I grow a third eye...ha ha), I'll stop back in and let you know a.s.a.p. Bill M Benicar 20 mg May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.4000 I am a 58 year old avid runner ... 15 to 25 miles a week ... who just developed high blood pressure. Day one of 20 mg Bedicar when I ran just two miles I experience severe cramps in my upper legs. Day two I could not run at all because the medicate made me too tired. Day three I tried to run again and had extreme leg cramps. At just three miles I became weak and my face turned white as ash and cold. I had to sit on the floor of the gym unable to move. The left side of my head felt like it would burst and my left eye turned bright red. After about ten minutes I recovered enough to drive home, but still felt weak and disoriented. Benicar is not worth whatever good it is suppose to do. anonymous benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.3846 Iwas perscribed benicar 3 months ago
I got to feeling very tired, especially in my back area,then I started feeling very listless, and weak and couldnt sleep,Didn't want to eat and lost over 10 lbs. in 7 days.I quit taking Benicar on my own 2 weeks ago. am starting to feel better but still not normal. Still have tired feeling in my back but not as badErnie No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.3636 I was on 5mg Benicar for about 6 weeks. Felt very listless and had constant backache in kidney area.
Primary care Dr sent me to see a Nephrologist and tests disclosed my potassium level was up to 6.4. Was told to immediately stop Benicar.
It has been 2 weeks without med and potassium level is back to normal and backaches have disappeared.JoeA Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.3333 I have been taking 20mg Benicar/day for two weeks now. Initially, I had a 'buzz' as if I drank three beers one after the other about two hours after taking my first pill. After a couple of hours, the 'buzz' wore off and I felt as if a tight hat was on my head. I had a slight headache for 24 hours and then the headache subsided. I do experience dizziness for a second or two when I get out of bed or if I turn around too quickly throughout the day. Some tiredness occurs in the afternoon - but it is manageable. My blood pressure readings before Benicar used to be 150/100 and now are 120/80 or 130/80. A BIG change! I feel more physically stable throughout the day since taking Benicar - no spikes in my energy level. Anonymous Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.2500 I am very relieved to read your post, as I have had these exact same reactions. My healthcare provider for one reason or another just abruptly changed my medications to include Benicar and dropped my previous medication. This has been somewhat of a shock, as right after he did that my blood pressure increased noticeably and all of the symptoms you have noted appeared. My BP was totally under control with no side effects and now my ears are driving me crazy and I am concerned about the increase in BP along with not sleeping, sweating, and a dull constant chest pain. My healthcare provider sees no problem but I feel one and I relieved to know it is not just my imagination. Deb Benicar HCT May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.2500 Started taking Benicar HCT about 3 weeks ago for blood pressure and water retention in ankles. I am having dizziness, back problems,low energy and
feeling like I'm walking around in a fog. It's hard to take my dog out for hee her walks. Thinking about quitting medication. Rather go the natural way.Sal No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.1667 Ihave been taking Benciar 20 mg for a about 1 month or more.Two weeks ago I start feeling needles and pins and some numbness on my right side near kidney area,some lower back pain and aches in some of my joints. Kevin Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.1429 I have been on 20mg of Benicar just over 3 weeks. I have noticed pressure and dizziness in my head. Plus occasional bouts of anxiety. Other than that Benicar has been very helpful in bringing my BP back to a normal range of 120/80. It was up to 150/96. Anonymous Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.0000 Have been taking Benicar for 6 days along with my regular dose of atenolol. Have developed upper respiratory infection and breathing problems. This medicine is garbage and we are being used as test animals for the pharmaceutical companies who push these free samples on the doctors and they, in return, push them on us. These new medicines have many side effects and the long term effects are not yet known. I have stopped taking Benicar and will look for something else to help control blood pressure. L.E. Hypertension May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.0000 As a cardiovascular nurse for 25 years some of the comments from people here about deciding to take themselves off their BP medications without approval from their doctor is very, very scary! You have got to keep your BP under control - each increase of 20/10mmHg of BP over 115/75mmHg doubles your risk of cardiovascular disease - heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, retinopathy which can lead to blindness. Lifestyle modifications that you can make to reduce your BP are great goals - reduce & keep your weight at ideal range, reduce fat & salt in your diet, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, and avoid smoking & alcohol...but until those changes occur and actually lower your blood pressure to normal range you still have to stay on your prescribed medications to prevent organ damage.
All medications have some side effects but Benicar has very few compared to many of the older BP medications. If you are on Benicar HCT and have an allergy to sulfa (a type of antibiotic) some of those side effects listed may be due to the allergy - difficulty breathing, swelling of throat, lips, tongue, or face, or hives, rash with itchy skin. You can also be allergic to the actual ingredients of Benicar, as you can be with any medication and would have the same side effects. This is the only reason to stop your medication and seek immediate help.
Some of the "side effects" people are listing may actually be symptoms of prior organ damage from prior uncontrolled hypertension. If you have an enlarged heart you may experience shortness of breath, tireness, dizziness, &/or heart palpitations. A chest xray &/or EKG will show an enlarged heart. If you have kidney disease some of the symptoms are back pain, abdominal pain, fluid retention, fever, chills, loss of appetite. A blood test for kidney function can show if there is any damage to your kidneys. The skin tingling can be a sign of peripheral vascular disease. Before you stop any medication due to "side effects" please discuss those effects with your doctor and ask him to do a workup to see if there is a reason for those symptoms. When you lower your blood pressure, after living with high blood pressure, your body has to adjust to the change in pressure. Dizziness, blurring of vision, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), poor memory can all be signs of high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and changes from high to low blood pressure - try getting up more slowly from a sitting or lying position, stoop your whole body down instead of bending over at the waist. Your body will adjust better to your new blood pressure over time.
If you are a menstruating woman, ask your doctor to order a blood test if you haven't had one done to check your hemoglobin level. Anemia can cause many of these same symptoms some are complaining of here - dizziness, tiredness to extreme fatigue, cheat pain, palpitations and shortness of breath.
In closing, before you stop any medications please check with your doctor to see if there are any other medical problems that could be causing some of those "side effects." Work together with your doctor to discover the reason and if you need to change medications there are many different blood pressure medications to choose from. Sometimes finding the right one takes a lot of time and trials but the important thing is that you get the blood pressure under control. Most side effects are much preferable to being paralysed on one side from a stroke, a disabling heart attack, or on dialysis for life from kidney damage!Dalen Benicar May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.0000 Hello, I am a 35 yr old male who was diagnosed with high blood pressure about 5 mo ago. My pressure was running about 165/110 on average. My doctor put me on 20/mg of Benicar a day. At first i experinced a little dizzness but that has gone away. My bp is down to 115/77 on average.
I have been very happy with my experince with benicar!!!!Susan No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 5.8571 I developed High Bloodpressure this last February. I have been on several different brands and they have not agreed with me. Lisinipril, Diovan (which made me really sick, had to go to Emergency room two times ). Now I have been on 20 mg + HCT Benicar for 10 days. My blood pressure is at 135/74 but I still dont feel good. I appreciate any comments.
mary benicarHCT side-effects May 12th, 2008 Rating: 5.8000 Hello, i'm glad i found this sight. I have beeb taking benicarHCT 40mg. daily for only three days, and i'm experiencing the following symptoms nausea, dizziness, dreaming at night and fatigue. my work schedule is demanding and it worries me i might not be able to keep up with it. i think my eye sight is effected also. sometimes the dizziness is unbearable. but the alternative of not taking the medication, a stroke scares me as well. i am wondering do the side effects go away? or will they just worsen? comments...i am a 45year-old female. thank-you. Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 5.6667 Just started taking Benicar 20mg. yesterday. Am a little dizzy today, but nothing I can't live with. I was taking zestril, but was coughing terribly. So far, this is better. gail benicar is the pits May 12th, 2008 Rating: 5.5385 I have been on Benicar for 6 months I have been having bad back pain joint and muscle ache every very tired swelling in the neck as well as