Losartan and Heart Palpitations: What Users Say

• JTa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 19, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Was put on losartan (green pill) back in 2018. Did not control BP, was switched to white pill, 50 mg. Started off with horrible headaches, stopped it for a few weeks and headaches went away. Started back, one night I woke up with HR of 165, had to call 911. 3 trips to ER for terrible GERD, tachycardia, horrible anxiety which I never had before. Insomnia, and horrible feelings of heaviness in head, chest, and legs. Lower legs feel like pins and needles, and numbness. I felt like it was the end of me. Stopped it 8 days ago, I do feel better, only lingering symptoms are dizziness and heavy legs, and just overall tiredness. When will these symptoms go away??? NP and I are monitoring blood pressure, it has been fine hasn't spiked at all since I've stopped losartan. Horrible drug in which the doctors will not believe you when you say the drug causes these things. When will these side effects go away????????????"

• Aan...
• July 13, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Have tried nearly all the frontline drugs for hypertension, which averaged 155/110. Constant headaches and I am 26 years old. I have always had issues with many pharmaceuticals, but not this one. Other BP drugs I tried before Losartan: Amlodipine - CCB made me feel like my heart was racing and worsened CFS/ME. Headaches went with drop in BP. Constant urination waking me up in the night. Beta Blockers ruled out due to CFS/ME. Ramipril - ACE Inhibitor worked for a month or so then started having really bad palpitations, they pulled me off the ramipril after an ECG. Had an odd metallic taste in mouth. Losartan - ARB I Don't feel ANY side-effects whatsoever, barring the positive one of no more constant headaches/migraines, BP is a stable 120/83 average on 50mg taken once daily. Just plain lowering my blood pressure, I don't even think about it when I take it every morning. Reviews show kidney function so far is fine. All is well so far, and no regrets 5 months later."

• Mem...
• February 24, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Losartan is a horrible drug. I've been on it for 9 months. Feeling of anxiety, depression, BP fluctuates constantly. I get mouth sores, throat problems, irregular heartbeat, and no energy most of the day. Asked my doc to change meds, now I'm feeling normal again."

• Qua...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

Losartan for High Blood Pressure "I had a heart attack and 3 stents put in around the fall of 2013. I had managed pretty well on Corgard 40mg. I also have rare episodes of supraventricular tachycardia in which the heart pulse goes as high as 250 beats a minute, with skips. Had to have my heart stopped and revived to reset it last time. The last 9 months I've been having to triple my Corgard, feel heartbeats strong, out of sync, palpitations. Last checkup doctor measured 162/100, even after doubling Corgard. She put me on Losartan and for over one week, I don't feel my heart pounding, my BP averages 110/73 taken 3 different times a day, no skips, feel 30 years younger on the lowest dosage 25mg. It seems that depending on a certain enzyme one's body produces, this medicine either works great, or not at all from my studies. I don't live in fear anymore, and have more energy not taking Corgard which makes you fatigue."

• Mar...
• June 1, 2010

Losartan for High Blood Pressure "I took Cozaar 50mg drug for one week and yes, it was very effective in lowering my blood pressure to normal. However, it gave me terrible insomnia, so if I got two hours of sleep a night, I was lucky. It also upset my stomach and gave my heart a big 'thump' every now and then. My vision also became fuzzy."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I took Losartan 50 mg for months and it helped with my BP and kept it really low, like 105/70, except it caused severe back pain. But then they had a recall, and I am on a different brand and since then I have developed many side effects, including chronic left shoulder pain, anxiety, and tachycardia. It is causing my blood pressure to shoot up high at times. The doctor increased the dose to 100 mg and the back pain returned. I told my doctor about the anxiety and pain, but she said these are not side effect symptoms. She added Lopressor for the BP and tachycardia because I requested it, and I am weaning myself off the Losartan, myself now due to terrible side effects. You cannot take Motrin or similar meds while on Losartan, so you cannot even treat the back and shoulder pain. I did insist on an EKG due to the new tachycardia, and I am scheduled to see a cardiologist who I hope will be much better educated on these medications."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 29, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "My experience was a nightmare! I was given losartan as needed for high blood pressure. My first time taking it, I had massive palpitations and anxiety and ended up in the ER. When they checked my BP, it spiked up very high, and they told me to continue taking it and sent me home. But I didn't feel well, I had tingling all over my body, and I felt depressed. I went back to my doctor, and they told me to continue taking them with Xanax, but it made me feel worse. I decided to stop the medication, and slowly the symptoms went away, but it took time for the panic attacks to come off. My blood pressure went back to normal, but the panic attacks went away after 2 months. I can't imagine how I had this kind of reaction. But I'm also very sensitive to medicine."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed losartan for very high blood pressure. It did lower my blood pressure, but after a month on it, I have to come off it. I experienced freezing hands and feet, flu-like symptoms, a horrible taste in my mouth, heart palpitations, and feeling generally very unwell. I cannot go on with these horrible pills. I was prescribed amlodipine but couldn't tolerate that either. I need to sort this out with diet and exercise, as I am one of the people who cannot take these chemical medicines. The side effects are not worth it."

• ant...
• July 20, 2015

Losartan for High Blood Pressure "This medication nearly killed me after 9 days of taking it. It sent me into AFIB, blood pressure dropped so low it nearly stopped. Hate this drug. If anyone has any side effects with this, go to your doctor straight away. Never felt so ill. Within 24 hours of me stopping this drug, I was back to my normal self. Please do not just stop taking medication. I have been put back on ramipril and I feel fine."

• Ila...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on losartan for 2 months, been okay till this week. Terrible headache, palpitations, feeling really knackered. Blurred vision. Been off it two days, vision is a lot better. I am still feeling grotty, ended up in A&E, all stats okay, but worried about irregular heartbeat. Not so bad now."

• Ila...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on losartan for 2 months, been okay till this week. Terrible headache, palpitations, feeling really knackered. Blurred vision. Been off it two days, vision is a lot better. I am still feeling grotty, ended up in A&E, all stats okay, but worried about irregular heartbeat. Not so bad now."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I went to my cardiologist for high blood pressure, which is anxiety-related, which I’m taking alprazolam extended release for, and it’s been helping. I’m in perfect health otherwise as a 37-year-old woman. Well, I asked for a beta blocker because my psychiatrist said most likely that will help, but the cardiologist disagreed and gave me 25 mg of Losartan. I took the first pill, and within hours, my anxiety increased, heart palpitations, and moderate panic attacks. Later on in the evening, I felt nauseous for hours. I immediately discontinued the meds even though my doctor said to continue. It’s been 3 days I’ve been off of it, and my symptoms are still the same. It also started giving me suicidal ideation today, which I’ve NEVER had before. So, if you’re like me and diagnosed with generalized anxiety, I would not take this med because it will increase your anxiety like crazy. Oh, and it did nothing for my pressure, my pressure went up instead, which was scary. Listen to your body always."

• Tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Losartan tore me up. I weighed 205 lb when I started it. Doc said to quit taking it when I hit 188 lb. Had me crying and praying for the pain in my head to go away, the shakes, woke up in the middle of the night with light flashes in my eyes, panic/anxiety attacks, rapid heartbeats, my eyes felt like they were going to pop out of my head, ribs hurt, gut hurt, zero energy, blurred vision... nasty stuff. They said it would take time for it to go away."

• MSS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Took Losartan 50 mg for three days. I'm experiencing insomnia, diarrhea, and stomach pain. I have heart palpitations, my face is flushed, I'm tremendously thirsty, and I feel 'out of it.' Plus, my blood pressure actually went up! Talked to my sister, who is sensitive to medications, too, and found out she's been on this drug for several years. Guess what? She's been experiencing some of the same 'mysterious' symptoms, but her doctors haven't put two and two together. I'm discontinuing immediately."

• Wal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Was taken off all BP medications about a year ago after lifestyle changes eliminated the need. Due to recent stress situations, hypertension came back. BP was 180/100. Went to the doctor who put me back on Losartan Potassium 50 mg. It's been a couple of weeks now, and my BP is down to 120/80 range, which is good. However, side effects are so debilitating. Wheezing, dry cough, headache, mood swings, irregular heartbeat (scary), heartburn, and the worst effect is the inability to concentrate. I'm in a total fog, but thinking clearly enough to remember this was some of the same stuff I dealt with over the years I was taking it before, though less intense back then. Maybe my sensitivity has increased since being off it for a while and coming back to it. Nasty stuff. I can't go on taking it and have contacted my doctor."

• Rob...
• July 4, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Doc switched me from lisinopril to losartan because I had a cough. Been on this for two weeks and from day 1 had weak legs, a heavy feeling in my head, confusion, and insomnia. By the second week, started having heart palpitations, dizziness, and tingling in my right foot. The last straw was red, itchy eyes and a swollen/sore throat. Stopping this tonight. Rather take lisinopril and deal with the cough until I see my new doctor on Friday. Think it also makes me tired, constipated, nauseous, and without appetite. Did not look at side effects first, but when I listed how I was feeling since taking this drug, they were right there. I'll keep looking for something better, but am also following the DASH diet and have lost 30 lbs recently, so hope to be off this drug soon."

• Tic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I switched from an ACE to an ARB due to a mild cough. The cough got worse, then came the tiredness, anxiety, loose bowels, and heart palpitations. After 12 days on this med, I am discontinuing. I have had OHS and AVR surgery and honestly was feeling great till I started this med. Time to find something else that doesn't ruin my overall well-being."

• Dog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I was removed from Valsartan after the recall. I had been on Valsartan for over 15 years. I am currently adjusting to Losartan 50 mg. The past 3 weeks have been upsetting. I am very glad that I read some reviews by others. I hope that my comment will ease someone else's mind. The effects have been... horrible dizziness and lightheadedness... anxiety presented as fluttering heart and shakiness. I did not put it together right away, but I am convinced it is my body adjusting to new/different chemicals."

• Pil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed this medicine to treat my high blood pressure, which was only bad during stressful times. It helped a lot while I was interviewing for a new job to prevent it from spiking, but now, my experience has not been good at all. I don’t know if it’s because my blood pressure is fine while I’m not stressed, but this medicine has caused me severe anxiety. After a couple of hours of taking it in the morning, I would have really bad anxiety attacks, some tachycardia, and chest pain. I would get really nervous before taking this medicine. After reading this website, I can finally feel better, I can’t believe this is not listed as a side effect when there’s an entire website with people complaining about the same issue."

• JYa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "47-year-old overweight male, need I say more. Dr. put me on 25 mg of losartan because of a 120/88 reading at annual physical. Did no research so I wouldn't predispose myself to side effects. From day 1, they were intense 6-8 hours after taking the pill. Leaving work on day 1, I was convinced I was having a stroke or a heart attack. ER cleared me. Lightheaded, dizzy, skin numbness and tingling, palpitations, fatigue, and overall bundle of nerves. Cut the pill in half, did little to reduce the side effects. Within a week, I quit taking it. Blood pressure on it 103/71. Blood pressure off it 118/79. I was a Tourette's kid in the 80s, so I did the circuit of meds... haldol, clonidine, orap, you name it. Dystonia, low BP, rapid weight gain. I know I am sensitive to medications. Hopefully, this post helps someone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on 50 mgs of Losartan for at least a year. Not sure if it’s actually helping blood pressure since it goes up and down a lot. My problem is a pinching sensation all over my body, mainly legs, feet, arms, and hands. It is driving me mad. Also, blurry vision, poor concentration, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. I’m ready to quit Losartan cold turkey to see if these symptoms go away. Is it safe to do?"

• Rai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "LOSARTAN. Started in May 2021. Here we are 8/3/2021. I have gone to the hospital 4 times for screaming blood pressure, heart palpitations so strong that I feel uncomfortable in my own skin. At bedtime, the palpitations start, swelling in the deep tissue in my legs and throat and neck… feels like someone’s mildly choking me. Then the excessive frequent urination at night and being barely able to hold back during the day is overwhelming. Doctors say they haven’t heard of these side effects and now I’m presenting forum posts from other patients. Big concerns for me are will it actually level out? I have seen my pressure actually increase and become almost unmanageable. Like the drug formulation is inconsistent? I once took three 50mg tablets in a day and when I left the hospital, I was still 170/110. My daily prescription is 50 mg. I’m hopefully getting off this stuff and I will try another BP drug, but the pharma industry needs to get real about the side effects."

• Gwe...
• April 8, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking this for 3 weeks 3 days, never been diagnosed for high BP, nor had my pressure monitor, had a drop in my potassium due to stress. In the ER on my second visit, they decided I need a water pill and a time release one for my BP, but my doctor took me off and put me on Losartan 50 mg. After taking it for 2 days, I felt the side effects: can't sleep, arms tingle with a light feeling of a burning sensation, palpitations, feeling anxious, not a good feeling. My mom and younger sister also take this med but no side effects, so for some it works, for others not so good."

• FL ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 6, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "On Losartan 25 mg for 3 yrs, after a heart attack. Just discovered side effects are related to the med. At first, Losartan dropped BP extremely low & couldn't stay awake or function. Reduced dose from daily to every other day. After a year, developed a chronic dry cough. At the same time, developed an adverse reaction called Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis, which is a rare skin disorder. I’ve had both cough & IGD for 2 yrs, happening simultaneously. Changing my med to see if both clear up. Other side effects are heart palpitations, extreme anxiety, depression, dizziness, leg muscle weakness, joint pain, achy shoulder blades, arms & hands, numbness and tingling in hands/feet, headaches, fatigue, sudden weight gain, abdominal pain, hair loss, acid reflux."

• ddn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Slightly overweight male in mid to late 30s and fairly active. Had a blood pressure of 150 something over 90 something. I used lisinopril for a while, but the constant coughing became too much. I asked my doc for an ARB and was moved to losartan 50 mg. It is a little harder to fall asleep on it. I did also notice some skipped beat/palpitation stuff in the first few weeks, but I get this with stress and too much caffeine anyway. About 3 weeks in, the palpitations were gone, or at least unnoticeable. The only atypical side effect I have noticed is irritability. It's not severe, I just find myself a little less patient, and I get flustered or defensive more easily than usual. No side effect is severe enough for me to consider discontinuing use. Current BP is mid-130s over mid-80s. I'm going to try and pull it a little lower with diet and exercise, but am otherwise happy with the reduction on the drug."