Valsartan and Headaches: What Users Say

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I have tried several different blood pressure meds. Valsartan gave me the worst side effects: dizziness, shakiness, nausea, headaches, sore muscles, and extreme fatigue! I would not recommend this drug to anyone. Actually raised my blood pressure."

• Anonymous
• July 22, 2009

Valsartan for High Blood Pressure "Diovan HCT 160/12.5 - took for over 8 years. Blood pressure was controlled...however, did not realize that daily headaches, hair thinning, up and down blood sugar, weight gain, muscle aches, etc. were side effects. Stopped taking and all symptoms started to go away."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on valsartan for 3 1/2 months. I was always tired, a sharp headache on the left side of my head, muscle pain. As of 7/26/2019, I decided not to take this medication, the side effects are horrible, and I wouldn't recommend this drug to a lab rat. I'm now waiting on my next dr. appointment to see what other options he has."

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 23, 2012

Valsartan for High Blood Pressure "I've been taking Diovan HCT (80/12.5) for a little over one year. It has done the trick on my blood pressure but leaves me with a slight headache and afternoon lethargy. After about 8:00 pm, I usually start to feel better. My doctor and I tried 3 other medicines before Diovan HCT with no results. I don't know if the side effects are something I will just have to live with or not. I will discuss this on my next Dr.'s visit."

• Kac...
• March 26, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "80 mg valsartan is the 1st BP med I have ever taken. After taking my second pill, I developed an extremely severe headache in the front of my face. It subsided the next day but did not go away completely. After the 5th pill, I experienced pain in my hips, knees, and fingers that woke me up constantly during the night. I took another pill the next morning. That evening, I developed a severe rash on my face right across the areas where I had my headache. Did not take another pill after that, but still have a headache after not being on it for a week. My BP was 148/83 and never really saw much of a difference being on the pill for such a short period of time. Valsartan made me feel very unwell!"

• Wsa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Been on every class of medication and out of options for BP 170/110. Trying Valsartan again as it is “least” disabling with other meds. But it causes huge electrolyte imbalances, severe muscle cramps, Charlie horses, cold/flu symptoms, stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle and bone aches, and dehydration - even though I drink 4-5 quarts a day. So will take to stay alive - preventing hypertension crisis. But pretty miserable. Wondering if the name brand would be better? I have hypothyroidism, a fragile baseline condition. So do try this med if you haven’t already! You may or may not have a similar degree of side effects or success. It’s worth trying, never give up. Good luck!"

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was having some high blood pressure issues for a while before I decided to go to my doctor and get it taken care of. I was feeling a lot of pressure in my head, no appetite, extreme anxiety, headaches constantly with some dizziness and feeling lightheaded and always tired. So she prescribed me this medicine. I’ve been on valsartan for 3 weeks. I have no more headaches, the dizziness and feeling lightheaded, and my anxiety went way down, as well as my blood pressure staying within normal limits. I don’t feel 100 percent back to my old self just yet. I’m still getting extremely fatigued at times, but I personally think it’s due to not drinking enough water. Be aware you need to stay hydrated on this medicine. But other than that, I was feeling like I had no energy or motivation before starting this medicine, and I feel like my quality of life has drastically improved so far. I was scared to take it, but I wish I could have started sooner. Don’t be afraid, it’s a long road, but you will be okay."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was having some high blood pressure issues for a while before I decided to go to my doctor and get it taken care of. I was feeling a lot of pressure in my head, no appetite, extreme anxiety, headaches constantly with some dizziness and feeling lightheaded and always tired. So she prescribed me this medicine. I’ve been on valsartan for 3 weeks. I have no more headaches, the dizziness and feeling lightheaded, and my anxiety went way down, as well as my blood pressure staying within normal limits. I don’t feel 100 percent back to my old self just yet. I’m still getting extremely fatigued at times, but I personally think it’s due to not drinking enough water. Be aware you need to stay hydrated on this medicine. But other than that, I was feeling like I had no energy or motivation before starting this medicine, and I feel like my quality of life has drastically improved so far. I was scared to take it, but I wish I could have started sooner. Don’t be afraid, it’s a long road, but you will be okay."

• Mys...
• March 7, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "From day one, really bad headaches, lethargic, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion. Tired, no energy, really bad skin rash, throat closing up, trouble sleeping. All around bad medication, joints aching, itchy eyes. Only took medication for four days."

• cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I took valsartan for 10 days. First couple of days were ok. Then I developed jitteriness, uncontrolled shaking, chest pain, palpitations, headache, burning in stomach, nausea, heavy crawly feeling in my legs, severe muscle weakness, dizziness, and cold sweats. My blood pressure got really low: 90/69, pulse 105. I called my doctor, and he said those weren't side effects. I looked on the insert, and they were all there. I quit taking it two days ago and am starting to feel better."

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I started on 80 mg in Oct. Two weeks after taking, my thumb went numb. We needed to increase the dose to 160 mg once a day to help control my BP. About two weeks later, my left arm went numb. I had a stress test and a brain MRI. Stress test fine and brain scan fine. I continue to have headaches and now going to a chiropractor for headaches and neck stiffness. He thinks I may have a pinched nerve. I feel like this drug has caused my arm and leg numbness and headaches. I’m also shedding a lot of hair. I began feeling like crap after I started taking this."