Olmesartan Medoxomil Data Demonstrate Efficacy in Stage 1 and 2...

[Sharon]

Hi Judy,

My potassium level WAS low so that is the need for trying Spironolactone. However, that was the only negative other than my eosinophils and IgE (immunologlobuline) being way off kilter (extremely high). That's because I am a high allergy person and I always have some sort of inflamation going on; i.e., hives, hayfever, asthma flairs, etc. I do feel 110% better off the Benicar though. Of course my doctors down-play it as well, but I am convinced since I know my own body. Every single month I would have such severe asthma flairs that I would go on a nebulzier or eventually be rushed to the E.R. as home remedies were not responding. To think that I'm not on anything for B.P. other than a diuretic and potassium is unbelieveable to my PCP. I'm happy! After more research, at least in my case, a lot of B.P. meds are harmful to people who already have respiratory problems. I can even take walks now which I could NEVER do before. My lower backache has also gone away. Puff!! I hope you listen to your body and if not satisfied, insist on trying something else. I was a perfectly healthy woman PRIOR to going on Benicar but ignorance is bliss. I didn't check into the effects Benicar could have and trusted my Dr. I wasted 3 years of my life. Really.....I barely functioned...

[judy]

Sharon wrote:

Hi Judy,
My potassium level WAS low so that is the need for trying Spironolactone. However, that was the only negative other than my eosinophils and IgE (immunologlobuline) being way off kilter (extremely high). That's because I am a high allergy person and I always have some sort of inflamation going on; i.e., hives, hayfever, asthma flairs, etc. I do feel 110% better off the Benicar though. Of course my doctors down-play it as well, but I am convinced since I know my own body. Every single month I would have such severe asthma flairs that I would go on a nebulzier or eventually be rushed to the E.R. as home remedies were not responding. To think that I'm not on anything for B.P. other than a diuretic and potassium is unbelieveable to my PCP. I'm happy! After more research, at least in my case, a lot of B.P. meds are harmful to people who already have respiratory problems. I can even take walks now which I could NEVER do before. My lower backache has also gone away. Puff!! I hope you listen to your body and if not satisfied, insist on trying something else. I was a perfectly healthy woman PRIOR to going on Benicar but ignorance is bliss. I didn't check into the effects Benicar could have and trusted my Dr. I wasted 3 years of my life. Really.....I barely functioned...

That is where I am now, barely getting through the day. Most days I am very fatigued and lack motivation. I was exercising every day for years and have stopped
that. Is it the Benicar? I guess the only way to find out is to try something else. A diuretic alone will not work for me unfortunately. We'll see. Keep posting.

[Jammie]

I have been on Benicar HCT for about 6 months now and also am experiencing leg pain and the sorness in my knees when I walk. My achilles tendons kill me going down stairs in the morning. I am 38 years old. I am looking to see if it is the Benicar or the HCT of the medication. I will speak to my doctor about this.

Wanna be healthy wrote:

I have been on Benicar for a year now and just recently have developed numbness in my toes constantly and occassionally my hands and feet. I also am experiencing extreme fatigue and muscle weakness. My knees hurt when I walk and I am only 34 years old. I feel like I'm falling apart. It is controlling my blood pressure wonderfully. Anyone else having any muscle problems or tingling sensations? Oh...and my feet swell up everytime I sit at the computer!

[Cindy from California]

I have been feeling bad for the past couple of months, not sleeping well, fatigue,upset stomach, head feels funny. So I decided to look up the side effects of Benicar and came across this site. At the start of taking this drug I was fine, the other 2 drugs I took had side effects. Since reading what other patients are experiencing I now feel its related to this drug. I will be seeing my doctor in soon, so will talk to her about my side effects. I'm to tired to even keep up with my walking and have energy to do much.
Not good, and will send for the extensive study from the FDA.

[barbara]

Cindy from California wrote:

I have been feeling bad for the past couple of months, not sleeping well, fatigue,upset stomach, head feels funny. So I decided to look up the side effects of Benicar and came across this site. At the start of taking this drug I was fine, the other 2 drugs I took had side effects. Since reading what other patients are experiencing I now feel its related to this drug. I will be seeing my doctor in soon, so will talk to her about my side effects. I'm to tired to even keep up with my walking and have energy to do much.
Not good, and will send for the extensive study from the FDA.

Has anyone had any problems with their hair? Mine has stopped growing and I am not sure if it is a side effect

[Verna]

Sandy wrote:

Connie,
I was on Diovan for 6 months for moderate bp, had to adjust the dose to 80 from 160. I couldn't stand the way I felt on the higher dose.I put on 6 lbs in 3 months even though dieting, exercising. The Doctor changed me to Benicar 20 and suffered chestpains, backpain and flushing within a day. The BP came down some then went back up. I am now trying Diovan HCT 80mg but it makes me feel lightheaded and I can't concentrate for a few hours after taking it. I am going to try taking it at night. It has gotten the BP back to normal. The weight gain issue has subsided since getting off the Diovan 80. I agree I have a dismal time on the BP meds too...so glad to know I am not alone. I am thinking of trying Cozaar if the concentration factor doesn't improve. Has anyone had any bad reactions to Cozaar?

Connie,
I took Cozaar for about 12 years and had no problem with it but it stopped working so my doctor changed me to Benicar 20mg about two weeks ago and I am having severe pain in my back and gallbladder area. In fact I feel like I did before my gallbladder was removed. Has anyone had this problem I am very sensitive to medications and have been through many blood pressure medications. So far Cozaar is the only one I have had no trouble with. I am glad my doctor listens to me.

[barbara]

Verna wrote:

<quoted text>
Connie,
I took Cozaar for about 12 years and had no problem with it but it stopped working so my doctor changed me to Benicar 20mg about two weeks ago and I am having severe pain in my back and gallbladder area. In fact I feel like I did before my gallbladder was removed. Has anyone had this problem I am very sensitive to medications and have been through many blood pressure medications. So far Cozaar is the only one I have had no trouble with. I am glad my doctor listens to me.

I am also very drug sensitive and have been taking Benicar HCT for about a year. I have had intermittent backaches, stomach upsets, fatigue and lack of motivation, etc. I believe that most of the side effects are from the HCT and not the Benicar. I have been contemplating talking to my doctor about Cozaar since it has been around a long time and does not seem to have many long term side effects. I am curious, what were your blood pressure readings on Cozaar as compared to Benicar?

[TOM]

I HAVE BEGUN TO REALIZE THAT I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DETERMINE WHAT DRUGS WORK FOR ME...NO DOCTOR CAN AND MOST DON'T REALLY HAVE A CLUE AS TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MOST DRUGS. NORVAS LOWERED MY PRESSURE SOMEWHAT BUT DIDN'T RELIEVE THE SWELLING SO MY DOCTOR CHANGED ME TO BENICAR...20MG A DAY FOR THE PAST YEAR...IT WORKED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS BUT I'VE LOST ABOUT 15 POUNDS AND MY BLOOD SUGAR AND PRESSURE IS WELL UNDER CONTROL BUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HEADACHE, POOR SLEEPING, DRY NOSE, THROAT AND CHEST IRRITATION AND DRY COUGH ARE MORE THAN I CARE TO LIVE WITH...I AM GETTING OFF THE BENICAR AND I BELIEVE THAT WITH PROPER DIET AND THE EXERCISE AND WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM I'VE ADOPTED WILL HELP ME CONTROL MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND STOP THE FEELING OF BEING DEHYDRATED WHILE CONSTANTLY HAVING TO URINATE...I BELIEVE THE BENICAR HAS ALSO
CAUSED ME TO SUFFER FROM ANXIETY AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL, WHICH ARE CONCERNS I NEVER HAD BEFORE...

[barbara]

TOM wrote:

I HAVE BEGUN TO REALIZE THAT I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DETERMINE WHAT DRUGS WORK FOR ME...NO DOCTOR CAN AND MOST DON'T REALLY HAVE A CLUE AS TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MOST DRUGS. NORVAS LOWERED MY PRESSURE SOMEWHAT BUT DIDN'T RELIEVE THE SWELLING SO MY DOCTOR CHANGED ME TO BENICAR...20MG A DAY FOR THE PAST YEAR...IT WORKED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS BUT I'VE LOST ABOUT 15 POUNDS AND MY BLOOD SUGAR AND PRESSURE IS WELL UNDER CONTROL BUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HEADACHE, POOR SLEEPING, DRY NOSE, THROAT AND CHEST IRRITATION AND DRY COUGH ARE MORE THAN I CARE TO LIVE WITH...I AM GETTING OFF THE BENICAR AND I BELIEVE THAT WITH PROPER DIET AND THE EXERCISE AND WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM I'VE ADOPTED WILL HELP ME CONTROL MY BLOOD PRESSURE AND STOP THE FEELING OF BEING DEHYDRATED WHILE CONSTANTLY HAVING TO URINATE...I BELIEVE THE BENICAR HAS ALSO
CAUSED ME TO SUFFER FROM ANXIETY AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL, WHICH ARE CONCERNS I NEVER HAD BEFORE...

I have noticed that I am more anxious being on this med, also I am now developing hands that tremor mildly. Something new.

[ron]

do you take your dosage in the am or pm.
you may need to adjust the time you take the pills.

barbara lastrina wrote:

I am taking 40mg. Benicar daily for hypertension. I began taking the medication mid October, 2005. About a month later I began to experience a dry night cough. I now am experiencing dry night cough, chest tightness upon awakening, sinus congestion. Has anyone else had these side effects?

[barbara]

ron wrote:

do you take your dosage in the am or pm.
you may need to adjust the time you take the pills.
<quoted text>

Take meds in morning. Have you had any of these side effects? It appears that sinus and cough, productive as well as non productive are a side effect but I don't understand why after all this time I am starting to get more side effects.

[Cheryl]

barbara wrote:

<quoted text>This is a new side effect I think - have you ever had snowy vision while on Benicar?? It only happens when I am outside and the sun reflects on my concrete driveway??? I am getting weird visual symptoms. Please reply.

YES!!!! I've been experiencing very blurred vision, foggy headed as well. The vision I was attributing to turning 40 years old. However, it seems to be ONLY when I'm reading. Otherwise my vision is very crisp. I have always had 20/20 vision. I should have started by stating that I have been taking Benicar for about 6 years, switching very early on to Benicar HCT. At first the small amount of the dieretic would cause me to run to the bathroom after approximately 1 hours after taking the medication. I've noticed, however, over the last four months or so, that's not the case. I can take it but it doesn't seem to have the dierectic effect on me. I also developed GERD, muscle pain, charlie horses, dizziness, sore throat, sinusitis, depression with extreme mood swings, flu like symptoms, dry cough, EXTREME FATIGUE to the point of not being able to get out of bed, along with depression and shortness of breath - and the topper - it's almost impossible for me to lose weight which would help me to control my bp naturally. I also experience lower back pain - and knee pain which is so excruciating. I also experience such weakness in my legs to the point that I can barely go up steps. I feel as though I'm pulling a 150 pound load Overall, I feel like I'm 140 instead of 40. I too believe that the effects of this drug are cummulative to the point that you don't attribute each new side effect to the drug at all!
But, yes, getting back on track and answering your question (see what I mean about being foggy headed!) my vision is blurred, or snowy as you say. I also have developed light sensitivity in my eyes. My blood pressure also fluctuates to the extremes but is always high when I visit the doctor.
Overall, my mind used to be sharp as a tack - now it's as sharp as a door knob!
I'm going off of this junk. I'll take cimnamon tablets in the meantime. I wonder if the side effect to that is craving apples!!!! It sure would beat feeling like I do. By the way, I also seemed to have developed attention deficit? I can't keep track of my own thoughts.

[Cheryl]

Jammie wrote:

I have been on Benicar HCT for about 6 months now and also am experiencing leg pain and the sorness in my knees when I walk. My achilles tendons kill me going down stairs in the morning. I am 38 years old. I am looking to see if it is the Benicar or the HCT of the medication. I will speak to my doctor about this.
<quoted text>

I know what you mean about the knees - it's excruciating for me as well. It is also worse in the morning and more so on some days than on othes. Someone else mentioned about the hair not growing? Mine too - it seems as if it has gone limp and is thinning at the same time. If that makes sense? It just isn't the same and I can't put my finger on it. Isn't it wonderful? Between the thinning hair or lack of it's growth, the knee pain, the bloated belly (distension), blurred vision and headaches is it a wonder why people are depressed? Even if it doesn't cause depression, this load of side effects is sure to cause it.

I too wonder why I'm experiencing all of these added symptoms after taking it for years. I.m beginning to wonder that maybe the drug is being manufactured differently than it was years ago? Could they have changed the formulation?

I also didn't mention that my ankles swell and this is really strange due to the fact that the HCT is supposed to be a directic)- and in addition to my train of thought constantly being derailed, I seem to also have developed a slight stutter and also noticed just the other day, the slight hand tremor.

If all this is true, this stuff is really poisoning our symptoms.

[Dee]

I am happy to be reading this forum. It helps to see what others are experiencing. Thanks

I've been on Benicar 20mg for 6 months, taken in the morning. I am watching myself loose my energy and drive.

That is my biggest complaint. I have no asthma or joint pain but I am somewhat depressed. Benicar has the least side effects for me.

It's a hard decision - live life with your old vibrant personality and perhaps have a stroke or loose your personality and friendships but live to an old age.?

[barbara]

Cheryl wrote:

<quoted text>
I know what you mean about the knees - it's excruciating for me as well. It is also worse in the morning and more so on some days than on othes. Someone else mentioned about the hair not growing? Mine too - it seems as if it has gone limp and is thinning at the same time. If that makes sense? It just isn't the same and I can't put my finger on it. Isn't it wonderful? Between the thinning hair or lack of it's growth, the knee pain, the bloated belly (distension), blurred vision and headaches is it a wonder why people are depressed? Even if it doesn't cause depression, this load of side effects is sure to cause it.
I too wonder why I'm experiencing all of these added symptoms after taking it for years. I.m beginning to wonder that maybe the drug is being manufactured differently than it was years ago? Could they have changed the formulation?
I also didn't mention that my ankles swell and this is really strange due to the fact that the HCT is supposed to be a directic)- and in addition to my train of thought constantly being derailed, I seem to also have developed a slight stutter and also noticed just the other day, the slight hand tremor.
If all this is true, this stuff is really poisoning our symptoms.

I am experiencing all of the same side effects. My stomach has gotten larger to the point where my clothes do not fit, hand tremors, joint pain, cold hands, tingling, headaches and the list goes on. Could it really be the long term side effects of Benicar? Doctors and pharmacist all say absolutely not. Who do you believe?

[jan]

barabra,
i started benicar in jan 06,
it has defaintly made me gain weight
my dr, said no but like you ,none of my clothes
fit me,i noticed achange within 3 to 4 months
of taking benicar.i tryed 3 times to get him to change my med, he would'nt. so i found a new dr.
i have always eaten healthy. so i am sure it is the med. my extra is also in the middle.
i understand what yoy feel. you just dont stop fitting into your clothes overnight!
I just started a new med on monday wish me luck
my old dr didnt listen.but i work out and eat a very healthy diet. sooo its the med i hope

[Cheryl]

jan wrote:

barabra,
i started benicar in jan 06,
it has defaintly made me gain weight
my dr, said no but like you ,none of my clothes
fit me,i noticed achange within 3 to 4 months
of taking benicar.i tryed 3 times to get him to change my med, he would'nt. so i found a new dr.
i have always eaten healthy. so i am sure it is the med. my extra is also in the middle.
i understand what yoy feel. you just dont stop fitting into your clothes overnight!
I just started a new med on monday wish me luck
my old dr didnt listen.but i work out and eat a very healthy diet. sooo its the med i hope

Barbara and Jan (and everyone else who is experiencing this):

You're both 100% correct - the weight gain is right across my middle. And thanks for your confirmation regarding your experiences with Benicar. It's nice to know that I'm not going nuts, because listening to the doctors will make you doubt what's actually happening to your own body!

Now to be fair - even when I was a size 4-6, I would have a little bit of a stomach. But after being on this drug, my stomach is distended to the point that it's ridiculous. Overall I look "thick" if you know what I mean. It's a weird feeling too - I can eat a carrot stick and my stomach immediately puffs out as if I'd just eaten a 10 course meal! I wear mostly stretch garments, but after I eat lunch I'm so uncomfortable that I can't wait to get home to change out of the constricting garments.

I've stopped taking the Benicar and I've been having a bad headache ever since. My head is pounding right now. However, I've taken the apple cider vinegar and 2 stalks of celery and think that it's helping to keep my bp down. I took it a short time ago and it was 135/85 (not too bad considering I'm off the meds). I also find that drinking water is helping me too. I wonder how long "withdrawal" is going to be since like most of you, I can't find anything on the web addressing that side effects even exist, nevermind withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication. Right now, my head is pounding, my nose is stuffy, my knees are killing me, my hands and fingers hurt. I must admit though that since stopping the Benicar, I'm a whole lot less fatigued! I'll keep posting my experience with "coming off" of the bp med. Too bad there isn't a 12-step program -- Hah! I do know that I MUST keep checking my bp throughout this time and I have been faithful in doing so.

And, btw - I just wanted to clear up something else. Cinnamon isn't used to bring down bp, it's used to control cholesterol.

Cheryl

[barbara]

Dee wrote:

I am happy to be reading this forum. It helps to see what others are experiencing. Thanks
I've been on Benicar 20mg for 6 months, taken in the morning. I am watching myself loose my energy and drive.
That is my biggest complaint. I have no asthma or joint pain but I am somewhat depressed. Benicar has the least side effects for me.
It's a hard decision - live life with your old vibrant personality and perhaps have a stroke or loose your personality and friendships but live to an old age.?

This is really disheartening. I don't know what to do. I have tried so many meds and this is the only one that has kept my BP controlled. My concern is what this medication is doing to my general health. Is it correcting one problem and creating others that will not be apparent until it is too late. Where do you go, as a consumer, to get the answers when the doctors are saying it is not the medication. These side effects are really weird. By the way, my hair has started growing again. Can't figure this out. Help

[Melinda in Texas]

I have been taking Benicar HCT for almost five weeks. After being on it for just a few days, I started having severe back pain (mid to lower back) I am 45 and have NEVER had any back pain or problems. When the pain is not in my back, it is between my shoulder blades. I went back to the doctor but was given muscle relaxers and pain medication. Several times the pain has been so severe I have thought about going to the emergency room. Eventually the pain lessens and I can bear it. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and plan to change medications for my high blood pressure.

[MURROW89]

Sandra Bilello wrote:

<quoted text>Yes, I have had many side effects from Benicar. I have been having SEVERE HEADACHES almost from the first day I started taking it. Also, I have shortness of breath and tightness in my chest. I have lost weight, which is not good for me since I onl weighed 92 pds to begin with. I am very upset because my Blood Pressure continues to be higher than ever. Ihave begged my Doctor to put me on something else, but He doesn't want to. I really feel extremely anxious and nervous since beginning this medication. I aso take 100 Mgs. of Lopressor a day. I just don't understand what is going on here. It is difficult for me to do my housework because I feel so bad most of the time. Often, I wake up in the morning withmy heart beating in my head until I just sit down and try to wait until it gets better. My poor Husband does not know what to think. I am just not myself since taking Benicar for a month and ahalf. Could ANYONE give me a clue or suggestion what to do? I don't want to get ugly with my cardiologist>>>> >That would do no good. Help Me know what is the best thing to about this horrible problem in my life. Before Benicar, I wa taking Avapro 300Mg. Thank You so much for Listening. Sandra from La.

BEST ADVICE IS TO DITCH YOUR LOSING CARDIOLOGIST.THERE ARE TWO HUNDRED DIFFERENT DRUGS ON THE MARKET AND THE ADMINISTERING OF THEM IS TRIAL AND ERROR.SOUNDS LIKE HE HAS SOME KIND OF VESTED INTEREST IN THE DRUGS HES GIVING YOU NOW!