However, according to professional sources such as the book Pharmacology of Antihypertensive Drugs, suddenly discontinuing the drug can lead to a rapid increase in blood pressure that can increase the risk for: Abruptly stopping antihypertensive medications may also result in some other effects that are often labeled as withdrawal issues when they occur with other medications, but technically, they are not labeled as withdrawal issues by professional sources when they occur with antihypertensive medications because they are not associated with drug-seeking behaviors and cravings for antihypertensive drugs. Your doctor may prescribe losartan if you've tried taking similar blood pressure-lowering medicines such as ramipril and lisinopril in the past, but had to stop taking them because of side effects such as a dry, irritating cough. May not be as effective in people of African-American descent. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Losartan Side Effects: Losartan is generally well tolerated though some people do develop a cough. Do not take potassium supplements or other supplements that contain potassium with losartan unless your doctor has advised you to do so. Find out why! We are able to test incoming & current patients as well as staff for coronavirus to ensure peace of mind and focus on addiction treatment. We're open with COVID-19 protocols and testing, Worried about your substance use? Ensure adequate contraception is used when prescribing to women of child-bearing age. Ensure you are adequately hydrated before starting this medicine. Laguna Treatment Hospital is located in Orange County, CA. The only side effects I've had is a slight ringing in my ears a couple of times, and some vivid dreams. Talk to your doctor if this happens to you. Losartan/hctz is an inexpensive drug used to treat high blood pressure.This medicine may also reduce the risk of stroke in certain patients. May interact with a number of other drugs including NSAIDs, lithium, and potassium supplements. Druginformer Identified Side Effects: Fatigue, Somnolence, Arthralgia, Incontinence, Anxiety, Discomfort, Cough, Palpitations, Depression. Following a 4-week, single-blind, placebo washout period, 211 patients were randomly as … Rarely, may cause angioedema (this is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin which can be life-threatening if it affects the throat). You can take your doses either before or after a meal. https://lagunatreatment.com/drug-abuse/losartan/withdrawal-symptoms Other side effects reported more commonly include dizziness in up to 3 percent of users, nasal congestion in 2 percent and back pain in 2 percent of patients. Answered by Dr. Edward Hirsch: Maybe: Losartan can cause cough. Losartan works on a hormone called angiotensin II to lower blood pressure and may also improve kidney function in some people. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Laguna is taking every precaution to ensure patient and staff safety. Commonly reported side effects of losartan include: asthenia, chest pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and... For the Consumer. Even though losartan is not a significant drug of abuse, any individual who has been taking the drug should only discontinue it under the supervision of a physician and according to their physician’s instructions. The appearance of physical and even psychological issues with the sudden discontinuation of losartan and not labeling them as a formal type of withdrawal syndrome is reminiscent of the denial by various medical associations regarding the discontinuation of antidepressant medications, which are drugs that are also not significant drugs of abuse like antihypertensive medications. Call us for help. No rebound effect on withdrawal of losartan has been noted. Losartan is used both as a standalone treatment in certain cases, and as a combination therapy. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking this drug. Diarrhea 4. The group-average trough/peak ratios upon the losartan treatment were 61.5 and 61.3% for the systolic and diastolic BP (against 21.2 and 26.9% for captopril), respectively. May increase potassium levels in the body. This medication is available as an oral tablet and may also come with the brand name Cozaar on the label. If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about other treatment options before taking losartan. Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing 3. Our editors and medical reviewers have over a decade of cumulative experience in medical content editing and have reviewed... © 2021 American Addiction Centers. The time to peak effect after a dose is 1-2 hours for losartan and 3-4 hours for the metabolite. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. This phenomenon is known as the “nocebo effect,” the opposite of the placebo effect. These are some of the most common side effects: – Diarrhea: Some people may notice diarrhea immediately after stopping losartan. Can be administered with or without food. Let us help you get started with the rest of your life! May cause a significant drop in blood pressure in people who are dehydrated or salt depleted when losartan is initiated. Black, tarry stools 2. blood in the urine or stools 3. cough or hoarseness accompanied by chills or fever, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination 4. fainting 5. pinpoint red spots on the skin 6. pounding heartbeat 7. severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting 8. skin rash 9. swelling of the feet or lower legs 10. unusual bleeding or bruising Numerous studies have failed to document significant withdrawal symptoms in people prescribed the drug who have suddenly discontinued its use. It is not a cure for the condition, simply a way to manage it. There is no category for antihypertensive abuse listed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), etc. Second, a direct effect of losartan on aortic ACE expression and activity has been suggested. It may take up to a week for significant blood pressure lowering or kidney effects are noted, with maximal effects occurring in 3 to 6 weeks. Losartan is a medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, … Losartan suspension can be refrigerated for up to 4 weeks. Losartan may cause fatigue 2. This claim by various medical associations, including APA, continued for quite some time until a formal syndrome was identified as a result of the discontinuation of these medications in a small percentage of individuals. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Jan 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Jan 2021) and others. 39 In rats with aortic coarctation, 2-week administration of losartan at a sub-antihypertensive dose of 3 mg/kg per day reduced ACE expression and ACE activity to the level of sham-operated animals, a mechanism that might also result in decreased bradykinin breakdown. Copyright 1996-2021 Drugs.com. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Losartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure. Urinary Tract Infection 12. antipsychotic agents (may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect), such as aripiprazole or clozapine, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen, other ARBs (such as candesartan or irbesartan) or ACE inhibitors (such as captopril or lisinopril), phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors, such as sildenafil, sedatives, such as temazepam and zolpidem. Starting recovery at Laguna is life changing. Heavy media coverage of statins may also lead people to stop taking them, according to a study from the UK. Still, this syndrome is not referred to as a formal withdrawal syndrome. Dizziness, nasal congestion, an infection in the upper airways (a cold), and back pain are the most commonly reported side effects. You should refer to the prescribing information for losartan for a complete list of interactions. This may make you feel dizzy and increase your risk of falling over. Rare losartan side effects (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people) Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Increased blood sugar monitoring may be required. As with any medication, Losartan use comes with the chance of developing side effects. Losartan Side Effects. Losartan is not listed as a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is typically prescribed to treat hypertension in a variety of situations, and it is effective for these uses. Visible Water Retention Available for Android and iOS devices. Losartan belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (which may be shortened to ARBs). Should not be used during pregnancy. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. The antihypertensive effect of losartan was more pronounced and homogeneous than the effect of an equivalent dose of captopril. It is available in brand and generic form. At its peak level, losartan inhibits 85% of the effects of angiotensin II, and 25 to 40% or this inhibition persists for 24 hours. losartan can harm your unborn baby causing injury and even death. According to my new drug book, with a date of 2019, this drug, also known as Cozaar, has a half-life of 1–2 hours to 3 hours. If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression 1. This side effect is commonly experienced by people being treated for diabetic nephropathy. Losartan Side Effects In Summary. Take losartan once each day. if you develop swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, or unexplained weight gain contact your doctor as it may be a sign that your kidneys not working as well. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter study compared the efficacy of amlodipine and losartan in an older hypertensive population, focusing on therapeutic coverage in the case of missed doses. United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), effects that are often labeled as withdrawal issues, Lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion, Swelling, particularly in the legs or ankles. Editorial Staff, American Addiction Centers, The editorial staff of Laguna Treatment Hospital is comprised of addiction content experts from American Addiction Centers. The effects of losartan may be enhanced in people who are dehydrated. amlodipine, metoprolol, lisinopril, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, enalapril, irbesartan, ramipril, benazepril. Revision date: March 19, 2020. Losartan also increases the excretion of certain salts from the kidney. The dosage of losartan may need adjusting depending on how you respond to it. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. Various medical organizations claimed that the discontinuation of antidepressants was not associated with significant withdrawal symptoms despite numerous complaints by patients that they experienced physical and psychological symptoms once these drugs were abruptly discontinued. Pins and needles sensations (paraesthesia). ... can i stop taking losartan abruptly. We remain open and committed to supporting your recovery journey. To make sure losartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you: Potassium levels may require ongoing monitoring. We have been chastised for mentioning this because most people believe this side effect is restricted to ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril. Losartan may need to be withheld or discontinued in people who develop a significant decrease in kidney function. Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide can cause mild or serious side effects. If a woman inadvertently becomes pregnant while taking losartan, it should be immediately discontinued. "if my losartan is causing me to cough should i stop taking it?" The dosage of losartan may need reducing in people with liver disease. May be the preferred treatment in people with more than one type of heart condition. Cozaar (losartan) is an antihypertensive medication. What is losartan used for? A cough (although the risk of a cough is less than with other similar medicines). People being initiated on losartan should be adequately rehydrated and have normal electrolyte levels. Generally, should not be prescribed with potassium supplements or other medicines that retain potassium. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This isn’t technically labeled as withdrawal, as Losartan is not considered an addictive drug. Losartan may also be called an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. People whose renal function is dependant on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system (which includes the hormone angiotensin II), such as people with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, or who are dehydrated are more at risk. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Lowering blood pressure has been shown to decrease the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events (such as a heart attack or stroke). It is classified as an angiotensin II receptor agonist, and its use leads to blood vessels not constricting and lowered blood pressure. If you do experience side effects, talk to your doctor about ways to lessen the effects, or to stop taking the medication altogether. Diarrhea, tiredness, and low blood sugar have also reported in people with type 2 diabetes taking losartan. Stomach Cramps 10. Any side-effects are usually mild, and can include feeling dizzy or light-headed. May also be used to improve kidney outcomes in the general population (excluding African-American people) without kidney disease. Losartan may be used for the treatment of high blood pressure or certain types of … Losartan is metabolized in the liver to an active metabolite (which has a similar action to losartan). The editorial staff of Laguna Treatment Hospital is comprised of addiction content experts from American Addiction Centers. Losartan may cause a drop in blood pressure, especially when going from a sitting or lying down position to standing. Limit alcohol intake while you are taking losartan. Losartan may be used for the treatment of high blood pressure or certain types of kidney disease. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking losartan. About losartan. May be used in the treatment of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes with a history of high blood pressure and elevated laboratory markers. When you take irbesartan, the hormone can’t work as well as usual and your blood pressure gets lower as a result. Losartan is a prescription medication used for the treatment of conditions to do with blood pressure. Medicines that interact with losartan may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with losartan. Revised 08/2019. Losartan Side Effects. All rights reserved. It is most often referred to as an antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which can be avoided by use of a tapering schedule. Blocking angiotensin II widens (dilates) blood vessels which lowers blood pressure. Side effects for those suffering from Losartan are not very common. May be used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children over the age of six. View complete list of side effects. There is a risk of acute kidney failure developing in people taking losartan. People using losartan should not drink alcohol or use other substances that can further lower their blood pressure because this can lead to significant issues with hypotension (low blood pressure) that can be potentially dangerous. Low Blood Sugar 8. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Loss Of Appetite 7. Losartan isn't suitable for some people. Our editors and medical reviewers have over a decade of cumulative experience in medical content editing and have reviewed...Read More. These side effects are not serious and will only need to be reported to your doctor if they begin to interfere with your ability to func… Generic losartan/hctz is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The most regularly reported side effect of this medication is an increase in infections such as colds or the flu which occurs in up to 8 percent of users. Losartan has generally received positive reviews regarding its effectiveness as a medication, and it is not considered to be a potential drug of abuse. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances should be corrected before initiation of losartan. Cozaar (losartan potassium, also known as losartan), is a commonly used oral medication for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and complications of other diseases affected by high blood pressure. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Losartan can cause mild or serious side effects. Drugs that act directly on the... For Healthcare Professionals. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with losartan. 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