Withdrawal symptoms from lisinopril
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Withdrawal Symptoms from Lisinopril
Introduction to Lisinopril Withdrawal
Lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for managing hypertension and heart failure. While it is generally well-tolerated, some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the withdrawal symptoms associated with lisinopril.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Cough, Malaise, and Fatigue
One of the most frequently reported withdrawal symptoms from lisinopril is a persistent cough. This symptom is significant enough to cause some patients to discontinue the medication. Additionally, malaise and fatigue are also common reasons for withdrawal, indicating that these symptoms can significantly impact the patient's quality of life.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are other notable withdrawal symptoms that have been observed in patients discontinuing lisinopril. These gastrointestinal issues can be severe enough to necessitate stopping the medication.
Comparison with Nifedipine
Adverse Events and Withdrawal Rates
When compared to nifedipine, another antihypertensive medication, lisinopril generally has a lower withdrawal rate due to adverse events. In a study involving 828 patients, the withdrawal rate for lisinopril was significantly lower than that for nifedipine (11 vs. 46; P < 0.01). This suggests that while lisinopril does have withdrawal symptoms, they may be less severe or less frequent than those associated with nifedipine.
Specific Symptoms
While lisinopril is associated with a higher frequency of cough, nifedipine is more likely to cause symptoms such as flushing, edema, palpitations, dizziness, tiredness, and rash. This comparison highlights that the withdrawal symptoms of lisinopril, although present, may be more tolerable for some patients compared to those of nifedipine.
Serious Adverse Events
Incidence of Serious Events
The incidence of serious adverse events during lisinopril withdrawal is relatively low. In a post-marketing surveillance study, serious events occurred in 0.8% of patients on lisinopril, compared to 0.5% on nifedipine. This indicates that while serious adverse events are possible, they are not common.
First-Dose Hypotension
First-dose hypotension is a concern with many antihypertensive medications. However, the frequency of this event is similar for both lisinopril and nifedipine, suggesting that lisinopril does not pose a higher risk in this regard.
Conclusion
In summary, withdrawal symptoms from lisinopril primarily include cough, malaise, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. While these symptoms can be significant, they are generally less severe compared to those associated with nifedipine. Serious adverse events are rare, making lisinopril a well-tolerated option for managing hypertension and heart failure. Patients considering discontinuation should consult their healthcare provider to manage and mitigate these symptoms effectively.
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