4.1 CM ascending aortic aneurysm/BP med side effects

Posted by mjm3 @mjm3, Apr 13 6:08am

My six month CT scan in February showed no change in the 4.1 ascending aortic aneurysm size but because my blood pressure can be higher than 120/80 while monitoring at home, my cardiologist prescribed losartan at 12.5 MG. I started taking it in late February in the evening before bed. It worked to bring blood pressure readings down and relieve my anxiety from that but lately I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night with ridiculous nightmares and racing heart. Similar to anxiety, which I’m familiar with, but this has come out of the blue. I never had nightmares like this and the jolting awake before the medication. I also have a developed stuffy nose at night, which I read can be a side effect of losartan. Has anyone experienced unusual side effects from blood pressure medication, specifically losartan? I do plan to ask my doctor, but the odds of them getting back to me on the patient portal are 0 to none and when you call it can take weeks to get an answer unless it’s an emergency. They never told me a time of day to take the bp medication and I was wondering if maybe switching to morning would be better? It seems strange that these sleep disturbances just started after being on this medication for a few weeks.

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pamela78 | @pamela78 | Apr 14 8:47am

It's interesting that you mention a stuffy nose while taking Losartan. I take Losartan too and am always blowing my nose. I don't have a cold, so I've been rather perplexed by this. I use a lot of Kleenex! Now I have an idea about what's going on. You're not alone, only I don't have nightmares. That's awful for you.

mdtegeh19 | @mdtegeh19 | Apr 15 2:57pm

I'm taking losartan too, but don't have any issue. Sorry to hear you are having side effect from that medicine.

rogermija | @rogermija | Apr 16 10:31am

It seems odd that a 120 sys needs medicine.

lsquared1004 | @lsquared1004 | Apr 18 9:48am

They put me on blood pressure meds for the same reason. I didn't have chronically high blood pressure. They wanted me on it just to ensure it didn't go above 120/80. Unfortunately I had side effects with every single one they put me on. Losartan gave me horrible tinnitus that prevented me from sleeping. They told me to take it at night because it can make some people dizzy at first. My understanding is you can take it any time of day once you're used to it.
I've elected to do this without the blood pressure meds. My doc checked in on me for a while and I had to report my blood pressure to prove I was managing it. They seem satisfied and have quit pushing the meds. Honestly, I wish I could have tolerated one of them as I want to do everything in my power to stop my two dilations from growing.
I wish you luck in finding a med that works for you.

luhn | @luhn | Apr 19 10:39am

Have you tried the new liquid formulation for losartan? It was just approved or will be this year by the FDA. I had a similar issue with taking thyroid med and aromatase inhibitor too...every side effect imaginable as well as plugged up nose, sinus infections, every med I tried affected my sinuses. Finally, I researched diligently and found a liquid formulation for thyroid replacement. My endo at Mayo approved me trying it and wow. NO sinus issues and little to no side effects! There is a genetic test that can be done that shows a propensity toward side effects with meds. Wish I could remember the name. But I'm still on my liquid thyroid med, even tho I pay lots more out of pocket. It is worth it to me to have some quality of life while taking a med I need to take. I had gone "noncompliant" on the thyroid med because of the side effects and my health was suffering. I'm certain that will happen with a BP med too, when one is prescribed. It is the "fillers" in the meds, i.e. cornstarch, m. stearate, etc. that your body is reacting too, not necessarily the med itself. In my opinion we need more liquid formulations across the board. I think there is a liquid beta blocker too that may work better than losartan; not sure in your case though. I saw someone post in this forum the beta blocker helped with her anxiety. Hope some of this info is helpful. Ask your pharmacist about the liquid losartan...the pharmacy may be able to get in touch with your cardiologist much faster. Most pharmacists willing to help out. Keep us posted. And don't give up. It is tempting to do so, but the solution may be right around the corner 🙂 Glad you posted! I may need this info in my arsenal soon 🙂

mdtegeh19 | @mdtegeh19 | Apr 21 8:38am

In reply to @lsquared1004 "They put me on blood pressure meds for the same reason. I didn't have chronically high..." + (show)

I'm taking losartan too, without side effects. Hopefully you are doing okay.

shiloh376 | @shiloh376 | Apr 21 11:00pm

I was in a car accident where I broke some ribs and other bones and had a 4 day hospital stay. They did a CAT scan and found a 4.4 cm ascending aortic aneurysm which has not grown in 8 years. I get a CT Scan with contrasting dye every 6 months and had one just last week. It is still 4.4 cm. I exercise regularly with light weights, exercise bands and walk 30 minutes every day so I am living a pretty normal life in terms of activity level and don't really think much about my aneurysm anymore. I am 70 years old. I also take losartan and have for 20 years. I take 25mg before bed and it seems to work pretty well for me. Everyone is different though. I have not had any nightmares or other symptoms but I know that people do experience some side effects from Losartan. I have never heard of someone having nightmares due to losartan. Doesn't mean it isn't possible.
I know you must already know this , but 4.1cm is very small. Hang in there with it. I wish you all the best! God bless you.

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