How long does lisinopril stay in your system? Read on to learn more about this drug and what it helps to treat.
Lisinopril is an inhibitor that helps the heart and blood vessels beat more effectively. It’s prescribed to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney diseases, and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). With benefits like these, it’s no wonder lisinopril is one of the most prescribed drugs. While many people rely on lisinopril to live happy and healthy lives, there are some side effects that everyone should know about before using this drug, including how long it stays in the system.
Lisinopril belongs to a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors. It also helps regulate potassium levels in the body. If you or a loved one have been prescribed lisinopril, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how much to take and when to take it.1
Lisinopril is a commonly prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and helping the heart pump blood more efficiently Many people take lisinopril long-term to manage their blood pressure and prevent complications like heart attacks and strokes. However, some people consider stopping their medication for various reasons. A common question is can you safely stop taking lisinopril cold turkey?
What Happens When You Suddenly Stop Taking Lisinopril?
Lisinopril should never be stopped abruptly without first consulting your doctor Quitting lisinopril cold turkey can lead to severe consequences, the most serious being rebound high blood pressure
When you stop lisinopril suddenly, your body may respond with a rapid and excessive increase in blood pressure. This is because lisinopril suppresses a hormone called angiotensin that normally causes blood vessels to constrict. When the medication is removed, angiotensin levels rebound quickly. The sudden constriction of blood vessels leads to a hypertensive crisis.
Rebound high blood pressure after stopping lisinopril cold turkey can be dangerous and even life-threatening, It can result in
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage
- Hypertensive retinopathy (damage to the retina)
- Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)
These potentially fatal outcomes make it very risky to quit lisinopril without medical supervision. Always consult your prescribing doctor before making any changes to your lisinopril regimen.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Quitting Lisinopril?
In addition to rebound hypertension, suddenly stopping lisinopril may also cause other withdrawal symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fast heart rate
- Chest pain
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
These symptoms may begin within a couple days of quitting lisinopril and can last up to several weeks as the body adjusts to being off the medication. The severity of withdrawal varies from person to person based on factors like dosage, length of treatment, and individual physiology.
Is It Possible to Stop Taking Lisinopril Safely?
Yes, lisinopril can be stopped safely but only under medical supervision. Your doctor will create a discontinuation schedule tailored to your situation. This usually involves gradually tapering the dose over a period of weeks to months.
A typical tapering schedule reduces the lisinopril dose by 5-10 mg per week. Slower tapering over 2-4 weeks may be required if you’ve taken lisinopril for over a year. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and symptoms throughout the process to ensure your safety.
Sometimes an alternative medication may be prescribed during tapering to control blood pressure. For example, a short-acting calcium channel blocker could be used to counteract rebound hypertension while withdrawing from lisinopril.
With gradual tapering under medical supervision, most people are able to stop lisinopril without issues. Sudden discontinuation should always be avoided.
When Might Your Doctor Recommend Stopping Lisinopril?
Your doctor may recommend discontinuing lisinopril if:
- You develop persistent side effects like chronic cough or angioedema.
- Your blood pressure has been well-controlled for an extended period.
- You require surgery and need to temporarily stop lisinopril.
- You become pregnant or plan to get pregnant.
- Your blood potassium levels become dangerously high.
- You develop a condition where lisinopril may be unsafe such as severe kidney disease.
- Lisinopril interacts with another new medication you’ve been prescribed.
In these scenarios, your doctor will provide instructions on safely tapering off lisinopril. They will also suggest alternative medications or treatment plans to manage your blood pressure.
Tips for Safely Stopping Lisinopril
Here are some tips for safely discontinuing lisinopril under medical supervision:
- Consult your doctor about appropriate tapering dosage and duration
- Adhere closely to the prescribed tapering schedule
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly
- Watch for withdrawal symptoms and report them promptly
- Limit sodium and alcohol intake which can worsen rebound hypertension
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation
- Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter supplements that may help manage blood pressure
- Seek emergency care if you experience signs of a hypertensive crisis like chest pain
The Takeaway
Quitting lisinopril cold turkey can be extremely dangerous and result in life-threatening complications. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing lisinopril or any prescribed medication. With close medical supervision, creating a gradual tapering schedule, and careful monitoring, it is possible to safely stop taking lisinopril. Sudden discontinuation should never be attempted without your doctor’s guidance. Be patient throughout the cessation process and prompt with reporting any issues that arise.
Lisinopril Withdrawal and DetoxLisinopril is a generic medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain types of chronic kidney disease. While lisinopril withdrawal can cause symptoms like headaches, insomnia, and muscle aches, it isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t usually require medical attention. Withdrawal symptoms may be managed at home with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes.
If you or a loved one suddenly stops taking lisinopril, your body may respond with withdrawal symptoms as it adjusts to no longer receiving the medication. Detoxing refers to slowly reducing the body’s dosage over time before stopping completely to avoid severe withdrawal. Detoxing helps to prepare the body for a drug-free state and can take several weeks or months, depending on how much the dosage was.If you or a loved one are going to stop taking lisinopril, make sure you talk to a doctor or medical specialist first, as they will be able to inform you on what to do to make sure you stay safe and healthy during the process.
How Long Does Lisinopril Stay in Your System?
Lisinopril is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It comes in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and injection solutions. People often take lisinopril for a period of a few weeks, months, or in more severe cases, for a few years before stopping. The amount of time it takes for lisinopril to be excreted from your system will depend on how long you take it. For example, if you have been taking it regularly for some time, it may stay in your system for several days after you stop, as the body has gotten used to it. In other words, there are no hard and fast rules on how long lisinopril stays in the system, since everyone is different. There are
“When can I get off BLOOD PRESSURE medication?”
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