Can You Stop Taking Losartan Cold Turkey?

Losartan is a common medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). By blocking the actions of angiotensin II losartan allows blood vessels to relax and open up lowering blood pressure.

While losartan is an effective treatment for hypertension some people consider stopping the medication abruptly or “cold turkey.” However, research shows this is not recommended.

Dangers of Stopping Losartan Cold Turkey

Suddenly discontinuing any blood pressure medication carries risks. This is because stopping losartan cold turkey can cause a rapid spike in blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association this type of rebound hypertension can increase your risk of

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Acute renal failure

Even if you don’t experience any complications, you may feel unwell. Common symptoms reported after suddenly quitting losartan include:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Flushed skin
• Fever
• Chills
• Excessive thirst
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of the hands and feet

Essentially, abruptly stopping losartan reverses its blood pressure lowering benefits. This shocks your cardiovascular system and creates instability.

Why People Stop Taking Losartan Cold Turkey

There are a few reasons why someone might be tempted to quit losartan without consulting their doctor:

Losartan side effects – Like any medicine, losartan can cause adverse reactions in some people. Common side effects include dizziness, muscle cramps, digestive issues, and drowsiness. In rare cases, losartan may cause life-threatening allergic reactions, liver damage or kidney failure. Someone experiencing side effects may quit the drug suddenly without realizing the risks.

Forgetting to take losartan – It can be easy to forget daily medications like losartan. Someone who misses doses repeatedly may decide to stop altogether. But not taking losartan as prescribed can allow blood pressure to rise again.

Feeling better – Losartan successfully lowers blood pressure for many people. So after a while, some may assume they no longer need the medication. However, studies show that avoiding treatment leads to a gradual increase in blood pressure over time.

Cost – Losartan is inexpensive for many people. But without prescription drug coverage, the cost of losartan can add up. Some people may stop taking it for financial reasons without talking to their doctor.

Dangers of Abruptly Stopping Any Blood Pressure Medication

Losartan isn’t unique – abruptly halting any blood pressure drug carries risks, including:

• Beta blockers like metoprolol
• ACE inhibitors like lisinopril
• Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine
• Alpha blockers like doxazosin
• Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide

The dangers come from allowing blood pressure to rise unchecked. This strains your heart and blood vessels.

So no matter which hypertension medication you take, suddenly stopping without your doctor’s guidance inadvisable. The only safe way to quit a blood pressure drug is under medical supervision with a tapering schedule.

How to Safely Stop Losartan

If you’re having second thoughts about taking losartan, talk to your doctor before making any changes. There are a few safer options for stopping losartan:

Switch medications – If you’re struggling with losartan side effects, your doctor may recommend switching to a different blood pressure medication. This allows you to discontinue losartan while maintaining control of your hypertension.

Taper losartan – Your doctor can create a customized tapering schedule to gradually reduce your losartan dose over weeks. This prevents the blood pressure spike that occurs with abruptly stopping.

Lifestyle changes – In some cases, diet and exercise modifications can lower blood pressure enough to stop medication under medical supervision. But lifestyle changes alone often aren’t enough to control hypertension long-term.

Use caution – If you must stop losartan due to an emergency like an allergic reaction, seek emergency care to control blood pressure. Never simply stop taking losartan without a plan to manage hypertension.

Talk to Your Doctor

The bottom line is do not stop taking losartan cold turkey on your own. Losartan is prescribed to lower dangerously high blood pressure and suddenly halting treatment can have serious health consequences.

Instead, have an open conversation with your doctor if you have any concerns about taking losartan. Together, you can develop a controlled plan to safely manage any changes in your hypertension treatment. With your doctor’s help, you can minimize risks and maintain your health.