Q: I have high blood pressure and take 100mg of Losartan Potassium per day. About 3 weeks ago I started experiencing vertigo. I went to the emergency room and they ruled out a stroke or heart via a head CAT scan and chest x-ray. What can cause this? They prescribed medicine. It’s not helping.
A: Since it appears your dizziness is not related to your cardiovascular system, it is likely being caused by a problem in your inner ear. This could be inflammation from a viral infection or a more serious cause. You should make an appointment for a further evaluation since your symptoms are persistent. For more information on vertigo, go to this page at the Mayo Clinic site.
•Losartan may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Losartan with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Although high blood pressure can cause strokes or TIAs (ministrokes with temporary effects) that can make you feel that way–
if the change was immediate and given the first comment that Losartan HAS produced that effect —
See what your doctor can do to try you on a 50 mg or 25 mg dose and work with you on the many lifestyle upgrades that lower high blood pressure.
I am taking losartan potassium 50 mg twice daily. Is it a high dose for a 56 years old man whose BP after taking medicines is 140/80.?
Agree with the Admin.
Early and correct diagnosis is important if it could be a viral infection. I had vestibular neuronitis and, although told it would take ‘only’ three months to full recovery, it took two years until I felt really well again. I saw a physiotherapist specializing in inner ear problems and did all the exercises she gave me, daily and religiously. I was prescribed Prednisolone during the acute phase, but not keen to take this medication for a longer term due to its side effects. I then saw a physiotherapist who specialized in inner ear problems and she prescribed specific exercises which I did religiously every single day. I believe this contributed to my full recovery. The neurologist told me to expect full recovery in about three months, but it took two years before I felt my old self again. During these two years I had dizzy spells every now and then which gradually became less frequent. I think proper diagnosis of your condition is very important.
There was also a specific movement the physiotherapist did (forgot the name. Laying the patient quickly on his/her side back and up again)which helps to get you out of the dizzy spell.
Found the names: Brandt-Daroff and Epley maneuvre.
But, I strongly would suggest to have your condition properly diagnosed and treated by a specialist!
In my situation only one ear was affected. When I had the dizziness the affected eye moved rapidly from side to side. At the first consultation at the physio’s she made me wear some kind of special goggles and checked the eye movement during these ‘maneuvres’.
All the best, and above all, be patient. Most patients recover fully from this condition (provided it is indeed this conditon).
are you using qtips? Sometimes packing that wax can cause veritgo.