There are 285 ratings for the drug: DIOVAN HCT in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for diovan hct: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken		Date Added
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1	high blood pressure	In the beginning, no side effects but as time went on I started to experience gradual hair loss, tingling in the legs, all over joint pain, rash on arms and chest all summer long when exposed to sun. Sunscreens did not help.	After blood tests kept coming back with low sodium reading, and finally low potassium showed up my doctor finally took me off the medication and increased the Norvasc (amlodipine) pill I was also taking. Apparently the HCT in Diovan builds up over a period of time and finally the doctors wake up and smell the roses when they see abnormal readings in blood work. Don't take Diovan HCT. It is not worth it.	F	68	8 years		2/4/2010
1	high blood ressure	coughing and gagging, dry heaves, severe nausea with loss of appetite. Lost 20 lbs. Nervousness, panic, loss of concentration. Made a wreck of my life. Severe dehyrdration.	Listen to what your body is telling you. Sometines doctors think you are crazy.	F	43	2 months		1/31/2010
1	high blood pressure	swollen feet swollen and retaining water stomach hurt tingling cough and no energy i thought i was dying.. cramps in legs hurts all over depression off it 4 days hope i start feeeling better started when i got off diovan and went to hct and my bp went up to over 200	get off it asap	F	4	12 months		1/30/2010 Email
1	High Blood Pressure	Sick feeling, no energy, swollen ankles, weight gain, hair loss ....decreased sex drive and low testosterone levels.	MEN****IMPORTANT****I took Diovan HCT for over 6 years (160/12.5). 9 months ago, I had a bunch of blood work performed and my testosterone level was very low. The “normal range” of testosterone levels in men was determined to be between 250ng/dl and 1100ng/dl. Mine was 237ng/dl. I stopped taking Diovan HCT for the past 9 months and had my blood work checked. My testosterone level is now up to 400 ng/ dl. This was the only medication I was on and the only thing I changed in the past 9 months.	M	41	6 years		1/26/2010
1	variable BP 111-210/75-110	unbearable headache, leg cramp, stomach upset, burning throat, insomnia	Diovan 160mg. 1 tablet is enough, I will not continue. BP is high from work stress and low when relaxing. Transcendental Meditation consistently brings the BP back down, work consistently puts it back up.	M	58	1 days		1/23/2010
3	high blood pressure	numbess in toes o both feet.brusing red open sores on rt side,WT.gain,rt.side pain.also it felt like someone was pouring hydrocloric acid on my rt.flank. in the area that brusing is in SO SEVERE that I have to tear off my shirt and drop to my kneesfrom the Burning,then only a slight area is red after for a few mins. then dissapears.	due to the extream pain.BURNIN/brusing I am going to stop the meds today,the happens twice a day now once evry 12 hours or so so I am starting to get depressed.take the drug for 6 months.It did lower my blood pressure.but the price is to high!and painful!!	F	56	6 months		1/15/2010
1	hypertension and HCM	Headache, stomach upset and pain for three years, brain fog, and cough	I have had every stomach test there is, including nuclear, and nothing ever shows up except a little gastric reflux; however, my stomach swells and becomes extremely sore. I'm going off of the Diovan 80 for a while to see if it is the problem.		63	10 years		1/8/2010
1	High Blood Pressure	Severe joint pain in arms,elbows,and back. Severe muscle pain in arms, neck, and back. All over body cramping..I can not sleep. Now my last blood test reveals high uric acid!!	I am through with this medicine!!!	F	55	5 years		1/2/2010
3	high bp	Anxiety attacks, heavy feeling in limbs, increased swooshing noise in ears and a constant off balance like I was falling did not have these problems till I started this medication.	This medicine lowered my bp but these side effects are crazy they are disrupting my normal everyday activity. I will be going to my Dr tomorrow to complain and see about getting dosage lowered or something. I have only been taking for 2 weeks so far	F	31	14 days		12/20/2009
2	High BP	Mental fogging	Crashed my car on Diovan, so out of it. I live in Phoenix where you have to drink a lot. I think the HCT diuretic caused me to dehydrate. I spoke to another doctor who said he wouldn't recommend diuretics in the Phoenix area. Switched to Aceon.	M	53	10 days		12/20/2009
2	high blood presure	swollen feet .fatigue.headaches.i see stains evrywhere sometimes.dizzy.feel like slipping a lot.my arms hurt .i also hear like palpitations in my ears and some sort of ringing.i feel scared out of nowhere .feel depress worthless like i have no value to nobody	please if there somebody out there that could talk to me and give me advice I would be very thankfull.I recently stoped taking them like 2 and a half weeks ago without telling a doctor ..its to expensive for me to talk to a doctor even for that they charged and i do not have insurace. I just want to live a longer life to get to see my littLe daugther grow up.I feel lucky that i found these web page	F	19	1 years		12/14/2009 Email
1	mild hypertension	So Glad I found this site!! I never guessed what was wrong with me. Have terrible low back pain for 3 years; lower legs twitch 24 hours per day, severe muscle spasms at night, cannot sleep. Back pain was so severe had 3 MRI scans in 2 years. Only temporary relief came fron 3 steriod epidural injections, 1 focet injection, 1 SI joint injection and oral Flexoral, Physical therapy for 12 weeks, new tempurpedic bed, and tens stimulator! Have been thinking what do people do if they just cannot live like this anymore...Could only lie down in bed 3.5 hours at a time, sleep deprivation, depression. Using Lidoderm Patches and Lunesta	5 years of diovan hct 12.5/160, then diovan hct 25/160 for the last 3 years. Will see my MD this week to change drugs!!!!Thank you for these user comments!!!	F	55	8 years		12/13/2009 Email
2	Hypertension	Worked OK for about two months and then my blood pressure started to go up to previously high (very high) levels. Switched to Benicar with HCTZ and have been doing great for several years.		M	70	2 months		12/7/2009
4	side affects of cough from lisinopr	well at least I slept all night without coughing I thought it made me fell very relaxed but I take it at night however its only day 2 i will keep you posted	I would like to take it by itself and alternate a water pill every other day I dont like messing with my electrolites	F	54	1 days		11/5/2009
2	High Blood Pressure	Back pain (tingling sensation in upper back); weight gain; severe cramps in legs and feet; elevated Creatine in recent blood test and aching joints.	I am so happy for the feedback that others have provided. I have been miserable for the past two months and my system is totally in shambles. I am now seeing a nephrologist because my Creatine levels have increased dramatically within one month. My joints ache like they never have before and I couldn't believe that I felt so old and tired seemingly overnight. I am anemic and overweight. Now I have a reason to go back to my primary care physician to discuss a new medication. I am shocked that I was not warned regarding the terrible side effects of this drug. I have been on a roller coaster ride first taking 80mg., then 160mg. then 320mg with 25...all the while my blood pressure has been in the range of 110/73 and when I go to the doctor's office it is 150/80. I have ALWAYS had "white coat syndrome" so I really wonder if I need the drug in the first place, and so much of it. I have put myself on a diet due to the weight gain experienced (more than 20lbs since taking the drug). Thanks again to all for sharing your issues with this drug as I now know that I am not imagining the problems that I have experienced.	F	62	2 months		11/4/2009
1	High blood pressure	Joint pain, shoulders, legs, hips, Weight gain, Libido very low ED, loss of energy, sever chest pains, abdominal pain, Kidney pain, just a total breakdown thought It was the end for myself	Diovan HCT any dosage is lethal, If you want to end your life at 47 my Doctor put me on this killer, at 50 i was finished my kid, and my wife could not understand why I did not want to go out anymore, they thought I was just Fat and Lazy, but I realy thought it was the end, very bad depression set in, until I went and saw another Doctor, Full blood test Sona, ECG, no problems but been a real doctor he persisted investigating till he checked the side effects and my complains matched, Now I only use Herbal medicine, and eat 2 garlic Cloves everyday Yes I smell but its my life, just did a full chck up yesterday and I am 100% better, my body is in better condition than most men at 35 Please guys seek alternative advise do not take Diovan at all, it is suicide	M	50	24 months		10/27/2009 Email
3	High Blood Pressure	Muscle pains in neck, lower back and shoulders and some ED.	The medicine has definetly lower my BP but to have it cause me ED at the age of 40 is depressing.	M	40	3 weeks		9/28/2009
2	hypertension	hair loss, achey joints, sweats, weight gain, very tiered, loss of concentration	It did drop my blood pressure but I cant deal with all the side effects. Changing medication	F	30	15 days		9/28/2009
5	HBP	Slight weight gain	Has worked great for my BP and has eliminated my migraines. I have taken many meds for migraines over the last 25 years. It's wonderful to be without them. I'll fight the weight gain for the benefits from this drug.	F	47	6 months		9/26/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	terrible lower back pain and muscle spasms. Tired all the time no energy	This drug has taken 2 yrs from me. I used to play golf 2-3 days a week. 2 yrs ago (aug 2006) Dr. changed from lisinopril to Diovan Hct 80. Started to have lower back pain and spasms. Only able to play golf once or twice more that year. Went to ER in Dec 2006 with blood pressure 218 over something. Dr. Increased dosage to 160. Back spasms got worse. Have played golf less than 5 or 6 times in 2 yrs. Went back to DR. last month. He wanted to up meds a little. I told him I am retired military and have Tri-care insurance and I pay $32 a month for Diovan. Found Atacand on the list at $3 per month. I asked him to change over to Atacand. Within 2 weeks back pain going away, Hit golf balls last week and played over weekend no spasms. Feel less tired. I can't believe Dr. never picked up on back spasm complaints, he just kept telling me to lose weight and exercise.	M	60	2 years		8/25/2009
4	hypertension	Taking Diovan HCT 160/12.5. First few days very nauseous. Started taking it with food which helped a lot and after the 1st week nausea went away. After 4 weeks BP still was a little on the high side, so Dr. prescribed lexapro for my anxiety. 4 weeks later BP was down significantly. Some days I am extremely tired. But no other side effects.	Seems to be working. Spent several hours in the sun this past weekend (despite the warning on the label!) and on Monday I had quite a few pimples on my face (never had pimples in my life!) But not sure if the mix of sun and medication is what caused the breakout or a reaction to a new moisturizer.	F	59	10 weeks		8/19/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	swelling in the knees, ankles, feet, legs and hands. Blurred vision, tired, sleeplisness.	I used to work out 3x a week, jogging and stair stepper for 30 minutes at full speed along with weight lifting. After taking this medication I was unable to get out of bed. My ankles and knees hurt so badly I went from an engergetic 50 yo to feeling like a 90 year old. My hands, feet and legs would swell so badly I was afraid I was going to have a stroke. My urine flow decressed severely.	F	50	6 months		8/19/2009
1	HBP	I have fatigue and stingling in my fingers, increased sweat and dark urination. Thinning hair, rash on both arms. Stomach pains. Pain in my left wrist and thumb, I thought was something else. My feet swell I experienced diarrhea AND BLOOD IN MY STOOL. DIOVAN DOESN'T CONTROL my blood pressure. I am anxious about everthing. All most panicky about things that use to be ordinary. I believe we have all been experiments for our Doctors with this dabilitating drug. Where is the FDA? I hope there are no Elderly people taking this deadly drug because so many of the symptoms are those one would expect their elderly parents to have by age. Diovan is taking away from the quality of life. I called my doctor last month and told unless I come into the office the medicine would not be changed even after telling them about the evils of this drug. So, do I take this drug to keep from having a massive heart attach will affecting other organs or do I simply wing it? I have palpitations and headaches I can	Let's truly be sure our elderly isn't taking this drug because Diovan 160 mg will cause you to age quickly in every aspect of your life from socializing, arts and crafts, good vision and strong bones. Please, take care of one another and screen our ederly. Medicine has become a business where lives are extendable. I truly believe we have been uncompensated case studies. Please recall, NOW.	F	53	2 years		8/18/2009 Email
3	HBP	Fatigue, dizziness, sweating, very sensitive to heat. Leg cramps, neck pain.	I started with lower dose then was raised to 325/25. I have lost approximately 25 pounds and now the dizziness has worsened, it has lowered my BP but I don't have very much energy and the summer time I am worse.	F	61	4 years		8/2/2009
5	Hypertension	In the beginning severe dizziness upon standing and now I am experiencing insomnia. I take the 320/25. Absolutely love it so far.	I love the medicine. It takes about 30 days for your body to adjust to this medicine. My bloodpressure is wonderful and I feel great now that the dizziness has subsided. Yes I have insomnia, but it's not a major issue for me.	F	41	35 days		7/29/2009 Email
2	High Blood Pressure	I was taking Diovan HCT 80/12.5mg for several years. In the past 3 months my doctor changed me to Diovan HCT 160/12.5mg because my blood pressure had gone up during my last few visits. Since this change my hair has fallen out so bad that I have started wearing a wig. My joints hurt terribly, especially my right shoulder joint. I have gained an excessive amount of weight,especially in my stomach. I am extremely fatigue on a regular basis. My energy levels are so completely drained on some days, it is hard for me to get out of bed. All of these changes happening to me is so depressing. I started to today 07/12/2009 breaking my blood pressure pill in half until I can see my doctor again. I have never felt this bad before in my life, not even when I was taking the 80/12.5mg tabs.	I used Diovan HCT 80/12.5mg for 8 years with very few effects and was switched to a higher dosage Diovan HCT 160/12.5mg three months ago. The higher dosage has been cause many problems for me.	F	50	3 months		7/12/2009
1	hbp	My feet hurt, I gagged and thew up several times when getting up and or getting in the shower in the morning. My feet burned, I got spots on my legs....PANIC attacts....tired all the time, no motovation, very happy just sitting on my ass watching tv...(which is NOT like me)...joints hurt.....gained weight...NOT very agreable......	drug just sucks, very dizzy, I hate it...worked fine for about 4 months....then everything hit...hate it..hate it hate it...	M	39	5 months		6/30/2009 Email
1	High Blood Pressure	I thought I was going crazy until I read all these messages. I have had all these symptoms before, but last month I had severe heart racing to 143 beats an EKG that was abnormal terribly sick with diareha, vomiting, felt like I had the worst flu ever I also had a panic attack or thought I was anyway with my heart racing. I could barely function I was lethargic and just feeling terrible after seeing the Dr. I was ordered to have several heart test that just basically showed I had high blood pressure and needed to exercise (how could I when I felt so miserable) My Dr. said it was anxiety! HA! I know it wasn't! I had convinced him though to take the Diazide out of the Diavan now I feel fine for the past week. I'm not happy that any of you had to go through any of the symptoms, but sure glad I came on here and read your comments!		F	41	3 years		6/29/2009 Email
3	High Blood Pressure	I developed high blood pressure after taking another drug for a business trip to India (Lariam). HBP was not an issue prior. I have been on Diovan HCT 160.12.5 for 8 years. Chronic headaches, neck pain, anxiety,hair loss and low testosterone levels (very low which my new Doctor was shocked about). I also gained a lot of weight. Diovan HCT did lower my blood pressure but at what cost? As I regretably learned with Lariam....read everything you can before allowing a doctor to put you on a drug.		M	41	8 years		6/22/2009
3	High BP	I ache all over, especially at night. Also it's either vivid dream recall or I just remember my thoughts half the night. Not sleeping well because of it and I have fatigue during the day. I tried switching to taking it at night, but have to get up 3 times in the night to go to the bathroom, so I went back to taking it at noon. We will see. Taking 80/12 currently	I tried Lisinipril before this and Amlodipine	F	50	3 weeks		6/17/2009
4	HBP	I have been on Diovan HTC 160/12.5 for approx. 7 months. In beginning had heavy legs, no sense of taste, palpitations, leg cramps at night. They went away after about 6 weeks. My question is, has anyone ever been able to come off this medicine completely or go to a reduced strength? My BP averages 100/63 to 112/73. My Dr. said if I kept is averaging around 130/90 I could come off. I got my own BP machine and was surprised to see it below even that. I don't see him again until July. This forum has been a real God send to me!	Can someone (with Dr.'s permission) just discontinue this med or must be weined off?	F	53	7 months		6/16/2009
1	HBP	Extreme lightheadedness in the morning after taking the drug, pain in the calf muscles and shoulder pain. It would make me so dizzy I couldn't drive.	Doctor took me off the HCT and I am now on regular Diovan 180 with no side effects except the shoulder pain and that could very well be arthritis or an old injury. I have the BP controlled at an average of 128/66 or less so it appears to be working well without the HCT. This morning dizziness started gradually after a few years on the HCT.	M	59	5 years		6/10/2009
1	HBP	Worked extremely well for almost a year and then all of a sudden the side effects kicked in. Extreme dizziness upon standing or after bending over. Can't do any physical labor for more than a couple of minutes without breaking out in a huge sweat and getting so dizzy I have to hold on to something and can‘t seem to catch my breath. At this point, I ache all over. My mind is going, I can feel it and I try to think, but nothing happens, well, not quite but cognitive factions aren't as sharp as before. This seems to be one of those drugs that, before too much longer, you will see advertisements on TV to “contact the law offices of (insert ambulance chaser’s name here) if you or a loved one . . . Etc.	I just discontinued it and seem to feel better. I stongly recommend anyone who is having any side effects to contact their doctor and flat tell them you aren't taking any more of it.	M	60	1 years		6/7/2009
4	High Blood Pressure	I think the only real side effect I have is trouble with my vision. At times after being in the sunlight I get what seems like kaleidoscope vision. It eventually goes away.	When taken daily my blood pressure seems to stay under control.	F	46	2 years		6/2/2009
2	HBP	I satarted it 6 weeks ago..wow..side effects..you bet..dizziness..vertigo..leg cramp..stomach pain (that subsided thank goodness)and then a horrible rash on my legs after a short outing in the sun..so no sun tolerance..and no hottubs anymore. You can drink a couple of drinks but causes some left side pain inside. Got to go see the doctor, as I do not want this problem for the rest of my life.		F	54	3 weeks		5/31/2009
3	HBP	Tireness, Skin "EXTREMELY" sensitive to direct sunlight.	I'm shocked there are not more complaints relating to skin sensitivity to direct sunlight. Exposed area's such as back of neck, sides of face, arms etc. Sun screens no longer workin. I'm a boater this is killing me!! BUT it is keeping BP in 115/80 range, been on it 4yrs. Checking for an alternative. Been on BP meds since my late 20's(Genetics). Started on Atacand HCT worked good, then Norvase worked good, had to switch meds as insurer decided they were no longer the "preferred medications. If you are on a HCT med be sure to drink plenty of water or you will get cramps. Although the side effects may suck the consequents of uncontrolled BP are much much worst. I have lost many relatives and friends resulting from uncontrolled BP. So keep your spirits up and live long.	M	47	4 years		5/24/2009 Email
1	High blood pressure	When HCT was added to Diovan, I was sleepy but sleepless, depressed, daily leg cramp, difficult breathing, itching, hemorrhoids sore, fatigue, anxiety, reflux, confusion, restless. I'm 80 years old, had kidney transplants 8 years ago. I have remained fairly healthy and take several different meds. But Diovan which I was told was good for transplant patients, became toxic to me with the HCT added. I would not recomment this medicine to anyone. Rate: 1		F	80	5 months		5/15/2009 Email
1	h.b.p	blurred vision - lightheaded feeling -tiredness cant do anything on this! led legs -heavy head feeling-massive headaches!	why any doctor would give this crap is beyound me! its bad stuff should be taken off the market! too meny adverse side effects! it might lower blood pressure ok- but its not worth taking due to adverse effects its got ! hair loss too !! ringing in ears !	M	55	2 years		5/12/2009
4	HBP	Light headiness, anxiety, cold sweat on first day and this was changing from 160/25 to 320/25 day 2 only light headiness so far but this is not as bad as 1st day	My PCP changed my dosage of Diovan from 160/25 to 320/25 due to work related stress and complaints of increased HBP, claminess, flushed in neck/face, the first day with changed dosage I thought I was dying, cold sweats, light headiness where even lying down made it worse, felt like my heart was in my throat for several hours, but this did subside after approx 8 hrs and i felt like my normal self before end of day, but i must say i was hesitatnt to do day 2- but I did, it is day 2 of higher dosage, I took my Divan at 6am, it is now 8:30am and I feel ok, maybe just a little light headed but nothing great. I made sure I took pill with a good 8oz of water and ate my Yogurt for breakfast, so far so good, I have to check back with my doctor as she ordered a check on my potassium levels as I have been experiencing foot cramps at night, where my toes on left foot feel like they bending up and back (Go figure!) lasts about 10 mins, painful but does subside, not much you can do while cramping. I will continue my new dosage unless symptoms exculate	F	64	4 years		5/10/2009 Email
2	high blood pressure	When I was first diagnosed with hbp I was 32 years years old and was prescribed Diovan HCT 80/12.5. It worked great. I was getting a refill this year and saw a nurse practitioner who switched me to Diovan 160. I immediately became sluggish, sleepy, my head hurt all the time, my limbs seemed heavy and I had severe cramps. I went back to the practitioner and she told me to cut the pills in half which didn't work. My hbp was averaging 160/105. I went to another practitioner who put me back on the Diovan HCT 80/12.5 and it makes me urinate as it should but my hbp is still extremely high at 150/107 and my head hurts all the time.		M	38	5 years		5/7/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	I started taking this medicine Jan 2009 and right away I only noticed being nausea but thought that would go away. This feeling only got worse and I started feeling so very tired, cold,and depressed. In April I hit a low! I was hit with severe fatigue and nausea. I had the dry heaves, could hardly move, dizziness,heart palpitations, and heaviness of my arms and legs. I have always gone to the YMCA 3 times a week to excerise and had to stop that. I lost 19 pounds in 3 months and could not eat without getting very sick. I went to the doctor and he took me off the Diovan HCT but told me it would take 2 to 3 weeks to get this medicine out of my system. I am starting to feel better after 2 weeks but I still could care less if I eat anything and have to force myself to drink liquids.	I have been on blood pressure medicines for years, I took Avalide and Norvasc but when I changed doctors the first of the year he put me on Diovan 160/12.5 (because it was cheaper) and Norvasc. I never had problems with the avalide but this Diovan HTC has just made a mess of my life.Some days I am so tired I get out of breath just trying to talk. I will NEVER take another one of this medicine. I would rather die than feel like this!	F	69	3 months		4/25/2009 Email
4	High Blood Pressure	None after 30 days	I am a 39, caucasian, female. I am not overweight, I watch my diet carefully, and I exercise 5-6 days/week. I don't fit the typical profile of someone with high blood pressure, but there you go (bad genes, I guess). Bad lifestyle choices make my blood pressure worse, but good life choices do not cure it. I have been on two different dosages of Diovan HCT, and it took me 3 to 4 weeks to adjust to each medication (or maybe to adjust to having a normal blood pressure). My symptoms during the initial 3 to 4 weeks of each medication included fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, slight depression, and loss of appetite. After this initial period, however, I felt like my normal self again. I would encourage people to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and give yourself a month to adjust to the new medication. If you don't feel normal after then, talk to your doctor and try something else. If you can make even small lifestyle changes that could improve your health, do it. It can only help.	F	39	30 days		4/21/2009
3	high blood pressure	leg cramps		F	52	2 years		4/16/2009
1	no	Sweating,heart palpitations,rash,headaches, had vein burst in my thumb every two weeks for four weeks. Doctors ran all kinds of test on my heart and couldn't find anything wrong. About $30,000 worth of test to find nothing wrong except a minor atrial fibrillation that I think was caused by the DIOVAN . Only on Diovan about 9 weeks, as soon as I went off the Diovan my thumb healed and have not had it happen again. The doctors say it was not the DIOVAN, they think I had a blood clot but it's a funny things to me it happened every two weeks for four weeks to the same thumb and as soon as I went off the DIOVAN it stopped. It is still tender at times, I would never take it again. Now they put me on coumandin for the atrial fibrillation that I have had only one episode that I know of, the doctor says I can have atrial fibrillation without knowing it. But now after about 10 weeks of Coumadin I had a urinary infection and bled very badly stopped the coumadin. Problems with Coumandin since		F	59	9 weeks		4/2/2009 Email
4	high blood pressure	Reduced blood pressure	Notice no obvious side effects	M	59	3 years		3/15/2009
3	high BP	RASH! Horrible rash all over my body, so bad on my legs that my legs were dark red/purple. Big red bumps that eventually merged together to form just one big bloody mess. Visits to my general paractioner and 3 visits to a dermatolgist with 3 prescritions for Predisone (not good for a diabetic) neither one of them put 2&2 together even after I told them I suspected a chemical reaction. Finally found a picture on the Mayo Clinic site that made me think of Diovan. Off it 2 months now, legs are just now starting to heal, still have itching, leg swelling. Ankles are the size of soft balls! Goes to confirm that the only one that is really in control of your health is YOU! Doctors don't have the time or interest in anything other than cookie cutter medicine.	Even thought the medicine did control my BP, the side effects made this drug unacceptable.	F	54	11 months		3/7/2009
4	elevated bp	dizziness	controlled my blood pressure	F	59	4 years		3/5/2009
5	hbp	At first, this stuff definately made me a bit sleepy and there was some reduction to sexual appetite but after a few weeks it all subsided.	Taking 320/25 Diaovan HCT and my blood pressure stays at about 120/70 without any side effects!	M	27	1 years		3/3/2009
5	160/12.5	mild fatigue first couple weeks then subsided. now no noticeable side effects.	work great for me. along with toparol er 50mg bp stays in the 112/60 area down from 150/100. i also have t2 diabetes. have taken since 02/07	M	39	790 days		2/23/2009
1	high blood pressure	For the past six weeks, since I started taking it, I though that I had a virus of some kind. Sever cough, dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, out of breath, heart palpitations, heavy painful arms (especially the left) I usede to enjoy life, walked a mile or two daily, now get out of breath just putting on my clothes. All I want to do is sleep and tha causes me to go into uncontrolled caughing. I am stopping this med today. It keeps me from doing any normal natural things to lower my blood pressure.	I am very dissappointed that this has not worked but I need my life back!	F	62	57 days		2/18/2009
1	Mild hypertension - mild edema	I took the regular Diovan 160 mg for over a year and did not have any problems whatsoever. It lowered my blood pressure and I was satisfied. I took it along with a 20mg Paxil every night. In October I decided to wean off the Paxil. Took 5 months. I was feeling ok but then stressful situations arose and instead of going back on Paxil decided to see cardiologist to check heart to start exercise regime. Doctor decided to put me on Diovan HCT 160/12.5 since I pointed out mild edema in my right ankle. Almost immediately, within the second day, I was hit with severe fatigue, restlessness, sleeplessness, cold feelings in my feet and panic. I starting taking the Paxil again and am going off the diuretic right away. I am going back to the regular Diovan 160. I was so grateful to find this site. I was getting really scared and not knowing what was happening to me was adding to the panic.	I can assume that the spike in blood pressure came from being off the Paxil and not being able to cope with the stress. I have taken Paxil for 8 years and obviously I need it. I will never take a diuretic again and blood pressure was always fine with regular Diovan	F	43	5 days		2/15/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	Very heavy sense of fatigue (much worse than usual) which increased over time. Pain increase over total body. Barely able to sleep. Was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which I know I have had all of my life since I clearly had the symptoms when I was young. This med seemed to increase the effects of FM greatly.	Like others, it made me pee frequently. Told the doctors of the severe side effects, one didn't care and said I needed the Diovan (end of conversation). The other gave me a beta blocker since he was fairly sure my high BP was due to my high adrenaline. Diovan barely dropped my BP, small result (from 170/125 to 160/115). Beta blocker (Nadolol) dropped my BP to 115/75. The two together just knocked me out, gained 30lbs in the last 3 months. The second doctor told me I can try going off Diovan as long as I check my BP every day. That starts today. Not everyone reacts the same way to these meds. If you have FM, watch out about the massive increase in side effects.	M	48	6 months		2/12/2009 Email
4	hbp	swollen lacrimal gland, red puffy eyes, dizziness, stuffed up, and muscle aches	Just did not put it together until I found this sight, we are now switching to zestril, will see what happens	F	59	7 years		2/11/2009 Email
3	Hypertension	Took 160/25 for about 5 years with moderate reduction in hbp. Doctor said we had to go lower, and increased dose to 320/25. Had been experiencing mild to moderate gastric reflux, for which he had me taking both zantac & prilosec. The first day of the increased diovan, reflux increased drastically! Thought I would have to stop eating. Have never had indigestion problems, but looking back, reflux began with diovan. Read somewhere that at age 58, my problem could be low acid instead of too much acid. Stopped taking prilosec & now take acid suppliment with meals. Moved diovan dose from night to morning. Reflux still there, but at least half better. Also 20 year history of fibromyalgia doubled in intensity (for those who aren't familiar, fibro comes with all the commonly listed effects of diovan: aches, pains, fatigue, foggy thinking, sleep disturbance, depression). Frequent urination happened with night dose, but not morning dose. Dry eyes disturb vision. Have been tak	Pressure is down to 130/70, but is it really worth it?	F	58	5 years		2/8/2009
1	Highh Blood Pressure	Constant Sinus infections that alergy meds wouldn't help, which lead to fluid in ears, swimmers ear, and even bronchitis... this went on for over a year..then i had, Back Pain, Swelling Ankles, Itching leggs. Dr. perscribed all kinds of expensive tests. Wasn't until i read the symptons and saw all of these were side effects...that i quit taking this medicine.	For me.. i had a bad experience.... I stared on Diovan.. and blood pressure stayed around 135/85.. then the Dr. put me on Exforge. which is Diovon with something added.. blood pressure went even higher.. i'm now taking nothing and blood pressure is 134/84... So i am going to change Dr's and probably have to try someting else..	M	49	400 days		2/1/2009
1	swollen ankles...HBP	Started taking 160mg/12.5mg and "WHAM" my freaking hemorrhoids went absolutely ballistic!!! Severe pain, growths, this is miserable. Also experienced stomach cramps, legs and ankles hurt constantly. @#^)+ this so called medication.		M	55	3 weeks		1/30/2009
1	HBP	Extreme fatigue, lowered cognitive skills, total body soreness	My uncle is taking this. He is on the 320/25 along with 20mg of Crestor. Both were prescribed after he had a mild/minor stroke due to blood clot. The medicine seems to be absolutely killing him. Some of these effects are no doubt due to the stroke, but a lot of the symptoms seem due to the medicine. After reading other reviews of both medicines it seems he is on a much higher dosage of both. Seeing the problems that occur from much smaller doses we decided to stop taking both meds today and are going to be more diligent with the exercise/diet. He is a shell of his former self right now.	M	76	14 days		1/24/2009 Email
3	Hypertension	Sharp cramps in my side. So bad sometimes that it becomes hard to breath. I did start to exercise regularly at the same time however.		M	26	3 days		1/15/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	Severe Panic Attacks, cold feet, blurred vision, dehydration, back pain, crippling fatigue, headache, fainting, dizziness and severe heart palpitations.	After 3 panic attacks in a week, I was about to call a friend to take me to the hospital when I thought to Google the Diovan my doctor recently prescribed for me. I had looked up panic attacks after the first one I had and saw they should only last 10 minutes and mine are lasting up to 2 hours. I am ditching the Diovan and so glad this site saved me the expense of a trip to the emergency room.	F	43	1 months		1/14/2009 Email
2	Hypertension	Extreme fatigue - Rising up from a bending position, standing up from a sitting position, or any mild exertion causes my heart to pound, loss of breath, and a feeling that I might pass out. Even laughing or talking a lot causes extreme fatigue. I have also begun having a problem with panic attacks.	I'm only taking half of a 160MG/12.5MG per day and it does a great job of lowering my BP from the 160s/110's to 120's/80's. I just have to find something else to take because Diovan HCT makes me feel like I'm dying.	M	48	3 months		1/2/2009
1	Treating high blood pressure	sleepless night,dizziness,panic attacks, migrain headaches, joint pains,numbness tingleness,and vision problems.	I started Diovan HCT 7/07 as weeks passed my body started not feeling right, It did very little to ajust my BP. I started having moments in which I was going to a destination and forgot were I was going, bending over to tie my shoe and get up feeling dizzy,feeling sharp pain in my finger tips,shoulder,and my leg. Panic attacts accure on a regular basis. Morning afternoon and evening migrains headaches,nausea. I had left work with a severe headach went to ER and found out I had a double minor stroke. I was still taking the medication Diovan HCT. 80/12.5	F	42			1/1/2009 Email
1	Hypertension	Strong to severe lower and mid back pain, weight gain, cold feeling in extremities, numb feeling in toes and feet, moving up my legs.	I thought my overall health was failing-fast, until I viewed this site. My doctor changed my prescripiton today away from Diovan HCT. I look forward to feeling better. The medicine DID lower my blood pressure.	M	52	90 days		12/31/2008
2	Hypertension	Dizziness, very low libido, nausea in the mornings. I started thaking this two weeks ago, the first week was ok, now all of these symptons. I was taking the 80/12.5, now it's 160/12.5		M	35	17 days		12/29/2008
5	Hypertension	None	Worked very well for me. Dropped BP from 145/93 to 124/70 within days and it stayed at those numbers.	M	57	4 weeks		12/2/2008
3	Hypertension	Nauseau especially in the morning I thought I was pregnant it was so bad. Loss of appetite, dizziness, palpatations,tachycardia, headaches, I go from loose stool for a few days to severre constipation to where I have to take a laxative. Anxiety I never had before. I get these panice attacks where I feel like I need to sit down before I pass out. Palpatations. My left thumb has severre pain at times that I never had before too.	I'm supposed to take Diovan and Atenolol together but Diovan has had such bad side effects for me I can't imagine taking another pill with it. I was diagnosed with heart arythmia and it's scary when I get the tachycardia and palpatations.	F	20	30 days		11/30/2008
1	HBP	Am I ever glad I found this site. I have had symptoms for months but hadn't a clue as why. I have, Dizzyness,weight gain, it doesn't seem to be doing that great of a job controlling my BP, possibel depression,lethargy etc. Also I hit the wall around 10 am in the morning. Two glasses of water seem to help whicjh mena sto me I am getting dehydrated.	I am seriously considering discontinuing use. I have started taking ACV and it is having a positive effect. Yesterdazy my BP registered 133/78. That is with the ACV before without it it would be 150/93 with Diovan 320/12.5	M	58	100 days		11/29/2008
1	High blood pressure	Dizzyness,panic attacks,lightheaded,joint pain,nervousness,numbness,sleepless nights,hard to concentrate,	I am so thankful that I found this site. I could not figure out what has been wrong with me. I have had these symptoms since I begain taking this medication. I have discribed my symptoms to my doctor(s) and each one has told me that the medication would not give me these kinds of side effects. I felt like I was having a heart attack more than once and went to the ER. Instead of saying that the Diovan was the cause I was given Lorasapam and was told that I was just having panic attacks but didnt say that it was caused by the Diovan. I stopped taking it one day ago and it was the first day I have felt almost normal in a long time. Diovan was crippling my quality of life. Have lost weight and work out regularly, eating right. Have to find something else to help bring the bp down last test was 147/87	M	43	3 years		11/18/2008
4	High Blood Pressure	Mark Satisfied but only because site requires it.	I am starting today with HCT 80/12.5 B/P averages 140/97 I will check in weekly to let you know how it goes. Great web site and will now lookout for the various side effects if any for me. jc	M	54	0 days		11/9/2008
2	Hypertension (high blood pressure)	Headaches/sinus problems, aching joints, bad heartburn, panic attacks/anxiety, palpitations, racing heart, abdominal pains, aggravated IBS, severe bloating, nightmares/insomnia, fatigue/loss of endurance, loss of interest in activities, lightheadedness.	I had been taking a medication similar to Diovan but without the HCT. I didn't have the side effects I do now until the diuretic was introduced. I have been on Diovan HCT for the past 4 years, and it does keep my BP at or below 120/80, but the side effects are really bad. Perhaps my dosage is too high?	M	35	4 years		11/5/2008
5	High Blood pressure	None that I know of	It greatly reduced my blood preassure, I was having 3-5 headaches a week. After starting on Diovan I have only had 3 headaches in the past year! Yay, Diovan.	M	42	1 years		11/4/2008
1	high Blood Pressure	Dry Eyes, Blurry Vision, Joints Swelling, Fatigue,aches and pains I did not have before Decreased sex drive and erections. I just had a new eye exam and told the doctor about my eye problems and as soon as he heard I was on Diovan he told me that it caused severe dry eyes and to take drops 4 to 5 times a day.	I am glad I just Read This I am taking 160/12.5 I am going to stop taking it now.	M	60	4 years		11/4/2008
2	high blood pressure	numb extremities. Diuretic out of control	My doctor put me on Diovan HCT for high blood pressure, then increased the dosage twice. Although from what I can tell monitoring my own blood pressure if I go easy on the caffeine my high blood pressure falls in the 'mild' range with occasional spikes into 'moderate'. The first thing I noticed is that my feet got so cold all the time they border on being numb. I started wearing wool socks.. I did ok on the HCT for about a year, then it got where every time I took the drug I would spend the next 5 hours running into the bathroom every twenty minutes. I am seriously considering stopping taking it entirely and trying to find some other way to manage my blood pressure.	M	53	2 years		10/24/2008
2	Hypertension	Constant HEADACHE +++ no relief even with tylenol. Increased hear rate 100 @ rest. nausea with slight vomoting in AM, loss of apetite, weight loss 10 lbs, increased urine output.	I would like to try a different duiretic.	F	33	1 weeks		9/20/2008
1	Diuretic	Muscle pain, cramping, and weakness, light headed, heart palpitations,tingling in hands and feet, blurred vision and confusion and anxiety.	I have noticed since beginning Diovan that the symptoms I have described are getting progressively worse; yesterday I could not make it home from my 5 mile daily run/walk which I have routinely finished for 4 years now. My wife had to run ahead and return with our car to transport me home; we almost went to the emergency room. When these symptoms first began occurring I, initially, suspected it was caused by dehydration so I have carried a "camel back" of water to insure I have water available. This has not helped. I'm now beginning to suspect that there is a potentially very dangerous problem with potassium depletion and, as a result, my electrolytes "tank" when exercise is undertaken. For those of you who do not appreciate the impact of depleted potassium, potassium is critical for nerve message transmission/communication in your body's muscles; every muscle including your heart. I'm contacting my physician this morning to report what happened yesterday and wha	M	58	30 days		9/15/2008 Email
3	high blood pressure	stomach cramps flu like symptons etc.	are these symptons normal?	M	32	2 months		9/4/2008
5	HBP	Only experienced some lightheadedness and feeling dizzy. Not really bothersome enough to worry about it.	The Diovan HCT has taken my BP back down to 179/86. So far I am happy with this treatment and I'm thankful for it.	F	26	16 days		8/31/2008 Email
1	Hypertension	dizzy, palpatations, excessive fatigue to point I can't walk through my house.		F	58	3 days		8/9/2008 Email
4	slightly high blood pressure	It took about 3 days to get used to taking the meds then it's as if I am not even on it. No side affects, just good stable blood pressure. I take the one with the diuretic and have diabetes. Works well with my other medication.		F	47	120 days		8/1/2008
1	High Blood Pressure	SEVERE WEIGHT GAIN!!! Every side effect that everyone else is experiencing. Quality of life is shot!!	I will be trying a Homeopathic approach. I can not take the side effects one more day.	F	52	9 months		7/17/2008 Email
5	High blood pressure	No side effects	Was taking Norvasc and had many scary high readings. Since I've been on Diovan HCT 160/25 My BP has been consistently in a normal low range.	F	51	4 years		7/12/2008
2	High Blood Pressure 145/104	Severe stomach pains, swelling of fingers and lower legs, headaches, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks, flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue. Could not even walk three weeks ago from swelling and leg/foot pain.	Extreme sensativity to "Sulfa" drugs my entire life and have always told doctors this on first visit..... So what does this drug contains? SULFA "Component"......(I had a violent reaction to bactrim antibiotic years ago....still vividly remember the childhood hospitalization). Now 49 been on BP meds since 29 yoa and it's been down-hill big-time for the last five years. After going from different "Specialists" for listed problems and latest trip to ER, I stop this med pronto after cutting out everything else and still had problems! Dr's hate (and will not) even acknowledge side effects....They are suppose to CHECK and do periodic blood work and they don't!!!!.........Every doctor in my area in the south, will only "push" diovan in one form or another (kick-back city) .... Word play with "Oh, not "sulphur" but "Sulfa"... Ok....smarty pants. Now taking potassium, magnesium, raw honey,"mother" ap	F	49	5 days		7/8/2008
4	high blood pressure	Occasional palpitations, intolerance to sun exposure	For the first week I had recurring bouts of dizziness that lasted no more than a minute or 2. Pressure normalized and urination has been "normal". I was retaining too much fluid and that caused the HBP, the HCT removed much of the extra fluid and I have felt so much better and slimmer since. Occasional palpitations occur after increased salt intake (i.e. consuming large amounts of Chinese takeout in a fit of depression). My skin has become hypersensitve to sunlight causing faster burning and an increase in freckling.	F	32	5 years		7/4/2008
1	Hypertension / HBP	Mostly all side effect described below: Muscle pain, tachycardia, lack of sleep, constipation, etc.	I have only been on the Rx for 6 days, My Doc added it to existing Rx of Norvasc 5mg and suspended my HCT 12.5 since it had it in there. I just left him a message to see if he can take me off it. Thank God this Website exist as it is not a in medical terms but Real People with real Problems. Thanks again.	M	47	6 days		7/2/2008
1	160/25 Diovan HCT twice daily	severe numbness and severe cold feeing in my feet. My fingers are also developing numbness. Blurred vison and lower back pain. Stiffness in my joints, weight gain, swollen ankles.	The drug company need to alert the public. The side effects from this medication are severe. I was in great health prior to taking this medication. I hope I can get back to normal. After, reading the information at this web side,I discontinued the medication immediately. I will explore other treatment for my blood pressure.		49	35 days		6/30/2008
5	Hypertension	Lowered my Blood Pressure, have not noticed any side affects at all.	I was taking another combination before and it was causing me dry mouth, ED and my doctor changed to Diovan HCT 320-12.5. I have not noticed any of the symptoms or problems described by many on this site.	M	48	1.5 years		6/20/2008 Email
1	high blood pressure	The roof of my mouth is very sore and is not healing.	I would suggest using alternative methods to lower blood pressure. This is the second medication that I tried. The first one cause me to cough frequently. RESPeRATE is a device that has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without side effects. I am going to look into trying this.	F	65	4 weeks		6/19/2008
1	Hypertensiojn	Took the pill in the AM and came home from a meeting about 5 PM. All of a sudden I started to feel dizzy and numbness of the tongue and fingers. I took my blood pressure and it kept rising within a 30 minute period. It went from 111/66 to 140/99 with a pulse of 90 within thirty minutes. It scared me to death. Then I went on line to see the side effects of the drug and that scared me to death. I had changed clothes and was ready to go to the hospital. My right arm and chest area was paining me and I did not know what was happening. As I type my fingers are numb and my blood pressure feels as if it has dropped. However, I feel uneasy and light headed. Will go back to my Hyzaar in the AM. I just experienced a scary ride.		F	58	1 days		6/7/2008 Email
1	Mild HPT	Heavy heartbeat, increased heart rate, sleep interference	Back to the doctor for a different med than this one today. My dr. is conducting tests on my heart to make sure there is nothing wrong.	F	55	5 days		5/29/2008
1	high blood pressure	muscle cramps, constipation, rapid heart rate, palutations		M	55	2 months		5/28/2008
1	High Blood Pressure	weight gain, achy joints, flu-like symptoms. Depression, because of the weight gain. Use to be very active and loved to exercise. I have to make myself get up and do something. This just isn't me! I want to feel good again, like I use too.	I'm thinking of going off of it for a week, or so, to see how I feel. I know I need to really watch it, with my family history. I do eat good, plenty of fruits and vegetables, no fried foods; and, I try to walk at least 3-4 days a week, 1-2 miles each day; but, can't seem to get this weight off.	F	56	5 months		5/21/2008
1	hypertension	Same as may of the others. I have been taking Diovan for two years and was just recently taken off because I was diagnosed with Kidey Failure. I blame this drug and Vytorin for my problem.......		F	57			5/5/2008
3	Diovan HCT	I have blurred vision sometimes, dry mouth, and hair loss.	Haven't had any other side effects.	F	40	2 years		4/28/2008
1	hypertension	i experienced tachycardia, tingling extremities,cold clammy skin,feeling faint i even had to go to er for the tachycardia pulse was 128 bpm,gastrointestinal problems and very dry mouth beenon it for about 3 weeks and never had these problems	i stopped taking it on my own for one day now but still feel some of the symptoms	F	44	28 days		4/23/2008
2	slightly high blood pressure	my ankle, which I injured badly 15 years ago, has begun to ache in the same way, although not as bad but it is constant pain - I'm weaning myself off the Diovan	It did lower my blood pressure, but just a little - that's all I needed to get below the 140/90 threshold	F	58	1 years		4/21/2008
2	Stage 1 HBP	No initial side effects...but as the months progressed, I became very anxious and would experience what felt like panic attacks while driving, shopping, and while in crowded places. This had never happened before, and my life situation had not changed to promote this type of stress. Stopped Diovan 2 weeks ago, and feeling much better. BP is now in the 130s over upper 80s, so I know I'll need to find something else, but really don't want to face the doctor. She claims that anxiety is not a side effect.		F	44	11 months		4/20/2008
1	Borederline High BP	First thing I noticed was pain in my left foot. Then loose stool which would not stop. Add to that erectile issues which I never had until I started this and Toprol XL.The drug does reduce your blood pressure but at what price. As I continued the drug therapy, I developed headaches that needed Codeine to put down. I have stopped the drugs cold turkey for 7 days and I feel much better. Things are getting back to before I started. I only hope no permanent damage was done.	Stay off the meds if you can. Start exercising and watch your diet.	M	54	2 years		4/11/2008 Email
1	high blood pressure	serious pain and weakness of muscles, joints, old injuries became painful again, tired, no strength - first the right hand, after a week all over, everything hurt	pain and weakness started around same time that doc switched me to diovan - complained to no avail - took myself off after 3 months - a month later (now on norvasc) i still experience weakness, muscle pain - especially in hands	M	63	3 months		4/3/2008 Email
1	HBP	I have experienced mostly all of the side effects mentioned on this site. I currently have severe palpitations and shortness of breath and dizzyness. I have had severe pain in my feet and numbness in my big toe. Arthritis like pain where I am no longer able to open a simple water bottle anymore. Bloating, weight gain, cramps, memory loss and always so tired.	I was so concerned about all of these symptoms and how over the course of time so much has become wrong with me that I decided to go online because I felt it waw this medication. I was happy to see that I was not the only one feeling this way. I stopped taking this medication yesterday and will look to another doctor for alternatives. I will diet and exercise and sincerely try to lower my BP this way. I am sure that I will require some sort of BP medication but it will not be this one.	F	53	7 days		3/30/2008
2	Boarderline hypertensive	Here is a new one! Circulation in my fingers would completely shut down, first I would feel' tinglyness' then numbness and my fingers would go completely white! This happened 5 times in the week I have been on this new med, also lack on sleep and a thin and thready pulse, made me feel like I had flu symptoms (I am an RN).	I think this med is a bit too strong for my BP only 125/80! Don't you think? I think my Dr is being overly pre-cautious! (family history of hypertension). No I am not overweight and I go to the gym 4 times a week. Plan to go back tomorrow and change to a different drug, was on Toprol 25mg with no side effects.Dr said it wasn't strong enough!!	F	45	7 days		3/24/2008
1	high blood pressure	weight gain, hair loss, memory loss, constant fatigue, swelling	there are other ways to lower high blood pressure. Please try natural ways before putting any poison in your body. I experienced all the awful side effects previously mentioned. Then I tried apple cider vinegar and raw honey twice a day in warm water as well as the RESPeRATE machine. I went form peaks at 200/110 to a nice 120/65 in 3 months! Acupuncture helped a lot, too! Do not let the pharmaceutical companies make money while poisoning you!	F	53	1 days		3/24/2008

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Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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