Lisinopril Blood Pressure Medicine Side Effects

Lisinopril is a generic medication prescribed mainly for lowering high blood pressure. Doctors also prescribe lisinopril to treat symptoms of congestive heart failure. Brand names include Prinivil and Zestril. Lisinopril is associated with several side effects.

Most Common Effects

• The most common side effects from Lisinopril include anxiety, coughing, diarrhea, drowsiness, headaches, insomnia, nasal congestion, nausea and sexual dysfunction. These effects usually are temporary.

Dizziness

• Lisinopril also can cause dizziness or lightheadedness if the person's blood pressure drops too low. This tends to be worse when the patient gets up from a sitting position or from lying down.

Uncommon Effects

• Less than 1 percent of participants in clinical trials with lisinopril experienced memory problems, mental fogginess, weight gain, joint pain, altered taste or stomach cramps.

Rare Side Effect

• Rarely, someone taking lisinopril develops thrombocytopenia, which is an abnormally low number of blood platelets. Signs of a low platelet count include abnormal bruising or bleeding, but some people have no symptoms.

Liver Issues

• Lisinopril may also cause serious liver problems, which are another rare side effect. Symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and chronic nausea and fatigue.