The daily dosage recommended by my cardiologist was extremely high (40mg) and has caused me to have severe problems such as: 1. Plunging Blood pressure readings (70/50) during only minor excertions (such as petting my dog). 2. Severe dizziness and inability to breathe). 3. Unable to stand and fainting. The doctor denied that the medication he prescribed was the cause of my problems and gave me all kinds of tests for equilibrium and stress. They all proved negative. While he was scratching his head, I (on my own) reduced the daily benicar dosage to 5 mg and added 4 mg of cardura. This was 6 months ago and I can now do almost any task without any problems.Also my blood pressure averages 140/80. By the way, my wife has the same problems with the same doctor and drug but has only changed her doctor so far. My experience tells me that the drug can be effective if the dose is kept very low. Published: September 23, 2007 ::

I have been on benicar for 4 years. started on 20 mgs. Way too high I am on 5mg a day and it works great. This past aug, I started to develop a rash that looked like measles. I thought it was allergies. I am now 5 months w/ it every day and now it itches. Thought it was thyroid related but think the benicar is the culprit. I am allergic to sulpha so maybe that is a factor. It was great till now. Published: December 20, 2007 ::

Major problems; lots of tests run; swelling of stomach and intestines, cough, loss of hair. I have been miserable for months, just recently found out Benicar was the cause. Waiting to find out if I have any organ damage. Published: February 14, 2008 ::

I have taken Benicar for about 5 months. I have been experiencing dizziness, hair loss,stomach and intestine swelling. Short term memory loss. Also I'm not urinating very much anymore. I am worried and am calling my Doctor today. Thank you Web MD for allowing people to tell what has happened to them with this medication it has probably saved me from harm to my organs I hope. Published: March 11, 2008 ::

I have only been on Benicar for a couple of weeks, but I notice that I don,t feel well after I take it. After being on it a week my b.p dropped too low. It gives me a feeling of pressure in my head and around my eyes and I,m exhausted all the time. Don,t like the side effects at all. Published: December 19, 2007 ::

Induced an alergic reaction. I broke out in hives. Published: September 18, 2007 ::

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in the summer of 2006. My average BP readings at that time were approximately 170/110. After being prescribed several medications that were ineffective my doctor prescribed Benicar which did lower my BP. I initially experienced dizziness and hazy vision as my body adjusted to the medication as well as ED issues. Later on I began to experience numbness / tingling in my face and extremities difficulty berating lightheadedness and an intense feeling that I was about to pass out and the end was near. These episodes landed me in the emergency room twice prior to me learning how to bear them patiently. I have put up with the side effects for one year now and just today (1/5/09) I have requested that my doctor find me a different medication. I am a little nervous about this decision because Benicar did lower my BP but I can no longer bare the side effects. Published: January 05, 2009 ::

Sexual side effects are a reality. This medicine is not for sexually active males. I have stopped this medication on my own. This is one of those bp medications you can stop w/o doctor's monitoring. Published: February 20, 2008 ::

I was taking Cozaar for years and I had good results. I retired and couldn't pay the price. My doctor changed me to Benicar at my request which is 1/2 the cost of Cozaar. Not a good move. I have a chronic cough and so much itching skin. I will trim the dose to 10MG and see if that works for me. Otherwise adios to Benicar and I'll have to pay for Cozaar as there is no generic. This website really helps. Published: November 21, 2008 ::