Anybody take Lotensin or Accupril? I started on 10mg per day about 8 yrs ago. About 4 yrs ago went to 20 mg. As of one month ago I was prescribed 40 mg. per day which brought my diastolic down from around 95 to 85. I am admittedly about 45 lbs. overweight (but I'm big boned .....Ha Ha) I'm trying to work on the weight but at 58 it's tough. So much for background. 40 mg. of Lotensin or Accupril gives me headaches and dizzyness to the point I have a tough time driving. So I cut back to 20 mg. in the a.m. and carry extra 20's in case I feel BP rush later in the day. What do you think of breaking 40 mg pills in half? Does that allow too much of "time release" med when initially taken. I guess I'm asking do most think ACE inhibitors are effective?

The last visit to the doctor he gave me some Benicar to try (about 2 months worth). Do you think the switch to this med from Accupril is going to have an adverse effect?

mgraylorn: I found that changing the dosage from one 40mg. to 2 20mgs. taken 12 hrs apart lessens headache tendency. When I started with 40mg. single dosage the headache would start about 1.5 hrs. later, but was really bad. The 20mg. dosage still produces headache but at what I now perceive as acceptable.

As far as sodium, I threw my salt shaker away. I avoid MSG and potasium, when I know it's there in the product. I've been taking BP control meds. for years now, in the last couple of months I'm getting discouraged by side effects with increased dosage and seemingly more foods I can no longer tolerate.

Accupril is an ACEI and Benicar is an ARB. You shouldn't have any problems switching. A lot of people on this board really like Benicar.