Question: I went to a "new" doctor in May 2018. I had a plethora of blood tests, all came back okay! Blood pressure was "high" doctor said during the visit. 140/101. I personally was elated at that number it was MUCH lower than it had ever been in previous visits to doctors and hospitals and I was excited at the progress! This being a new doctor I explained the history. The doctor listened but, then said I needed meds to control it. Only ever saw this gentleman once and he seemed unaffected by my history and progress as explained? The doctor only took my blood pressure "once" on that visit. It bothered me some to start taking these meds ( Losarton Potassium 50 mg.) no other doctors had prescribed it- even when the pressure was higher? However, I trusted this doctor at his word, and thought maybe I should try it? I began taking the Losartan in Mid May, it is now the first week of August. I have had one refill. The side effects have been horrible to include; Chest pains, coughing, heart palpitations, anxiety, mood swings, bad dreams, diarrhea, brain fog, dizzy, and back pain. These side effects were not "all at once" but, slowly progressed so, it was difficult at first to figure out what was wrong? One day was exceptionally bad and so I began researching online and was shocked to see the plethora of folks who were experiencing the same side effects while taking Losartan. I want to stop taking it and I want to go back to the natural methods I was using for controlling it - that were working which included removing salt from my diet, as well as any processed foods, sweets, cutting out caffeine, sugar and changing diet and exercise as well as vitamins and supplements! It was slow progress but, I was making it! I called the doctor and his assistant ( over the phone ) told me I could stop taking it. I asked repeatedly if it was "safe" to do this and she said my blood pressure could go back up, but that I could stop taking it -- the "choice" was up to me. I asked again, "I understand I have that choice- what I am asking you is if it is safe to do so?" The assistant repeated what the doctor said - I could stop taking it. However, everything you read online tells you to "taper off" and it makes me nervous - what is the right thing to do? Is is safe to simply stop this? I have a blood pressure reader at home to monitor but, am still very uncertain what to do. I have "one" full pill left before another refill is needed- so, in order to taper I would need to get another prescription- which of course I would do if necessary- but, that would require another visit to the doctor as well- and I would do that as well if it was necessary- however, it bears mentioning it may be more than a week for me to get that appointment so I truly am "stuck" and don't know what to do?

I'm a little confused by your answer. Allow me to explain further. First, my blood pressure dropped "some" while on Losartan. But, not regularly. Meaning, it fluctuates constantly. The reduced blood pressure ( at the office ) was due to the lifestyle change before I started taking Losartan.

I have taken the Losartan now for two months and am asking it if is safe to "abruptly" stop taking it or if I should taper off? Again, I already spoke to my doctor and he said it was okay to stop taking it- but, there are so many conflicting answers I don't know who or what to believe?

I am taking 50mg of Losarton right now. My reading ( taken just now ) was 164/98

Below is my question.

1. If I take "half" of the pill now and then continue to do that- how long will I have to do this before I can stop altogether?