What are the Health Risks of Taking Lisinopril?

Individuals who already have diabetes are at risk for worsening symptoms due to rapid blood sugar changes, usually sudden drops in blood sugar, especially within the first month of use. In rare cases, Lisinopril is linked with liver damage. This may be more likely among individuals who have previously abused drugs or alcohol that damage the kidneys and liver, so taking a higher dose of Lisinopril exacerbates existing problems.

Sometimes, an individual who has struggled with substance abuse or addiction in the past will start abusing their current prescriptions. Anyone with a history of addiction or drug abuse should report this condition to their doctor when they get a new prescription medication. This will help the doctor monitor for signs of compulsive drug misuse or abuse.

Serious Health Issues Linked with Lisinopril Abuse

Several conditions that are linked with an increased risk of drug abuse, including abusing prescription medications, were reported in the 195 individuals who abused Lisinopril: 38 individuals reported depression; 18 individuals reported insomnia or sleeplessness; 15 individuals reported anxiety and stress; 14 individuals reported drug dependence on previous substances; and 14 individuals reported chronic pain.

Although Lisinopril does not cause a high like typically addictive drugs, including prescription sedative-hypnotics, painkillers, benzodiazepines, and prescription stimulants, some individuals abuse this prescription drug. Prescription abuse includes drug abuse, but it also has failed to follow the prescribing physician’s instructions, failing to take doses at appropriate times, adjusting the amount without consulting the doctor, stealing the drug from loved ones, accidentally ingesting too much, or taking harmful, intoxicating drugs alongside Lisinopril.

Abuse of a drug like Lisinopril can indicate relapse in individuals who have struggled with addiction. Anyone who has struggled with any addiction has a chance of relapse. Addiction is a chronic illness, and like other chronic illnesses such as hypertension, asthma, and diabetes, a relapse of symptoms will occur at some point for most individuals. About 40­–60% of people who struggle with addiction will relapse at some point, meaning they should return to rehabilitation to manage their symptoms.

Lisinopril Overdose

Lisinopril is usually prescribed for hypertension or during a heart attack to help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Can you overdose on Lisinopril? Dosing may start from 5mg to 20mg daily, with any amount above the prescribed dose considered an overdose. Although overdosing usually is pretty well tolerated, acute overdoses involving children or overdosing over an extended period could have significant adverse side effects.

Lisinopril Overdose Symptoms

The most common immediate side effect of an overdose on Lisinopril is a drop in blood pressure, which can cause fainting, dizziness, or extreme weakness. There is more danger from the after-effects of the drop in pressure depending on what the person was doing at the time of the blood pressure drop than internal harm to the patient.

What happens if you overdose on lisinopril? Lisinopril overdose over an extended period could cause internal organ damage due to loss of oxygen, which is generally carried to the brain, heart, and major organs by blood flow. Renal failure is possible due to oxygen deprivation, as is another major organ failure. 

Intentional lisinopril overdose may lead to allergic reactions, which anyone ingesting lisinopril could experience, and will tend to be more pronounced if the amount of the medication is above the recommended dose.  If a person experiences facial swelling, trouble breathing, hives, irregular heartbeat or an extreme stomachache, she will need immediate medical treatment. Vomiting may also indicate an allergic reaction and cause a medical consult.

Lisinopril Overdose Death

An ACE‐inhibitor overdose may cause severe hypotension and has been reported after ingesting captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and quinapril. Lisinopril overdose fatal symptoms can be caused by hypotension. Hypotension may be prolonged or fatal in extreme cases. Patients with moderate to severe hypotension require close observation in a critical care environment, administration of intravenous fluids, and inotropic support.

Lisinopril Overdose Treatment

Despite the potential to cause severe hypotension, the hemodynamic effects after an ACE‐inhibitor overdose are generally mild, and most patients do not require any specific treatment. Few data are available to guide the optimal period required to detect hypotension in patients who present to the hospital after an ACE‐inhibitor overdose.

Lisinopril Detox Near Me

First and foremost, if you think a loved one is abusing Lisinopril, you should first research the drug and addiction associated with it to understand better what your loved one needs. Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle their addiction in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, offer your support throughout the entire treatment process.

In addition, prolonged Lisinopril use can have severe physical and psychological effects, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of withdrawal. 

Medically Assisted Detox

Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal process but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can offer the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Inpatient Treatment

If your Lisinopril addiction is severe or you have co-occurring mental health or medical issues, an inpatient program can provide intensive care. Inpatient treatment demands that you live at the facility for the entire duration of your treatment. These programs provide a safe environment and a high level of structure that minimizes triggers to use the drug. Before starting treatment, medical professionals will assess your situation and your addiction to create a tailored treatment plan. This may include group and individual therapy, family therapy, relapse prevention lessons, support groups, and aftercare planning.

Support Groups

Before, during, or after treatment, you may attend 12-step meetings like AA/NA or other support groups. When you go to a support group, you will be welcomed by individuals who know what you’ve been through because they’ve gone through it too. Feeling accepted can make a massive difference in your healing because you will create a new support network of sober people and learn from individuals who have been abstinent from drugs for a longer period of time.

Aftercare Addiction Treatment Program

While in rehab, you will get ready for your transition out of treatment by developing an aftercare plan. This will look different for every person and may include:

• Transitioning into a sober living facility
• Locating a counselor or therapist outside of treatment
• Regularly attending 12-step meetings or other support groups

After you leave treatment, you must stay involved with aftercare recovery treatment to prevent relapse.