Psychological Effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil

Olmesartan medoxomil, also known as Benicar, is used to treat hypertension. Hypertension--permanent high blood--can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Taking olmesartan medoxomil can lower blood pressure, but like most medicines, it comes with its own risks. While Benicar has many adverse reactions, there are absolutely no psychological side effects.

Side Effects in Body

• Patients who have used olmesartan medoxomil have experienced chest pain and peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is the swelling of the lower body, usually in the legs, ankles and feet. The swelling occurs as a result of fluid buildup. Peripheral edema usually can be controlled by eating a low-sodium diet, elevating the legs above the chest and exercising.

Vertigo

• Vertigo is another side effect of the hypertension medicine. Vertigo is the sensation that the room is continually spinning. It is a constant state of dizziness and can cause nausea and faintness.

Stomach Problems

• Stomach problems, such as gastroenteritis and dyspepsia, can occur from Benicar. These are terms that refer to discomfort and pain in the stomach area. The pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Tachycardia

• A higher than normal heart rate, or tachycardia, can occur after taking olmesartan medoxomil. A normal heart beats 60 to 100 times. A heart with tachycardia beats a significantly higher number of times within that minute.

Other Side Effects

• Other side effects include kidney failure and alopecia, which causes hair loss. Some patients experienced weakness, vomiting and acute renal failure. These particular side effects were reported after clinical trials of the medicine ended. Psychological side effects, such as depression, were not recorded in any clinical trial.