Can Lisinopril Cause Dizziness? A Comprehensive Guide

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Dizziness is a common side effect of lisinopril, particularly when starting the medication or increasing the dose. This guide explores why can lisinopril cause dizziness, identifies risk factors, and provides practical advice on how to manage this common symptom safely and effectively.

Quick Summary

Lisinopril can cause dizziness, primarily due to its blood pressure-lowering effect. It is most common during initial treatment or dose adjustments and can be managed with simple lifestyle changes. Severe or persistent dizziness requires medical consultation.

Key Points

Lisinopril Causes Dizziness via Low Blood Pressure: The medication lowers blood pressure, and a sudden drop can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when standing up.
Risk Is Highest at First: Dizziness is most common when you first start taking lisinopril or after a dose increase, but it often improves as your body adjusts.
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol: Dehydration from sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea increases the risk of low blood pressure and dizziness, as does alcohol consumption.
Manage Symptoms by Rising Slowly: To prevent dizzy spells, sit up slowly from a lying position and take your time standing up, holding onto a stable surface.
Consult a Doctor for Persistent Issues: If dizziness is severe, worsens, or is accompanied by fainting or other serious symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Consider Dosage Adjustment: Your doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it, or altering your dosage if dizziness persists.

The Relationship Between Lisinopril and Dizziness

Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor widely prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and improve survival after a heart attack. The core function of lisinopril is to lower blood pressure, and it is this therapeutic effect that directly leads to the side effect of dizziness. As an ACE inhibitor, lisinopril blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. The reduction in angiotensin II leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and reduced aldosterone secretion, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

While this mechanism is effective for managing hypertension, a sharp or sudden drop in blood pressure can cause lightheadedness or dizziness. This is often referred to as orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up from a sitting or lying down position. The body's cardiovascular system needs time to adjust to the medication's effects, which is why dizziness is most prominent during the first few days of treatment or after a dose increase.

Factors That Increase Dizziness Risk

Several factors can increase an individual's susceptibility to dizziness while taking lisinopril:

Dosage: Higher doses of lisinopril are associated with a higher risk of experiencing low blood pressure and related dizziness. Doctors typically start patients on a lower dose and increase it gradually to allow the body to adjust.
Dehydration: Conditions that cause fluid loss, such as excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, can lower blood volume and lead to a significant drop in blood pressure and increased dizziness. Staying well-hydrated is crucial.
Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can potentiate the blood pressure-lowering effects of lisinopril, increasing the risk of dizziness and other side effects.
Other Medications: Taking lisinopril with other blood pressure-lowering medications, particularly diuretics (water pills) and other antihypertensives, can lead to excessively low blood pressure and heightened dizziness.
Pre-existing Conditions: Patients with certain health issues, such as heart failure, kidney problems, or low baseline blood pressure, may be more prone to experiencing dizziness from lisinopril.

Managing Lisinopril-Induced Dizziness

If you experience dizziness while taking lisinopril, several strategies can help manage and reduce the symptoms:

Sit or Lie Down Immediately: The moment you feel dizzy or lightheaded, find a safe place to sit or lie down to prevent falling and potential injury.
Rise Slowly: Avoid sudden changes in position, especially when getting out of bed or a chair. Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing up slowly.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, particularly if you are exercising, in hot weather, or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
Time Your Medication: Taking your first dose of lisinopril at bedtime can help mitigate the initial dizzying effect, as you will be lying down. For most people, a regular morning dose works well after the initial adjustment period.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring at home can help you and your doctor track how your body is responding to the medication and identify if your blood pressure is dropping too low.
Talk to Your Doctor: If dizziness persists or becomes bothersome, consult your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your dosage or switch you to an alternative medication.

Comparison of Dizziness Risk in Blood Pressure Medications

All ACE inhibitors carry a similar risk of side effects, including dizziness, low blood pressure, and a dry cough. However, other classes of blood pressure medications have different side effect profiles. The following table provides a general comparison, though individual responses can vary widely and depend on dosage and other health factors.


Medication Type	Common Mechanism	Dizziness Risk	Other Common Side Effects
Lisinopril (ACE Inhibitor)	Blocks enzyme that constricts blood vessels	Common, especially initially	Dry cough, fatigue, headache
Losartan (ARB)	Blocks angiotensin II receptors	Common (especially for diabetic kidney disease)	Tiredness, diarrhea, heartburn
Hydrochlorothiazide (Diuretic)	Increases urination to reduce blood volume	Can cause dehydration-related dizziness	Dizziness, headache, muscle cramps
Amlodipine (Calcium Channel Blocker)	Relaxes blood vessels	Possible, less tied to orthostatic hypotension	Headache, swelling in ankles or feet

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild dizziness can often be managed, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

Dizziness that is severe, persistent, or worsens over time.
Fainting or loss of consciousness.
Severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema), which is a rare but serious allergic reaction.
Signs of very low blood pressure, such as confusion, weakness, or feeling faint.
Any other bothersome or unusual side effects.

Conclusion

Yes, lisinopril can cause dizziness, and it is one of the most common side effects reported by patients. This effect is directly related to the medication's function of lowering blood pressure. The risk is highest during the first few weeks of treatment and can be exacerbated by factors like dehydration, alcohol, and interacting medications. However, in many cases, the body adjusts, and the dizziness subsides over time. Simple strategies, such as rising slowly and staying hydrated, can help manage symptoms. It is vital to communicate with your doctor if the dizziness is persistent or severe, as a dosage adjustment or alternative treatment may be necessary for your safety and well-being. Do not stop taking lisinopril abruptly without first consulting your healthcare provider. For more detailed patient information on this medication, refer to a reliable resource such as Drugs.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary cause is the therapeutic effect of lowering blood pressure. By blocking an enzyme that constricts blood vessels, lisinopril can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when changing positions.

For most people, dizziness is temporary and improves as the body adjusts to the medication, typically within the first few days or weeks of starting treatment or increasing the dose.

If you feel dizzy, you should immediately sit or lie down to prevent a fall. When you feel ready to stand, do so slowly and hold onto something sturdy for support.

Yes, dehydration from factors like inadequate fluid intake, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can significantly increase the risk of low blood pressure and worsen dizziness.

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking lisinopril, as it can worsen the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of dizziness.

You should contact your doctor if the dizziness is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like fainting. In these cases, a dosage adjustment or alternative treatment may be necessary.

You can help minimize dizziness by staying well-hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, rising slowly from sitting or lying down, and monitoring your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.