Treatment with lisinopril, also known as Cardiostad

The medication 

Lisinopril was developed to treat high blood pressure, but it can also be effective for migraines. When you are prescribed this medication, it is not to lower your blood pressure, but to treat your migraines. 

Mechanism of action 

Lisinopril may work by stabilizing blood vessels, but the exact mechanism of action is not known.

The effect of lisinopril usually sets in after 1-3 weeks. On average, lisinopril will halve the number of migraine attacks, though there is significant variation from person to person. 

Side effects 

Lisinopril is generally well tolerated. The medication rarely lowers normal blood pressure. However, some patients with low blood pressure may experience dizziness when standing up, especially at the beginning of treatment.

A few people experience a dry cough, diarrhea, headache, and kidney function changes.

Precautions 

Lisinopril should not be used for certain types of heart conditions.

Before starting treatment

Before you start treatment, your pulse and blood pressure must be measured, and the following blood tests must be performed: kidney/fluid levels and liver function tests.

What dosage should you take 

Usually, you start by taking 10 mg once daily for one week. Thereafter, 20 mg once daily.

If there is no effect after 2 months, the dose is tapered down by 10 mg for one week and then stopped.

If the treatment is effective, you continue for ½-1 year, after which the dose can often be tapered off in consultation with your doctor.