It works I began taking Hydrochlorothiazide alone after having side effects from Lisinopril/HCTz. My blood pressure lowered from 150-160/100 to 120/75 and below fairly quickly. I have not had any serious side effects. I did have an elevated fasting glucose reading when I first started taking it but that has lowered to normal as have other blood tests. I eat a banana every day to maintain potassium levels.