Coffee lovers and BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010
Q: Would you recommend that a coffee addict with moderate hypertension (140/105) switch to decaffeinated coffee or try to quit altogether? He is on amlodipine and moduretic. He loves his morning coffee (Nestle) and tea.
A: As a coffee lover, I roast my own beans, this is a tough question. It really depends on how much caffeine you are consuming. Two cups a day, 200-300 mg of caffeine, is okay. If you get a headache when you don’t have your morning coffee, you are drinking too much. To figure out the amount of caffeine you are drinking, click here.
Tags: amlodipine, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, caffeine, coffee, coffee addict, coffee lovers, Diet & Exercise, headache, hypertension, moderate hypertensionAmlodipine and constipation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 15 2010
Q: I have been taking 5 mg of Amlodipine daily for about one year. My blood pressure has been good since I started taking it, but I have noticed that I get constipated with this medication and I was wondering if there is another kind of medication in the same group of meds that would not have that side effect.
A: Amlodipine is a type of drug known as a calcium channel blocker. Constipation is a frequent complaint with this type of medication. Since you are doing well on Amlodipine, you might want to try increasing the fiber in your diet. A couple of prunes a day can make a difference.
Tags: amlodipine, blood pressure, calcium channel blocker, constipation, diet, Diet & Exercise, medication, side effect, Taking BP MedsSwelling with amlodipine
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 12 2010
Q: While taking Amlodipine, I have noted the side effect of swollen feet and lower eyelids. Is there something I can do to remedy this side effect? I am taking 5MG tablet daily as prescribed by my Doctor. My BP ranges between 117 and 128 in the evening but 130-140 in the morning when I wake up. I have also been using RESPeRATE device.
A: Talk to your doctor about your swelling. Sometimes it is better to change drugs than to try to treat a common side effect. Your doctor will know the next best step.
Tags: amlodipine, bp, drugs, hypertension, RESPeRATE, side effect, swollen feet, Taking BP MedsConcerns about Lotrel
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: I have been taking amolodipine and my new doctor now prescribed amlodipine benazepril (Lotrel). I am concerned because it can cause swelling and weight gain and I want to lose some weight. What do you think?
A: It is important to get your blood pressure in control. Your doctor thinks Lotrel is the best drug for you to take. I would take your medicine as prescribed. To avoid weight gain, increase your exercise and watch the amount of calories you consume. With weight loss, it is likely your blood pressure will be easier to control.
Tags: amlodipine, benazepril, blood pressure, high blood pressure, hypertension, lotrel, Taking BP Meds, weight gain, weight lossMeds causing knee pain?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 02 2009
Q: I am 71yrs old and have been taking 3 kinds of tablets for high blood pressure and for cholesterol/diabetes. The tablets are: simvastatin 20mg/amlodipine 10mg tablets taken at nights and atenolol for day time. I am now beginning to feel severe pain on my knees. Do you think these tabs can cause such pain, and should I let my GP know, as I have not told him about it.
A: You should always alert your doctor about a new symptom. You have been taking your blood pressure medicine for some time but your knees just started hurting. Based on this and your age, it is likely your knee pain is from arthritis of aging, not your pills.
Tags: amlodipine, arthritis, Atenolol, blood pressure medicine, cholesterol, Diabetes, high blood pressure, knee pain, Medical Conditions, simvastatin, Taking BP MedsSkipping meds, weight gain and smoking
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I am presently taking BP pills (amlodipine 5mg 1x a day). Can I get the same results if I take them every other day due to cost? My bp is not always high although in the past it has been 120/210. To this date I have quit smoking, but now I eat more and have gained more weight. I do exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Does bp medicine make you gain weight?
A: You should always take your blood pressure medicine as it is prescribed. Skipping doses is not smart. If you can’t afford your medicine, talk to your doctor. Perhaps a less expensive drug can be used. Also, drug companies offer assistance programs for people who can’t afford necessary drugs. Most people who quit smoking report weight gain. Your weight gain is most likely related to your smoking cessation, not your blood pressure medication.
Tags: amlodipine, assistance programs, blood pressure medication, bp, gain weight, quit smoking, Smoking, smoking cessation, Taking BP Meds, weight gainBest time to take medication
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 22 2009
Q: I take amlodipine and cozar for hypertension. Most of the time I workout at Curves in the morning. Should I take meds before or after my workout?
A: To be most effective, medication should be taken at the same time of day. This allows a constant level of medication to always be in the blood stream. It helps avoid high levels (after taking) dropping to low levels (right before the next dose). You should choose a time of day that makes taking your medicine easy to remember. Taking your medicine after working out at Curves, may not provide a constant time of day, as your workout schedule sounds as if it may vary.
Tags: amlodipine, Cozar, hypertension, medication, medicine, Taking BP MedsHypertension drugs and sleep
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 17 2009
Q: I have been taking 100 mg of metoprolol for 6 weeks after taking 50 mg for 8 weeks prior to the increase. After the 2nd week, I had difficulty sleeping which has gotten progressively worse, so my doctor changed my med to 10 mg of amlodipine. Will this help and what else can I do?
A: Time will tell if the Amlodipine will work for you without any side effects. Ask your doctor about using the RESPeRATE. It has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure and many users report that it also relaxes them as they prepare to fall asleep.
Tags: amlodipine, difficulty sleeping, hypertension, hypertension drugs, lower blood pressure, metoprolol, RESPeRATE, side effect, Sleep, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, Taking BP Meds
