Skipping 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
