Swelling 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.

The need for multiple meds

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009

Q: Is it normal to be prescribed more than 1 drug for high blood pressure? Here is a list of meds I’m on: bystolic 5 MG, zetia 10 MG, tekturma 150 MG, diovan 320 MG, crestor 20 MG, and nifedicall 60 MG.

A: It can often take multiple drugs to control high blood pressure. It is not unusual to be on more than one medication. Not all the drugs you are taking are for blood pressure control. Zetia and Crestor are drugs to help improve your blood fat levels. Both high blood fat levels and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease so both your problems are being treated. A regular exercise program will help improve both so add exercise if it isn’t part of your daily routine.

Side effects from medication

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009

Q: In the last couple of years it seems that many of the drugs they have given me for High Blood Pressure cause bad side effects. They blister my lips or even cause sore skin around my mouth. It is beyond frustrating and the doctors don’t know what to do. Can you help?

A: It is difficult to know how an individual will react to a drug ahead of time. I am sure your doctors are doing their best to choose drugs in different categories in hopes of finding one that will control your blood pressure without side effects. The lack of side effects is one of the reasons I like to recommend use of the RESPeRATE.

Side effects of drug Benicar

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 14 2009

Q: How safe is the drug Benicar and what are the side effects?

A: All drugs have side effects. No drug is 100% safe as everyone responds differently to medication. Talk to your doctor about any problems you are having. Dizziness is a common side effect of Benicar. To read about other known side effects click here.

Treating essential hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 21 2009

Q: The treatment of “Essential” Hypertension by doctors appears to be a shotgun prescription of various drugs, until one of them works to lower blood pressure. A neighbor of mine was given medication to take, and when he got up at night, he would pass out (presumably, from an extremely low blood pressure). Are doctors unaware of this type of consequence? And why can’t they take the time to figure out what’s really causing the hypertension? And treat that, instead of prescribing inappropriate medications?

A: Most people suffer from essential hypertension. It is called essential hypertension because no cause can be found. Hypertension related to a specific abnormality is called secondary hypertension. At the time high blood pressure is discovered, testing is done to determine if you have essential or secondary hypertension. Doctors know how drugs work and the effects they can have. Not everyone responds to drugs in the same way. Until you are tried on a drug, it is impossible to know for sure how you will react.

Drugs for treating hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 06 2009

Q: Are there any guidelines as to how high on a daily, consistent basis, blood pressure must be in order to damage the kidneys or heart? Also, are there any meds besides lisinopril/hctz that are more effective to lower b.p.?

A: Blood pressure that is greater than 139/89 needs to be treated. The treatment goal is a blood pressure that is less than 140/90. There are many different types of medication used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor will suggest a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs based on the severity of your high blood pressure and other medical problems you might have. This plan may include more than one drug and drugs that belong to different classes. To learn more about the different drugs used to treat high blood pressure click here.

BP still high with meds

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009

Q: I have high blood pressure and I am taking Diovan 160mg, Nifedipine Retard-20mg and HCTZ (50)Tab (Hydrachlorothiazide) so now I am taking 3 tabs in the morning, 1 Nif. after dinner and 1 at night. But my bp. is still too high sometimes. Should I ask for changes of medication or what else can I do?

A: The RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. It can be safely used in combination with drug therapy. Oftentimes use of the RESPeRATE means that additional drugs are not needed to control blood pressure. Ask your doctor about a RESPeRATE trial.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.

Connection between BP, cholesterol and blood sugar

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009

Q: What is the connection between high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and high blood sugar level? Do the drugs for high blood pressure control cause diabetes?

A: Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure all increase the risk for developing a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining normal weight will help prevent all three. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure do not cause diabetes but may increase the risk of developing the condition.

HTN 180 Px supplement

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 21 2009

Q: Do you have an opnion on HTN 180 Px for high blood pressure?

A: HTN 180 Px is a product that contains leafs, berries, and rauwolfia extract. This extract contains reserpine, a drug that is prescribed to lower blood pressure. Alternative drugs aren’t as well regulated as traditional medicine. Consequently, I feel you are safer taking a drug prescribed by your doctor.

BP drugs and RESPeRATE

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 09 2009

Q: I am taking blood pressure medicine, Norvasc 5 mg daily once a day and my BP is 138/80. I have purchased Resperate to lower the blood pressure, but have not yet received it. Can I stop taking the Norvasc?

A: Drugs for high blood pressure should only be stopped under the direction of your doctor. Regular use of the RESPeRATE may allow you to stop taking Norvasc but you need to discuss this with your doctor after you have successfully used the device regularly for at least 4 weeks.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.