Lotrel and supplements
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 10 2009
Q: I take Lotrel 10/40 and would like to take some supplements like fish oil or Co-enzyme Q. Are there any supplements I shouldn’t take with Lotrel?
A: Gold Standard, a professional drug reference, does not show an interaction between Lotrel with fish oil or with Co-enzyme Q. However, you should always discuss use of supplements with your doctor. Many have not been proven to have a medical advantage and are a waste of money. The supplements St John’s Wort, Yohimbine, Hawthorn, Ginkgo, Ma Huang, and Ginseng are known to interact with Lotrel and shouldn’t be taken.
Tags: co enzyme Q, drug reference, fish oil, ginkgo, ginseng, gold standard, Hawthorn, lotrel, Medication Interactions, st john s wort, Supplements, yohimbineDiet and blood pressure medicine
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 07 2008
Q: I am 63 and my BP was 192. I never took Amlovasc prescribed by my doctor for the last 4 weeks. I took Hawthorn compound with garlic and changed my diet to decrease sodium, and after 2 weeks my BP is 150,139/87. My doctor said to start taking the tablets again, but I do not want to as I am afraid of side effects and that I will have to take them for the rest of my life. Or can I carry on changing my diet as I have done for the last 2 weeks?
A: Your blood pressure is not in control. This puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. A blood pressure reading of 192 is very high so it seems reasonable to me to keep your blood pressure in control with medication while you make the appropriate life style changes. Once your blood pressure has stabilized, you can work with your doctor to gradually reduce your medication and see if your blood pressure remains in good control.
Tags: Amlovasc, diet, garlic, Hawthorn, low sodium, side effects, Taking BP Meds
