Common drug side effects

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

Q: I am African-American and have been on numerous high blood pressure meds. I am now on Coreg CR 20 mg in the morning and Procardia 30 mg in the P.M. I am getting upper back cramps, leg cramps and headaches. I have been on more than 8 different types of high blood pressure meds since 2008. I am really upset because the meds are not working without side effects. I don’t want to continue to take meds because of the side effects. Please inform me as to the other side effects that I will have after taking the above meds for a few months.

A: For a listing of common side effects from Procardia click here. For Coreg click here. Ask your doctor about RESPeRATE use. It may help you get your blood pressure into control and does not have side effects.

Nifedipin and headaches

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 08 2009

Q: I’m 52 years old and just started taking Nifedipin for my BP. This is the first time that I’m taking BP medicine. This particular medicine is causing me a terrible headache. Is this normal and will these headaches go away after I keep using this medication?

A: Headache is a common side effect of Nifedipin. You should talk to your doctor about prescribing a treatment that doesn’t make you feel bad. Other drug options are available as is the blood pressure lowering device, the RESPeRATE.

Lisinopril and headaches

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 23 2009

Q: I have high blood pressure of 160/90-110 but don’t get headaches. My doctor gave me lisinopril and then I started having headaches. The doctor said my body has to get used to it and I should continue taking it. I stopped taking it because I couldn’t stand the pain and the headaches stopped. Should I continue taking it or change dr?

A: High blood pressure needs to be treated. It seems clear that you do not tolerate Lisinopril. Once your doctor is aware you have stopped taking the Lisinopril, it is likely a new drug will be tried.

Salt to relieve headaches?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009

Q: I have had high blood pressure for 30 years, since I was 25. It really gets high sometimes! (145/117). On a daily basis, I refrain from using salt and try to avoid salty foods (i.e. chips, pretzels, fried chicken), but I was told by a paramedic that salt is good for a headache. I thought that was silly until I ate a bag of potato chips while my head was pounding and the headache was gone within 30 minutes. But maybe it was the aspirin and/or the coke I had with the chips. Please let us salt-avoiders know

A: Salt sensitivity is now considered a risk factor for cardiovascular events, even in people with normal blood pressure. Testing for salt sensitivity isn’t easy so the National Institutes of Health recommends that all people watch their salt intake. The recommended daily allowance of sodium is 2,400 milligrams per day. Keep in mind that this amount may need to be increased in hot climates and in situations when a lot of salt from the body is lost through sweating.

Headache can be a symptom of too little salt in the body. Eating salty food in this situation could certainly help relieve the headache. As emergency responders at public events, paramedics are well aware of the symptoms of dehydration and salt loss.

Signs of high blood pressure?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 19 2009

Q: What are the actual signs of high blood pressure? When I think I feel an onset, blood seems to rush to my head making my eyes feel as though they’re ready to pop out, my balance is affected and I feel tingling on the top of my head. I am on anxiety medication and also have had seizures in the past due to an inoperable brain lesion.

A: The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured. Usually hypertension does not cause headaches or any symptoms. However, some people with severely elevated blood pressure report headaches. Don’t delay. Make an appointment to see your doctor.

Pre-hypertension and intervention

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 10 2008

Q: My son is 20 yrs old and he gets constant headaches. His blood pressure runs 136/83. What should he do?

A: Your son needs to see his doctor and be evaluated. His blood pressure is in the prehypertension range as his systolic pressure is between 120-139mm Hg and his diastolic pressure is between 80-89mm Hg. Without intervention, he could develop high blood pressure.

Headaches and high blood pressure

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 03 2007

Q: Is it normal to have headaches with high BP?

A: High blood pressure normally does not cause any symptoms. This is why it is often ignored until a serious consequence occurs. Blood pressure has to be super high to cause a headache. Most recurring headaches are caused by something else. You should talk to your physician about your headaches.

Post vacation hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 10 2007

Q: After a delightful vacation, I developed unpleasant headache, felt tightness in my chest, and my blood pressure was higher than ever. I already take 2 meds, walk, and am a vegetarian, but what could have precipitated an increase after a vacation?

A: The most likely source of your increased blood pressure after a wonderful vacation is what you ate. Restaurants liberally use salt to enhance flavor in cooking, even with vegetables. Some people with hypertension are very sensitive to the amount of salt in foods. My guess is that you consumed more salt than usual while on your vacation. However, chest tightness should be immediately evaluated by your physician.