Drug assistance programs
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 27 2009
Q: How can I keep my blood pressure down without the use of meds? I plan on talking to my doctor about Resperate however my money is limited at this moment. I have been taking lisinopril and until I can get to my doctor I need a way to keep my blood pressure low without the use of meds. Basically I cannot afford the doc to continue my meds.
A: Call your doctor. Most doctors will work with you to find a drug you can afford, provide you with samples, and/or put you in touch with drug assistance programs. On the web go to: http://www.pparx.org/
Tags: blood pressure, drug assistance programs, Lisinopril, medication, meds, Misc, money, RESPeRATE, Taking BP MedsDrugs 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.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, drugs, high blood pressure, hypertension, Lisinopril, lisinopril hctz, medication, Taking BP MedsImportance of lifestyle changes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 22 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and am drug resistant, taking HCTZ, Triamtrin, Dyazide, Atenolol, Clonidine, Verapamil, Lisinopril, and I have ordered the Resperate. Any other suggestions?
A: Don’t forget about lifestyle. What you eat and how much you exercise play a big role in blood pressure control. There are very few people who wouldn’t benefit from losing a few pounds and being a little more active.
Tags: Atenolol, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure control, Clonidine, Diet & Exercise, dyazide, high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, Lisinopril, RESPeRATETime urgency to lower blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 09 2009
Q: My husband has been taking 10 mg of lisinopril and recently increased it to 20 mg. He has been on the 20 mg. dosage for 3 weeks and his blood pressure is still high, 176/96. He is very concerned as his upcoming job needs his blood pressure to be lower than this by September. If he goes on a higher dosage of this medicine or another, how long will it take for the MD to determine if the med is working to reduce his BP?
A: Your husband needs to make sure his doctor is aware of the need to have his blood pressure controlled by September. With a deadline, the doctor might change medications sooner to achieve control. In addition, your husband should consider using the RESPeRATE. It can be used safely in combination with drugs and generally starts working within four weeks.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure control, bp, drugs, Lisinopril, lower blood pressure, RESPeRATE, Taking BP MedsFeeling cold and spikes in BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 09 2009
Q: My doctor put me on 25 mg. of hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure spikes (up to 190/125). Feeling cold alerted me to the “spikes,” and I could bring it down only by jogging for a mile, taking a hot bath, or lying in front of a hot stove. The doctor added 10 mg of Lisinopril 2 months ago. I still have an occasional spike (160/100), but experience cold now more frequently than ever. I wondered if this is somehow related to the Lisinopril? My doctor can’t figure it out. Could Resperate help?
A: You failed to mention your usual blood pressure so it is difficult to answer your question. Whenever someone complains about feeling cold or hot, I think about thyroid problems. Thyroid problems can cause many symptoms that are hard to pin down, including regulation of blood pressure. RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. It may help you get your blood pressure into better control.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, feeling cold, hydrochlorothyizide, Lisinopril, lower blood pressure, Misc, RESPeRATE, thyroid problemsWhite-coat hypertension and ambulatory monitoring
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: I have been taking 40mg of Lisinopril and 12.5mg of Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) for a few years now. Since taking these medications my at-home readings are wonderful, averaging from 120/75 to as low as 90/56 at night. When
I visit the doctor’s office, my readings are high; from 140/85 up to 175/90. A doctor at the clinic felt that White Coat Syndrome could not spike up anyone’s readings THAT much. I am leery to start taking even more meds, or higher doses. In your opinion, can White Coat Syndrome spike numbers that high?
A: Since there is a difference between your home readings and those taken at the office, you might want to discuss ambulatory blood pressure monitoring with your doctor. This testing can help determine if your blood pressure is in control and if you suffer from white coat hypertension.
Tags: ambulatory blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood pressure monitoring, diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, hypertension, Lisinopril, white coat hypertension, white coat syndromeLisinopril and edema
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 25 2009
Q: I’ve experienced pitting edema for three months, without any symptoms other than the swelling. Could it be caused by a reaction to Lisinopril, which I replaced for Avalide?
A: Edema can be caused by Lisinopril. This is likely if the swelling began shortly after you started taking the drug. You should discuss this with your doctor.
Tags: Avalide, edema, Lisinopril, pitting edema, side effect, Taking BP MedsNon-drug options
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 25 2009
Q: I am on lisinopril, 40mg. and am female, over 40. I would love to find a supplement to take instead of prescription meds. I also have osteopenia and ringing in the ears. What do you suggest?
A: I routinely suggest to my patients RESPeRATE and regular exercise. RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. It does not have the side effects that are associated with supplements and medications. Regular weight bearing exercise helps to lower blood pressure and strengthens bones. Work with your doctor to find a solution that works best for you.
Tags: high blood pressure, Lisinopril, lower blood pressure, prescription meds, RESPeRATE, side effects, Supplements, Taking BP Meds, weight bearing exerciseTaking meds as prescribed
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 21 2009
Q: My doctor wanted me to try to take Lisinopril, 10mg 1 per day. I have read all the side effects and am kind of leary about taking it. Can I start out by taking a half of one early and then the other half later? I have started cardio at least 20 minutes a day and changing my diet. If it does lower my BP, will I have to continue taking the drug?
A: You should always take medicine as it is prescribed. Not all pills can be split safely and smaller dosing doesn’t eliminate side effects. Depending upon your blood pressure, a trial of life style changes to lower your pressure may be worthwhile prior to starting drug treatment. Discuss this with your doctor. In addition to lifestyle changes, you might want to consider using the RESPeRATE.
Tags: blood pressure, diet, life style changes, lifestyle changes, Lisinopril, RESPeRATE, side effects, Taking BP MedsFurosemide and diabetes
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 21 2009
Q: I have been treated for high BP for over 15 years on a combination of alpha and beta blockers lisinopril and furosemide. I have developed neuropathy and am becoming glucose intolerant. I am told that furosemide and the blockers increase my risk of diabetes. What medication should I consider?
A: You should discuss your concerns about developing diabetes with your doctor. Depending upon your medical condition, Furosemide might still be the best choice for you. If you are overweight, now would be a good time to get serious about losing the extra pounds.
Tags: beta blockers, Diabetes, furosemide, Lisinopril, Taking BP Meds
