Hypertension 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 MedsHigh BP even with multiple meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009
Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor has tried me on many different meds. I take vasotec twice a day, hctz 25 mg daily and a catapres patch once a week. My doctor recently added metoprolol 25 mg twice a day plus 8.75 mg of sular. The sular is causing severe swelling and taking lasix my BP is still way too high. What is the dose that I could take of metoprolol and not have to take the sular and lasix?
A: You have not provided enough information for me to make any dosage recommendations. Before starting another blood pressure drug, I would suggest you talk to your doctor about use of the RESPeRATE. It has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without interacting with any blood pressure medication. Considering all the different classes of drugs you are currently taking, drug interaction is a big concern.
Don’t forget lifestyle impacts blood pressure. It is very important for difficult to control hypertensive people to exercise regularly, maintain a normal weight, and eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Tags: blood pressure drug, blood pressure medication, catapres, catapres patch, drug interaction, hctz, high blood pressure, hypertensive, lasix, lower blood pressure, metoprolol, RESPeRATE, Sular, Taking BP Meds, vasotecFear of low blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 19 2009
Q: When I have a blood pressure reading of 140 over 63, I’m afraid to take my Metoprolol, fearing that my low reading will go too low. What do you suggest?
A: At 140/63, your blood pressure should be treated. If you are having symptoms of too low blood pressure when taking your medication as prescribed, you need to tell your doctor. Common symptoms of low blood pressure are light headedness, dizziness, and feeling faint with standing.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Dizziness, low blood pressure, Low BP, medication, metoprolol, symptoms of low blood pressureCholesterol medicine
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 07 2008
Q: I had a stroke last year due to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I am on metoprolol 50 mg, lisinoril 40 mg twice a day, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg once a day and lipitor 80 mg at bedtime. I cannot afford the lipitor and there is no generic. Is there any presciption medicine that can substitute for the lipitor?
A: There are other cholesterol lowering drugs available such as Zocor, Zetia and Pravachol. Although they lower cholesterol, they are not identical to Lipitor. If your doctor feels that Lipitor is the best drug for you, drug assistance programs are available from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. Go to http://www.rxassist.org to check on what programs are available in your area and for eligibility requirements.
Tags: cholesterol, hydrochlorothiazide, lipitor, lisinoril, metoprolol, Pravachol, Taking BP Meds, Zetia, Zocor
