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.

Blood pressure and hawthorn berry

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009

Q: My blood pressure went haywire in March and my physician/ PA recommended that I take Norvasc and HCTZ 12.5 mg. I have been told by many people about the side affects of Norvasc with swelling. However I do prefer natural herbs as an alternative. I’m taking the HCTZ and the Herb Hawthorn Berry to control my blood pressure. My pressure has been great since ranging from 121/76 to 136/74. I know that most Doctors don’t approve of this so I haven’t told them, although I plan to. What do you think about the Herb Hawthorn Berry?

A: You should always tell your doctor about any supplements, vitamins or herbals that you take. Your doctor can give you helpful information and warnings about these products. Don’t just assume your doctor will dismiss your interest in alternative treatments. It is possible that your diurectic (HCTZ or hydrochlorothiazide) is controlling your blood pressure. It is also possible the Hawthorn berry is helping. For more information on Hawthorn click here.

Drugs, liver disease and obesity

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

Q: I am 58 years old, 5′6″ and 200 lbs, and presently taking Micardis Plus 40 mg., Concore 5 mg, Lipitor 10 mg. and Norvasc 5 mg. What are the bad effects of these medicines to my organs, and how can I avoid them?

A: Your obesity puts you at increased risk of liver disease and is related to your need for drugs that can affect your liver. The drugs you are on can cause an elevation of liver enzymes. If you really want to protect your liver, you should commit to life long life style changes that will allow you to lose weight and keep it off.

Dialysis and blood pressure

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

Q: After my dialysis, my blood pressure goes up to 160/90. I am taking Norvasc 10 mg and Metropolol 50 mg. Is this normal?

A: Blood pressure control in dialysis patients is known to vary before, during, and after treatment. There are multiple variables that can affect your blood pressure associated with the process of dialysis. In addition, other health conditions play a factor in determining appropriate blood pressure control. For a more specific answer, you will have to discuss this with your kidney doctor.

Sensitivites to BP meds

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

Q: What combination of BP meds do you recommend for African-American women who are sensitive to BP meds, yet do not respond well to them? I had to stop Lisinopril because it made me cough, BP remained hign on HCTZ and Atenolol, Norvasc worked for a short time, also have pitting edema from my calves to my ankles.

A: Your drug sensitivities make you more difficult to treat. If you are not already seeing a physician who specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure, you should ask your doctor for a referral. Another consideration to help you obtain better control would be use of the RESPeRATE. It has no side effects and does not interact with any blood pressure drugs.

Niacin to treat high cholesterol

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

Q: I take norvasc and zocor. I would like to know if there is a non prescription herb you can take for high cholesterol. There are so many rumors about cholesterol medications side effects. I hate taking medications but am willing to take something that is natural.

A: Vitamin B3, otherwise known as niacin is a non-prescription supplement that has beneficial effects on cholesterol. It is also available in prescription strengths. Many people prefer taking a statin such as Zocor to niacin because of the common side effect of skin flushing. You certainly should discuss this alternative with your doctor. For more information on niacin, click here.

Medicine side effects

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 24 2008

Q: My Mom has been on Norvasc and is experiencing very swollen legs and as a result her quality of life is very poor. She has tried other blood pressure medications with other side effects and always returns to Norvasc. Are there certain questions I should be asking to find the proper medication for her?

A: There are many options for the treatment of high blood pressure. Without knowing more about your mother, it is not possible to make an appropriate treatment recommendation. Norvasc can certainly cause leg swelling. I suggest you discuss your concerns with your mother and her doctor and ask why he/she feels Norvasc is the best choice. You might also want to consider seeking a second opinion from another doctor.