Insomnia, Tylenol PM and meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 02 2009
Q: Since the doctors put me on HBP medication I have had Insomnia which has continued to get worse. This insomnia causes depression which sometimes leads to suicide thoughts. I have tried everything which works sometimes. Recently I began taking 2 Tylenol PM with my herbs. Will Tylenol PM interact with my blood pressure medicine Diltiazem and Beta Blocker?
A: Although interaction with Tylenol PM is not a problem with your blood pressure drugs, you also mention taking herbs. Your herbs certainly could be interacting with your blood pressure medicines. Alert your doctor to your supplements. Also, you should discuss both your insomnia and depression. Tylenol PM was not meant to be taken every night. For a list of warnings about Tylenolol PM click here.
Tags: beta blocker, blood pressure drugs, blood pressure medicine, depression, diltiazem, herbs, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, Supplements, Supplements, Taking BP Meds, Tylenol, tylenol pmAmeal supplement for high BP?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009
Q: Is Ameal really a good supplement for high blood pressure?
A: Ameal is a supplement of lactotripeptides. Does Ameal work? The answer is not clear. A study on 135 people in the Netherlands concluded that lactotripeptide supplementation does not significantly change blood pressure. Click here for the study. On the other hand, a review of studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that lactotripeptide supplementation has an effect on elevated blood pressure but does not change normal blood pressure. Click here. Personally, I am not a fan of dietary supplements. I believe it is smarter and more economical to just eat a healthy diet.
Tags: ameal, ameal supplement, dietary supplements, healthy diet, high blood pressure, lactotripeptides, supplementation, Supplements, SupplementsPotassium supplementation
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: I have been following the DASH diet. I’m finding it impossible to reach the K goal of 4.5 to 6.5 gm. especially limiting calories to 1200-1600 daily. Any suggestions? I’m eating foods listed highest in K daily. Would K supplements be recommended? What dosage?
A: Adequate potassium intake is felt to have a positive effect on blood pressure. Potassium supplements can be found in most grocery stores. Ask your doctor for a recommendation as there is no official guideline on supplementation.
Tags: blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, potassium, potassium supplement, potassium supplementation, Supplements, SupplementsCod liver oil pills
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: Are cod liver oil pills the equivalent of the Omega 3 fish oil supplements?
A: Cod liver oil pills are a type of an Omega 3 fish oil supplement. Cod liver oil pills are made from the liver of cod fish. The pills contain a high amount of the Omega -3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Also they contain significant amounts of vitamins A and D. You should talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
Tags: cod liver oil, cod liver oil pills, dha, Diet & Exercise, fatty acids epa, fish oil supplements, Heart Health, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3 fish oil, omega 3 fish oil supplements, supplement, SupplementsVitamins for BP and Cholesterol
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009
Q: What vitamins can be used for high blood pressure and cholesterol?
A: Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 has been shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. Recent research suggests that Vitamin C may help with blood pressure. Since both these vitamins are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes more sense to eat healthily rather than to rely on supplements.
Tags: bp, cholesterol, Diet & Exercise, fresh fruits and vegetables, high blood pressure, niacin, Supplements, Supplements, vitamin b3, vitamin c, vitaminsPreventing bone loss
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 14 2009
Q: Is it okay to take calcium when drinking coffee with a meal? I have taken fosamax for many years and see no results of improvement in bone density test. My doctor insists I take the drug. Is there anything else I can use?
A: Regular weight bearing exercise helps prevent bone loss. The old saying, if you don’t use it, you lose it, is very true with bone loss. Taking calcium supplements along with coffee or other caffeine containing beverage may block some absorption but that doesn’t keep me from enjoying a latte or cappuccino. There are drugs other than Fosamax that can be used to treat osteoporosis. You should discuss the options with your doctor.
Tags: bone density test, bone loss, caffeine, calcium supplements, coffee, Diet & Exercise, exercise, fosamax, Medical Conditions, osteoporosis, supplement, Supplements, weight bearing exerciseBlood 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.
Tags: alternative treatments, blood pressure, Diet & Exercise, hawthorn berry, hctz, herbals, hydrochlorothiazide, natural herbs, Norvasc, supplement, Supplements, Supplements, vitaminsNon-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 exerciseLotrel 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, yohimbineWould taking coumadin raise my blood pressure?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2008
Q: Would taking Coumadin raise my blood pressure?
A: Coumadin is a blood thinner. It should not cause your blood pressure to go up. However, Coumadin interacts with many medications, herbal products, supplements, and foods so an interaction could be causing your response. It is important to make sure your doctor knows everything you take and to follow your doctor’s advice about food avoidance.
Tags: blood pressure, herbal products, interaction, Medication Interactions, Supplements
