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.
Tags: Heart Health, high cholesterol, Medical Conditions, niacin, Norvasc, side effect, side effects, supplement, vitamin B, ZocorWere meds appropriately prescribed?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009
Q: I’m a very healthy, slim 51 year old female. My Dr just put me on 20 mg of Lisinopril and 10 mg of Zocor because my BP is between 124/77-131/81 and cholesterol is 208. I don’t think numbers like this qualify me to be on this type of serious medication but I agreed to try the meds for a month. I’ve been taking them at night for the past 4 days and I’m nauseated and very dizzy when I stand. I made an appointment with a Cardiologist for a second opinion. What is your take on this?
A: Getting a second opinion is a reasonable approach. Based on the information you have given me, it does not appear that your doctor is following nationally recognized treatment guidelines for high blood pressure (click here). However, your doctor may have felt there are other reasons to consider treatment at this point, such as diabetes, that perhaps you failed to mention.
Tags: cholesterol, Heart Health, high blood pressure, hypertension, Lisinopril, medication, meds, treatment guidelines, ZocorCholesterol 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, ZocorOrthoStatic-Hypotension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 03 2007
Q: I have OrthoStatic-Hypotension. My BP is very high when I lie down, when I sit it instantly drops some, and when I stand it drops even lower. I get so dizzy that I often fall or need to lie down right away. I take many meds (i.e. Zocor, Actonel, ToprolXL, Avodart). Do you think my condition could be caused by the meds?
A: Orthostatic hypotension is a known side effect of ToprolXL. It is important to get up slowly to prevent this from occurring. As this has resulted in a fall and it is not clear that your blood pressure is in good control, you would be wise to discuss your current medication regimen with your doctor.
Tags: Actonel, Avodart, dizzy, Low BP, OrthoStatic-Hypotension, side effect, ToprolXL, Zocor
