mfbinx
05-03-2004, 12:36 AM
Hi...I'm new here. Just joined today. I'ne been taking Norvasc for more than 10 years. I want to switch to a less costly drug like Diovan. I'm concerened how my body would react after stopping Norvasc. I don't want to have a heart attack or Stroke. Has anyone been using Norvasc for a long time and switched? :rolleyes:
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zip2play
05-03-2004, 02:24 PM
I've taken Norvasc short term (a month)...I hated it.
Since it controls power and rate of heartbeat, I'd definitely wean after 10 years, although I had no symptoms cold turkeying after only a month.
On the other hand, some of the metabolites have HUGE half lives and may ween all by themselves.
Both drugs should be expected to have the same effect on BP according to their respective company's literature.
Maybe a good idea would be half dosing of the two drugs for a couple weeks and then a transfer to the Diovan full strength.
Let me add thoug that Diovan is slightly MORE expensive than Norvasc:
Diovan 160mg: $49.99/ 30 days
Norvasc 5mg: $42.99/30 days
Those dosages are comparable and the prices are probably the best available in the USA.
Since it controls power and rate of heartbeat, I'd definitely wean after 10 years, although I had no symptoms cold turkeying after only a month.
On the other hand, some of the metabolites have HUGE half lives and may ween all by themselves.
Both drugs should be expected to have the same effect on BP according to their respective company's literature.
Maybe a good idea would be half dosing of the two drugs for a couple weeks and then a transfer to the Diovan full strength.
Let me add thoug that Diovan is slightly MORE expensive than Norvasc:
Diovan 160mg: $49.99/ 30 days
Norvasc 5mg: $42.99/30 days
Those dosages are comparable and the prices are probably the best available in the USA.