I started taking lotrel a couple of weeks ago when norvask wouldnt touch my blood pressure. I also have gotten off the cokes & all other sugar drinks. Im about 30 pounds over weight & thought getting of all the soda I would atleast loose a few pounds. Im drinking alot of water during the day & seem to be taking in more water than Im letting out. Could this be a side affect > Ive gained about 3 lbs. BP was 150 over 100 but now 130 over 80 to 90 range. It bounces around alot

Jim

Jim,

There could be a connection, but my guess is not pronounced. I found amphetamine-like action from Norvasc (amlopidine...a component in Lotrel)...this indicates it might be a bit thermogenic, and thus good for the waistline.

On the other hand it takes a great deal of energy to support high blood pressure...so my theory is that any effective BP drug MUST tend toward some weight gain.

Beta blockers which slow the heart and weaken its beat the most seem to be the worst flab-makers.

YES, edema (water retention) is a known and serious effect of calcium channel blockers (the amlopidine again.) Thus they work best combined with a drying diuretic. Check for swollen ankles and sock lines that take FOREVER to go away (I HATE that look!)