Hi. I have recently - about four months ago -- been told I was in the pre-hypertensive category. I think my blood pressure reading was something like 130/89. I was put on (immediately) Benicar, 20mg daily. Since being on this medication, doing more exercises, cutting back on sodium, etc., being a good dooby, alcohol (wine) once a week, etc., my readings have been going up incrementally -- as recently as three days ago from 158/102. I had to switch doctors because he turned out to be more interested in the co-payment than trying to treat me so I felt it was time for me to move on.

Anywho, my energy has been kind of sucked out of me (I have two young children and I'm 42) and also have been coughing a lot, although mostly at night.

I work three nights a week, but they are 12 1/2 hour shifts so I am full-time and I do overnight shifts so right there my sleep pattern is definitely not typical. So besides the doctor's readings, my readings at work (I work in an ER) tend to be high from 10:00pm until probably around 4:00 am, and this does bother me.

Of course, went to new doctor 8/16 and blood pressure was 138/77. And I was anxious, still tired from working and had to get back into work for a staff meeting. Today, 8/19, it is 133/86.

Hope this is helpful. Question is, although I've seen this board and many have raved about Benicar, has anyone had less than desirable effects? I told my doctor that I wanted to go off and try something else, but he's going to research my medical records further to see why I was put on Benicar, which incidentally, is quite expensive and there is no generic, and perhaps prescribe something else. He also mentioned that he wanted me to go off all sodium products (which basically means everything in the world) for a few weeks to see if some weight comes off just due to water retention, and see if the numbers come down even more, and maybe just needs me to go on a water pill somewhere down the line. But my really big question is has anyone ever had an MD mention that if you go on PROZAC, (yes, that's right, Prozac), that it has a side effect of weight loss since it's an antidepressant and naturally reduces your appetite? He said that it is a quick way to lose 6-10 pounds. I'm a little leary of this since although I need to lose a lot more than 6-10 pounds, I also don't think I want to be on Prozac since I'm not depressed. (Not happy about the HBP, but nonetheless, not depressed). Anyone know what's up with that? Thanks so much for any feedback you may have to offer. Sorry that this is painfully long.

idotcom,

No I have not heard of a MD suggesting to go on an anti-depressant for the side effects for a short term solution, we all know, loosing 6-10 pds rapidly, then what, stop the medicine? And your appetite comes back, and the weight with it. I would seriously question since you do not have depression, using the side effect of one medicine for that purpose, it is designed for depression, panic, anxiety, not weight loss.

How high are your numbers during the 10pm-4am shift? The numbers as you stated taken -while nervous-at the doctors 138/77 and 133/86 are just as you stated pre-hypertensive, Im also wondering why the urgency with the medication beginning that first day. I truly wonder what your BP is at home during your relaxed times.

In my opinion, it should have been monitored week for a couple weeks, before making a decision about the blood pressure medicine, second, you are doing well as far as changing lifestyle with foods, etc. Have you looked at the DASH diet yet? Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension.