bharkins
08-27-2004, 12:23 PM
Hi Guys,
I have been having a difficult time controlling my a.m. blood pressure. I know that it is supposed to be at its highest in the a.m., but mine is extremely high and I have been told to split my meds between a.m. and p.m.
Does anyone know how long a dose of meds remains effective in the system until the next dose? I have been taking my a.m. meds at 7:00 and would like to find a good p.m. time that would perhaps carry me through until the next a.m. dose. Thanks :wave:
I have been having a difficult time controlling my a.m. blood pressure. I know that it is supposed to be at its highest in the a.m., but mine is extremely high and I have been told to split my meds between a.m. and p.m.
Does anyone know how long a dose of meds remains effective in the system until the next dose? I have been taking my a.m. meds at 7:00 and would like to find a good p.m. time that would perhaps carry me through until the next a.m. dose. Thanks :wave:
Sponsor
zuzu8
08-28-2004, 06:58 AM
Hi Bharkins, :wave:
Usually, when split doses are indicated, it means approx every 12 hours (give or take an hour or so). This interval should help you achieve steady-state drug levels.
zuzu xxx
Usually, when split doses are indicated, it means approx every 12 hours (give or take an hour or so). This interval should help you achieve steady-state drug levels.
zuzu xxx
Machaon
08-28-2004, 01:03 PM
Hi Guys,
I have been having a difficult time controlling my a.m. blood pressure. I know that it is supposed to be at its highest in the a.m., but mine is extremely high and I have been told to split my meds between a.m. and p.m.
Does anyone know how long a dose of meds remains effective in the system until the next dose? I have been taking my a.m. meds at 7:00 and would like to find a good p.m. time that would perhaps carry me through until the next a.m. dose. Thanks :wave:
How high is it in the morning?
Do you know your average BP during the day?
I've got the reverse problem. My blood pressure is highest at night, starting about 8pm and peaking about 11pm. I take one of my blood pressure meds at 8pm, and that helps.
I was on Verapamil for a while. I took it three times a day. It kicked in about three hours after I took it, and it reduced my blood pressure for about three hours before my blood pressure started to rise again.
Each med is different. Which meds are you taking?
I have been having a difficult time controlling my a.m. blood pressure. I know that it is supposed to be at its highest in the a.m., but mine is extremely high and I have been told to split my meds between a.m. and p.m.
Does anyone know how long a dose of meds remains effective in the system until the next dose? I have been taking my a.m. meds at 7:00 and would like to find a good p.m. time that would perhaps carry me through until the next a.m. dose. Thanks :wave:
How high is it in the morning?
Do you know your average BP during the day?
I've got the reverse problem. My blood pressure is highest at night, starting about 8pm and peaking about 11pm. I take one of my blood pressure meds at 8pm, and that helps.
I was on Verapamil for a while. I took it three times a day. It kicked in about three hours after I took it, and it reduced my blood pressure for about three hours before my blood pressure started to rise again.
Each med is different. Which meds are you taking?
bharkins
08-28-2004, 01:03 PM
Thanks for your reply Zuzu. I will try that.
bharkins
08-28-2004, 01:13 PM
Hi Beerzoids,
My pressure in the morning runs about 145-154/101-110. It comes down to normal about four hours after I take my meds.
I am on metropolol 50 mg, HCTZ 12 1/2 mg, lisinipril 40 mg, and ecotrin every morning and metoprolol 50 mg and norvasc 5 mg at night. The doctor said I may have to raise the norvasc to 10 mg. if the morning a.m. is not improved. I really don't want to do this since the norvasc makes my ankles swell and I am afraid that it will be even worse if I up the dose.
Thanks for your reply.
My pressure in the morning runs about 145-154/101-110. It comes down to normal about four hours after I take my meds.
I am on metropolol 50 mg, HCTZ 12 1/2 mg, lisinipril 40 mg, and ecotrin every morning and metoprolol 50 mg and norvasc 5 mg at night. The doctor said I may have to raise the norvasc to 10 mg. if the morning a.m. is not improved. I really don't want to do this since the norvasc makes my ankles swell and I am afraid that it will be even worse if I up the dose.
Thanks for your reply.
Machaon
08-28-2004, 03:14 PM
Morning Meds: Metoprolol 50 mg - Beta Blocker
HCTZ 12 1/2 mg - Diuretic
lisinopril 40 mg - Ace Inhibitor
ecotrin - Aspirin
Evening meds: Metoprolol 50 mg - Beta Blocker
Norvasc 5 mg - Calcium Channel Blocker
Excuse me while I think out loud. I am not a doctor, so be patient. :)
Metoprolol is a Beta Blocker which reduces the blood pressure by reducing pressure within the circulatory system, and also effects how the heart beats.
HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide) is a diuretic that increases trips to the potty, can reduce fluid buildup, especially in the legs and ankles; lowers the blood pressure; causes weight loss; and removes minerals like sodium from the body.
Lisinopril is an Ace Inhibitor, that acts to lower the blood pressure by reducing pressure within the circulatory system.
Ecotrin is aspirin and is taking to lower the risk of stroke.
Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker that restricts calcium ions from getting to the heart, reduces pressure within the circulatory system, effects how the heart beats, lowers the blood pressure and helps to prevent chest pain.
<=================================>
Notice the categories of three of your drugs, Ace Inhibitor, Calcium Channel Blocker, Beta Blocker.
Those three drugs inhibit or block functions of your body, relating to your circulatory system and how your heart functions. Nothing works perfectly, and by trying to change how the body functions, there can be many side effects. :eek:
I'd be amazed if you don't have constant battles with how your heart beats. It probably frequently jumps, skips beats, races and also slows down.
The Calcium Channel Blocker effects how calcium gets to your heart. So..... if you eat a lot of foods or drinks with calcium, it could effect how well the medicine works and how much your heart misfires.
The Ace Inhibitor increases the potassium in the body, so a diet rich in potassium could effect how this med works, and could cause problems with the heart misfiring.
Sounds bad, huh? Well........ these are really miracle drugs. Since the discovery of these drugs, patients are living longer and doing better. But there are problems with the side effects. Anything that you eat or drink can effect how well your body handles these drugs.
If you have allergies, which pump chemicals (hormones) into your body, then anything that touches your skin, or that you breathe, or that you eat or drink, could effect how well your body handles these drugs.
Now...... about your blood pressure. You say that your blood pressure is high for about four hours in the morning. That is too long.
When you first lie down, does your heart jump around? Have you ever considered wearing a loose fitting mask when you sleep?
Do you take your meds at the same time, or do you separate the meds by at least an hour or two?
I am on a bunch of meds. I have nitro that I can put under my tongue for chest pains. When my blood pressure soars, a nitro under my tongue significantly brings down my blood pressure within 30 minutes. You might ask your doctor if he thinks nitro is a good idea. It might help you in the morning. :wave:
HCTZ 12 1/2 mg - Diuretic
lisinopril 40 mg - Ace Inhibitor
ecotrin - Aspirin
Evening meds: Metoprolol 50 mg - Beta Blocker
Norvasc 5 mg - Calcium Channel Blocker
Excuse me while I think out loud. I am not a doctor, so be patient. :)
Metoprolol is a Beta Blocker which reduces the blood pressure by reducing pressure within the circulatory system, and also effects how the heart beats.
HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide) is a diuretic that increases trips to the potty, can reduce fluid buildup, especially in the legs and ankles; lowers the blood pressure; causes weight loss; and removes minerals like sodium from the body.
Lisinopril is an Ace Inhibitor, that acts to lower the blood pressure by reducing pressure within the circulatory system.
Ecotrin is aspirin and is taking to lower the risk of stroke.
Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker that restricts calcium ions from getting to the heart, reduces pressure within the circulatory system, effects how the heart beats, lowers the blood pressure and helps to prevent chest pain.
<=================================>
Notice the categories of three of your drugs, Ace Inhibitor, Calcium Channel Blocker, Beta Blocker.
Those three drugs inhibit or block functions of your body, relating to your circulatory system and how your heart functions. Nothing works perfectly, and by trying to change how the body functions, there can be many side effects. :eek:
I'd be amazed if you don't have constant battles with how your heart beats. It probably frequently jumps, skips beats, races and also slows down.
The Calcium Channel Blocker effects how calcium gets to your heart. So..... if you eat a lot of foods or drinks with calcium, it could effect how well the medicine works and how much your heart misfires.
The Ace Inhibitor increases the potassium in the body, so a diet rich in potassium could effect how this med works, and could cause problems with the heart misfiring.
Sounds bad, huh? Well........ these are really miracle drugs. Since the discovery of these drugs, patients are living longer and doing better. But there are problems with the side effects. Anything that you eat or drink can effect how well your body handles these drugs.
If you have allergies, which pump chemicals (hormones) into your body, then anything that touches your skin, or that you breathe, or that you eat or drink, could effect how well your body handles these drugs.
Now...... about your blood pressure. You say that your blood pressure is high for about four hours in the morning. That is too long.
When you first lie down, does your heart jump around? Have you ever considered wearing a loose fitting mask when you sleep?
Do you take your meds at the same time, or do you separate the meds by at least an hour or two?
I am on a bunch of meds. I have nitro that I can put under my tongue for chest pains. When my blood pressure soars, a nitro under my tongue significantly brings down my blood pressure within 30 minutes. You might ask your doctor if he thinks nitro is a good idea. It might help you in the morning. :wave:
bharkins
08-28-2004, 04:00 PM
Hi Beerzoids,
Oh my!!! After reading that, you had better add the Ativan I was given for when I am feeling anxious.
No, my heart does not feel that it has any abnormal beats. I do get episodes of dizziness, anxiety, irritibility and sweating which come on suddenly. I mentioned this to the GP and endo and they checked my thyroid which came back normal although I do have three nodules on my thyroid. I have just chaulked all this up to the side effects and am resigned to the fact that I will have to live with them. After all, what is the alternative as I had one stroke four years ago and don't want to go down that road again.
Thanks for your reply.
Oh my!!! After reading that, you had better add the Ativan I was given for when I am feeling anxious.
No, my heart does not feel that it has any abnormal beats. I do get episodes of dizziness, anxiety, irritibility and sweating which come on suddenly. I mentioned this to the GP and endo and they checked my thyroid which came back normal although I do have three nodules on my thyroid. I have just chaulked all this up to the side effects and am resigned to the fact that I will have to live with them. After all, what is the alternative as I had one stroke four years ago and don't want to go down that road again.
Thanks for your reply.
jtu91952
08-28-2004, 04:19 PM
i take hctz 25mg, verapamil 240, and avapro 150 and i noticed my bp spikes at times. It even interferes with my walking or excercise regiment. I sweat a lot too just out of the blue on cool mornings or evenings. I don't know what to do about this, but if it keeps up i will be going to ER.
This am i was dancing for 20 minuites and then took my bp it was 202/100. I rested for 12 minutes and it dropped to 153/72. Now at 3:30 it is 135/75.
This am i was dancing for 20 minuites and then took my bp it was 202/100. I rested for 12 minutes and it dropped to 153/72. Now at 3:30 it is 135/75.
bharkins
08-28-2004, 04:32 PM
Jtu, Have you had thyroid blood tests done? Not that it really matters since I have learned that if the tests come back normal, most doctors will not treat you although many women feel better much lower than normal.
You are probably just like so many of us, asking the question "When am I ever going to feel normal again?" I guess we just have to hang in there.
Good luck to you :wave:
You are probably just like so many of us, asking the question "When am I ever going to feel normal again?" I guess we just have to hang in there.
Good luck to you :wave:
Machaon
08-28-2004, 04:44 PM
Hi Beerzoids,
No, my heart does not feel that it has any abnormal beats. I do get episodes of dizziness, anxiety, irritibility and sweating which come on suddenly.
Well........ shut my mouth!? :rolleyes:
It just shows that, the more we think that we know, the more we find out that we don't know! :p
No abnormal beats?! I thought for sure that anyone taking that kind, and number of drugs, would experience problems with the rhythm of their heart. I was wrong. But I am happy for you that you don't have heart rhythm problems in addition to your blood pressure problems.
Best of luck and health! :wave:
No, my heart does not feel that it has any abnormal beats. I do get episodes of dizziness, anxiety, irritibility and sweating which come on suddenly.
Well........ shut my mouth!? :rolleyes:
It just shows that, the more we think that we know, the more we find out that we don't know! :p
No abnormal beats?! I thought for sure that anyone taking that kind, and number of drugs, would experience problems with the rhythm of their heart. I was wrong. But I am happy for you that you don't have heart rhythm problems in addition to your blood pressure problems.
Best of luck and health! :wave:
Machaon
08-28-2004, 07:02 PM
i take hctz 25mg, verapamil 240, and avapro 150 and i noticed my bp spikes at times.
What kind of spikes? How high does it get?
That avapro is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, a relatively new medicine. Have you had any problems with it?
I was also on Verapamil, 80mg, three times a day, or 240mg total. It lowered my BP after about three hours, and kept it down for about three hours before my BP started going up again. I could not take it within three hours any other of my meds, and I could not eat or drink any product, including vitamins, that contained calcium or I would get a harsh thumping of my heart, which lasted anywhere from several hours to days. Have you had any problems with it?
It even interferes with my walking or excercise regiment.
What interferes with your exercise? What problems do you experience?
I sweat a lot too just out of the blue on cool mornings or evenings. I don't know what to do about this, but if it keeps up i will be going to ER.
Do you have a stethoscope, which allows you to listen to your heart? I am wondering if your heart is misfiring, and/or beating weakly, when you have these sweating problems.
I have found out that, anything that I eat, drink, that touches my skin, or that I breathe, can effect how well my heart functions. Over the past six years, I have eliminated a lot of things from my lifestyle, and have improved the way that my heart beats, and have also lowered my blood pressure with less medicine. But it has taken a lot of work, and I avoid a lot of foods, chemicals, etc. I even read with gloves in order to avoid inks.
This am i was dancing for 20 minuites and then took my bp it was 202/100. I rested for 12 minutes and it dropped to 153/72. Now at 3:30 it is 135/75.
Wow! The good news, for you, is that when resting, your blood pressure is excellant. I would give up my mother-in-law's left arm to have a blood pressure of 135/75. My average BP is around 145/90, based on around 14,000 readings.
What is your latest blood pressure reading?
What kind of spikes? How high does it get?
That avapro is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, a relatively new medicine. Have you had any problems with it?
I was also on Verapamil, 80mg, three times a day, or 240mg total. It lowered my BP after about three hours, and kept it down for about three hours before my BP started going up again. I could not take it within three hours any other of my meds, and I could not eat or drink any product, including vitamins, that contained calcium or I would get a harsh thumping of my heart, which lasted anywhere from several hours to days. Have you had any problems with it?
It even interferes with my walking or excercise regiment.
What interferes with your exercise? What problems do you experience?
I sweat a lot too just out of the blue on cool mornings or evenings. I don't know what to do about this, but if it keeps up i will be going to ER.
Do you have a stethoscope, which allows you to listen to your heart? I am wondering if your heart is misfiring, and/or beating weakly, when you have these sweating problems.
I have found out that, anything that I eat, drink, that touches my skin, or that I breathe, can effect how well my heart functions. Over the past six years, I have eliminated a lot of things from my lifestyle, and have improved the way that my heart beats, and have also lowered my blood pressure with less medicine. But it has taken a lot of work, and I avoid a lot of foods, chemicals, etc. I even read with gloves in order to avoid inks.
This am i was dancing for 20 minuites and then took my bp it was 202/100. I rested for 12 minutes and it dropped to 153/72. Now at 3:30 it is 135/75.
Wow! The good news, for you, is that when resting, your blood pressure is excellant. I would give up my mother-in-law's left arm to have a blood pressure of 135/75. My average BP is around 145/90, based on around 14,000 readings.
What is your latest blood pressure reading?
jtu91952
08-28-2004, 08:13 PM
I can spike as high as 205/102 this am 5 mins. after dancing to 135/72. My pulse was still in the 70-ish range. My pulse rarely goes over 80 or 90. My gp wants my bp at 130/80 or lower. I don't think it is a chemical problem. It seems to be more like when my thyroid was hyper. I recently had bloodwork done and my endo said everything was normal. I just know that recently (2 wks ago) the sweating started profusely and out of the blue. It really started when i increased the avapro from 75mg to 150 mg and added the hctz. No i have not had any problems with verapamil now for about 5 yrs.
Verapamil doesn't seem to alter my bp very much.
Verapamil doesn't seem to alter my bp very much.