zekat
01-24-2005, 09:12 PM
A little background first:
I was dx with hyperthyroidism in 2002. My BP was fine & my body weight was 160. I had Radio Iodine done as treatment in Novembe of 2002 & my weight started to creep on as my body shifted to being hypothyroid. Around 200 pounds, my doctor pointed out that my BP was rising (around 130/82 to 135/87). Unfortunately, in July of 2003 I began having panic attacks. With my first one, I was at work and thought I was having a heart attack (I'm 28 btw). At the ER, I presented with a BP of 162/104! I thought I was a goner :) Anyhow -- a lot of tests were done & everything checked out ok. I have since gotten rid of my panic attacks & anxiety (this became easy once I got my thyroid under conrol). ANYHOW - to the meat of my problem. I've never had a "close to normal" reading since that day. I'm terrified of having my BP taken because I'm afraid it's going to be 162/104 again. My weight got up to 244 & my BP would range from 139/90 - 148/100 (from August of 2003 until today). I talked my doctor into letting me try to lose weight before we started meds. Well, I've lost down to 205 (and will contine to lose!!) but had my BP taken today and it was 145/98. So, he said we need to treat it now b/c it's been too high for too long. He has prescribed me 50mg of Tenoretic along with Potassium. After reading through these boards I'm becoming very afraid to start. I'm afraid the side-effects will cause my anxiety to return as I hate taking new meds. My doctor said he fully expects me to get off the BP meds as I continue to lose weight and begin exercising. I just really need some insight here about my meds and what to expect and if the people on this board feel it's a prudent move at this point to start meds. Any help would be appreciated!
I was dx with hyperthyroidism in 2002. My BP was fine & my body weight was 160. I had Radio Iodine done as treatment in Novembe of 2002 & my weight started to creep on as my body shifted to being hypothyroid. Around 200 pounds, my doctor pointed out that my BP was rising (around 130/82 to 135/87). Unfortunately, in July of 2003 I began having panic attacks. With my first one, I was at work and thought I was having a heart attack (I'm 28 btw). At the ER, I presented with a BP of 162/104! I thought I was a goner :) Anyhow -- a lot of tests were done & everything checked out ok. I have since gotten rid of my panic attacks & anxiety (this became easy once I got my thyroid under conrol). ANYHOW - to the meat of my problem. I've never had a "close to normal" reading since that day. I'm terrified of having my BP taken because I'm afraid it's going to be 162/104 again. My weight got up to 244 & my BP would range from 139/90 - 148/100 (from August of 2003 until today). I talked my doctor into letting me try to lose weight before we started meds. Well, I've lost down to 205 (and will contine to lose!!) but had my BP taken today and it was 145/98. So, he said we need to treat it now b/c it's been too high for too long. He has prescribed me 50mg of Tenoretic along with Potassium. After reading through these boards I'm becoming very afraid to start. I'm afraid the side-effects will cause my anxiety to return as I hate taking new meds. My doctor said he fully expects me to get off the BP meds as I continue to lose weight and begin exercising. I just really need some insight here about my meds and what to expect and if the people on this board feel it's a prudent move at this point to start meds. Any help would be appreciated!
Sponsor
mrmojo
01-24-2005, 09:28 PM
My opinion - keep trying to lose weight & exercising
I am running about what you are now, unmedicated & I am trying everything I can to bring it down naturally, as I have been thru a half dozen meds & they have only made it worse plus there are nasty side effects (dizzyness, weight gain, muscle pain, etc)
162/104 wont kill you if it is when you are under occasional stress, I am actually reading that right now because i threw my back out again & it hurts like heck, but i cant take my darvocet until I get home (its worse than alcohol for driving)
normaly i'm, 145 - 150 / 95-100, & I'm not going back on meds unless it really shoots up
I am running about what you are now, unmedicated & I am trying everything I can to bring it down naturally, as I have been thru a half dozen meds & they have only made it worse plus there are nasty side effects (dizzyness, weight gain, muscle pain, etc)
162/104 wont kill you if it is when you are under occasional stress, I am actually reading that right now because i threw my back out again & it hurts like heck, but i cant take my darvocet until I get home (its worse than alcohol for driving)
normaly i'm, 145 - 150 / 95-100, & I'm not going back on meds unless it really shoots up
Uff-Da!
01-24-2005, 09:37 PM
First of all, be aware that the people who come to these boards may not be representative of all people taking the medications. Seems likely to me that those with problems are more likely to come and talk about it. As someone else here said not too long ago, those without side effects or other problems are probably home in front of the TV set. So try to put what you read in perspective.
I know that there are people on this board who have had severe side effects with BP meds. By contrast, I was put on one, had no side effects at all, got effective control after the dosage was increased and now, after five years, it looks like I might be able to go them entirely. (I've been off them about two weeks and seem to be doing fine.) My recommendation is to read up thoroughly on the specific med you've been prescribed, so you know what to look for in possible side effects. If the first one presents problems or doesn't control the pressure, let the doctor know and request a change of dosage or med. Many people have to go through several, just doing a trial and error to find the right one. Some have to take more than one. People react differently to different meds, so that is just to be expected.
I know that there are people on this board who have had severe side effects with BP meds. By contrast, I was put on one, had no side effects at all, got effective control after the dosage was increased and now, after five years, it looks like I might be able to go them entirely. (I've been off them about two weeks and seem to be doing fine.) My recommendation is to read up thoroughly on the specific med you've been prescribed, so you know what to look for in possible side effects. If the first one presents problems or doesn't control the pressure, let the doctor know and request a change of dosage or med. Many people have to go through several, just doing a trial and error to find the right one. Some have to take more than one. People react differently to different meds, so that is just to be expected.
mrmojo
01-24-2005, 09:45 PM
Another thing - are you monitoring your BP at home?
If not I would recommend that for at least a couple of months before taking meds, at least every couple hours (when its convenient), if I'm on a business trip for 6 hrs i dont stop to take it
I use the Omron HEM-711 from walmart, I had to order the larger cuff size as my bicep is over 13", from your weight I think you might have to also, Omron also makes the relion brand for walmart, I prefer the arm cuff style, my mother uses the wrist cuff & they arent very accurate on me, I take at least 2 readings a minute apart & sometimes more, occasionally one reading is wacky, but I average the others
I keep track of what i am doing, what I have eaten, how I am feeling, etc
I dont worry about taking the readings resting, unless I already was, I want to see what its doing under normal activity as well as resting (this was one thing I agreed with my doc on)
Even when doing very strenuous excercise or heavy lifting i dont go over low 170's/low 110's, so i'm not real worried
If not I would recommend that for at least a couple of months before taking meds, at least every couple hours (when its convenient), if I'm on a business trip for 6 hrs i dont stop to take it
I use the Omron HEM-711 from walmart, I had to order the larger cuff size as my bicep is over 13", from your weight I think you might have to also, Omron also makes the relion brand for walmart, I prefer the arm cuff style, my mother uses the wrist cuff & they arent very accurate on me, I take at least 2 readings a minute apart & sometimes more, occasionally one reading is wacky, but I average the others
I keep track of what i am doing, what I have eaten, how I am feeling, etc
I dont worry about taking the readings resting, unless I already was, I want to see what its doing under normal activity as well as resting (this was one thing I agreed with my doc on)
Even when doing very strenuous excercise or heavy lifting i dont go over low 170's/low 110's, so i'm not real worried
Palamedes
01-24-2005, 10:32 PM
A little background first:
I was dx with hyperthyroidism in 2002. My BP was fine & my body weight was 160. I had Radio Iodine done as treatment in Novembe of 2002 & my weight started to creep on as my body shifted to being hypothyroid. Around 200 pounds, my doctor pointed out that my BP was rising (around 130/82 to 135/87). Unfortunately, in July of 2003 I began having panic attacks. With my first one, I was at work and thought I was having a heart attack (I'm 28 btw). At the ER, I presented with a BP of 162/104! I thought I was a goner :) Anyhow -- a lot of tests were done & everything checked out ok. I have since gotten rid of my panic attacks & anxiety (this became easy once I got my thyroid under conrol). ANYHOW - to the meat of my problem. I've never had a "close to normal" reading since that day. I'm terrified of having my BP taken because I'm afraid it's going to be 162/104 again. My weight got up to 244 & my BP would range from 139/90 - 148/100 (from August of 2003 until today). I talked my doctor into letting me try to lose weight before we started meds. Well, I've lost down to 205 (and will contine to lose!!) but had my BP taken today and it was 145/98. So, he said we need to treat it now b/c it's been too high for too long. He has prescribed me 50mg of Tenoretic along with Potassium.Let's see... Tenoretic = Atenolol + Clorthadone... Yuck!!! Atenolol and a diuretic for starters. And, you need the potassium because the diuretic will deplete your potassium. This is a stupid script for starting on. A combo drug for a 145/98? Is this doctor nuts?
After reading through these boards I'm becoming very afraid to start. I'm afraid the side-effects will cause my anxiety to return as I hate taking new meds. My doctor said he fully expects me to get off the BP meds as I continue to lose weight and begin exercising. I just really need some insight here about my meds and what to expect and if the people on this board feel it's a prudent move at this point to start meds. Any help would be appreciated!I don't see how you will lose weight on that cocktail. And, getting off atenolol won't be easy.
I'd first like echo the advise of others... Check you BP at home. My preference for a BP monitor is the HEM-780REL model from Walmart. The 711 is a little less expensive. But, I think the the extra features of the 780 are worth it. Plus, the included cuff on the 780 will accomodate a large arm. Either model will work well, though.
Secondly, ask your doctor for something else. That is about the WORST combination I can imagine for a 28 year old. I'd strongly recommend that the doctor start you off on ONE drug. My preference would be an ACE Inhibitor or ARB. And, you won't need no stinkin' potassium supplement with that either. A diuretic by itself would be reasonable alternative. Atenolol should only be used as a last resort if you have a very high pulse rate.
Pal
I was dx with hyperthyroidism in 2002. My BP was fine & my body weight was 160. I had Radio Iodine done as treatment in Novembe of 2002 & my weight started to creep on as my body shifted to being hypothyroid. Around 200 pounds, my doctor pointed out that my BP was rising (around 130/82 to 135/87). Unfortunately, in July of 2003 I began having panic attacks. With my first one, I was at work and thought I was having a heart attack (I'm 28 btw). At the ER, I presented with a BP of 162/104! I thought I was a goner :) Anyhow -- a lot of tests were done & everything checked out ok. I have since gotten rid of my panic attacks & anxiety (this became easy once I got my thyroid under conrol). ANYHOW - to the meat of my problem. I've never had a "close to normal" reading since that day. I'm terrified of having my BP taken because I'm afraid it's going to be 162/104 again. My weight got up to 244 & my BP would range from 139/90 - 148/100 (from August of 2003 until today). I talked my doctor into letting me try to lose weight before we started meds. Well, I've lost down to 205 (and will contine to lose!!) but had my BP taken today and it was 145/98. So, he said we need to treat it now b/c it's been too high for too long. He has prescribed me 50mg of Tenoretic along with Potassium.Let's see... Tenoretic = Atenolol + Clorthadone... Yuck!!! Atenolol and a diuretic for starters. And, you need the potassium because the diuretic will deplete your potassium. This is a stupid script for starting on. A combo drug for a 145/98? Is this doctor nuts?
After reading through these boards I'm becoming very afraid to start. I'm afraid the side-effects will cause my anxiety to return as I hate taking new meds. My doctor said he fully expects me to get off the BP meds as I continue to lose weight and begin exercising. I just really need some insight here about my meds and what to expect and if the people on this board feel it's a prudent move at this point to start meds. Any help would be appreciated!I don't see how you will lose weight on that cocktail. And, getting off atenolol won't be easy.
I'd first like echo the advise of others... Check you BP at home. My preference for a BP monitor is the HEM-780REL model from Walmart. The 711 is a little less expensive. But, I think the the extra features of the 780 are worth it. Plus, the included cuff on the 780 will accomodate a large arm. Either model will work well, though.
Secondly, ask your doctor for something else. That is about the WORST combination I can imagine for a 28 year old. I'd strongly recommend that the doctor start you off on ONE drug. My preference would be an ACE Inhibitor or ARB. And, you won't need no stinkin' potassium supplement with that either. A diuretic by itself would be reasonable alternative. Atenolol should only be used as a last resort if you have a very high pulse rate.
Pal
Palamedes
01-24-2005, 10:43 PM
Oh yeah, I almost forgot... Tenoretic (like most combos) is not even indicated for initial treatment. From the label:
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
TENORETIC is indicated in the treatment of hypertension. This fixed dose combination drug is not indicated for initial therapy of hypertension. If the fixed dose combination represents the dose appropriate to the individual patient’s needs, it may be more convenient than the separate components.Please note, he is prescribing this med to you "off-label".
Pal
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
TENORETIC is indicated in the treatment of hypertension. This fixed dose combination drug is not indicated for initial therapy of hypertension. If the fixed dose combination represents the dose appropriate to the individual patient’s needs, it may be more convenient than the separate components.Please note, he is prescribing this med to you "off-label".
Pal
zekat
01-24-2005, 11:50 PM
I appreciate all of your input. My husband and I have been discussing this all night long and referring to your informative posts. I did not realize this combo was not a normal first treatment. I wonder why he would do that? I don't think I'm going to stick with him to find out. This doctor has been great to me throughout my panic attacks and anxiety but has been sub-par when dealing with my thyroid. I'm very well researched when it comes to my thyroid and he doesn't really appreciate that - in fact we disagree wholeheartedly about my treatment. I'm afraid the blood-pressure issue will be the same old song and dance with him. I HATE changing doctors because it takes so long to develop a relationship, but I think that's what I have to do. I plan on changing my PCP tomorrow and scheduling the earliest possible appointment with a new doctor to address my blood pressure problems as my anxiety is probably as high as my blood pressure :) I do feel that being hypothyroid and having a history of anxiety and panic attacks do at least play a part in my hypertension - I definately feel my BP will be elevated no matter what, but maybe not to the degree it is were I not hypo w/ anxiety. In the meantime, I plan on starting off with a 30 minute trounce on the treadmill each morning. Wish me luck, THANK YOU ALL again and I'm sure I'll be around more often.
bharkins
01-25-2005, 04:06 AM
Zekat, I wish you all the luck in the world with your BP issue. Change doctors if you are not comfortable with him, but do not dismiss so quickly what he has said, "your BP has been too high for too long." You prove what I have said many times on this board. That is the fact that some posts actually frighten some people who should be on meds and are not. ("after reading through these posts, I am becoming very afraid to start"). There are no doctors here. I am a stroke surviver and require four meds to keep my BP at a good level. I do experience side effects, but after experimenting with many drugs, I have no alternative but to stick with the meds that work. Perhaps you can bring your BP down with life changes, but in the meantime you may need some help with medication. Give it more thought and best of luck to you. Remember, all people are different and react differently to medications. One person's experience is not necessarily the rule.
Lenin
01-25-2005, 09:01 AM
harkins,
What kind of BP numbers were you getting before your unfortunate stroke. Do you have any idea of the levels?
Were you on any BP meds before the vascular accident?
Was your stroke hemorrhagic or occlusive?
(If any of those questions brings you to thoughts you'd prefer forgetting, just ignore them and I'll understand. I know a stroke is everyone's worst nightmare; it sure is mine!)
What kind of BP numbers were you getting before your unfortunate stroke. Do you have any idea of the levels?
Were you on any BP meds before the vascular accident?
Was your stroke hemorrhagic or occlusive?
(If any of those questions brings you to thoughts you'd prefer forgetting, just ignore them and I'll understand. I know a stroke is everyone's worst nightmare; it sure is mine!)
Random2
01-25-2005, 10:14 AM
Atenolol should only be used as a last resort if you have a very high pulse rate.
Pal,
Then why am I on 100 MGS of Atenolol when I am on 5/20 of Lotrel as well. I was on Toprol 100 MGS before & my 2nd doc. switched me to the Atenolol (because she said that it has much less side-effects.... yeah riiiiiight). My pulse on Atenolol is 52-61. I have had 2 perfect EKGS, perfect blood tests, thyroid check, a perfect chest xray. I don't get it. I was having a panic attack when my 1st doc. 2 years ago put me on Altace & Toprol. Altace was the worst & my B/P increased on it, so he switched it to Lotrel. 2 years later & 2 doctors later I am still on Lotrel 5/20 & Atenolol 100 MGS. I feel like junk on most days, so I am going to a specialist. My stomach feels like junk in the mornings many days, I feel lethargic, spacey, out of it, depressed, fearful, stomach upset, my body temperature has dropped 1 1/2 points on average.... I am averaging 115/66 still. If I drink even 2 beers I feel like junk the next day. This s**ks. I am only 34 & have never had this before the meds.
Pal,
Then why am I on 100 MGS of Atenolol when I am on 5/20 of Lotrel as well. I was on Toprol 100 MGS before & my 2nd doc. switched me to the Atenolol (because she said that it has much less side-effects.... yeah riiiiiight). My pulse on Atenolol is 52-61. I have had 2 perfect EKGS, perfect blood tests, thyroid check, a perfect chest xray. I don't get it. I was having a panic attack when my 1st doc. 2 years ago put me on Altace & Toprol. Altace was the worst & my B/P increased on it, so he switched it to Lotrel. 2 years later & 2 doctors later I am still on Lotrel 5/20 & Atenolol 100 MGS. I feel like junk on most days, so I am going to a specialist. My stomach feels like junk in the mornings many days, I feel lethargic, spacey, out of it, depressed, fearful, stomach upset, my body temperature has dropped 1 1/2 points on average.... I am averaging 115/66 still. If I drink even 2 beers I feel like junk the next day. This s**ks. I am only 34 & have never had this before the meds.
zekat
01-25-2005, 10:16 AM
Thank you for your response. I do agree that my BP has been high for too long and needs to be medicated. I plan on getting into another doctor this week for their opinion on the meds. There are two other reasons I"m a little "iffy" on the script I was given: 1) My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and the warning on the label said it has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. I could be pregnant now and not know it and I did let my doctor know this (that we have been trying to get pg) and 2) I have psoriasis & I've read some litarature that says it could make this condition worse. When I got the script for the BP med from my doctor yesterday he also gave me a script for the outbreak of psoriasis on my scalp. I just think all of this has gotten me to where I'm questioning my doctor and really just want someone else to take a look at me. I'm tired of being herded in and hearded out without being Heard!
Please wish me luck on finding a doctor that makes me feel comfortable with the meds he is treating me with. I'm doing some research today and would like to have an appointment before the week is out.
Please wish me luck on finding a doctor that makes me feel comfortable with the meds he is treating me with. I'm doing some research today and would like to have an appointment before the week is out.
zekat
01-25-2005, 10:19 AM
Lillian,
I, too, wonder how much of my anxiety and panic problems contribute to my elevated BP. I am not naive enough to think my BP would be 120/80 if I didn't freak out about having my BP taken as I am overweight, but I wonder if my #'s would be closer to 135/90 or something. If I could just find a way to take my blood pressure at home without the reading invoking a panic attack OR if I could just get ONE decent reading I woudl be soooo happy.
I, too, wonder how much of my anxiety and panic problems contribute to my elevated BP. I am not naive enough to think my BP would be 120/80 if I didn't freak out about having my BP taken as I am overweight, but I wonder if my #'s would be closer to 135/90 or something. If I could just find a way to take my blood pressure at home without the reading invoking a panic attack OR if I could just get ONE decent reading I woudl be soooo happy.
Random2
01-25-2005, 10:53 AM
I'm happy with the readings that I get 99% of the time (the 1% that I get high readings is at the doctor). I just hate the side-effects. They have ruined my lifestyle....
Palamedes
01-25-2005, 10:59 AM
1) My husband and I are trying to get pregnant and the warning on the label said it has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. I could be pregnant now and not know it and I did let my doctor know this (that we have been trying to get pg) and :blob_fire NEW INFORMATION....I have now concluded that your doctor is a total complete idiot. I assume he performed a pregnancy test BEFORE he wrote that aweful script? Atenolol is a pregancy category D drug. Therefore, it should not be used. Also, I told you earlier that my first choice would be an ACE or ARB - throw that advice out the window. These are pregnancy catagory D drugs (i.e., last resort) also. Factoring in potential pregnancy... A diuretic now becomes the number one choice. However, if you have high BP during pregnancy, this should not be treated unless it gets too out of hand.
Pal
Pal
zekat
01-25-2005, 11:33 AM
Thank you again for your advice, Pal. My doc did not do a pregnancy test. I did ask him if we should hold off on trying to get pregnant and he said no, but that the meds would have to be adjusted if I did become pregnant.
On the up side, I just changed my PCP and have an appointment w/ a new doc in two days. Hopefully I'll get better advise and a med I feel more comfortable taking.
Thank you again!
On the up side, I just changed my PCP and have an appointment w/ a new doc in two days. Hopefully I'll get better advise and a med I feel more comfortable taking.
Thank you again!
CASSIEBEL
01-25-2005, 05:46 PM
I just want to say hi and welcome and maybe put out my thoughts on this,
First I do agree with BHarkins on the issue of preventing any complications of HBP but I really do believe there are better meds out there than the ones prescribed you.
I have been on Atenolol for a very long time and for just BP control I wouldn't advise anyone to take it. It doesn't lower BP all that well and I'm sure you have already read about all the nasty side effects. Most docs like to start with one med and add to that as needed. If you get on it and stay on it then it becomes almost impossible to get off and still maintain a regular pulse.
As for the panic attacks, I too have to deal with that. There's no doubt that when you feel anxious your BP raises (mine goes through the roof!) But I disagree that treating the anxiety will handle the BP. I feel that the opposite is true. If you treat the BP THAT will usually handle the anxiety.
Again, Welcome :wave:
Cass
First I do agree with BHarkins on the issue of preventing any complications of HBP but I really do believe there are better meds out there than the ones prescribed you.
I have been on Atenolol for a very long time and for just BP control I wouldn't advise anyone to take it. It doesn't lower BP all that well and I'm sure you have already read about all the nasty side effects. Most docs like to start with one med and add to that as needed. If you get on it and stay on it then it becomes almost impossible to get off and still maintain a regular pulse.
As for the panic attacks, I too have to deal with that. There's no doubt that when you feel anxious your BP raises (mine goes through the roof!) But I disagree that treating the anxiety will handle the BP. I feel that the opposite is true. If you treat the BP THAT will usually handle the anxiety.
Again, Welcome :wave:
Cass
Random2
01-25-2005, 06:05 PM
Cass,
If you are an anxious person like myself, then your BP will rise in those situations. When I am not anxious like the majority of the day, my BP is good. With anxiety meds., my B/P dropped like 20 points on the systolic & 11 on the diastolic. B/P meds. like Altace & Toprol did nothing for the anxiety & actually raised my B/P.
If you are an anxious person like myself, then your BP will rise in those situations. When I am not anxious like the majority of the day, my BP is good. With anxiety meds., my B/P dropped like 20 points on the systolic & 11 on the diastolic. B/P meds. like Altace & Toprol did nothing for the anxiety & actually raised my B/P.
zekat
01-25-2005, 07:22 PM
Hi Cass and thank you for your response. I have not read about the nasty side-effects of the med I was prescribed, but the warning signs started flashing from the moment my doctor gave me the script with little explanation about what to expect. I am hoping the new doc I am going to meet with on Thursday will take a more cautious route in the script given to me (and now I am armed with a little bit of knowledge).
You are probably right that my anxiety will be better once I get my BP under control. There is no doubt my BP is elevated, but (and maybe am a bit naive), I would feel much more confident in the BP readings I'm getting if I didn't freak out everytime a cuff came near me. It's so bad that I'm afraid to get a home monitor b/c I'm scared that if I see a high reading I'll have a panic attack. I do think I will get one anyway, be armed w/ some xanax and just grin and bear it. I've got to get over this in order to feel confident about my high numbers. On a side note, once I am medicated, I will probably feel better about having my BP taken also because the numbers SHOULD be lower. I'm just a mess ;)
You are probably right that my anxiety will be better once I get my BP under control. There is no doubt my BP is elevated, but (and maybe am a bit naive), I would feel much more confident in the BP readings I'm getting if I didn't freak out everytime a cuff came near me. It's so bad that I'm afraid to get a home monitor b/c I'm scared that if I see a high reading I'll have a panic attack. I do think I will get one anyway, be armed w/ some xanax and just grin and bear it. I've got to get over this in order to feel confident about my high numbers. On a side note, once I am medicated, I will probably feel better about having my BP taken also because the numbers SHOULD be lower. I'm just a mess ;)
CASSIEBEL
01-25-2005, 08:25 PM
Zekat,
You are so correct,
Even when I feel like my #s are gonna be good 9 times out of 10 they are.
Anxiety and HBP are a vicious cycle! I never had a panic attack untill I was diagnosed. Then I started to fear heart attacks and my active imagination took over. I was only 32 at the time. I used to have one every time my pressure went up but I have had some therapy and learned how to avoid them.
Hope the new Doc is more understanding. As my great doc says "I'll make some suggestions and you make a dicision."
Cass
You are so correct,
Even when I feel like my #s are gonna be good 9 times out of 10 they are.
Anxiety and HBP are a vicious cycle! I never had a panic attack untill I was diagnosed. Then I started to fear heart attacks and my active imagination took over. I was only 32 at the time. I used to have one every time my pressure went up but I have had some therapy and learned how to avoid them.
Hope the new Doc is more understanding. As my great doc says "I'll make some suggestions and you make a dicision."
Cass
CASSIEBEL
01-25-2005, 08:30 PM
Ax,
Sorry, I didn't mean it quite like it came out. Certainly anxiety can make BP rise but Trust me, HBP can also make one anxious. I think most folks who have one also have the other.
Cass
Sorry, I didn't mean it quite like it came out. Certainly anxiety can make BP rise but Trust me, HBP can also make one anxious. I think most folks who have one also have the other.
Cass
jtu91952
01-25-2005, 08:59 PM
Zekat, i say you can't be too careful with choosing a dr or what bp med to use. When i started out with bp meds in the last 5 or 6 yrs, my bp was running about 150-170 over 80-100. I have tried just about every class of bp med there is except mayble alphas. What started out as diabetes with hbp has turned into graves disease, high cholesterol, eye retinaphy and every thing else.
like bharkins, i have to have at least four or five meds to even get a decent reading and still that is not to meet the new guidelines. Of all the bp meds,. i hate toprol xl and diuretics the most. Diuretics can cause glucose and cholesterol problems.
Reading the posts on this board can be scary, but it also can be very informative. It lets me know that im not imaging these wierd side effects or these dangerous allergic reactions. Not all drs tell there patients the truth about meds, nor do all drs agree on treatments. All we can do is try to gather info and apply what we can to our situation.
Good luck.
like bharkins, i have to have at least four or five meds to even get a decent reading and still that is not to meet the new guidelines. Of all the bp meds,. i hate toprol xl and diuretics the most. Diuretics can cause glucose and cholesterol problems.
Reading the posts on this board can be scary, but it also can be very informative. It lets me know that im not imaging these wierd side effects or these dangerous allergic reactions. Not all drs tell there patients the truth about meds, nor do all drs agree on treatments. All we can do is try to gather info and apply what we can to our situation.
Good luck.
Random2
01-26-2005, 10:02 AM
Cass,
You posted... Anxiety and HBP are a vicious cycle! I never had a panic attack untill I was diagnosed. Then I started to fear heart attacks and my active imagination took over. I was only 32 at the time.
This is identical to my situation. My imagination takes over. I am on the B/P meds. that cause terrible side-effects like Lotrel & Atenolol in high doses. My B/P has averaged 115/66 or so for months on the meds. I also take 2-3 mgs of Xanax a day. My script would run out early if I didn't cut back to 2 mgs on Monday. I have felt really odd this week. Since cutting back the Xanax, my pulse has increased 10 points on average & my B/P has gone up 11 points on the Systolic & 9 points on the Diastolic. When I wake up in the morning, I am extremely fearful when I feel my pulse. It is a vicious cycle. I can't wait until Friday when I can refill my Xanax. I just always fear the worst & have felt out of it this week. Cutting back on the Xanax can do this from what I have read. My B/P was normal when I took it later on Monday 116/63, but in the morning I just worry how my body will feel that day. Cutting back is really really tough.
You posted... Anxiety and HBP are a vicious cycle! I never had a panic attack untill I was diagnosed. Then I started to fear heart attacks and my active imagination took over. I was only 32 at the time.
This is identical to my situation. My imagination takes over. I am on the B/P meds. that cause terrible side-effects like Lotrel & Atenolol in high doses. My B/P has averaged 115/66 or so for months on the meds. I also take 2-3 mgs of Xanax a day. My script would run out early if I didn't cut back to 2 mgs on Monday. I have felt really odd this week. Since cutting back the Xanax, my pulse has increased 10 points on average & my B/P has gone up 11 points on the Systolic & 9 points on the Diastolic. When I wake up in the morning, I am extremely fearful when I feel my pulse. It is a vicious cycle. I can't wait until Friday when I can refill my Xanax. I just always fear the worst & have felt out of it this week. Cutting back on the Xanax can do this from what I have read. My B/P was normal when I took it later on Monday 116/63, but in the morning I just worry how my body will feel that day. Cutting back is really really tough.
mgraylorn
01-26-2005, 01:27 PM
And lets be clear about this, anxiety drugs also have side effects and are addictive. I don't believe there are any which are not addictive if you take them long enough, and some are addictive in as little as a week of repeated dosage. Some of these drugs over time stop working as effectively, so you have to take increasingly large doses. If you decide to take anti-anxiety drugs regularly, you will have to consider taking them the rest of your life or possibly suffering unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you decide to quit.
You have to pick your poison. I have started to experience some anxiety type attacks which I think are hormonally induced with the approach of menopause. I am resisting taking anti-anxiety drugs because of what I have read about withdrawal symptoms.
You have to pick your poison. I have started to experience some anxiety type attacks which I think are hormonally induced with the approach of menopause. I am resisting taking anti-anxiety drugs because of what I have read about withdrawal symptoms.
zekat
01-26-2005, 01:55 PM
I've taken xanax for situation anxiety (panic attacks) for about two years now. I've kept my dosage relatively small (.25 - .5) and maybe take one a month. In the beginning, I had to take one just about every day, but eventually went on Zoloft in order get a better grasp on my anxiety. It helped tremendously and after 6 months I went off. My panic attacks are very few and far between now, but I keep a xanax on me at all times for those rare occurances where I panic. I have to admit that I feel xanax saved my sanity there for a while, because I was convinced there was something terribly wrong with me and I was about to die (I think that has a LARGE part to do with me still hating to have my BP taken). I think I probably have a touch of OCD because I was definately obsessive about what was going on in my body. Like I said though, I've gotten control over the anxiety and panic except for very rare occasions. I'd hate for you to NOT take xanax/valium/klonopin if your situation is affecting your life to a large degree because you are afraid of it's addictive qualities. I do not feel (nor did I ever feel) addicted to the medication. However, I do know it is addictive and the withdrawal symptoms ( I hear) are worse than the original anxiety.
Random2
01-26-2005, 02:18 PM
Graylorn you posted...And lets be clear about this, anxiety drugs also have side effects and are addictive. I don't believe there are any which are not addictive if you take them long enough, and some are addictive in as little as a week of repeated dosage. Some of these drugs over time stop working as effectively, so you have to take increasingly large doses. If you decide to take anti-anxiety drugs regularly, you will have to consider taking them the rest of your life or possibly suffering unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you decide to quit.
Yes Xanax is addictive. My 2nd doc. tried to wean me off & put me on Paxil. All Paxil did was made me feel like I had a 5 day stomach flu. The Xanax helps me tremendously.... much more than the B/P meds & no side-effects, unless I cut the dose. Like I stated I had to go down to 2 MGS from 3 & have felt spacey, more nervous+ this week. It is terrible. Xanax works for me with no side-effects, unlike the Atenolol & Lotrel which have terrible side-effects. Cutting back from 3 to 2 has caused my B/P to rise 11 points on average on the Systolic & 10 points on the Diastolic.... Xanax works for me. The B/P meds. just cause me side-effects. I have been on Altace, Toprol XL, Lotrel & Atenolol at different times. All of them have been terrible with side-effects. Xanax doesn't have any, unless I cut the dosage. Beta-blockers are addictive as well & they have tons of side-effects for me. Being on 100 MGS of Atenolol is really tough. I am going to a specialist on 2/16. The other specialist that I was going to see, left the practice to teach. I am going to the specialist to determine if I need B/P meds. & if I do, then I would prefer one med with no side-effects. My B/P was averaging 115/66 with readings that got to 112/62 a lot. Going from 3 mgs to 2 mgs, my B/P today was 126/76. What is working better???? The B/P meds. or the anxiety meds. My anxiety is what is causing my HBP. It's obvious.
Yes Xanax is addictive. My 2nd doc. tried to wean me off & put me on Paxil. All Paxil did was made me feel like I had a 5 day stomach flu. The Xanax helps me tremendously.... much more than the B/P meds & no side-effects, unless I cut the dose. Like I stated I had to go down to 2 MGS from 3 & have felt spacey, more nervous+ this week. It is terrible. Xanax works for me with no side-effects, unlike the Atenolol & Lotrel which have terrible side-effects. Cutting back from 3 to 2 has caused my B/P to rise 11 points on average on the Systolic & 10 points on the Diastolic.... Xanax works for me. The B/P meds. just cause me side-effects. I have been on Altace, Toprol XL, Lotrel & Atenolol at different times. All of them have been terrible with side-effects. Xanax doesn't have any, unless I cut the dosage. Beta-blockers are addictive as well & they have tons of side-effects for me. Being on 100 MGS of Atenolol is really tough. I am going to a specialist on 2/16. The other specialist that I was going to see, left the practice to teach. I am going to the specialist to determine if I need B/P meds. & if I do, then I would prefer one med with no side-effects. My B/P was averaging 115/66 with readings that got to 112/62 a lot. Going from 3 mgs to 2 mgs, my B/P today was 126/76. What is working better???? The B/P meds. or the anxiety meds. My anxiety is what is causing my HBP. It's obvious.
bharkins
01-26-2005, 05:50 PM
Axe, You stated that if you need BP meds, you would prefer one med with no side effects. Gosh, wouldn't we all. That is quite a tall order since all meds affect individuals differently and may or may not reduce BP in the same individuals. Good luck on the 16th.
Random2
01-26-2005, 06:18 PM
I know Harkins, but it s**ks to have to deal with these side-effects. Thank You for your support.
bharkins
01-26-2005, 10:28 PM
Lenin,
To answer your questions, I had what they called an acute ischemic stroke. I had no idea I had HBP so I do not know the levels before the stroke and was on no medication for HBP. I do know that when I arrived at the ER my pressure was about 254/169. My pressure is now under control with four medications.
To answer your questions, I had what they called an acute ischemic stroke. I had no idea I had HBP so I do not know the levels before the stroke and was on no medication for HBP. I do know that when I arrived at the ER my pressure was about 254/169. My pressure is now under control with four medications.
CASSIEBEL
01-27-2005, 04:02 PM
Ax,
Hon, I know exactly how you are suffering. I suffered in silence for a lot of years because there was no internet and I didn't know anyone who was in my situation. I was afraid to tell my doc about how I was feeling. It was the side effects of the bp drugs I was given. The doc was a stranger to me and didn't say anything about side effects and because I had never taken much meds I wasn't expecting to feel any different. I let my imagination run wild and decided that what I was feeling was heart diease. That led to anxiety and eventually full blown panic attacks which only made my BP worse and caused tachycardia. We all know were that led.
I do agree with both mgraylorn and zekat about anxiety meds though. They have a way of addicting you without you being aware. Yes, It's true beta blockers are hard to get off of but being addictive? I'm not so sure that's the right word. The anxiety meds will stop helping you and you have to increase the medication to get the same relief and in time a dr may even refuse to refill your script. I have heard of all of this on the anxiety board I sometimes talk to. Beta blockers on the other hand don't usually need to be increased.
Just a few things to talk to your new doc about.
Please excuse the spelling and grammer I'm in a rush and wanted to finish this before I leave.
Cass
Hon, I know exactly how you are suffering. I suffered in silence for a lot of years because there was no internet and I didn't know anyone who was in my situation. I was afraid to tell my doc about how I was feeling. It was the side effects of the bp drugs I was given. The doc was a stranger to me and didn't say anything about side effects and because I had never taken much meds I wasn't expecting to feel any different. I let my imagination run wild and decided that what I was feeling was heart diease. That led to anxiety and eventually full blown panic attacks which only made my BP worse and caused tachycardia. We all know were that led.
I do agree with both mgraylorn and zekat about anxiety meds though. They have a way of addicting you without you being aware. Yes, It's true beta blockers are hard to get off of but being addictive? I'm not so sure that's the right word. The anxiety meds will stop helping you and you have to increase the medication to get the same relief and in time a dr may even refuse to refill your script. I have heard of all of this on the anxiety board I sometimes talk to. Beta blockers on the other hand don't usually need to be increased.
Just a few things to talk to your new doc about.
Please excuse the spelling and grammer I'm in a rush and wanted to finish this before I leave.
Cass
Random2
01-27-2005, 04:15 PM
I agree Cass. They are addictive, but they help me function during the day. They help keep my B/P down as well. When I go from even 3 to 2 mgs of Xanax, my B/P will increase & I feel really strange. I tried to wean last year from 100 MGS of a beta to 50 MGS & I felt the same way. I have the same fears Cass.