lavenderfields
01-26-2005, 01:35 PM
I've been on a beta blocker for almost three years. I've noticed during this time my hair is thinner. I don't have any bald spots, just thinner all over the head. I had always had long waist length hair. I keep cutting it shorter to make it look fuller. Has anyone else noticed this since being on a beta blocker?
Sponsor
bharkins
01-26-2005, 05:57 PM
Lavender,
I too have experienced hair loss. Mine, however, is a result from taking Lisinopril which is an ACE inhibitor. Who knows, maybe all the classes of BP meds can have this effect on some individuals. Try "teasing" a little to get some volume.
I too have experienced hair loss. Mine, however, is a result from taking Lisinopril which is an ACE inhibitor. Who knows, maybe all the classes of BP meds can have this effect on some individuals. Try "teasing" a little to get some volume.
CASSIEBEL
01-27-2005, 02:04 PM
I don't have any bald spots, just thinner all over the head.
Me too, I'v been on atenolol since 1986. It got considerly thiner all over then stayed that way. No worse, no better. I have go with a shorter, layered cut and (like bharkins said) a little teasing and lots of spray :D
I used to wear mine longer too and I miss the softer looser hair.
Oh well, just another BP med side effect. Like ax likes to say,"gotta love em"
Cass
Me too, I'v been on atenolol since 1986. It got considerly thiner all over then stayed that way. No worse, no better. I have go with a shorter, layered cut and (like bharkins said) a little teasing and lots of spray :D
I used to wear mine longer too and I miss the softer looser hair.
Oh well, just another BP med side effect. Like ax likes to say,"gotta love em"
Cass
Random2
01-27-2005, 02:10 PM
I have experienced many side-effects from Atenolol, but that isn't one of them....... yet.
B/P meds..... I wish that I never started.
B/P meds..... I wish that I never started.
jtu91952
01-27-2005, 05:46 PM
bp meds...wish i didn't need them.
CASSIEBEL
01-27-2005, 08:45 PM
bp meds...wish i didn't need them.
THAT is the ultimate Statement!!!
THAT is the ultimate Statement!!!
jeankb
01-28-2005, 06:18 PM
yes my hair has been thinning since I've been on toprol xl - what can I do about it besides quit taking the medicine - it helps with blood pressure and my doctor said try rogaine - however, from what I have read most people don't have very good results and it's expensive - any suggestions
jtu91952
01-28-2005, 09:03 PM
I don't have hair loss(balding) but i do suffer with thinning hair. It came from the lisinopril. my hair is going back to its normal state since stopping the lisinopril.
.
.
lavenderfields
01-29-2005, 04:57 PM
jtu- How long after stopping the lisinopril did your hair start coming back in?
jtu91952
01-31-2005, 08:45 PM
About a month later. Not only did my hair come back full and shiny, its stronger and i have the lustre back. I am about to quit another bp med, (norvasc) it causes alopecia(sp?) but the main reason is severe back pain. I was walking 3 miles daily, but now i can't walk to the corner (200 ft).
lavenderfields
02-01-2005, 05:39 PM
My hair is also really dull and dry I guess it's from the meds. I was on norvasc for 8 months. It caused swelling in my ankles and gum overgrowth. I was taken off of it because of the gum overgrowth. A month after I quit taking it my gums went back to normal. I was then put on Altace and that was a nightmare I was on it for 3 months. I was then put on this beta blocker and thiazide diurectic combo pill. I've had all kinds of problems since I've been on it. I am hoping to go off of it and not have to take bp meds. I am now following a very healthy diet. I just need to get back into my exercise routine. I use to walk 2 miles a day, but in September I had major surgery and haven't gotten back to exercising. Being able to get back my full shining hair again is a very good incentive.
When you quit the norvasc will you be off all bp meds? What has been your bp readings since you went off the lisinopril?
When you quit the norvasc will you be off all bp meds? What has been your bp readings since you went off the lisinopril?
jtu91952
02-01-2005, 08:36 PM
lavenderfields, i am not the best person to follow concerning bp meds. I don't know whats good for others, just what works for me. According to the doc and the pharmacist, i should not have abruptly stopped lisinopril. As a result, my bp has gone as high as 236/110. I didn't care. When i told my gp, endo, and cardio that the lisinopril was causing allergic reactions, they ignored me. Being frustrated, i just took myself off the med. My bp stayed norm for about a week or two and then climbed dangerously high.
If all the drs can do is guess, then so can i. I am diabetic wth thyroid problems, i am sensitive to most meds, but i know my bp can't be that hard to control. With out meds my bp was 150-179 over 70-80ish. Since taking norvasc for a month, I've noticed that my pulse has risen to 80ish.
As for the hair loss and dullnuss, i switched hair products. I started back to using vo5 shampoos and conditioners. I also do the hot oil treatments. This process took about four or five months, but my hair is back in its original state and its has grown. Alot of ppl think im a hair dresser, but i am not.
If all the drs can do is guess, then so can i. I am diabetic wth thyroid problems, i am sensitive to most meds, but i know my bp can't be that hard to control. With out meds my bp was 150-179 over 70-80ish. Since taking norvasc for a month, I've noticed that my pulse has risen to 80ish.
As for the hair loss and dullnuss, i switched hair products. I started back to using vo5 shampoos and conditioners. I also do the hot oil treatments. This process took about four or five months, but my hair is back in its original state and its has grown. Alot of ppl think im a hair dresser, but i am not.
lavenderfields
02-02-2005, 10:04 AM
jtu -- thanks so much for the information. I had forgotten about the vo5 hair products I haven't used them for a long time. In the 80s when I use to get perms I used the vo5 hot oil treatments and they worked really good on my hair. Which vo5 shampoo and conditioner do you use? Do you know if they have a 2 in 1 shampoo plus conditioner?
I know it's more difficult when you have health problems like diabetes and thyroid disease. I also have thyroid problems. My thyroid problems were under control with synthroid until I started on these meds. Now it's like a yoyo my dosage keeps having to be changed. I asked my Dr. about it and she acted like no big deal she told me that she has a lot of patients on synthroid and beta blockers and they do just fine.
I want to go off of the beta blocker. But I'm scared my blood pressure will go up really high. I know theirs no use in asking my Dr. to wean me off because I know she'll think it's a bad idea.
I did want to tell you that out of all the bp meds I've taken norvasc gave me the least side effects. If I hadn't gotten the gum overgrowth I would probably still be on it. I've been on Avapro, Altace, HCTZ and Bisoprolol.
I know it's more difficult when you have health problems like diabetes and thyroid disease. I also have thyroid problems. My thyroid problems were under control with synthroid until I started on these meds. Now it's like a yoyo my dosage keeps having to be changed. I asked my Dr. about it and she acted like no big deal she told me that she has a lot of patients on synthroid and beta blockers and they do just fine.
I want to go off of the beta blocker. But I'm scared my blood pressure will go up really high. I know theirs no use in asking my Dr. to wean me off because I know she'll think it's a bad idea.
I did want to tell you that out of all the bp meds I've taken norvasc gave me the least side effects. If I hadn't gotten the gum overgrowth I would probably still be on it. I've been on Avapro, Altace, HCTZ and Bisoprolol.
jtu91952
02-02-2005, 12:57 PM
Lavender, i know. Norvasc gives me the least side effects also, but i cant live with the severe back pain. The first week was minor side effects that i could tolerate. Just when i got excited about finally getting a bp med that works great, BAM! the back pain started. Im not taking walking with a cane, but needing a walker. I can't walk more than five steps w/o stopping. Before norvasc, i was walking three to six miles daily. I've tried avapro, procardia, hctz(which raises cholesterol & glucose), lasix, torpol xl, verapamil, lisinopril, norvasc and a host of others.
As far as the vo5 products, i look for the shampoo w/ moisturing, or damaged hair.
I am so glad my hair is back to its original state. My hair is my "glory".
Also, i think your dr is wrong about the thyroid not affecting bp. My endo told me that your thyroid controls alot of things. When i had graves disease, my bp was all over the place, and i even had a heart attack. I don't think the heart attack was from the thyroid problem, but it didn't help either. If you do a search on thyroid problems, you'll see bp listed.
As far as the vo5 products, i look for the shampoo w/ moisturing, or damaged hair.
I am so glad my hair is back to its original state. My hair is my "glory".
Also, i think your dr is wrong about the thyroid not affecting bp. My endo told me that your thyroid controls alot of things. When i had graves disease, my bp was all over the place, and i even had a heart attack. I don't think the heart attack was from the thyroid problem, but it didn't help either. If you do a search on thyroid problems, you'll see bp listed.
mgraylorn
02-02-2005, 01:46 PM
I think it is time to change doctors. Why didn't your doctor try you on a different calcium channel blocker if norvasc caused side effects? There is a greater difference between the types of CCBs than with some of the other drug classes. You might find one which lowers bp and does not cause gum overgrowth.
I personally found Beta Blockers to be evil drugs that gave me serious life threatening side effects. I know they work for some people, but not for me. I weaned myself off of Toprol. Tell your doctor you refuse to take the beta blockers any more, and to give you something else to try, or you will find another doctor.
I personally found Beta Blockers to be evil drugs that gave me serious life threatening side effects. I know they work for some people, but not for me. I weaned myself off of Toprol. Tell your doctor you refuse to take the beta blockers any more, and to give you something else to try, or you will find another doctor.
jtu91952
02-02-2005, 08:39 PM
Lavender, i've tried just about every class of bp med there is todate. I went to my gp today. I explained to him that i liked the norvasc for about a month, and all the side effects i had endured. i explained to him that i couldn't tolerate the insomia and the SEVERE back pain. I was literally using a walker to go to the corner store. I am quite independent and really enjoy my daily walks. He was concerned after listening to my heart, and now i have been taken off the norvasc. I am to start clonidine .01 2x a day and verapamil 240 in the am & verapamil 120 in the pm.
i won't start the new med until i finish the norvasc(they cost too much) and hopefully my bp will go even lower.
I agree with Mgray, that toprol xl (beta blockers) are hard to take, but i was told that i was given toprol xl for fast heart rate. I was already taking verapamil. I think most drs just don't realize that the thyroid can affect ones bp. If they do, then they're conning us. :-(
i won't start the new med until i finish the norvasc(they cost too much) and hopefully my bp will go even lower.
I agree with Mgray, that toprol xl (beta blockers) are hard to take, but i was told that i was given toprol xl for fast heart rate. I was already taking verapamil. I think most drs just don't realize that the thyroid can affect ones bp. If they do, then they're conning us. :-(
lavenderfields
02-03-2005, 12:39 PM
jtu, I'm glad your gp is working with you and trying to figure out what is a good drug combo for your heart and bp. I hope you get to feeling better and able to walk 3 miles without any pain real soon. I think you're right about the thyroid affecting bp. My thyroid problems all started with me having hyperthyroidism caused by a multinodular goiter. I then took RAI which made me hypo, so then I was put on Synthroid. I do however sometimes still get palpitations, night sweats and etc from the thyroid. When this happens I go and get my TSH checked and of course I'm hyper again and have to get the meds reduced. Then I start feeling tired and etc and go and get my TSH checked and I'm hypo and have to get meds adjusted again. So it's like a yoyo. But what is weird is that for four years after the RAI I stayed on the same dose of Synthroid. It was after I started bp meds that I had the yoyo effect with my Synthroid. So I really think some way the bp meds affect the thyroid. Also, about the hair issue I read an interesting post on the hair board about pantene products. I've been using pantene for several years. People are stating that the pantene caused hair loss and dry damaged hair. I'm going to stop using it maybe it's the culprit of my hair problems. You said that you had recently started using vo5 products. What did you use before the vo5? It would be a weird coincidence if you were using pantene.
mgraylorn, thanks for your reply. You told me just what my husband has been telling me. That if my Dr. isn't making me any better only worst that it's time to find a new one. Since two people are telling me that I will follow your advice and make an appointment with my Dr.
mgraylorn, thanks for your reply. You told me just what my husband has been telling me. That if my Dr. isn't making me any better only worst that it's time to find a new one. Since two people are telling me that I will follow your advice and make an appointment with my Dr.
jtu91952
02-03-2005, 12:55 PM
Lavender, before the vo5 products, i used suave products. I especially like the vo5 moisturing products. I can get a really good shine, and manageable hair. I've also tried pro v patene. It was ok but not as good as vo5.
Yes, i also agree with you about the bp meds. My endo says that my bp med shouldn't affect my thyroid, but i think it does. Somedays, i feel hyper symptoms and then other days hypo. When i first got on norvasc, i gained 10 lbs. Im starting to lose the weight now.
Yes, i also agree with you about the bp meds. My endo says that my bp med shouldn't affect my thyroid, but i think it does. Somedays, i feel hyper symptoms and then other days hypo. When i first got on norvasc, i gained 10 lbs. Im starting to lose the weight now.
mgraylorn
02-03-2005, 03:34 PM
jtu, if you still have problems with the rapid heart rate, the clonidine will slow it down along with lowering your blood pressure. I take 180 mg tiazac (cardizem ccb) in the morning and .1 mg clonidine three times a day. My heart rate before medication was in the mid to upper 80s. On my current drugs my resting blood pressure is around 110/65 and pulse is in the low to mid 60s. I think I am a bit over medicated at this point and am thinking about cutting back the clonidine.
dianne12315
02-03-2005, 04:16 PM
I have been reading the posts regarding beta blockers and I'm not so sure I want to be on one now.
I take Metoprolol (Lopressor) 25mg 3x's a day and so far I have not noticed any significant hair loss. (Thank God) I'm taking it because it controls my PVC's and chest pains. I have Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation and Moderate Left Atrium Enlargement.
The only things I have noticed since starting the Metoprolol in November is my hands and feet are always cold and sometimes I feel very depressed but if I don't take it then the chest pains and PVC's start.
I'm also on Diovan and Lasix for my high blood pressure. I was on Norvasc for almost 2 yrs and I was glad when I was taken off of it because of the swelling in my legs, feet and ankles. It would get so bad that I couldn't wear my sneakers.
I'm now being tested for Primary Aldosteronism and anyone who has a family history of high blood pressure in their families should ask their doctor to do a renin/aldosterone level especially if you have problems with your potassium level.
Dianne
I take Metoprolol (Lopressor) 25mg 3x's a day and so far I have not noticed any significant hair loss. (Thank God) I'm taking it because it controls my PVC's and chest pains. I have Mitral and Tricuspid Regurgitation and Moderate Left Atrium Enlargement.
The only things I have noticed since starting the Metoprolol in November is my hands and feet are always cold and sometimes I feel very depressed but if I don't take it then the chest pains and PVC's start.
I'm also on Diovan and Lasix for my high blood pressure. I was on Norvasc for almost 2 yrs and I was glad when I was taken off of it because of the swelling in my legs, feet and ankles. It would get so bad that I couldn't wear my sneakers.
I'm now being tested for Primary Aldosteronism and anyone who has a family history of high blood pressure in their families should ask their doctor to do a renin/aldosterone level especially if you have problems with your potassium level.
Dianne
jtu91952
02-03-2005, 08:44 PM
jtu, if you still have problems with the rapid heart rate, the clonidine will slow it down along with lowering your blood pressure. I take 180 mg tiazac (cardizem ccb) in the morning and .1 mg clonidine three times a day. My heart rate before medication was in the mid to upper 80s. On my current drugs my resting blood pressure is around 110/65 and pulse is in the low to mid 60s. I think I am a bit over medicated at this point and am thinking about cutting back the clonidine.
:wave: mgray, my pulse is usually 72 and never over 80. My bp systolic(sp?) is the main problem. I can't seem to lower it below 150. Only once has my bp gone down to 137/75, but quickly rose to 150/80. I know you and sevral others have posted about clonidine. My main concern is back pain, leg pain and itching. I can tolerate just about all other side effects. I feel alittle sad about giving up norvasc bcuz this is the first time i've had bp readings below 180-200. Is clonidine expensive? I do have bc/bs insuranse but i have a co-pay.
:wave: mgray, my pulse is usually 72 and never over 80. My bp systolic(sp?) is the main problem. I can't seem to lower it below 150. Only once has my bp gone down to 137/75, but quickly rose to 150/80. I know you and sevral others have posted about clonidine. My main concern is back pain, leg pain and itching. I can tolerate just about all other side effects. I feel alittle sad about giving up norvasc bcuz this is the first time i've had bp readings below 180-200. Is clonidine expensive? I do have bc/bs insuranse but i have a co-pay.
jtu91952
02-03-2005, 08:46 PM
I forgot. Also im on .01mg of clonidine 2x a day. Verapamil 240 am and 120 pm, torsemide(diuretic). I only need to reach a goal of 130/70-80.
CASSIEBEL
02-04-2005, 12:32 AM
I know you and sevral others have posted about clonidine. My main concern is back pain, leg pain and itching. I can tolerate just about all other side effects. I feel alittle sad about giving up norvasc bcuz this is the first time i've had bp readings below 180-200. Is clonidine expensive? I do have bc/bs insuranse but i have a co-pay.
jtu.
I was sorry to hear about your back pain with norvasc. I do understand why you must give it up because exercise is so important to HBP folks. Clonidine does not cause any pain. It may make you a tiny bit light headed the first few doses. It does make one very relaxed and sometimes sleepy for an hour or so after taking it. The only other thing is a dry mouth and being thirsty most of the time. It makes me feel as though I just ate something salty. But the side effects are minimal and I think they are pretty easy to live with.
It will reduce you BP but you have to watch it because it doesn't last but a few hours.
Clonidine is the generic name of the drug. It is one of the older BP meds and very cheap.
Good luck, I do hope it helps you.
Cass
jtu.
I was sorry to hear about your back pain with norvasc. I do understand why you must give it up because exercise is so important to HBP folks. Clonidine does not cause any pain. It may make you a tiny bit light headed the first few doses. It does make one very relaxed and sometimes sleepy for an hour or so after taking it. The only other thing is a dry mouth and being thirsty most of the time. It makes me feel as though I just ate something salty. But the side effects are minimal and I think they are pretty easy to live with.
It will reduce you BP but you have to watch it because it doesn't last but a few hours.
Clonidine is the generic name of the drug. It is one of the older BP meds and very cheap.
Good luck, I do hope it helps you.
Cass
mgraylorn
02-04-2005, 11:33 AM
Have you tried one of the other calcium channel blockers? There are 3 groups (I got this off a website):
--------------------------------------------------------
Verapamil
This is commonly used to treat angina and high blood pressure. It is also used to treat certain arrhythmias (when the heart rate is abnormally fast). This is because it also blocks calcium going into the special conducting cells in the heart and so it can slow the heart rate. You should not take verapamil in addition to a beta-blocker medicine.
Diltiazem
This is used to treat angina and high blood pressure. Unlike verapamil it is not used to treat arrhythmias. It can be used in addition to beta-blockers if this combination is necessary.
As a rule, you should not take verapamil or diltiazem if you have heart failure. This is because they 'relax' the heart, and can make heart failure worse.
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers
These include amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, and nisoldipine. These have more effect of relaxing blood vessels, and less effect of relaxing the heart muscle than verapamil or diltiazam. Most are used to treat high blood pressure and angina. But, isradipine, lacidipine, and lercanidipine are only used to treat high blood pressure. Nifedipine is also used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon.
As they do not affect heart muscle much, they are not useful for arrhythmias, and are unlikely to make heart failure worse. You can take one of these in addition to a beta-blocker. In fact, a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker in addition to a beta-blocker medicine is commonly used to prevent angina pains if either does not work well enough alone.
---------------------------------------------------
Norvasc is a form of amlodipine. Maybe if you tried one of the other categories you would get lowered blood pressure and none of the symptoms you get with Norvasc. Might be worth asking your doctor about.
I've only had mild side effects with clonidine and they have mostly gone away. I had some dry mouth at first and both it and my ccb make me a bit constipated. Increasing my fiber content helped with the latter and the dry mouth went away on its own. Clonidine also sometimes makes me sleepy. I am chronically sleep deprived, so I don't know if my sleepy spells are from that or the drug these days. I can live with these side effects for good blood pressure control. And as Cassiebel said, clonidine is an old drug and pretty cheap.
--------------------------------------------------------
Verapamil
This is commonly used to treat angina and high blood pressure. It is also used to treat certain arrhythmias (when the heart rate is abnormally fast). This is because it also blocks calcium going into the special conducting cells in the heart and so it can slow the heart rate. You should not take verapamil in addition to a beta-blocker medicine.
Diltiazem
This is used to treat angina and high blood pressure. Unlike verapamil it is not used to treat arrhythmias. It can be used in addition to beta-blockers if this combination is necessary.
As a rule, you should not take verapamil or diltiazem if you have heart failure. This is because they 'relax' the heart, and can make heart failure worse.
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers
These include amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, and nisoldipine. These have more effect of relaxing blood vessels, and less effect of relaxing the heart muscle than verapamil or diltiazam. Most are used to treat high blood pressure and angina. But, isradipine, lacidipine, and lercanidipine are only used to treat high blood pressure. Nifedipine is also used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon.
As they do not affect heart muscle much, they are not useful for arrhythmias, and are unlikely to make heart failure worse. You can take one of these in addition to a beta-blocker. In fact, a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker in addition to a beta-blocker medicine is commonly used to prevent angina pains if either does not work well enough alone.
---------------------------------------------------
Norvasc is a form of amlodipine. Maybe if you tried one of the other categories you would get lowered blood pressure and none of the symptoms you get with Norvasc. Might be worth asking your doctor about.
I've only had mild side effects with clonidine and they have mostly gone away. I had some dry mouth at first and both it and my ccb make me a bit constipated. Increasing my fiber content helped with the latter and the dry mouth went away on its own. Clonidine also sometimes makes me sleepy. I am chronically sleep deprived, so I don't know if my sleepy spells are from that or the drug these days. I can live with these side effects for good blood pressure control. And as Cassiebel said, clonidine is an old drug and pretty cheap.
jtu91952
02-04-2005, 12:02 PM
Thank you both. I think i will try the clonidine. My dr didn't mention it so i also need to ask, can i start clonidine asap or will i need to wean the norvasc? Cass, you said in another post that clonidine works in 30 mins, that good to know.
I have tried so many meds that anything at this point is worth a try. From your testimonial, im getting excited about clonidine. I am diabetic and with bp readings remaining high, i look forward to 130 or 140 over anything. I will fill the strip and watch the numbers fall.
I have tried so many meds that anything at this point is worth a try. From your testimonial, im getting excited about clonidine. I am diabetic and with bp readings remaining high, i look forward to 130 or 140 over anything. I will fill the strip and watch the numbers fall.
lavenderfields
02-04-2005, 12:24 PM
I didn't have to wean when I went off the norvasc. However, I have no heart problems I was only on it for hbp.
Wow, I didn't know there were so many calcium channel blockers. Now I am confused as to why my Dr. didn't try another one rather than put me on a beta blocker.
Wow, I didn't know there were so many calcium channel blockers. Now I am confused as to why my Dr. didn't try another one rather than put me on a beta blocker.
mgraylorn
02-04-2005, 03:05 PM
I take a calcium channel blocker and clonidine. I don't think you should have to wean off norvasc, nor discontinue it before starting clonidine. The down side of clonidine is that it doesn't last 24 hours, so you will probably have to take it 2 or more times a day. I take it 3 times a day, and someone on this board mentioned they took it 5 times a day.
That can be an annoyance to remember to take the pills all the time, but if you are diabetic, you are probably used to checking your status and taking meds throughout the day.
That can be an annoyance to remember to take the pills all the time, but if you are diabetic, you are probably used to checking your status and taking meds throughout the day.
jtu91952
02-04-2005, 07:41 PM
Thank U mgraylorn.Yes that's true. I have already started the clonidine today(12pm) and stopped the norvasc.I already take verapamil 240(gp also added 120mg verapamil in the pm), torsemide(diuretic).
Cass, had mentioned in another post that clonidine works within 30 mins, and it did fo me.My bp went from 153/84 to 120/70 very quickly. I haven't seen anything under 140(except 130something at the start of norvasc) in almost two or three yrs. I hope i can take this med for a long length of time.
Usually i do well for a month or so and then those horrible side effects start. I can tolerate most side effects except itching, breathing problems or severe back pain. I am very active. I took my car off the road to force me to walk every where i need to go.
Cass, had mentioned in another post that clonidine works within 30 mins, and it did fo me.My bp went from 153/84 to 120/70 very quickly. I haven't seen anything under 140(except 130something at the start of norvasc) in almost two or three yrs. I hope i can take this med for a long length of time.
Usually i do well for a month or so and then those horrible side effects start. I can tolerate most side effects except itching, breathing problems or severe back pain. I am very active. I took my car off the road to force me to walk every where i need to go.
bharkins
02-04-2005, 08:33 PM
JTU,
Does this mean that with the clondine you will have to keep checking BP and taking the med several times a day since it does not last long? I hope this is safe for you with your high numbers. Good luck.
Does this mean that with the clondine you will have to keep checking BP and taking the med several times a day since it does not last long? I hope this is safe for you with your high numbers. Good luck.
jtu91952
02-04-2005, 08:44 PM
Bharkins, i check my glucose several times a day, therefore i don't mind checking bp at the same time. I do this anyway. I was told to take clonidine only 2x a day and verapamil 1x aday.
I liked norvasc ok, but back pain is an abosulte no-no. I try to walk daily even in the winter mos. I live in upstate NY and that is not easy to do. I need to be able to walk w/o severe pain. I will try the clonidine. Checking my bp at the same time as checking my glucose is not an inconvenience. Having high bp readings are becoming a pain. My drs (gp, cardio, endo) all think that hate taking meds. That is not true, i just want pills that helps and not cause other diseases.
I liked norvasc ok, but back pain is an abosulte no-no. I try to walk daily even in the winter mos. I live in upstate NY and that is not easy to do. I need to be able to walk w/o severe pain. I will try the clonidine. Checking my bp at the same time as checking my glucose is not an inconvenience. Having high bp readings are becoming a pain. My drs (gp, cardio, endo) all think that hate taking meds. That is not true, i just want pills that helps and not cause other diseases.
bharkins
02-04-2005, 09:10 PM
Well, in that case, I hope that this is what you have been searching for. Again, best of luck.
mgraylorn
02-07-2005, 01:50 PM
I hope the clonidine works for you without serious side effects. The only side effects I had from it were a dry mouth, some constipation and sleepiness. Those side effects went away after a while, and they weren't debilitating.
Back when I was on Toprol XL and would have blood pressure spikes in the middle of the night with numbers like 177/104, I'd pop a clonidine and wait for my blood pressure to go down before I would go back to sleep. Seeing those numbers fall to more normal ranges within 30-40 minutes was a big relief.
Back when I was on Toprol XL and would have blood pressure spikes in the middle of the night with numbers like 177/104, I'd pop a clonidine and wait for my blood pressure to go down before I would go back to sleep. Seeing those numbers fall to more normal ranges within 30-40 minutes was a big relief.
jtu91952
02-07-2005, 08:41 PM
Thanks alot Mgraylorn. So far im only sleeping alot more, which i really need. The norvasc caused really bad insomnia, but not enough to quit taking it. Back pain caused me to quit norvasc.
I am taking the clonidine now and so far so good. After about two weeks i'll post again with any problems or good results. Today my bp was 120/68 and that's w/o any exercise. This is the lowest it has been in almost two yrs.
I am taking the clonidine now and so far so good. After about two weeks i'll post again with any problems or good results. Today my bp was 120/68 and that's w/o any exercise. This is the lowest it has been in almost two yrs.
lavenderfields
02-07-2005, 08:55 PM
jtu, 120/68 that is great. I'm glad the clonidine is working for you. I will be looking for your post with updates.
dianne12315
02-07-2005, 11:05 PM
jtu,
I'm glad the Clonidine is working for you. I was on it for over a year with no problems. I was on Hyzaar and Norvasc but they didn't do anything for me until the Clonidine and Lasix were added. It's too bad it did such a good job bringing my bp down though because the doctor had to discontinue it. My bp had dropped too low. I can't take the Norvasc anymore either.
Good luck and keep us posted.
mgraylorn,
I have a question for you. What is the difference between Toprol XL and Metoprolol? Is Toprol XL long acting?
I was taking Cozaar 100mg and Metoprolol 25mg twice a day but then my chest pains started increasing so the doctor changed the Cozaar 100mg to Diovan 80mg and increased the Metoprolol 25mg to 3 times a day. He said he had to decrease the Cozaar because the increase in the Metoprolol would cause my bp to drop too low. So far it hasn't. My last bp was 118/94. (In addition to Diovan and Metoprolol I'm on Lasix 40mg.)
My last Echocardiogram showed Mitral & Tricuspid Regurgitation (mild) and Moderate Left Atrium Enlargement. In addition to the chest pains I also get PVC's.
I'm glad the Clonidine is working for you. I was on it for over a year with no problems. I was on Hyzaar and Norvasc but they didn't do anything for me until the Clonidine and Lasix were added. It's too bad it did such a good job bringing my bp down though because the doctor had to discontinue it. My bp had dropped too low. I can't take the Norvasc anymore either.
Good luck and keep us posted.
mgraylorn,
I have a question for you. What is the difference between Toprol XL and Metoprolol? Is Toprol XL long acting?
I was taking Cozaar 100mg and Metoprolol 25mg twice a day but then my chest pains started increasing so the doctor changed the Cozaar 100mg to Diovan 80mg and increased the Metoprolol 25mg to 3 times a day. He said he had to decrease the Cozaar because the increase in the Metoprolol would cause my bp to drop too low. So far it hasn't. My last bp was 118/94. (In addition to Diovan and Metoprolol I'm on Lasix 40mg.)
My last Echocardiogram showed Mitral & Tricuspid Regurgitation (mild) and Moderate Left Atrium Enlargement. In addition to the chest pains I also get PVC's.
Lenin
02-08-2005, 09:14 AM
Nope, no hair loss from beta blockers except the hair I tore out myself!
mgraylorn
02-08-2005, 11:22 AM
Dianne, toprol xl is an extended release version of metoprolol.
From the rxlist site:
Toprol-XL, metoprolol succinate, is a beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking agent, for oral administration, available as extended release tablets. Toprol-XL has been formulated to provide a controlled and predictable release of metoprolol for once daily administration. The tablets comprise a multiple unit system containing metoprolol succinate in a multitude of controlled release pellets. Each pellet acts as a separate drug delivery unit and is designed to deliver metoprolol continuously over the dosage interval. The tablets contain 47.5 mg, 95 mg and 190 mg of metoprolol succinate equivalent to 50, 100 and 200 mg of metoprolol tartrate, USP, respectively.
From the rxlist site:
Toprol-XL, metoprolol succinate, is a beta1-selective (cardioselective) adrenoceptor blocking agent, for oral administration, available as extended release tablets. Toprol-XL has been formulated to provide a controlled and predictable release of metoprolol for once daily administration. The tablets comprise a multiple unit system containing metoprolol succinate in a multitude of controlled release pellets. Each pellet acts as a separate drug delivery unit and is designed to deliver metoprolol continuously over the dosage interval. The tablets contain 47.5 mg, 95 mg and 190 mg of metoprolol succinate equivalent to 50, 100 and 200 mg of metoprolol tartrate, USP, respectively.
Random2
02-08-2005, 12:06 PM
Exactly Lenin. That was classic. I agree 100%. Beta-Blockers should only be used for people that have had a heart attack, stroke or have severe tachardia(sp).
dianne12315
02-08-2005, 12:52 PM
Thanks mgraylorn,
I was wondering why my doctor didn't prescribe Toprol XL instead of having me take Metoprolol 25mg three times a day. According to your answer it's not available in 75 mg Tabs. I don't think he wants to give me a larger dose because a few years ago I was on Inderal for migraines and it caused me to be short of breath. I seem to be doing ok on the low dose of Metoprolol.
I was wondering why my doctor didn't prescribe Toprol XL instead of having me take Metoprolol 25mg three times a day. According to your answer it's not available in 75 mg Tabs. I don't think he wants to give me a larger dose because a few years ago I was on Inderal for migraines and it caused me to be short of breath. I seem to be doing ok on the low dose of Metoprolol.
Random2
02-08-2005, 02:13 PM
Dianne,
Toprol Xl gave me terrible side-effects. I am Atenolol now at 100 MGS & it is even worse. I haven't had a heart attack or a stroke & my pulse rate goes down pretty to the low 50's on Atenolol. The side-effects are the worst.
Just a heads up. Like my pharmacist friend says that is also a doctor.... the less drugs, the better.
Toprol Xl gave me terrible side-effects. I am Atenolol now at 100 MGS & it is even worse. I haven't had a heart attack or a stroke & my pulse rate goes down pretty to the low 50's on Atenolol. The side-effects are the worst.
Just a heads up. Like my pharmacist friend says that is also a doctor.... the less drugs, the better.
mgraylorn
02-08-2005, 03:58 PM
When I took Toprol XL in the 100mg dose it made me nauseous. It wasn't quite as bad if I split it up into 2 doses. That might be another reason for smaller doses several times a day rather than one big dose once a day.
Random2
02-08-2005, 04:50 PM
Or a different type of med. other than a beta-blocker if you really really need it.
dianne12315
02-08-2005, 07:40 PM
The doctor has me on Metoprolol to control the PVC's and chest pains. I used to be on 25mg twice a day. I get up very early (4am) and I take my morning pills by 4:30am and I found that by 12:30pm or 1pm the PVC's and chest pains were starting so he told me to take it 3 times a day.
It does help control the PVC's and chest pains so I guess I'm one of the ones who need a BB.
It does help control the PVC's and chest pains so I guess I'm one of the ones who need a BB.
mgraylorn
02-09-2005, 12:13 PM
Hey, if it works for you and doesn't give you unacceptable side effects, then stick with it.
dianne12315
02-09-2005, 06:37 PM
It's either get off the BB of suffer with the chest pains and pvc's. Neither one is very pleasant and if there was a way for me to get off of it I would love to. I went to the doctor yesterday and another medication was added that I know nothing about. It's called Inspra.
I'm now on Diovan, Lopressor, Lasix, Inspra, Magnesium, Protonix, ASA & Lipitor. My bp today was 142/93. You would think with all that medication it would be lower.
I'm now on Diovan, Lopressor, Lasix, Inspra, Magnesium, Protonix, ASA & Lipitor. My bp today was 142/93. You would think with all that medication it would be lower.
jtu91952
02-09-2005, 08:42 PM
Dianne, how are you making it with the protonix? I was on t.hat couple of yrs back and it made my stomach hurt. You sure are on alot of meds, is it possible some of them are countering each other?
dianne12315
02-10-2005, 06:28 AM
jtu,
I went back to the doctor today because I didn't feel good and I asked him if it was possible if I was on too many medications and maybe they were counteracting each other. He said no. The reason I didn't feel good was because I was dehydrated from the Lasix. He wanted me to go to the hospital for IV fluids but I promised him I would drink extra water, juice etc. I have to go back to him today.
As far as the Protonix....I take 40mg twice a day and I have been on it for years. It seems to be the only one that works for me. I have been on all of of them. Nexium was the worst for me. It made me itch. In addition to those medications I also take Compazine 5mg when I feel nauseaous. Nobody can seem to find out why I feel that way occasionally. I had my gall bladder out in 1993.
I agree that I'm on a lot of medications but one medication by itself does not control my bp. I guess it's just a matter of the doctor finding the right combination.
I went back to the doctor today because I didn't feel good and I asked him if it was possible if I was on too many medications and maybe they were counteracting each other. He said no. The reason I didn't feel good was because I was dehydrated from the Lasix. He wanted me to go to the hospital for IV fluids but I promised him I would drink extra water, juice etc. I have to go back to him today.
As far as the Protonix....I take 40mg twice a day and I have been on it for years. It seems to be the only one that works for me. I have been on all of of them. Nexium was the worst for me. It made me itch. In addition to those medications I also take Compazine 5mg when I feel nauseaous. Nobody can seem to find out why I feel that way occasionally. I had my gall bladder out in 1993.
I agree that I'm on a lot of medications but one medication by itself does not control my bp. I guess it's just a matter of the doctor finding the right combination.