postiemayer
06-22-2007, 10:39 AM
My doctor recently put me on this med for my bp which was running about 140/90. I am just curious about any of you taking this. How long before you notice a reduction in bp (I have been taking it at a 12.5 mg dose for 2 weeks with no reduction, I monitor at home). I am also curious if headaches are a side effect. I know I might need to increase my fluid intake, but what is the point of taking a diruetic if you have to increase your fluid intake to prevent headaches?
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Lenin
06-23-2007, 09:31 AM
There are two beneficial effects with HCTZ, the direct effect of decreasing the amount of water and sodium in the bloodstream. This effect is rapid but it depends on HAVING excess water to begin with and it is dose dependent...12.5 mg. is a low dose.
The second effect takes several weeks to kick in and this is a gradually relaxation of the smallest blood vessels and this occurs even at low dose.
I think the second efect is the smaller effect.
For people who have no tnedency to retain water from excess dietary sodium, HCTZ will have little effect other than the later secondary one.
Generally speaking, if it rapidly drops one's weight, then it can be assumed to be a pretty good BP drug.
Headache can be a side effect of HCTZ, probably becaause it changes the fluid dynamics in the brain....but then SO many things cause headaches (I know you are having a bad time with your huysband's health.)
If you increas fluids without increasing SALT, there will not be a rise in BP, usually the contrary.
The second effect takes several weeks to kick in and this is a gradually relaxation of the smallest blood vessels and this occurs even at low dose.
I think the second efect is the smaller effect.
For people who have no tnedency to retain water from excess dietary sodium, HCTZ will have little effect other than the later secondary one.
Generally speaking, if it rapidly drops one's weight, then it can be assumed to be a pretty good BP drug.
Headache can be a side effect of HCTZ, probably becaause it changes the fluid dynamics in the brain....but then SO many things cause headaches (I know you are having a bad time with your huysband's health.)
If you increas fluids without increasing SALT, there will not be a rise in BP, usually the contrary.