chablis3
12-19-2007, 09:24 PM
I have been having a ringing/buzzing sound in my ears for awhile now, and am curious to know if anyone else has developed this since being on B/P meds. I know there are a lot of drugs out there that are considered "ototoxic" and wondering if Atenolol is under this classification. I also have very bad discs in my neck, and am trying to find out if it is my neck or the meds that might be causing it. As I started taking the meds around the same time I developed the neck problem, I can't pin point the cause. I haven't talked to my doc yet about this yet, but plan to. Anyone else experiencing this. or any comments on it?
Thanks,
Judy
Thanks,
Judy
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famnd
12-19-2007, 09:57 PM
Have you checked with the FDA under drug side effects? That's another reference for drug side effects. I usually called the drug manufacturer too. Fam
marantz1935
12-20-2007, 07:08 AM
Hi,
I was having 'ringing in my ears' before I went to my GP and I still have it despite being on Atenolol for HBP. I read recently read on-line that Tinitus, in seventy percent of cases, is cause by an increase in adrenaline in the body. I understand it's more common in people who are anxious or stressed. It seems to very common in any event.
Recently, I have been getting a sensation of pressure in my right ear along with the ringing.
Regards,
Marantz.
I was having 'ringing in my ears' before I went to my GP and I still have it despite being on Atenolol for HBP. I read recently read on-line that Tinitus, in seventy percent of cases, is cause by an increase in adrenaline in the body. I understand it's more common in people who are anxious or stressed. It seems to very common in any event.
Recently, I have been getting a sensation of pressure in my right ear along with the ringing.
Regards,
Marantz.
bethsheba
12-20-2007, 09:27 PM
Hi,
I was having 'ringing in my ears' before I went to my GP and I still have it despite being on Atenolol for HBP. I read recently read on-line that Tinitus, in seventy percent of cases, is cause by an increase in adrenaline in the body. I understand it's more common in people who are anxious or stressed. It seems to very common in any event.....
Marantz.
Marantz, just fyi, a side effect of atenolol is tinnitus so if you had tinnitus before going on bp meds, your tinnitus may be aggravated by the med.
Thanks for the insight as to the connection between adrenaline and tinnitus...I will investigate that further. As a musician, I blamed my tinnitus on unprotected hearing but maybe it isn't that afterall.
Bethsheba
I was having 'ringing in my ears' before I went to my GP and I still have it despite being on Atenolol for HBP. I read recently read on-line that Tinitus, in seventy percent of cases, is cause by an increase in adrenaline in the body. I understand it's more common in people who are anxious or stressed. It seems to very common in any event.....
Marantz.
Marantz, just fyi, a side effect of atenolol is tinnitus so if you had tinnitus before going on bp meds, your tinnitus may be aggravated by the med.
Thanks for the insight as to the connection between adrenaline and tinnitus...I will investigate that further. As a musician, I blamed my tinnitus on unprotected hearing but maybe it isn't that afterall.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
12-20-2007, 09:35 PM
... I know there are a lot of drugs out there that are considered "ototoxic" and wondering if Atenolol is under this classification. I also have very bad discs in my neck, and am trying to find out if it is my neck or the meds that might be causing it. As I started taking the meds around the same time I developed the neck problem, I can't pin point the cause. I haven't talked to my doc yet about this yet, but plan to. Anyone else experiencing this. or any comments on it?
Thanks,
Judy
Judy, one of the side effects of atenolol is tinnitus so if you're taking it, it may be causing the problem. As I posted on your thread about bruising, diuretics and beta blockers can cause tinnitus but I'm sure there are more...it's just those are the ones I remember.
As far as the neck problem goes, I suspect meds. Numerous bp meds cause aches and pains, from minor to immobilizing. I don't remember muscle or bone pain when I was on the atenolol, but everything slowed down for me---typing, walking, anything that required mobility. Have you experienced anything similar? I ask because looking back I can remember typing and thinking that I could type faster than I was typing but for whatever the reason couldn't coordinate myself well enough to function....thus 4 falls, one of which landed me in the er on Christmas Eve day. I mention this because again, sometimes we don't see these things until we've discontinued the medication.
Bethsheba
Thanks,
Judy
Judy, one of the side effects of atenolol is tinnitus so if you're taking it, it may be causing the problem. As I posted on your thread about bruising, diuretics and beta blockers can cause tinnitus but I'm sure there are more...it's just those are the ones I remember.
As far as the neck problem goes, I suspect meds. Numerous bp meds cause aches and pains, from minor to immobilizing. I don't remember muscle or bone pain when I was on the atenolol, but everything slowed down for me---typing, walking, anything that required mobility. Have you experienced anything similar? I ask because looking back I can remember typing and thinking that I could type faster than I was typing but for whatever the reason couldn't coordinate myself well enough to function....thus 4 falls, one of which landed me in the er on Christmas Eve day. I mention this because again, sometimes we don't see these things until we've discontinued the medication.
Bethsheba
chablis3
12-20-2007, 10:59 PM
Thanks for the replies! I haven't checked with the FDA, and did not do any research so far on the Atenolol causing the tinnitus, but, thanks, Bethsheba, for letting me know that is probably what is causing it. I think I can rule out my neck as the culpert because I do know for sure that I have a disc problem, and I am not on any other meds other than taking an ibuprofin now and then. With the bruising and the ringing in ears, I am now convinced it must be the Atenolol. I haven't noticed any slowing down per say, but I do have occasional cramps and soreness in the calfs of my legs. The Atenolol is actually working as to lowering my B/P, but I don't think I want to put up with these side effects anymore. Time for me to go talk to my do about a possible change in meds. What are you taking now, Bethsheba, and do you feel better on a different med?
You may have mentioned it to me on the bruising post, but I can't recall just now.
Marantz, yes, tinnitus is quite common, and it is so annoying, especially at night when your trying to sleep. I have my tv playing all night long just to concentrate on the noise from the tv, instead of the buzzing in my head! I don't have any pressure; just the aggrevating noise!
Again, thanks, and I will post again after I talk to my doctor!
Judy
Y
You may have mentioned it to me on the bruising post, but I can't recall just now.
Marantz, yes, tinnitus is quite common, and it is so annoying, especially at night when your trying to sleep. I have my tv playing all night long just to concentrate on the noise from the tv, instead of the buzzing in my head! I don't have any pressure; just the aggrevating noise!
Again, thanks, and I will post again after I talk to my doctor!
Judy
Y
marantz1935
12-21-2007, 04:47 AM
Marantz, just fyi, a side effect of atenolol is tinnitus so if you had tinnitus before going on bp meds, your tinnitus may be aggravated by the med.
Thanks for the insight as to the connection between adrenaline and tinnitus...I will investigate that further. As a musician, I blamed my tinnitus on unprotected hearing but maybe it isn't that afterall.
Bethsheba
No problem Beth. Thanks for the information about Atenolol and Tinitus as well. It would explain why it hasn't gone away. :)
Judy, good luck with next visit to doctors. I'm sorry to hear you Tinitus problem is giving you so much trouble, especially at night. At least we know now that Atenolol is not helping matters.
P.S., just back from visiting another forum, and the guy is asking more-or-less the same question about the relation between HBP and Tinitus.
Marantz.
Thanks for the insight as to the connection between adrenaline and tinnitus...I will investigate that further. As a musician, I blamed my tinnitus on unprotected hearing but maybe it isn't that afterall.
Bethsheba
No problem Beth. Thanks for the information about Atenolol and Tinitus as well. It would explain why it hasn't gone away. :)
Judy, good luck with next visit to doctors. I'm sorry to hear you Tinitus problem is giving you so much trouble, especially at night. At least we know now that Atenolol is not helping matters.
P.S., just back from visiting another forum, and the guy is asking more-or-less the same question about the relation between HBP and Tinitus.
Marantz.
chablis3
12-21-2007, 07:41 PM
Hi, I went to have my eyes examined last night (for new glasses), and in talking to the doctor, I asked him if he was, by chance, familiar with ototoxic drugs. He said yes, and in the course of our talk, he said high blood pressure can also affect a person't eyesight, and some of the meds can indeed cause ringing in the ears. I would like to just stop taking the Atenolol now since I know all this, but I know I can''t do that....but, boy, I sure feel like doing so!!
Thanks, Marantz, I am going to see my doctor after the holidays, definitely. I just wonder, though, even if my meds are changed, if I go on the same class of drugs, won't it do the same thing? I know there is one called a beta blocker, and I forget what the other one is called, but I bet even another kind has its side effects also. So, it's a really hard challenge to find the right one as far as I can see. I don't like to mess around with all different kinds of meds, but I guess I will have to if I want to solve my problem.
Hope your feeling ok, and take care.
Judy
Thanks, Marantz, I am going to see my doctor after the holidays, definitely. I just wonder, though, even if my meds are changed, if I go on the same class of drugs, won't it do the same thing? I know there is one called a beta blocker, and I forget what the other one is called, but I bet even another kind has its side effects also. So, it's a really hard challenge to find the right one as far as I can see. I don't like to mess around with all different kinds of meds, but I guess I will have to if I want to solve my problem.
Hope your feeling ok, and take care.
Judy
flowergirl2day
12-21-2007, 07:56 PM
Hi Judy,
It's good to see you back on the boards! :)
I know there is one called a beta blocker, and I forget what the other one is called, but I bet even another kind has its side effects also.
There is a brand new beta blocker out with very few side effects. It should be available in early January 2008. (See my thread "New blood pressure medication"). I hope it is as good as they claim. Compared to other beta blockers, this one does not have many side effects. The side effects experienced by the participants in the clinical trials were light. (Headache, dizziness). You should find out more about it. Did you go ahead with your cath?
flowergirl
It's good to see you back on the boards! :)
I know there is one called a beta blocker, and I forget what the other one is called, but I bet even another kind has its side effects also.
There is a brand new beta blocker out with very few side effects. It should be available in early January 2008. (See my thread "New blood pressure medication"). I hope it is as good as they claim. Compared to other beta blockers, this one does not have many side effects. The side effects experienced by the participants in the clinical trials were light. (Headache, dizziness). You should find out more about it. Did you go ahead with your cath?
flowergirl
bethsheba
12-22-2007, 02:50 PM
...I haven't checked with the FDA, and did not do any research so far on the Atenolol causing the tinnitus, but, thanks, Bethsheba, for letting me know that is probably what is causing it....
The Atenolol is actually working as to lowering my B/P, but I don't think I want to put up with these side effects anymore. Time for me to go talk to my do about a possible change in meds. What are you taking now, Bethsheba, and do you feel better on a different med?
You may have mentioned it to me on the bruising post, but I can't recall just now....
Judy, when researching the side effects (tinnitus or whatever) check with more than one source. Unfortunately, too many doctors and patients don't recognize the side effects, much less report them to the FDA.
I was only on the atenolol about 4 weeks when I stopped taking it cold turkey. The side effects I experienced were life threatening (I experienced 4 very serious falls in one week and then I began to have suicidal thoughts which were new to me). This med scared me so much that I did not return to the doctor until my bp shot up to 160/90 something. I have since learned that abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker (atenolol) can cause rebound hypertension and I believe this is what I was experiencing.
DO NOT STOP THIS MEDICATION WITHOUT TAPERING/WEANING OFF with your doctor's/pharmacist's guidance. Doing so could cause angina, a heart attack, rebound hypertension, or cause other problems. I was "lucky" because I was on a small dose and I had no known/unknown heart problems.
After atenolol, I went on Norvasc, which is the 5th drug I tried. I experienced flushing, and flatulence (gas) which I could live with, albeit, with some embarrassment. But I started waking up at midnight and three every night and my sleep was so badly disturbed, I stopped taking it. It took several weeks for my sleep to return to normal but when it did my pressuress went down to the normal/prehypertension stage. I have since lost the 25-30 pounds of weight I gained on bp medication (I dropped 10 pounds the first week off of atenolol just because I could MOVE again).
I still have another 10 bp med pounds to lose, but when I do I expect I will regularly fall into normal pressures. But only time will tell.
Bethsheba
The Atenolol is actually working as to lowering my B/P, but I don't think I want to put up with these side effects anymore. Time for me to go talk to my do about a possible change in meds. What are you taking now, Bethsheba, and do you feel better on a different med?
You may have mentioned it to me on the bruising post, but I can't recall just now....
Judy, when researching the side effects (tinnitus or whatever) check with more than one source. Unfortunately, too many doctors and patients don't recognize the side effects, much less report them to the FDA.
I was only on the atenolol about 4 weeks when I stopped taking it cold turkey. The side effects I experienced were life threatening (I experienced 4 very serious falls in one week and then I began to have suicidal thoughts which were new to me). This med scared me so much that I did not return to the doctor until my bp shot up to 160/90 something. I have since learned that abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker (atenolol) can cause rebound hypertension and I believe this is what I was experiencing.
DO NOT STOP THIS MEDICATION WITHOUT TAPERING/WEANING OFF with your doctor's/pharmacist's guidance. Doing so could cause angina, a heart attack, rebound hypertension, or cause other problems. I was "lucky" because I was on a small dose and I had no known/unknown heart problems.
After atenolol, I went on Norvasc, which is the 5th drug I tried. I experienced flushing, and flatulence (gas) which I could live with, albeit, with some embarrassment. But I started waking up at midnight and three every night and my sleep was so badly disturbed, I stopped taking it. It took several weeks for my sleep to return to normal but when it did my pressuress went down to the normal/prehypertension stage. I have since lost the 25-30 pounds of weight I gained on bp medication (I dropped 10 pounds the first week off of atenolol just because I could MOVE again).
I still have another 10 bp med pounds to lose, but when I do I expect I will regularly fall into normal pressures. But only time will tell.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
12-22-2007, 02:58 PM
Hi, I went to have my eyes examined last night (for new glasses), and in talking to the doctor, I asked him if he was, by chance, familiar with ototoxic drugs. He said yes, and in the course of our talk, he said high blood pressure can also affect a person't eyesight, and some of the meds can indeed cause ringing in the ears. ...Hope your feeling ok, and take care.
Judy
Judy,
You've got an excellent eye doctor (opthamologist? optometrist?) and he or she is a keeper!!!
I went through 3 prescriptions in three years only to discover (after that final atenolol fall on my face that landed me in the er) that I could see perfectly with my pre high blood pressure glasses. My physician, my optometrist, the er doctor, and the er ophthamologist all denied that bp medication was causing the changes in my vision. I have since read otherwise. Blurred vision is listed as a symptom of overdose or as a side effect for a number of bp medications!! I could have save myself over $1000.00 out of pocket had I known that! But again, those doctors don't know everything and one has to take an active role in one's health care.
Bethsheba
Judy
Judy,
You've got an excellent eye doctor (opthamologist? optometrist?) and he or she is a keeper!!!
I went through 3 prescriptions in three years only to discover (after that final atenolol fall on my face that landed me in the er) that I could see perfectly with my pre high blood pressure glasses. My physician, my optometrist, the er doctor, and the er ophthamologist all denied that bp medication was causing the changes in my vision. I have since read otherwise. Blurred vision is listed as a symptom of overdose or as a side effect for a number of bp medications!! I could have save myself over $1000.00 out of pocket had I known that! But again, those doctors don't know everything and one has to take an active role in one's health care.
Bethsheba
chablis3
12-22-2007, 06:01 PM
Bethsheba, Yes, I thought the eye doc was very nice in taking the time to talk to me about the blood pressure meds, and this is the first time I had gone to him. My goodness, you sure had a terrible experience when you were on the Atenolol. Sorry to hear you had all that trouble. Hummm, does b/p meds make a person gain weight also?? No wonder I can't seem to loose any weight! No matter how I try, I can't seem to loose a pound. Gees, you have tried 5 medications; wow, and none of them agreed with you? I am assuming your not taking anything now?? No, I will not stop taking the med cold turkey; I am scared to do that since I have been on it for well over a year now. I will talk to my doc first and then gradually wean off it. Maybe then I can loose a bit of weight! Thanks, Betsheba, and glad your doing better. I will see you after the holidays, and hope you and family have a wonderful one!
Judy
Judy
chablis3
12-22-2007, 06:12 PM
Hi Flowergirl, I did read your other post concerning the new blood pressure med and I responded to it, hope you caught my reponse. You know, I am beginning to think I just want to get off the Atenolol, and take nothing at all for awhile, and see what happens. My b/p ranges around 135/80ish most of the time, and I think that isn't too bad. I know the doctors would prefer it lower, but when I went to a Rheumotoligist doc a few months ago, he told me he thought those numbers were excellent. I was happy to hear that from him! I also had a pharmacist tell me one time that the doctors make too much out of blood pressure numbers these days...like for people in the 150/80ish range, which is what mine was when I was put on the pills. He said the doctors want to help the drug companies sell the meds. Don't know how true this is, though. I know real high numbers are, of course, dangerous, but I have to wonder about my range. I am not sure what you meant when you asked if I went ahead with my cath? You'll have to refresh my memory on that!
Thanks for your nice words as to being back on the boards, and I will post again after the holidays. Meantime, my best to you and family for a wonderful holiday. Take care!
Judy
Thanks for your nice words as to being back on the boards, and I will post again after the holidays. Meantime, my best to you and family for a wonderful holiday. Take care!
Judy
flowergirl2day
12-22-2007, 09:49 PM
Happy Holidays to you, Judy!
I think your rheumatologist is right on! :) Your blood pressure does not need to be treated with medication. It is very good. I don't think you should be on medication unless you are at a high risk of CVD.
I have a new drug book. I did a little bit of reading while sipping my morning coffee before going to work. In the blood pressure chapter was a caption "When should the doctors medicate?" Several case studies were provided and analyzed. Interestingly, some older patients are considered fine and in no need of antihypertensive therapy with their systolic blood pressure in the 150-160 range. They have to be in an otherwise good health and with no risk factors of a cardiovascular disease. Such people might not be better off taking the medication and suffering the side effects, given their low risk of CVD. It was also stated that unfortunately most doctors jump the gun and medicate slightly elevated blood pressure when the medication is not warranted in people with no cardiovascular risk factors. Some doctors don't do the required CVD risk assessment and prescribe the medication anyway.
You posted a question on the heart board some weeks ago and I was referring to that post. You could not decide whether you should have a certain test and wanted to know more about it, if I remember correctly. Anyway, I hope all is well. :angel:
Merry Christmas!
flowergirl
I think your rheumatologist is right on! :) Your blood pressure does not need to be treated with medication. It is very good. I don't think you should be on medication unless you are at a high risk of CVD.
I have a new drug book. I did a little bit of reading while sipping my morning coffee before going to work. In the blood pressure chapter was a caption "When should the doctors medicate?" Several case studies were provided and analyzed. Interestingly, some older patients are considered fine and in no need of antihypertensive therapy with their systolic blood pressure in the 150-160 range. They have to be in an otherwise good health and with no risk factors of a cardiovascular disease. Such people might not be better off taking the medication and suffering the side effects, given their low risk of CVD. It was also stated that unfortunately most doctors jump the gun and medicate slightly elevated blood pressure when the medication is not warranted in people with no cardiovascular risk factors. Some doctors don't do the required CVD risk assessment and prescribe the medication anyway.
You posted a question on the heart board some weeks ago and I was referring to that post. You could not decide whether you should have a certain test and wanted to know more about it, if I remember correctly. Anyway, I hope all is well. :angel:
Merry Christmas!
flowergirl
marantz1935
12-23-2007, 05:20 AM
Thanks, Marantz, I am going to see my doctor after the holidays, definitely. I just wonder, though, even if my meds are changed, if I go on the same class of drugs, won't it do the same thing? I know there is one called a beta blocker, and I forget what the other one is called, but I bet even another kind has its side effects also. So, it's a really hard challenge to find the right one as far as I can see. I don't like to mess around with all different kinds of meds, but I guess I will have to if I want to solve my problem.
Hope your feeling ok, and take care.
Judy
Thanks Judy,
As a newbie, I don't know if all BB's are the same. I imagine they are though. I read elsewhere that beta blockers are being phased out in the UK. I also understand they were never intended for people with HBP. Originally, they were for patients with heart problems. I read a post from a caridologist and she advised to steer clear of BB's and to get a more appropriate medication for HBP. She reckons beta blockers actually increase systolic levels! I don't know how true this is, but that's what I'm reading on-line.
Beth, I too was on Atenolol for a month and was pulled off them by my GP to see how I'd get on otherwise. I get a massive pain in my chest two days later. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was the worst I ever had. That's the kind of doctor I have. After I went back another month later my BP had shot up even higher. Would that have been caused by rebound hypertension?
Thanks,
Marantz. :)
Hope your feeling ok, and take care.
Judy
Thanks Judy,
As a newbie, I don't know if all BB's are the same. I imagine they are though. I read elsewhere that beta blockers are being phased out in the UK. I also understand they were never intended for people with HBP. Originally, they were for patients with heart problems. I read a post from a caridologist and she advised to steer clear of BB's and to get a more appropriate medication for HBP. She reckons beta blockers actually increase systolic levels! I don't know how true this is, but that's what I'm reading on-line.
Beth, I too was on Atenolol for a month and was pulled off them by my GP to see how I'd get on otherwise. I get a massive pain in my chest two days later. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was the worst I ever had. That's the kind of doctor I have. After I went back another month later my BP had shot up even higher. Would that have been caused by rebound hypertension?
Thanks,
Marantz. :)
bethsheba
12-23-2007, 09:06 AM
... Hummm, does b/p meds make a person gain weight also?? No wonder I can't seem to loose any weight! No matter how I try, I can't seem to loose a pound...
Yes, bp meds can cause weight gain, a side effect they don't like to talk about because weight gain elevates bp. I have read that beta blockers in particular slow the heart and therefore slow the metabolism so even if you eat the same foods and maintain the same activity levels, you will gain weight. The muscle aches, pains, and stiffness that many bp meds cause also can interfer with activity levels which, of course, can lead to weight gain. I believe another reason for weight gain and bp meds is fatgue....if you experience this as a side effect (it's a common one among bp meds) you don't have the energy to prepare healthy meals or the energy to exercise regularly...therefore, weight gain. But just for your info, the only explanation of weight gain as a side effect of bp meds I've seen in the literature, is the slowed metabolism effect of the beta blockers. The reduced activity due to aches and pains, and fatigue is from my personal experience.
The good news is, as of today I have lost more than 24 pounds since January by switching to skim milk, and eating more fruits and vegetables...no, I don't measure portions, and no, I don't exercise (but I'm going to start). Although slow, my weight loss came about as a result of just being able to do my activities of daily living once again. Oh, and fyi, I weighed 191 pounds went I went on hydrochlorothiazide but I stopped weighing myself when I weighed 224 pounds. I suspect that I may have passed the 230 mark but I can't be sure. But the 24 pound weight loss is definite.[/QUOTE]
Gees, you have tried 5 medications; wow, and none of them agreed with you? I am assuming your not taking anything now??
Yes, I was on hydrochlorothiazde, lisinopril, benicar/hct, atenolol, and amlodipine (norvasc)...but only one med at a time so looking BACK, it was easy to see what side effects the drug was causing. Believe it or not, each med I took had fewer side effects than the one before it, but given the side effects I experienced, that's not saying much.
No, I stopped taking the amlodipine at the end of May, without my doctor's knowledge or consent. I read daily about high blood pressure, and in my months of reading have come to the conclusion that I shouldn't have been prescribed medication in the first place. I need to post that story another time...
But I want you to know that I recognize the fact that many people DO need to be on meds to control their bp...it's just that they need to know what to look for in terms of side effects so they can find a medication that works for them and do so without endangering their present health.
Hope your holidays are special and blessed with much love and peace and good health.
Bethsheba
Yes, bp meds can cause weight gain, a side effect they don't like to talk about because weight gain elevates bp. I have read that beta blockers in particular slow the heart and therefore slow the metabolism so even if you eat the same foods and maintain the same activity levels, you will gain weight. The muscle aches, pains, and stiffness that many bp meds cause also can interfer with activity levels which, of course, can lead to weight gain. I believe another reason for weight gain and bp meds is fatgue....if you experience this as a side effect (it's a common one among bp meds) you don't have the energy to prepare healthy meals or the energy to exercise regularly...therefore, weight gain. But just for your info, the only explanation of weight gain as a side effect of bp meds I've seen in the literature, is the slowed metabolism effect of the beta blockers. The reduced activity due to aches and pains, and fatigue is from my personal experience.
The good news is, as of today I have lost more than 24 pounds since January by switching to skim milk, and eating more fruits and vegetables...no, I don't measure portions, and no, I don't exercise (but I'm going to start). Although slow, my weight loss came about as a result of just being able to do my activities of daily living once again. Oh, and fyi, I weighed 191 pounds went I went on hydrochlorothiazide but I stopped weighing myself when I weighed 224 pounds. I suspect that I may have passed the 230 mark but I can't be sure. But the 24 pound weight loss is definite.[/QUOTE]
Gees, you have tried 5 medications; wow, and none of them agreed with you? I am assuming your not taking anything now??
Yes, I was on hydrochlorothiazde, lisinopril, benicar/hct, atenolol, and amlodipine (norvasc)...but only one med at a time so looking BACK, it was easy to see what side effects the drug was causing. Believe it or not, each med I took had fewer side effects than the one before it, but given the side effects I experienced, that's not saying much.
No, I stopped taking the amlodipine at the end of May, without my doctor's knowledge or consent. I read daily about high blood pressure, and in my months of reading have come to the conclusion that I shouldn't have been prescribed medication in the first place. I need to post that story another time...
But I want you to know that I recognize the fact that many people DO need to be on meds to control their bp...it's just that they need to know what to look for in terms of side effects so they can find a medication that works for them and do so without endangering their present health.
Hope your holidays are special and blessed with much love and peace and good health.
Bethsheba
bethsheba
12-23-2007, 09:24 AM
..I read elsewhere that beta blockers are being phased out in the UK. I also understand they were never intended for people with HBP. Originally, they were for patients with heart problems. I read a post from a caridologist and she advised to steer clear of BB's and to get a more appropriate medication for HBP. She reckons beta blockers actually increase systolic levels! I don't know how true this is, but that's what I'm reading on-line...
Marantz, interesting, very interesting. Do let us know if you learn anything further! That cardiologist is a brave one and I would be interested in knowing more what she has to say.
...Beth, I too was on Atenolol for a month and was pulled off them by my GP to see how I'd get on otherwise. I get a massive pain in my chest two days later. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was the worst I ever had. That's the kind of doctor I have. After I went back another month later my BP had shot up even higher. Would that have been caused by rebound hypertension?...
Wow, didn't your doctor have you slowly reduce the amount of medication you were taking? You may have been lucky to "only" have the angina...it could have been worse:(.
As for the rebound hypertension question, I really don't know. There's not a lot of info out there about rebound hypertension...I think it's like weight gain...they just don't want you to know that some of these meds can make your condition worse (although they say that on the package inserts--they just don't specify "how").
I think I experienced rebound because abrupt withdrawal from beta blockers can cause it (per the literature)...and because my bp after discoing atenolol and before going on norvasc was higher than my bp was after being off norvasc for 4-6 weeks...now it's possible that increased activity levels and increased potassium levels would have been enough to drop the pressures...and it might have been a combintation of all three. I guess I won't know...but I would certainly question any pressures taken after going off of medication.
Oh, and there is an effect where antihyperintensive medication can actually elevate blood pressure, or make your blood pressure rise. Again, I haven't seen much literature on this, but there is some.
Do keep us current as to what's happening in your health care arena...unfortunately, the drug companies control our health care system and not everything is done in the patients' best interest here.
Bethsheba
Marantz, interesting, very interesting. Do let us know if you learn anything further! That cardiologist is a brave one and I would be interested in knowing more what she has to say.
...Beth, I too was on Atenolol for a month and was pulled off them by my GP to see how I'd get on otherwise. I get a massive pain in my chest two days later. It only lasted a few minutes, but it was the worst I ever had. That's the kind of doctor I have. After I went back another month later my BP had shot up even higher. Would that have been caused by rebound hypertension?...
Wow, didn't your doctor have you slowly reduce the amount of medication you were taking? You may have been lucky to "only" have the angina...it could have been worse:(.
As for the rebound hypertension question, I really don't know. There's not a lot of info out there about rebound hypertension...I think it's like weight gain...they just don't want you to know that some of these meds can make your condition worse (although they say that on the package inserts--they just don't specify "how").
I think I experienced rebound because abrupt withdrawal from beta blockers can cause it (per the literature)...and because my bp after discoing atenolol and before going on norvasc was higher than my bp was after being off norvasc for 4-6 weeks...now it's possible that increased activity levels and increased potassium levels would have been enough to drop the pressures...and it might have been a combintation of all three. I guess I won't know...but I would certainly question any pressures taken after going off of medication.
Oh, and there is an effect where antihyperintensive medication can actually elevate blood pressure, or make your blood pressure rise. Again, I haven't seen much literature on this, but there is some.
Do keep us current as to what's happening in your health care arena...unfortunately, the drug companies control our health care system and not everything is done in the patients' best interest here.
Bethsheba
marantz1935
12-23-2007, 12:42 PM
No problem Beth with the information on beta blockers. It's a pity I can't cite my sources.
I didn't know that pain I had in my chest following my abrupt withdrawal from Atenolol was actually angina.:eek:
I'm not sure what the system is here in Ireland as regards drug companies and doctors, but I might just look into it. In fairness to my GP, he dosen't tend to push medicines on his patients generally - at least that's my familys experience with him.
Regards,
Marantz.
I didn't know that pain I had in my chest following my abrupt withdrawal from Atenolol was actually angina.:eek:
I'm not sure what the system is here in Ireland as regards drug companies and doctors, but I might just look into it. In fairness to my GP, he dosen't tend to push medicines on his patients generally - at least that's my familys experience with him.
Regards,
Marantz.
bethsheba
12-23-2007, 02:17 PM
No problem Beth with the information on beta blockers. It's a pity I can't cite my sources.
Not a problem...when I know something exists, I can usually find it.
..I didn't know that pain I had in my chest following my abrupt withdrawal from Atenolol was actually angina.:eek:
I'm not a doctor so I don't know that your chest pain is actually angina...it's just angina is listed as a symptom of abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker and
from what I understand when you stop a beta blocker quickly, sometimes the blood flow to the heart is slowed down, and that means that oxygen isn't get to the heart fast enough, resulting in pain. It usually takes place within one or two days after withdrawal, is only temporary and doesn't permently damage the heart...but this may not apply to someone with a heart problem.
...I'm not sure what the system is here in Ireland as regards drug companies and doctors, but I might just look into it. In fairness to my GP, he dosen't tend to push medicines on his patients generally - at least that's my familys experience with him.
Well, I've been told that there are 2 drug reps for every doctor in our area so the docs are getting alot of one sided info...and I think they listen more closely to the reps than they do their own patients. Some health care systems are addressing this problem and will no longer let the reps give benefits... gifts to health care workers in the form of dinners to fine restaurants, gift certificates for massages, vacation packages, golf weekends, electronic gadgets, mugs, notepads, you name its. Unfortunately, we have a society that is motivated by competition (which is perpetuated by the sports industry) and material things instead of empathy, compassion, cooperation and collaboration, and common sense.
Hope you'll be enjoying the holidays...take care and may peace and love be your constant companions.
Bethsheba
Not a problem...when I know something exists, I can usually find it.
..I didn't know that pain I had in my chest following my abrupt withdrawal from Atenolol was actually angina.:eek:
I'm not a doctor so I don't know that your chest pain is actually angina...it's just angina is listed as a symptom of abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker and
from what I understand when you stop a beta blocker quickly, sometimes the blood flow to the heart is slowed down, and that means that oxygen isn't get to the heart fast enough, resulting in pain. It usually takes place within one or two days after withdrawal, is only temporary and doesn't permently damage the heart...but this may not apply to someone with a heart problem.
...I'm not sure what the system is here in Ireland as regards drug companies and doctors, but I might just look into it. In fairness to my GP, he dosen't tend to push medicines on his patients generally - at least that's my familys experience with him.
Well, I've been told that there are 2 drug reps for every doctor in our area so the docs are getting alot of one sided info...and I think they listen more closely to the reps than they do their own patients. Some health care systems are addressing this problem and will no longer let the reps give benefits... gifts to health care workers in the form of dinners to fine restaurants, gift certificates for massages, vacation packages, golf weekends, electronic gadgets, mugs, notepads, you name its. Unfortunately, we have a society that is motivated by competition (which is perpetuated by the sports industry) and material things instead of empathy, compassion, cooperation and collaboration, and common sense.
Hope you'll be enjoying the holidays...take care and may peace and love be your constant companions.
Bethsheba
flowergirl2day
12-23-2007, 06:58 PM
Hi Marantz,
I don't know if all BB's are the same. I imagine they are though. I read elsewhere that beta blockers are being phased out in the UK. I also understand they were never intended for people with HBP.
You are well informed, Marantz. :)
There were two studies done in the last few years comparing the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Both the LIFE study and the ASCOT study showed the superiority of an ARB and a CCB over a therapy with a beta blocker. Their conclusion was that the beta blockers were inferior to other agents in stroke prevention, but NOT in prevention of a MI and reduction in mortality.
As a result, the NICE -National Institute for Health Excellence- in UK advised the use of beta blockers only as a fourth line antihypertensive agents.
An update was issued by the British Hypertension Society to the Hypertension treatment guidelines based on this recommendation. I remember mentioning this update briefly in one of my posts about beta blockers in the past. I think a similar update regarding the use of beta blockers was issued here in Canada. I have yet to check our Hypertension treatment guidelines for that update. Thanks for reminding me - I need to do this. I will also check my sources for any information about the beta blockers causing increases in systolic blood pressure in some people. If I find anything, I'll post.
P.S.
Beta blockers are not all the same! There are many differences in how they work and in the degree of their selectivity as well as the side effects. There is a new one just out (it is new here - not so new in Europe) that has certain advantages over the other beta blockers.
flowergirl
I don't know if all BB's are the same. I imagine they are though. I read elsewhere that beta blockers are being phased out in the UK. I also understand they were never intended for people with HBP.
You are well informed, Marantz. :)
There were two studies done in the last few years comparing the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs. Both the LIFE study and the ASCOT study showed the superiority of an ARB and a CCB over a therapy with a beta blocker. Their conclusion was that the beta blockers were inferior to other agents in stroke prevention, but NOT in prevention of a MI and reduction in mortality.
As a result, the NICE -National Institute for Health Excellence- in UK advised the use of beta blockers only as a fourth line antihypertensive agents.
An update was issued by the British Hypertension Society to the Hypertension treatment guidelines based on this recommendation. I remember mentioning this update briefly in one of my posts about beta blockers in the past. I think a similar update regarding the use of beta blockers was issued here in Canada. I have yet to check our Hypertension treatment guidelines for that update. Thanks for reminding me - I need to do this. I will also check my sources for any information about the beta blockers causing increases in systolic blood pressure in some people. If I find anything, I'll post.
P.S.
Beta blockers are not all the same! There are many differences in how they work and in the degree of their selectivity as well as the side effects. There is a new one just out (it is new here - not so new in Europe) that has certain advantages over the other beta blockers.
flowergirl
marantz1935
12-24-2007, 06:36 AM
Thanks Beth,
The description of my chest pain is bang on, so I'd wager is was something serious enough to cause me such pain. I don't think I ever experienced anything like it. I hope you and yours have a wonderful christmas also.
Thanks for your kinds words FG. The info I get is just bits and pieces from forums, sites etc. I tend to try to gather as much general information as I can about things that concern me. I stand corrected about thinking all BB's might be the same. I kinda suspected they wern't alright. I hope you have a nice christmas FG.
Regards,
Marantz.
The description of my chest pain is bang on, so I'd wager is was something serious enough to cause me such pain. I don't think I ever experienced anything like it. I hope you and yours have a wonderful christmas also.
Thanks for your kinds words FG. The info I get is just bits and pieces from forums, sites etc. I tend to try to gather as much general information as I can about things that concern me. I stand corrected about thinking all BB's might be the same. I kinda suspected they wern't alright. I hope you have a nice christmas FG.
Regards,
Marantz.
chablis3
12-27-2007, 09:19 PM
Hi Everyone! It's finally quiet around here! Hope you all had a good Christmas. I just finished reading the latest posts! Flowergirl, now I remember what test I was supposed to have. It was indeed that heart test where they put the dye into you and then monitor you. Well, I didn't go; I got too nervous about it and cancelled it! I did, however, have another EKG about a month ago, and it was ok, so I am just going to forget that test for now. And yes, I agree with you, I think doctors do jump the gun when it comes to putting people on b/p meds. I have to admit the Atenolol did bring mine down some, but I don't think I really needed it in the first place.
Bethsheba, your advice on the b/p meds and weight gain really has me thinking. Even though I do eat the same, or even if I try dieting, I stay the same. I am active, although I don't do exercises like I used to because of my back problem. But, I am not a couch potato either. I am up to around 185 now, and used to range around 155 or so. Even in the summer when I can get in my pool and do some water exercises, I still can't lose any weight. So, yep, I bet it is the Atenolol. What a terrible drug! I want off of it.
Marantz, that terrible pain you had in your chest had to be very scary. I know it is dangerous to go off a b/p med cold turkey, so I bet that is what caused the pain. Thank goodness your ok. Hope you get checked out to make sure nothing else is wrong.
I don't want to make this real long, but wanted to say all the posts were very good reading. Thanks, all, and take care.
Judy
Bethsheba, your advice on the b/p meds and weight gain really has me thinking. Even though I do eat the same, or even if I try dieting, I stay the same. I am active, although I don't do exercises like I used to because of my back problem. But, I am not a couch potato either. I am up to around 185 now, and used to range around 155 or so. Even in the summer when I can get in my pool and do some water exercises, I still can't lose any weight. So, yep, I bet it is the Atenolol. What a terrible drug! I want off of it.
Marantz, that terrible pain you had in your chest had to be very scary. I know it is dangerous to go off a b/p med cold turkey, so I bet that is what caused the pain. Thank goodness your ok. Hope you get checked out to make sure nothing else is wrong.
I don't want to make this real long, but wanted to say all the posts were very good reading. Thanks, all, and take care.
Judy