When do you find is the best time of day for BP meds (beta blockers)? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Sofa King · 06-09-2007, 06:14 PM

Hello to you all. 33 year old newlywed who's been diagnosed with lab coat BP and some general anxiety issues to boot. 119/70 at home 170/70 at the doc's

Started on Paxil about 3 weeks ago to see if it would help alleviate my anxiety and BP issues when it comes to stressful situations. Well, it helped me feel calm and collected but my average BP at home didn't improve and in fact it probably went up.

Not to mention I couldn't have an orgasm to save my life. My wife is worn out!

Needless to say, Paxil wasn't for me and now I'm about to take Toprol XL 25mg to try and regulate my BP and keep my emotions even keeled. What's the consensus on what time of day is a good time to take Beta Blockers? I'm sure it varies with each individual but I'm curious to hear some feedback. I would imagine I'll feel a bit fatigued at least at first from this so I was thinking bedtime would be best but I want to make sure I'd get a lasting affect throughout the day. Thoughts?

candyheart · 06-09-2007, 11:33 PM

Toprol XL was making me extremely tired, so my dr suggested I take mine at bedtime--I'm taking 75mg.

Machaon · 06-10-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sofa King

Started on Paxil about 3 weeks ago ... my average BP at home didn't improve and in fact it probably went up.

What is your average BP at home? How much does it vary? How high does it get? In other words, is your average blood pressure high enough so that you have to get on life-long medications, and have to endure the annoying and sometimes serious side effects?

Quote:

Not to mention I couldn't have an orgasm to save my life. My wife is worn out!

The two best medications that one can take, for both blood pressure and sexual health, are exercise and healthy diet.

nova135 · 06-10-2007, 11:29 AM

Sofa King,

If you are a mewly wed, you may want to take something other than a beta blocker if possible. They have sexual side effects.

famnd · 06-10-2007, 07:13 PM

First, make sure your b/p monitor is accurate. Then take your b/p at different times to get a accurate b/p picture. I would concentrate on weight loss, cut out smoking/alcohol use & stress management. You might try biofeedback. You could ask the Dr. for Lebetalol which is short acting to take before Dr. visits to decrease "cuff anxiety.) The first year of marriage is a adjustment so perhaps a counselor would help. Fam