Norvasc 5mg + Zebeta 2.5mg when it will start working? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

cartner · 12-03-2007, 08:08 PM

Hi,

Few days back I was switched to Norvasc 5mg (taken at 9:00 PM) + Zebeta 2.5mg (taken at 9:00 AM). When I should see decrease in my blood pressure? 1 week?
I was on Diltiazem before so I guess that replacing one CCB with another is not a big deal for the body.
Thanks for help,
Michael

flowergirl2day · 12-05-2007, 09:52 AM

Michael,

Be patient. You should start seeing a reduction in your blood pressure anytime now.

According to my favorite drug book, two to four weeks of therapy are needed in patients just initiating the drug therapy with Norvasc. You'd been on a similar medication prior so I am sure it won't take as long to see benefits in blood pressure control. It is stressed that the lowest possible dose that works be used for long term blood pressure control with periodic evaluations, including ECGs, a MUST. As with other CCBs, there can be changes in heart rate and heart rhythm irregularities. One word of caution - these types of things are even more likely with concurrent use of the beta blockers.
Interestingly, this medication improves the ability to be more active without resulting in angina pain - so it may actually help with the exercise tolerance reduction caused by our beta blockers.

As for Zebeta (Bisoprolol), blood pressure response is seen within a week in patients starting the therapy. You should be seeing a good reduction in blood pressure anytime now. One thing to remember is that to retain its cardioselectivity, it is important to use the LOWEST effective dose of this drug. The selectivity is not absolute and at higher doses (>20mg) the beta2 receptors in the bronchial and vascular tissue are also inhibited. Which is not what we want if I want to be able to breathe and you exercise.

Good luck and keep us posted!

flowergirl

cartner · 12-07-2007, 08:44 AM

Hi flowergirl,

Sorry but I have some problems with my internet connection

.
Anyway, my blood pressure today is 120/84

(for the first time in a cold day). So I guess I will be fine, but I have one problem

. My heart rate ranges from 48 to 60, I don't know what I should do, maybe it's because I have been on Magnesium supplements for 2 years (250mg daily) until I stopped it because of Zebeta?? maybe it's addictive?
What do you think?
I'm doing to see my dr soon, because I'm on Effexor XR 75mg and Xanax 0.5mg daily for Depression and Anxiety.
Thanks for help,
Michael

cartner · 12-08-2007, 05:35 AM

Today I forgot to take my 2.5mg Zebeta, I feel better and my pulse is between 66 - 72. I'm very depressed

. I have tried many meds and nothing works without side effects, except for CCBs. I think I will ask my dr to up my dose to 10mg of Norvasc, if that will never work. I have tried Atacand and Cozaar in the ARB family, I got the same side effects from trying both. I wonder if I would get the same side effects trying other drugs in the same class?
Thanks,
Michael

flowergirl2day · 12-08-2007, 08:07 PM

Michael,

Sorry to hear about your depression and the side effects of your meds.
I think the problem here (side effects) may be due to the interactions between your medications.

Xanax and Zebeta (Bisoprolol): the coadministration of hypotensive (blood pressure) and psychotherapeutic (antidepressants) agents increases hypotensive and depressant effects. Additive effects result in drowsiness and dizziness. People should be monitored for hypotension and excessive and prolonged depression.

Xanax and Effexor: Central nervous system depression and respiratory effects increased. People should be monitored for depression and also respiratory depression.

Bisoprolol and Effexor - additive effects

Xanax and magnesium - minor interaction (delayed GI absorption)
Bisoprolol and magnesium - oral magnesium decreases bioavailability of beta blockers

It would be great if your doctor allowed you to get off the antidepressants. They only perpetuate the problem of depression. They also contribute to your side effects through their interactions with the blood pressure meds. Some of your medications have additive effects when combined with the others. This means that your body is affected by them to a much greater extent than intended with the dosage prescribed. I have been dealing with the same thing.

Magnesium has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. Perhaps your depression was partly caused by your magnesium supplementation. I don't know how strong the dose needs to be to affect people in this way. Magnesium produces vasodilation. Low doses can result in flushing and sweating, larger doses lower blood pressure. I don't know what you make of all this. In general, the more medication a person takes, the greater the occurence and intensity of side effects.

(At least in my experience). It is possible that without the antidepressants, your side effects from the CCB & BB could be minimal and well tolerated. Only your doctor knows whether or not you need this medication. You should have a discussion with him about your depression and its presumed causes.

flowergirl