Need advice regarding my dose - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

cartner · 03-07-2008, 11:57 AM

Hi everyone,

I have been away for few months but I'm back again

.

I have been on Zebeta 2.5mg (at morning) + 5mg of Norvasc (at night) for the last few months. I had a problem in winter, my readings are 140/100+. Anyway, since I took this drug combination my readings range from 120/80 to 100/60 even in WINTER

.

I really feel dizzy and tired, no matter how many cup of coffee I drink or how much salt I add to my food. My blood pressure never go higher than 120/80. Can I reduce my Norvasc to 2.5mg? I have tried Norvasc alone and I think it's not as effective as taking it with Zebeta.

Also I have another issue, I'm not married yet but I'm still worry about Zebeta and ED. I'm sure that it has an effect but I wonder if the effect will last after Zebeta leave the body?
Thanks,
Michael

bethsheba · 03-07-2008, 12:15 PM

Hi Michael,

Welcome back!

Have been on norvasc but can't remember if it is safe to cut the pill in half...I think it is, but it is best to check with your pharmacist first (some pills should not be cut in half, just for your info!)

Can't answer your questons about zebeta either...is that the brand name? or the generic? It may help other readers to know what other names it goes by as I don't recall the name "zebeta" appearing on the board recently.

Hope you father's well.

Bethsheba

cartner · 03-07-2008, 01:06 PM

Hi Bethsheba,

Thanks for your post, Zebeta is the brand name (which is Concor in Egypt

). The active ingrediant is called Bisoprolol, I already cut the tablet in half as the dr told me. Yes I know that some drugs can't be split in half, like those coated tablets (SR or XR).

I'm happy that my blood pressure is under control with medication, no matter what I drink or eat

. But I don't want it that low

Thanks for your help,
Michael

flowergirl2day · 03-07-2008, 10:28 PM

Hi Michael,

It's good to hear from you again! I am so happy your blood pressure is under control and all is well. I told you you'd find the perfect drug combination eventually.
Since your doctor approved this change in dosing, go for it! One thing is for sure - you don't want your heart rate or blood pressure to be too low.
This drug combination is highly controversial. Some doctors say it works well in people with chronic stable angina. It can be useful in some situations and very dangerous in others. This drug combo can result in adverse cardiovascular effects, including CHF and severe hypotension. It can also increase serum concentration of the beta blocker by inhibiting CYP450. Makes you wonder why our doctors prescribe these drugs together for us, knowing they shouldn't.

As you know, I too am on both of these medications. (Norvasc & Bisoprolol).
Fatigue is a side effect of both of these drugs - so the lower the dose, the better off you'll be (in theory at least). The dizziness could be a result of your blood pressure being too low at times - I experience that when my blood pressure drops too much. What does your doctor say about that?

The ED is worrisome and difficult to avoid, especially with the BP meds. Norvasc has low incidence of sexual dysfunction -1-2%. The beta blocker is sure to contribute to a greater extent than the CCB. Ditto for Effexor, if you still take it (16%). Reducing your medication doses is sure to result in improvement in your side effects.

take care, Michael

flowergirl

cartner · 03-08-2008, 02:09 AM

Hi flowergirl,

Thanks for your great post. I meant that my dr put me on 2.5mg of Zebeta and 5mg of Norvasc. I haven't talked with him about reducing Norvasc to 2.5mg, the tablet can be devided but still I'm not sure that I can do that. Please if you have read that 2.5mg of Norvasc is a good dose tell me so.

Yes Norvasc has nothing to do with ED, but Zebeta is

. The question is, when I wean off it (when I get marry

) Do I will reverse ED? I know that you read a lot and you must have more info about that.

What CHF means? Please can you explain what did you mean by "This drug combo can result in adverse cardiovascular effects, including CHF and severe hypotension. It can also increase serum concentration of the beta blocker by inhibiting CYP450." ? can this combo kill someone or what?

My reading this morning, before I take Zebeta, was 110/67 and 57 pulse.

low which makes me dizzy.
By the way, I weaned off both Effexor and Xanax. Since I stopped Xanax I don't sleep at all

, I hope this will change over the following few weeks.
Thanks for your great help,
Michael