Beta Blockers - Feeling Sorry For Myself - Page 2

Lenin · 05-09-2005, 09:35 AM

I think propranolol is a MUCH kinder beta-blocker than atenolol (tenormin.)

Don't overlook hydrochlorothiazide in your search for a useable BP med. Doctors and drug companies don't care for it because IT'S CHEAP, but it can be a VERY potent BP drug, especially for people who are salt sensitive.

mgraylorn · 05-09-2005, 12:38 PM

I had a lot of trouble with propranolol in the form of Toprol.

The diltiazem branch of the calcium channel blocker family will reduce heart rate. Some examples are Cardizem, Dilacor and Tiazac. These also are available in generic.

Hang in there. It can be very frustrating and depressing to try all these meds and get side effects and no blood pressure control. Fortunately there are a lot of meds to try, and there is bound to be a combination that works with no or a minimum of side effects for you. Just be firm with your doctor - what you are taking makes you unacceptably sick and you MUST get something else!

photo2001 · 05-15-2005, 05:20 AM

I used to take Cardizem. Now I take Metoprolol and Vasotec, and my bp has been in a decent range, but I think I'm getting side effects, and am getting depressed.
This is my current daily medicine: Prevacid, (to fight the gi tract irritation caused by the other meds. Vasotec. Metoprolol. One 81mg aspirin. Xanax. Lately I've been having numbness in my hands. My orthopedist told me this is carpal tunnel syndrome, but it affects all my fingers. Also, I get lightheaded, and a kind of pressure that goes up the back of my head. The xanax seems to help this. I hate taking these meds and will be talking to my doctor about these new symptoms soon.
I would appreciate any insight into my medicines and side effects. I am also feeling sorry for myself and anxious. Thanks, Kevin.

Lenin · 05-15-2005, 08:20 AM

photo,

Get one of those $15 wrist braces to wear to sleep; it will keep your wrist straight during the night and that takes pressure off the hand nerves in carpal tunnel syndrome. It helps some people avoid surgery.

photo2001 · 05-15-2005, 05:51 PM

Lenin,
Thank you for the suggestion. My orthopedist gave me a very good one of those braces, but it didn't help the numbness. I wore it for several days. That's why I don't think this is just carpal tunnel, but maybe a side effect from my meds, possibly Raynaud's.