Valsartan (Diovan) for Blood Pressure

flowergirl2day · 05-10-2007, 07:57 PM

Hello,

A new drug has just been added to my BP meds. I am told Valsartan is in the ARB group.

I did not have to pay for my first batch of pills, so there's no drug sheet. I have several concerns, the main one being possible interactions with the other meds in the different groups that I am on. Also, what possible side effects of this medication to watch for.

I would appreciate any information about this drug, including personal experiences with it.
Reducing the dose of Labetalol has resulted in my breathing a little better. It has also caused my BP to get too high. That's why the new drug.

Thank you!
Flowergirl

cartner · 05-10-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flowergirl2day

Hello,

A new drug has just been added to my BP meds. I am told Valsartan is in the ARB group.

I did not have to pay for my first batch of pills, so there's no drug sheet. I have several concerns, the main one being possible interactions with the other meds in the different groups that I am on. Also, what possible side effects of this medication to watch for.

I would appreciate any information about this drug, including personal experiences with it.
Reducing the dose of Labetalol has resulted in my breathing a little better. It has also caused my BP to get too high. That's why the new drug.

Thank you!
Flowergirl

Yes it'a an ARB drug like Cozaar and Atacand. I tried both Cozaar 50 mg and Atacand 8mg and couldn't stand it for more than few days. I had many bad side effects (dizziness, tireness, weak legs, being breathless and more). Those side effects happened after 24 hours of the first dose and it didn' go away. On the other hand, my father tried both and he had NO SIDE EFFECTS at all

. As we said before, we react differently to the same drug. some people had higher blood pressure readings while they are no Cozaar

.

I tried all the drug classes and none worked without side effects except for CCB, I'm on Diltiazem SR 240 mg and I'm happy with it

.
The bottom line is that you have to try it and see what side effects you will get, maybe you will get no side effects at all. If it didnt lower your blood pressure then why you would take it?

I think we have to be smart and educated about those drugs, at many times you may be on 3 drugs and one of them is working for you while the others are not working at all. Doctors MAY know that and who will be the winner? the drug companies

.

hope this helps,
Michael

violet312s · 05-10-2007, 10:01 PM

I've been on Diovan for about 9 months now. Very low side effects (for me). Just some minor post-dosing dizziness and some fatigue but compared to other meds it's way better.

I was able to get good BP control with Diovan.

Your experience may vay.

famnd · 05-11-2007, 12:01 AM

You can go to any pharmacy & ask for a package insert (information sheet) for Diovan even if you haven't bought the the drug from them. My drug book says it works best on an empty stomach. Side effects: headaches,cough, diarrhea,nausea, joint aches are the most frequent. Blood potassium may increase so make sure you get your lab tests done. If you are taking any supplement containing potassium,check with your Dr. This drug is in the same class as Cozaar so if you get wrist pain, call the Dr. right away. Cozaar is the drug that damaged my knees. Wrist pain was my first symptom that the Dr. dismissed as arthritis which I didn't have a history of. Takes about 2 wks to reduce b/p with the max effect in 4 wks. Let me know if you can't get the pkg insert cause I think I have one in my files. Glad your breathing is better. Do you have asthma? Fam

flowergirl2day · 05-11-2007, 01:11 AM

Hi,

thanks for your post!

Quote:

I had many bad side effects (dizziness, tireness, weak legs, being breathless and more). Those side effects happened after 24 hours of the first dose and it didn' go away.

I already have a smorgassboard of side effects from my meds, including all of the above. They aren't going away, either! I guess with this new drug they can only get worse. Unless I get a brand new side effect, it might be impossible to tell how it's affecting me. My BP meds now consist of one from each of the main classes of drugs with the exception of vasodilators and central acting agents.

You'd think my BP should be perfect!

My SOB was getting so bad I could hardly stand it anymore and complained endlessly. That's what prompted the doc to cut back on Labetalol. I am surprised that ARBs caused you breathlessness! If it turns out to be the case with me and my SOB gets really bad again, we'll have to find an alternative.

It's surprising to hear that Cozaar and similar drugs might cause a rise in BP - certainly NOT a very desirable trait!

Flowergirl