vitamins affecting absorption of BP medication

[mickey99]

I started taking vitamins about 1 month ago-B-stress vitamin-Co enzyme 10 -selenium. Since then my blood pressure was much higher than usual 110/70 after taking vitamins 150/93. I stopped the vitamins and now my blood pressure is back to normal. I'm wondering if the vitamins interfere with the absorption of my BP pills 30 mg of prinivil and 5 mg of norvasc. Mickey99

[jeeps]

Never knew this may be a problem. I take accupril 20mg, norvasc 10mg and atenolol 50mg.

Supplements;

400mg CoQ10 split in 2 x 200mg
L Arginine 1000mg/day
L Carnitine 1000mg/day
L Taurine 1000mg/day
Progressive Active Multi 3x day (this is recommended)
grape seed extract 2x day (for the antioxidant value)

I started taking the aminos when my wife and I were trying to conceive a few years back ( sucessful as we have a 2 yr old and one due in Sept) But continued after finding out that (allegedly) all of these can assist with HBP......

Is it possible that supplementing can actually be detrimental?

Anyone?

[mickey99]

Yes-my neighbor is a nurse and she said when she went in for a procedure for herself the Doc asked if she took any supplements because it would block the effects of the meds they give you to knock you out. I believe there is something to that because once I stopped the supplements my blood pressure went down.

[bethsheba]

I'm on norvasc and the med sheet says you should report any vitamins, supplements, herbals, etc because they can enhance or diminish the effectiveness of the medication. The med sheets on my previous meds have said basically, the same thing.

Based on my experience, I think it's safe to say that the doctors are not always up on their reading regarding these interactions, so it may be wise to research the medication before filling the prescription, for this reason alone.

Bsheba

[jeeps]

If you pile a bunch of capsules, pills etc into yourself, they tend to "compete for absorbtion" amongst one another.

This is a principle well known to naturopaths and holistic practitioners. That is why if you are ever on multiple supplements for any reason , you will find that you get pretty specific instructions on what to take them with, and when, and which ones you should group together, which ones you shouldnt.

I took a page from this book and now take my meds early in the morning (I get up at 6:00am, so no problem there) and do not take any of my supplements for at least 2 hours afterward. Just started this, and I'm going to monitor to see how it works. The fact that you made the same adjustment and it appears to have worked should speak to this.

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