Water Pills

[Emeraldeyes]

Hi Everyone:

I Am Currently Taking Clonidine .01mg 5 X's Day To Try And Control My Blood Pressure. My Internist Is Trying To Find Another Medication To Add To This Because My Hbp Is Not Controlled Real Good. I Have Tried So Many Drugs But I Am So Sensitive To Medication That All They Do Is Give Me Terrible Side Effects. I Even Tried The Arb's - Benicar Which Gave Me The Internal Shakes So Bad And Diovan Which Gave Me Flu Like Symtons And My Body Ached All Over So Bad.

My Question Is What About Water Pills. I Tried One When I Was First Diagnosed And They Made My Heart Race So Bad. Would They Do This Again? What Brand And Strength Would You Recommend?
I Would Like To Start Out With The Lowest Dose Possible Since
I Am So Sensitive To Medications. How Bad Are They On The Kidneys And Will I Have To Watch My Potassium?

Thanks

[bharkins]

There are so many BP medications out there and all of them have side effects. Some people are not bothered by the side effects and others cannot tolerate them at all. Everyone is different and reacts differently to these medications. It has been a trial and error thing with most of us. For myself, I have just learned to live with the side effects since I have found four medications that keep my blood pressure at a reasonable level. As far as what class of medications, I take four different classes. This combo seems to do the trick. There are many medications that are bashed on this board, but I have learned that it is an individual tolerance and what doesn't work for one person may work beautifully for another. I am sure you will find something that works for you. Good luck.

[zip2play]

Emeraldeyes,

I'd start with 25 mg. HCTZ (hydrochorothiazide) a day and see how you take to them.
Have some fruit or OJ daily to be sure you're replacing your potassium. Maybe a daily magnesium supplement is a good idea as well.

They are cheap as dirt and among the safest of drugs.

[cloverberry]

I took 12.5 mgs of hctz but it made me so sleepy I had to quit. Now I'm taking accupril 10 mgs with no problem. I just had to give it about a week till my body got used to it because I got kinda sleepy from them too. I'm taking them with 10 mgs of Norvasc

[jtu91952]

Keep in mind that thiazides can increase glucose and cholesterol levels. i have been on hctz for five or six yrs. Started out with 25 mgs, then doubled to 50 mgs (last two months) and now down to 12.5 mgs.