Favorite ARBS

evelyn1 · 03-18-2005, 12:00 PM

I've been taking Diovan for nearly 6 weeks, first 80 then 160 mgs, and my bp is not coming down. Before I add back in maxide, which I hated taking in the past, I want to try a different ARB. Can you all remind me which ARBS have worked best for you? Thanks all.

mgraylorn · 03-18-2005, 01:06 PM

ARBs haven't done much for me. Many people who visit here seem to like Benicar, with or without a diuretic.

Palamedes · 03-18-2005, 01:57 PM

I'm a Benicar fan. The only ARB comparison I have is Hyzaar 50/12.5 (Cozaar + HCTZ) compared to Benicar 20 (no HCTZ). For me, plain vanilla Benicar blows away Hyzaar. Hyzaar did absolutely nothing for my BP. I don't know if the HCTZ was a negative player. Or, if Cozaar was just outright ineffective. But, I am getting excellent BP control from Benicar.

I don't know how Benicar compares to Diovan though. From what I've read, Benicar seems to be the most potent ARB available.

Pal

CASSIEBEL · 03-18-2005, 04:31 PM

I have been on Benicar HCT for nearly a year. My BP has been in the nearly normal range most of that time. Before Benicar I took ARBs Micardis and Diovan. They both gave me good control for 6 to 8 hours and then my BP would slowly climb up. I would start out with 120/70 and by bedtime it could be as high as 180/90. With Benicar it is much more stable.
My cardiologist told me Benicar is the only ARB that last a full 24 hours.
Cass

pat52 · 03-18-2005, 05:41 PM

HTCZ and Lotenson gave me heart pap really bad-over a Christmas weekend no less-really scared me. Dr thought it was th sulfa in the HTCZ. I've been on Benicar 40mg for over a year. At first I started out at 20mg and it didnt seem to lower my pressure-then increased to 40mg. My pressure had been running in the upper 80's-low 90's (top #) over upper 50's to mid 60's lower#. I had been getting dizzy spells/light headiness/ brain fog- Since I've lost over 30 lbs-doctor thinks I might have Hypotension and I have just started splitting the 40mg in half for the past two days. I know it took a month or so for the Benicar to kick in. I had carpal tunnel surgery several months ago and boy was I nervous- In recovery the nurse kept checking my blood pressure and made the comment "boy your blood pressure sure stays pretty consistent" I could see the monitor and it was 108/67 or lower. They kept me over 5 hours-even had lunch at the hospital-don't know if they were concerned about the pressure being low or just normal for cp surgery. I thought after surgery-you got to go hour or so. Benicar has kept my Bp very steady-Just hope cutting the dosage works! Took mine today in the a.m. and it was 110/69 -(I thought I have HBP -lol due to the low numbers I was getting.) Hope the lower dosage takes care of the lightheadiness/ spacey felling.