Toprol

[Pintails]

I was just diagnosed with Hypertension and prescribed Toprol, 25mg/day. I am monitoring my BP and I am not seeing a significant reduction; started at 168/98....it varies depending upon the time of day, but, my last reading was 148/91. I have been on the drug for 2 days and I am wondering if it is effective immediately or does it take a couple of days? Experiencing anxiety, as I am sure you all can imagine! Any words of wisdom out there? Thanks!

[zimman]

I just started on Toprol XL 50mg 3 weeks ago. First two weeks were fine. Then this week I started feeling dizzy occasionally, upset stomach, diarrhea, tired, rundown and not very happy about the whole thing! My doc (internist) is on vacation til June 2. I joined this list and have discovered that these are not uncommon side effects, at all.
In answer to your question: I noticed an immediate change in BP readings when they put me on. I'm not sure its always staying down where I want it, though. I haven't really embraced this high BP thing, yet. It came on rather suddenly. Long story. No time today.
Next!

[zuzu8]

Hi Pintails!
The rule of thumb with a Beta Blocker, even though their effects usually kick in pretty quickly, is to wait a minimum of one week before making a definitive judgement about whether it's working at that dosage, or even if it's the appropriate drug for you.

When I was first put on meds, my doc asked me specifically to come back in one week for monitoring in his office.

When did your doc ask you to return?

zuzu xxxx

[Pintails]

My doctor is having me come back in 4 weeks, although I am having some testing done. I have a renal scan done yesterday, and next week I am having a stress echo done. I would suspect that she would call me immediately if anything is found in these tests. I had been on Celebrex, and was taken off of that. I have heard that may be part of my problem; heredity the other. I sure would love a "quick fix"!

[zuzu8]

Ahhh, the 'quick fix". So would we all!

In reading up on BP meds I HAVE read that sometimes doctors like to wait one month before judging efficacy of a drug, so your doc wanting to see you for monitoring then sounds okay.

I presume you are having a renal scan to rule out secondary hypertension. That's just to make sure there is no kidney or adrenal problem causing your hypertension. This happens but it's rare.Most of us have primary hypertension, where there is nothing pathologic going on that they can "fix".

Those damn genes!
Try not to be too anxious. I know how it feels to be going along just fine your whole life and then, boom, something is "wrong".
Hypertension runs in my family and for years, my BP was totally normal.
Thought HA HA I've "escaped" the family curse.
Then at 57 BP started creeping up.
Monitored it for a year, because it was pretty labile, sometimes reading normal, (120/70) sometimes 140/90, sometimes, 158/98...
It wasn't until we got three or four successive high readings that I was put on meds.
Hated the idea.
We all do.
But we should be grateful that we have drugs that can control it...I fully intend NOT to drop dead from a stroke like my Mom, who refused to take anything.

You'll be fine....

best,
zuzu xxxxx