posted 08-20-2003 12:12 AM            

I can't take any of the usual diuretics because I'm extremely allergic to sulfa. This rules out HCT, etc.

I started taking Cardura 1mg/day last week. I am curious to hear from anyone else that has taking this class of drugs (alpha blockers) and how it's worked, etc.

My doc plans to increase the Cardura slowly and likely add a potassium sparing diuretic.

posted 08-21-2003 05:22 AM            

Was wondering why your doctor, given that the Atacand wasn't *quite* doing the job, switched you to Cardura instead of keeping you on the Atacand (which, as an ARB has so few side effects in general) and adding a non-sulfa diuretic to THAT regimen? Can't figure out why he/she considered the alpha.

Unless you have something like benign prostate enlargement, (presuming you are a man!), cholesterol problems or diabetes, most doctors prescribe other classes of meds way before the alphas. BUT if you have any of the above problems , Cardura and Alphas are very beneficial.

However, the BP lowering effects of the alphas alone are modest...that's why your doc is thinking of adding the diuretic later.

It sounds like his step-up approach and starting off slowly at a low does at this point is perfect.

Bottom line though is, that whatever regimen controls your BP and doesn't have intolerable side effects and isn't contraindicated because of other health issues, go with it!

zuzu xxx

posted 08-21-2003 12:47 PM            

She indicated that the diuretic is quite mild compared to HCT, etc. I think that's why she has the Cardura too. We discussed which to add next - the alpha or the diuretic. She said that I have to start a regular blood-monitoring plan. I have had to have a bunch of blood work lately and I probably indirectly steered her to start with the Cardura (alpha) first so I can defer starting the blood testing.

Also, I am staying on the Atacand because I also suffer from migraines and that has really helped as a preventative at the 32mg dose. My migraines are down to 2-3/month from 8-10/month.

So, I guess what feedback I'm looking for from people here is how have alpha blockers worked/not worked and secondly, is anyone on a potassium sparing diurectic and if so, which one(s) and how have they worked.

posted 08-22-2003 12:01 PM            

A combo of ARB and diuretic is much more widely tried than ARB and alpha.....

Did I misread your post? Sorry if you explained this and I missed it.....
zuzu xxx

posted 08-22-2003 09:10 PM            

zuzu xx

posted 09-09-2003 01:22 AM            

Also, took a 24hr urine coritsol test. My serum cortisol test was abnormal. I don't expect the more accurate urine test to come back abnormal, but that should sure explain some things if it does.