Ramapril

[ChemicalJoe]

Just as they say people react differently to drugs, why is it that patients are discouraged from making minor adjustments to their dosages? I’ve just decided to reduce my Ramapril dosage by one third. Had some unpleasant effects after changing from one brand to another. Chemist was out of stock. This raises the further question, are different brands identical? I suspect not.

[2greys]

Hypertension is a morbid condition, so no you should not change the dosage. As with many drugs they contain a 'filler' to make the pill a manageable size and better control over the dosage. I suggest it is the filler that is different, go back to the pharmacist and tell them you are suddenly getting side effects and ask them to try to get your original brand and exchange what you have left to be safely destroyed.

[ChemicalJoe in reply to 2greys]

That’s good advice, I’ll take it. Thanks.

[Bevvy]

I 100% agree with 2greys that you shouldn’t change the dosage. Also I would argue that reducing by a third is not a minor adjustment.Go back to pharmacist and if no joy there you need to go back to gp. It is not unknown that a medication that taken for sometime stops working or a person stops tolerating it. In that case only a doctor can try a different one.

[ChemicalJoe in reply to Bevvy]

I’m going to see the pharmacist about it… thanks for your concern…

[Hidden]

I reduced my dose when I was on BP medicine after discussion with my doctor and when my BP was being measured regular, ie it was coming back as perfect for many months. I was on diltiazem 60mg, then reduced, to 40mg for several more months then eventually down to 10mg, my blood pressure remained stable; eventually I could stop taking it *aside from that there was a shortage of diltiazem and I was told not to keep switching different brands on that medicine by cardiac specialist and the pharmacist when 1st prescribed it.

So now I no longer take BP medicine but I do check BP periodically myself.

With the inhalers I have informed the consultant previously I take half dose of the steroid inhaler during the easier breathing summer months but as soon as I notice a difficulty arising I up the dose again to full dose as prescribed and this is what I usually take during winter months. The consultant wasn't happy that I do this he would prefer if I remained on full dose all the time, but I do feel I know my lungs well now and they certainly let me know when air quality is poor and airways have narrowed, so I respond accordingly.

This is just what I do, I would say any adjustments you really need to discuss with your doctor (telephone appointment if you can't get a face to face one) and you would probably be best monitoring your blood pressure regularly*.

*My doctor asked me to monitor my own BP for 7 days, 2-3 times daily initially when stopping the BP medication after reducing it and asks me to repeat this now and again to provide information for medical monitoring.

Take good care, some people are unaware they have high BP and left untreated can result in heart attack.

Be well, Be Safe and Breathe Easy.

The main thing is good management of our health conditions, so our health issues can remain stable, thus avoiding complications and the need for hospitalisation.

[Suzie42 in reply to Hidden]

Funny enough I do the same thing with inhalers and drs dont like me doing it, but if I can get away with less inhaled steroid I think that must be better. Like you I was on blood pressure meds and have managed to come off now. Measuring blood pressure at home. I have white coat syndrome 😊

[Hidden in reply to Suzie42]

It is of course at our own risk but I agree.

[Suzie42 in reply to Hidden]

Sometimes you just have to take control of your life

[Ergendl]

I have problems with the colouring used to identify tablets and capsules. That usually shows up when one brand is replaced by another more generic brand by the pharmacy. It's important to contact your doctor about it.

[Debs_ALUK Partner British Lung Foundation]

Although it is a good idea to educate yourself on your own conditions, always speak to your GP or health care provider before changing or adding any medications (including any supplements) yourself. It is a good idea for these things to be recorded on your notes for any future treatment and also to keep you all safe. Take care

Debs