salbutamol weirdness.

I've found recently if I'm using it for tightness, it makes me really lightheaded to the point where I usually have to lay down due to feeling like I'll pass out and I feel really sick. I'm ok if I'm using it for coughing and shortness of breath. I'll sound stupid, but it puts me off using it with tightness because of the side effects. I use a spacer, one puff at a time. could there be a particular reason it makes me lightheaded and causes me to feel sick with tightness? if so, could I do anything about it? I'm fine with salbutamol nebs, but they're usually mixed with atrovent if that's relevant.

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May sound silly but have you checked your blood pressure to see whats happening when you get these side effects? It might be worth having a look to see if its on the high or low side... Or it may just be normal in which case barking up the wrong tree completely

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ahh, no. I hadn't thought about it possibly been blood pressure related, I know when I'm in hospital nebs can make it go either way, although its usually more towards the lower end. changes in BP wouldn't cause me to feel sick though, would it?

my mum had high blood pressure so she's got a home monitor, I'll check it the next time it happens.

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Hi Confused,

Low blood pressure wobbled can definitely make you feel sick, and IIRC high blood pressure can sometimes cause vomiting.

I wouldn't be surprised if salbutamol was making your blood pressure drop, given it works by dilating smooth muscle, which will quickly increase the space your blood has to flow around without an increase in the amount of fluid filling that space.

If you're lying down, and raising your legs a little you're already doing a sensible thing! I'd check with a GP or practice nurse what else you can do, and to check whether or not it is a blood pressure thing.

Best wishes

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thank you - I'll try raising my legs. I usually keep them at the same level, I'll also definitely ask my gp about it when I see her again.