Isosorbide Mononitrate

[bowler]

Hello I have just picked up my tablets and start them tomorrow morning.

I know we all react differently to meds, but does anyone take them ? and what has your experience been with them.

many thanks

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Yes. Have had no issues! Better than using a GTN spray IMHO.

[bowler in reply to MichaelJH]

That's good, I hate using the spray.

Thanks.

[stevejb1810]

Worst drug it has ever been my misfortune to take! Splitting headache for 5 days straight that nothing could touch, chest pain, it was awful. I made a unilateral decision and stopped taking it. For some it’s fine, for some it isn’t. Quite a lot on Google if you want some further reading.

[bowler in reply to stevejb1810]

Were you able to come off straight away or did you have to taper,

[stevejb1810 in reply to bowler]

Yes. I only took them for 5 days, had the mother of all headaches for 5 days and then stopped. I told my GP about a week later. For me things just got better as soon as I stopped taking them

[bowler in reply to stevejb1810]

As you only took it for 5 days maybe it was ok just to stop them. I'm glad that things improved for you. I will try them but who knows ?

[bowler]

I did read some side effects of the drug, one of which states headaches.

I have had in the past Giant cell arteritis which causes awful headaches, I am now in remission, but on long term use of steroids, so I'm concerned about getting headaches. I suppose I need to give them a try. Thanks for telling me about your experience with them.

[Redthedoctor]

I took this also. It did give me a horrendous headache, which eased as time went on. Luckily I was only on it short term. Worth speaking to your gp, even if just for reassurance. Good luck and hope you get sorted!

[bowler in reply to Redthedoctor]

Thanks for your reply, seems I need to take this drug to find out the after effects for myself, I am a bit anxious which doesn't help.

[Prada47]

Hello

I take a 60mg dose but due to headache, I divide it to 2 x 30.

I had a headache on the 60mg when I took it in one go but at 2x30 I am pretty good with little or no symptoms. I do know it helps with not being so short of breath though. I started on 20 then 30 up to the 60mg dose.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Frank W

[bowler in reply to Prada47]

Thank you for your reply, It's amazing how we all react differently, so it's a case of trial and error.

[Kimberly07 in reply to Prada47]

Could you please tell me when you changed to 2x30 what time of day did you take them. I’ve been put on 60mg and mother of all headaches. I actually thought to day I’ll cut them in half and take twice a day should this be morning and evening. I am speaking with a heart doctor on Monday but just wondering what time of day you took yours and did you cut the tablets in half Thankyou

[Prada47 in reply to Kimberly07]

Hello I am pretty sure I got the tablets in 30mg and took one in the Morning and the other one at tea time around 5 pm

Hope that helps

ps after having a couple of stents put into an already bypassed artery I don't need Isosorbide !!!

Vaccinated twice to Stay Safe

[Kimberly07 in reply to Prada47]

Thank you prada for your reply it was very helpful as I spoke to the cardiologist and mentioned your reply and she has agreed for me to try your way of taking isosorbide. Which I start today fingers crossed it relieves headaches for me. I’m having a ct scan and she said I may not have to be on them for long. Thank you once again

[Kimberly07 in reply to Kimberly07]

The cardiologist has since taken me of IM as it felt as though the blood vessels in my head were going to explode. There send me for an angiogram can anyone tell me if that’s an horrible experience? Also I anted to ask everyone what the beats per minute are as I’m worrying they used to be about 63/64 but last couple weeks it’s 57/58 whilst at rest is this to low ? Should I be worried ?

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi Bowler. They can be pretty harsh st first, but I’d recommend persisting, if you can. The Drs have had a lot of trouble stabilising my angina, and seem to try lots of different drugs and combinations, so I’ve had to learn to persist with the early bad effects of quite a few.

Hope they work for you.

[bowler in reply to Kristin1812]

Thank you,

I just looked at the tablets this morning but didn't take one [ I collected them yesterday ] and they are 30mgs. I have decided to wait till after Fri. before starting them as I have a special blood test early that morning for my adrenal insufficiency at Addenbrooks hospital for 9am, the hospital is 20 miles away so an early start so I don't want to be poorly and have to miss it.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to bowler]

Sounds a v sensible approach. Let us know how you get on.

[Lizziepea01]

Hi Bowlar,

I have been on this drug for nearly a year. My prescription was for 20mg to be taken first thing in the morning. I also experienced terrible headaches but also by 2pm afternoon I had this awful tiredness that made me feel so ill, I felt sick but also very lightheaded. I went back in August after persisting a good few months and the gp told me to persevere. I went back again in October and saw a different gp who immediately said he would change the dose. I now have 10mg at 8am and 10mg 2pm. The difference is unbelievable. Since October last year I have no side effects.

I think we all know there will be side effects with new drugs. You just have to hope they disappear, if not go back. There is always a solution.

Let’s hope you are one of the lucky ones.

Best wishes

Lizziepea

[bowler in reply to Lizziepea01]

Thank you for your experience with the drug, Most helpful

[Saggybagpuss]

Hi...I have angina and hated the GTN spray, it stung like the devil! So I'm relieved that I take 100mg first thing in the morning and yes, at the beginning I suffered headaches but after a couple of months they disappeared and this drug has really helped me live a more normal life, it is topped up with others but mainly the relief I have had is from this particular drug, so try and give it a go for a little while. Good luck!!

[bowler in reply to Saggybagpuss]

Thank you for your reply which was very encouraging,

I had an Angiogram last week and I was told I had 2 blocked arteries, and a mitral heart valve leak, The Dr. said it wasn't the leak that was causing the chest discomfort but the blocked arteries, so he prescribed the tablets. I seem fine at home with no exertion, it's when I do a long walk, going up an incline, and a cold wind. I will need surgery for the blocked arteries and they will "mend" the leak at the same time. I don't know if they will bypass the arteries, or stent them ?

This site is very good for sharing experiences, and it's nice to speak to someone in the same boat so to speak.

[Saggybagpuss in reply to bowler]

The good thing is that you are now in safe hands...I too have three blocked arteries, no stents as yet but even if I had to have bypass surgery, I would be ok with it, just want to be able to walk. I loved walking before my problem and walked miles with my dog, got to the stage where I couldn't get up the stairs but as I say, with modern medication I am now able to walk my dog, not as far as before, but hey, I'm just glad I can take her out. This is a great site as someone always has similar problems, or at the very least, can give support..your not alone 😊

[bowler in reply to Saggybagpuss]

Thank you,

This is all new to me, I was only diagnosed 5 months ago, and yes this site is great I'm glad I found it.

best wishes.

[Carokai]

Hi,

I have reacted really badly to all the drugs I was given after my HA's two years ago EXCEPT for Isosorbide Mononitrate.

I had a severe headache for a week and then it all calmed down and I have taken it constantly since then.

The positive side effect is that I haven't had a Migraine attack in the last two years. Prior to IM they were a 2-3 a month feature of my life since I was 14. I also take Amlodopine (causes quite a lot of issues) so my Doctor says we can't prove it is the IM that has stopped the Migraines, but she is pretty certain it is!!

Good luck with the IM, but dont give in too soon !!

[bowler in reply to Carokai]

I have decided to start the I M after I have had my hospital appointment on Fri. like I said in one of my posts," it's a special blood test that I don't want to miss," and it will just be my bad luck to feel ill that morning, and it's a 20 mile drive.

I also take Ramipril, steroids, statins, aspirin,

Good news re the migraine's.

thank you for your reply.

[Mejue]

I take it no problems

[bowler]

Thank you

[Tab1966]

It gave me the most horrendous headache you can imagine! I only lasted 2 days before it was changed for an alternative.

[Uffy30 in reply to Tab1966]

Hi. May I ask what the alternative was? My husband is on day 4 of the 30mg extended release I M and has had terrible headaches all day long.

[Lezzers]

My husband has been taking them for years and has had no problems. He's just had the dosage reduced from 90mg to 60mg as his blood pressure has started to dip.

[MONIREN]

As you say everyone is different, I take 120mg a day and no headaches, but I still need gtn spray daily. Hope it works for you. Take care.