GTN - 1st use, stopped angina pain but felt unwell for hours after - Normal?

[Sunnie2day]

I was given NitroLingual 400mg spray with a set of verbal instructions from the GP in late April. Got it home, read the package insert leaflet over three times then pinned it to the fridge. Carry it with me everywhere but didn't need it (Bisoprolol 1.25mg seems to be doing a very good job, and I'm tolerating it well) until last Friday afternoon.

Followed GP and leaflet instructions. Stopped the pain cold - but I felt distinctly unwell the rest of the day - no pain but felt as though I might be sick any second. Also experienced dizziness.

I haven't needed it since (not sure I want to use the spray again even if I probably should). My question is - is my feeling unwell the rest of the day normal, is it just a first time thing or will it happen every time I use the spray?

[Lezzers]

Hi, the GTN spray can make you feel sick & cause dizzyness, but as it lasted such a long time might be a good idea to speak to your GP/nurse.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Lezzers]

Thank-you, Lezzers, and I think I'll take your advice - the GP practice nurse is brilliant, I'll telephone now. Thank-you again.

[Lezzers in reply to Sunnie2day]

It is scary, the first time the hospital gave my husband the spray he was almost immediately sick. The dizzyness is because the spray immediately reduces your blood pressure. Hope the surgery puts your mind at rest, let us know how you get on

[Sunnie2day in reply to Lezzers]

Just now put the phone down - she said I '...must be a lightweight...' not having been much of a meds taker through my life

More importantly, she also said not to worry but if I do need the spray again to be sure I'm sitting down when I use it, if I don't feel less dizzy and unwell in a few hours to ring back, and she's going to talk to the GP to see if there is anything else I should do.

[Lezzers in reply to Sunnie2day]

I always make my husband sit down when he takes it, I've always had a fear of him passing out afterwards!!! Not sure if being a lightweight is a good or bad thing!! Definitely ring back if you dont feel any better. Alternatively, you could ring the BHF nurses on this site for advice.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Lezzers]

I got the impression from her being a lightweight was a good thing (we have a serious drugs problem in my area across all age groups, sadly, so being marked out as someone who obviously hasn't done a lot of anything more than aspirin is a good thing up here) - she did say she was going to be sure the GP knew I had a longer than usual period of feeling unwell so I'm content.

Thank-you again for your replies and the excellent advice. This site has been such a help as I adjust to needing more medical intervention than I've been used to over the years.

[Urssy]

I always feel a tad dizzy. I sit down and it passes...but i do feel a bit odd for a while after.