Can You Have Too Much GTN Spray?

[CarlGreen]

Hello, I have this Glyceryl Trinitrate spray that I am supposed to use if I get a pain. I have used it a couple of times, when I thought I had a pain, but it makes me feel really bad, (heart racing,head pounding and a bit sick).

I am not sure how bad or how long I should put up with any "Pain" before I use the spray? I don't want to use it for any old niggle, but conversely I don't want to not be using it if I should be (There is also a degree of not wanting to use it because if it doesn't work after the second time, I am then going to have to call 999, which I REALLY don't want to do!)

I had a bit of pain/discomfort earlier and took a small dose, the pain did indeed seem to go away (or at least I didn't think about it which was a relief in itself!) But now I am feeling a bit of discomfort and the occasional "snapping" type sensation in my chest. (I think a lot of this is in my mind, but the uncertainty is driving me insane.)

I am not sure if I should take another dose? Can you take too much GNT?

Sorry if I have posted something similar to this, I feel pretty stupid going on these forums! but I do find it helps me type out my questions/fears and the replies I get are very welcome and comforting!

I don't know if I need a kick up the backside or a shoulder to cry on!

[Henry20]

I suggest you phone the BHF nurses for advice on this as to exactly what you should be doing. Please talk to a medically qualified advisor, we cannot do it; we can only exchange stories.

My experience is you can have too much as I collapsed, 999 call, over an hour in an ambulance (from remote part of country) and ended in hospital when I took too much. It was the only reason the medics could find for my collapse. It wasn't pleasant.

Henry

[CarlGreen in reply to Henry20]

Thanks

[Ninjanoo]

Hi CarlGreen,

Can I ask why you've been given GTN spray? Not being rude or prying just so might be able to understand bit more about what's going on with you.

I recently got diagnosed with Coronary Artery Spasm also known as vasospastic angina/variant angina/prinzmetal angina - confused? Yeah so was I!!! I take GTN spray it can give you like you say pounding headache which should only last about a minute or so it's not pleasant but should go more or less as quickly as it appears. Never felt sick with taking it personally but be mindful if you are taking any other meds that lowers your blood pressure the GTN spray will too. If blood pressure drops it will make you feel lightheaded and dizzy and can make you feel nauseous - if it does sit down and rest until feeling subsides.

I am in no way medical expert and am certainly not trying to be but have learnt some things through taking mine! You just get given it and told to take it when pain occurs - not a lot else!

Hope this is of some reassurance 😊

[CarlGreen in reply to Ninjanoo]

Hi Ninjanoo, I had a Heart Attack on June 9th and 3 stents fitted (LAD) on June 12th of this year. (Hence the Spray and numerous other drugs )

[Ninjanoo in reply to CarlGreen]

Oh so sorry to hear that. Like I said can only give you my experience - certainly I'm no medical expert nor do I try to be. You obviously have quite complex things going on best thing I can suggest is you contact your GP.

Best wishes to you and hope you are soon on the mend.

[Sunnie2day]

I was told if using it twice within 15 minutes from the first dose doesn't help, it's time to call 999.

But when it was discovered I likely have microvascular angina I was told use the GTN as many times as needed, log the use and why, and report 'excessive use' by telephone or email.

I did have the unpleasant side effects at first but after about the twentieth time using the spray I stopped having the side effects.

[NotAllWhoWonder]

GTN is confusing for me at times. I'm also a HA survivor (had 4 of them over 3 days, and have a stent for my troubles), but from what I can remember we're meant to use it when we have angina (the pain caused by restricted blood vessels in the heart). Problem is, one of the tests they did after I had a HA in the ward was to give me GTN spray - the pain went away quite quickly, but that was also how they confirmed 100% that I had another HA. Ergo, you have chest pain, use GTN, pain goes away, you could potentially have had another HA, so should dial 999/go to A&E to get checked out, right? Same would apply if you use it an the pain doesn't go away.

I was also told by the cardiac nurses that it's sometimes good to use it before strenuous exercise as it will avoid angina.

But, as for the weird side affects, it's due to what GTN does: it dilates ALL your blood vessels (brain included, which is why they tell you to sit down when you take it).

[Tab1966]

I also have a very bad reaction to GTN spray and I dread using it .... but do if I need to. When I do, my head feels like it will burst, I feel sick, shaky and jittery, very hot and like I might lose control of my bowels 😔 not pleasant at all. But, if I needed it I would never not take it!