When to use GTN spray?

[Mallowme]

Hi all.

I’m struggling today and just wanted some advice. I’m on Nicorandil and Monomil at the moment and also have a gtn spray but I’m really not sure when to use it.

I feel like I’ve had a fat cat strapped on my chest all day and also breathlessness- this is nothing new but can be varying degrees and I’m ‘functioning’ as long as I’m slow and keep stopping.

How bad should the pain/breathlessness get before using the spray.

Also how many times can it be used in a day?

Are we supposed to wait till it’s gone on for hours and we can’t take any more or should we use spray when it first starts.

I know if it gets severe use spray & ambulance etc but I’m not at that stage.

I’m worried about becoming tolerant but when I’ve asked medical people (doc/nurse/pharmacy) I’m just given the standard line about using it twice and calling an ambulance- which at the moment doesn’t feel appropriate.

What are your thoughts please?

[benjijen]

I get chest pressure sometimes as well but don't use spray for it. I have unstable angina (2 stents) and since starting on 60mg monomil have had very few angina attacks. I was told take 2 sprays under tongue, if pain not gone in 5 minutes do it again. If it still doesn't go or is worse then ring ambulance.

[Mallowme in reply to benjijen]

This is a squashing pressure and breathless more than full on pain, but still affects what I’m doing. Thanks. Xx

[Deluge]

If you Google - 'A cardiologist’s advice on how to use this “wonder drug”' you will find an article from my heart sisters .org. I found it really useful in helping me decide when to use my gtn spray. The comments section at the end is worth a read through.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Deluge]

Carolyn Thomas's Heart sister's blog is great.myheartsisters.org/

[Mallowme]

There is some very interesting info there. Thanks. X