Hello all , I’ve recently been put on Adizam which I’m fine with no side effects, apart from I’ve turned into an anxiety ball of stress ( nothing to do with that drug just me 🤷🏻♀️) I also have a GTN spray recently prescribed……..now I had one years ago and only used it once and the instant pain in my head was fantastic!
My question - is it normal to feel like you have been shot in the head or did I not use the spray right , I’d like a little advice from those of you that use it please
I have never used mine but have been told it can give you a horrendous headache as it opens all the arteries.
I find the dye they use in the angiogram does it for me, it gives me a migraine so bad I have to throw up!!
Oh the joys 😊 I’ve got the angiogram to look forward to as well , thanks for your reply 😊
Try not to worry I think I am in the minority but was told it wasn't 'unusual'. I was all hooked up to the monitor but I knew I had to be sick. Lots of people sail through the angiogram.
I have only used my spray a few times but get similar symptoms. I find that if I lie down the feeling disappears very quickly.
Ahh right I just wondered if I’d done it wrong , I haven’t had to use it yet so we shall see, thanks for your reply 😊
Me again , I’m not worrying , I had the stress test with the radioactive stuff years ago with no effects so fingers crossed…..although the glow in the dark effect took a while to wear off 😂😂😂 just kidding
😂😂. You've got a lovely sense of humour which helps! At least you probably lit up like a Christmas tree!As for GTN, glorious headaches are quite normal as arteries are opened up. I think we'd probably enjoy the headache a bit more knowing that it's sorting out angina pain and breathlessness.
Sending hugs and love. Jan xxxx
The first few times you use the spray you do feel that "rush of blood" hitting your brain....I remember it well.After a little while, I don't know if it's because you get used to it but it doesn't feel anywhere near as fierce.
It's always a good idea to take a spray before you do anything too strenuous, it stops the angina pains.
Hello , thanks for the reply 😊 I’m not actually getting pain more crazy heart beats and like someone leaning on my chest so I haven’t quite worked out when to use it , but I’ll get there 😊
Ahh right , I’ve not got into any sort of pattern yet to know what sets it off but thanks for the feed back 😊
It's quite normal. Proves it's doing something. I usually lay down as the angina attack washes me out anyway.
Hi Hazel1010..I must be strange because I found the head boom strangely enjoyable...😊
Hi Hazel, I have used the GTN spray for some years and initially it was as you described but the headache with me diminished after about 5 mins. Now I hardly notice it.
Brilliant, thank you
Hazel, Also I've had 8 Angiograms and multiple stents with absoloutly no problems at all, better than going to the dentist, they are so expert at them these days, and if you have to have a stent the results are amazing, don't worry it'll be fine.
Ahh thank you 😊
Unfortunately GTN does cause a headache. It is a vasodilator. If you are having chest pain due to heart related issues ie angina or worse a heart attack, the blood vessels are constricting and therefore it is is important that you use the GTN spray to dilate them and increase the blood flow. I know the headache is horrible but it should not last long and may just help save your life. Hope this helps.
I had some in the ambulance during my heart attack and although the pain in my chest eased I nearly fainted from the "rush" to the head and my blood pressure dropped like a stone. I was told by the disharge nurse in hospital when I was given some with my meds to only use it in an absolute emergency due to my reaction to it. It has thankfully stayed in the cupboard unused so far.....
Good point. I had trouble with GTN spray when my BP was very low….due to meds. I had to warn ambulance crew, as they sometimes use a double spray, and I have ended up passing out.
I was given a GTN spray after my two angioplasties (9 days apart) but have never used it.
I suffered no headache or other after effects from the angioplasties. It might be stress related. My first was emergency so no time to think about it. I was somewhat worried before the second and told the nurse who was looking after me. She recommended that when I got into the theatre I should tell them that I was feeling “anxious”. I did this and was given just a small dose of morphine and everything was absolutely fine.
The only thing to be aware of is that instead of allowing me to go home straightaway I had to stay in the hospital for six hours after the procedure.
I think you’ll be fine.
My wife has vasospasm and gets angina with shortness of breath. Her GP prescribed her the grey asthma pump.It does not work instantaneously as the GTN does but after 5 minutes she is back to normal with no pain.
A horrific headache is completely normal with GTN. I swapped the spray to a tablet you put under your tongue just so I had more control over it and could take it out once he pain stopped. - a suggestion from an ambulance paramedic.
Well I haven’t used it for years and just been re prescribed it so I’ll see how I go but that’s good to know , thank you
Hi hazel. I wouldn’t worry too much about it. My brother gets the exact same reaction to his spray most times and has done for a few years now. His cardiologist isn’t worried at all and just told him some folk react differently. He had two stents fitted nearly 10 years ago.
HiHow do you take your GTN spray?
I get terrible headaches when I use my GTN spray. It puts me off using it so I only try it if Im in really bad pain with angina. It usually cures the heart pain but the headaches last for so long. I think its due to the blood vessels dilating to allow the blood flow to the heart to be much easier but it causes a rush of blood to the head too. I only take it when absolutely desperate with angina. I never had any problem with the angiogram though.
GTN spray does have that affect at first, I also use it for breathlessness. Just under the tongue. I use it regularly, so no more headaches. Helps me get through the rough times. Take care. Moni
Oh so with regular use the side effects wear off? My headache with the GTN spray was so bad i almost passed out. Eek. Lol. Xx
Everyone is different, but with me, very rarely get headaches now. Just had another stent and ballooning done, so hopefully I won't need spray as often or at all. Hope you cope with it, but please mention it to gp. Take care. Moni
Thank you so much for replying. I have made an appointment with my dr to discuss the spray. I hope all goes well after your operation. 🙏. Fingers crossed xx
Pain after angios (I’ve had masses), was really nasty, and lasted over 24 hrs. Its is in my back, can be either side or both, just above my waist. Nurse said it’s my kidneys reacting to the dye. It was so bad they once put me on a drip, and it really did the trick. Answer? Drink masses the day beforehand. Keep hydrated on the day (or as instructed) , and drink lots straight after.
I don’t get the bad pain any more.
Thanks for the tip x
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