Isosorbide Mononitrate… is it the devil?

[Streakingcarrots]

I started on Isosorbide. Mononitrate 10mg twice a day 3 days ago. The pharmacist advised to take them at 8am and 2 pm which I have been doing. However I feel like a bag of poop, head feels like it’s going to explode and nothing helps it. Urine has gone really dark despite been well hydrated and I feel constantly sick and I’m sleeping on a chickens lip. Is this all normal and am I likely to get rid of the headaches as they are just the pits. Any reassurance would be gratefully received. Thankyou x

[bridgeit]

I feel that this isn't going to offer much reassurance; apologies! I have no personal experience with this drug, but strongly recommend you speak with your prescribing doctor asap or call 111 for advice if that isn't possible (UK). It may be that your reaction is normal. On the other hand you might need dosage/release type/medication adjustment. Either way, it sounds to me like you need a doctor's advice sooner rather than later.

Sorry I can't be more helpful about such horrid side effects! You do have my sympathy.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Streakingcarrots,

Welcome to the forum.

It can take upto 2 weeks for the 'nitrate' head to improve.

In the meantime I suggest you drink plenty of water. Check with the Pharmacist if it's okay to take paracetamol for your headache.

I suggest you get in contact with your GP too. It's important not to stop taking any medication especially isosorbide mononitrate which is usually prescribed if you have angina.

I have been taking isosorbide mononitrate for 10 years. After the initial headache at the beginning, I've had no ussues. I take 60mgs twice a day along with 20 mg patches.

I hope you feel better soon.

[Gibson01]

It does not sound normal to me, I suggest you ask your GP, particularly if you have blood in your urine.I am on 120 mg which I take at night, that helps to avoid the dizziness in the morning.

I still feel hung over in the morning though , but that could be caused any one of the 9 different medications. Good luck!

[ChoochSiesta]

I was on this for a few months last year, no noticeable side effects at all.

[Badger4]

The head aches go after a while (few weeks). My GP built my dose up slowly but I still got them. Horrible!

[Ghost-233]

Hi , I was prescribed this drug slowly increasing it until I was taking the prescribed daily dose of 60mg. At the same time I was prescribed Clopidogrel and metoprolol. This was over 6 months ago and my life has been miserable since. Daily headache brain fog, anxiety low mood and stomach problems. Whether it’s anything to do with the new drugs I don’t know but for over 20 years I have taken Irbesartan and Amlodipine plus drugs for non heart related conditions with absolutely no problem.I have an appt with my GP next week to discuss it and hopefully find a solution.

I suggest you make an appt to discuss your problem with your GP your side effects might only last a short time as many people are on this drug and have no problems at all with it.

I wish you good luck and hope you find a solution.

[Tillysmum123]

Hi there I have been on the same tablets for a week now and felt exactly the same as you. I literally could sleep all day with a raging headache but am now only starting to feel a little bit better - not quite so tired and headache not quite so bad. Really hope you start to feel normal again soon but get in touch with gp if concerned even if it is just for reassurance.

[Hidden]

Hi I was the same they were awful but because did little for for chest pain etc, eventually cardiologist told me to stop after two and a half weeks of hell. Only thing is he did not give any alternatives and left me to it with ongoing Chest pain / sob, fatigue, headaches (not as severe). Waiting to see new cardiologist. 😒

[Rostom]

I was warned about the effects of Isosorbide Mononitrate for the first few weeks, in particular, the headaches.

I persevered and true enough, after two or three weeks, everything settled down. I was prescribed 30 mg once a day for my Angina.

I would suggest that you check with your doctor that your current experiences are within the normal range. Your pharmacist could be very knowledgeable too (mine advised about probable headaches) and it should be easy to pick their brains.

If you feel really unwell, 111 (in the UK) should be your port of call.

Wishing you better.

[Mtk1]

Your urine should never be dark, see your Gp please. Dave.

[DJ3271]

i've been taking it for 2 days... No headache yet. I'll report back.

[Lakefield2]

I take 60 of a bedtime then 30 late afternoon headaches not as bad x

[Ellie-Ann]

Hi.

I started on this drug a few months back. It made me very sick one day and my head was crashing. Headaches like no other. I rang the surgery and was put in a lesser dose for a week then built up to one x 60mg (slow release) a day.

I can only like it to a snow plough going down a road full of snow clearing the way! It’s a good analogy as once the way was cleared I had no further problems at all. Stick at it for a few days and if necessary get a lesser dose for a bit to start with. I ‘felt ‘ like something was clearing the way while this all happened but after a couple of weeks…no problem!

Good luck.

Ellie Ann.

[BridBoy]

I took it for 8 years when I was diagnosed with angina, it was a miracle drug for me and gave me my life back, it did take a couple of weeks to get used to it and for the headaches to go.

[Dodo1222 in reply to BridBoy]

Are you still taking the drug currently

[BridBoy in reply to Dodo1222]

No, after a heart attack 18 months ago there were a few changes to my cocktail of drugs.