Does anybody have any experience of Methyldopa for high blood pressure?

[nellie237]

Hi,

Briefly........why I'm asking:

I've been on bp meds since HA in 2012. I had quite a drastic acute kidney injury last year when Losartan was increased, and that now rules out Angiotensin II receptor blockers, and Angiotensin receptor blockers.

I've been on Amlodipine since last year, which has been great for my kidneys, but has affected my gums. I seem to have been just a bit unlucky with bp meds.

My GP has suggested Methyldopa, but the side-effects look pretty damn scary. I understand that we are all very different in our reactions to meds, but thought I'd put the question out there before making up my mind.

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/methy...

Thank you

NB. I've been taking 1.25mg Bisoprolol since 2012.

[OnDeerWatch]

Hi, i took Methyldopa when i was pregnant with my youngest two. It controlled my BP very well and i had no side affects after the first week of starting them. i just felt not quite with it the first week but that soon disappeared. Obviously i didn't take long term though.

[nellie237 in reply to OnDeerWatch]

Thank you OnDeerWatch,

I didn't think I'd get any replies 'cos I expect only pregnant ladies with high bp will have heard of it.

I think I might try for 6 months or so, whilst getting a monthly hygeinist clean, and then back on amlodipine to see if that helps. The effect on my gums isn't serious, and on the plus side I think it has filled out my lips a bit, which for a 63 yr old ex smoker is a bit of a bonus. 😀

[Ewloe]

I used to be a midwife and it was a drug we frequently used. The main thing I remember women complaining about was that it made them feel as if their scalp was crawling. But this didn’t last. Otherwise I don’t remember anyone complaining off side effects.

[nellie237 in reply to Ewloe]

Thank you Ewloe for your helpful response.

Scalp crawling makes sense as it acts centrally (on the brain). Oh, the joys of medications.