Angina

[Sunnysummerdays]

HiJust curious about changing from gtn spray, to slow release isosbide capsules 25 mgs. 1 each morning.I have been prescribed gtn spray since h.a.3 years ago .I was with Doctor today and he thinks these capsules might be better for me...I've read some reviews and apparently alot of side effects.. tbh I'm feeling abit anxious to start them. I told him that sometimes I find it difficult to exercise without angina being triggered. Any advice greatly appreciated 👍

[Hidden]

My suggestion is to try the capsules and monitor how you react. If you have side effects and get to the point where they are becoming a problem go back to your GP. However bear in mind that your GP has adjusted your medication to see if it improves your angina situation and if that does in fact occur you may have to balance that positive against the negative impact of any side effects.

[Sunnysummerdays in reply to Hidden]

Thank you,much appreciated.

[Samazeuilh2 in reply to Hidden]

I was prescribed both. Since I had a bypass I haven’t had to take either. I was told by the prescribing doctor that the capsules cause headaches in some people, but these will usually pass in a week or so. I was also told that this side-effect was not common. I didn’t have any problem with them. I found the spray worse, as sometimes it produced short-term dizziness.

[ParrotLover22]

Hi. I was on them quite a long time ago for a good while and found them really good. I did have quite a few bad Headaches at first but they soon went after a few weeks! When I went into Hospital for OHS to have Valves replaced, they took me off them. I do not know why! Just back to the GTN Spray now

[Sunnysummerdays in reply to ParrotLover22]

Thank you for your response, I have read that the headaches to start with can be painful...

[ParrotLover22 in reply to Sunnysummerdays]

You're very welcome. The Headaches didn't last that long so I thought they were well worth it. Also, you may not get any!

[annpavitt250448]

I did have headaches to start with, after my CT angiography but they weren't debilitating. They certainly helped a lot..

[Shellac]

I'm on 60mg in the morning and 60mg late afternoon they have been a god send for me luckily no headaches I feel side effects with the gtn spray

[Theshed]

I, too, was very, very anxious about taking the prescribed Isosbide mononitrate meds having read a large number of people’s experiences with the drug.

Having taken the plunge/risk (I really needed to take something to relieve my increasing Angina symptoms), I suffered with headaches for two weeks, but nothing too debilitating, and since have had no concerning after-effects….and my Angina attacks have been reduced!! So worthwhile In persisting, I believe.

Good luck with your medication.

[Plum53]

Hi, I started these tablets two weeks ago today 30mg XL take in the morning. Yes I have had bad headaches only just easing off last couple of days. They are painful but paracetamol works for me. Funny but when I have used the gtn spray ( rarely thank goodness) then I don’t get headache. Good luck to you maybe you won’t have any .

[HeartyJames]

After my recent hospital stay they increased mine to 60mg from 30mg due to worsening angina but no changes in the larger arteries. I do have one blocked permanantly though I use the GTN spray more than ever and they encouraged me to do so. Watch fior any side effects like fainting feeling for a few days then worry about that when they happen. I suggest they will benefit you more than any negatives. You have to weigh these things up. Most come with pros and cons. Personally not noted any side effects. Still have pain though

[Jules2021]

Hi. After a few bad episodes of angina in the summer i started isosorbide. First few weeks had a thumping headache but that went away and began to use my gtn less and less. If you read the side effects of all the meds we are on you would never take any,but bear in mind not everyone suffers all or any of them.

Good luck. Jules x

[Sunnysummerdays]

Thank you all for your helpful comments, very much appreciated 👍

[Megabucks]

I have been on capsules and GTN spray for some time with no problems so hopefully you will be OK.

[ocnnll]

So I have been on them and I feel much better. Be careful with the times mind you shouldn't take the second dose in the evening. It's normally around 2pm I took mine otherwise you will be up all night. Personally I found them much better than the spray

[Sljp0000]

Hi, I take them morning and afternoon to reduce Angina pain AFTER bypass surgery which has clearly failed. I still use GTN if I need it. To be honest I haven't had any headaches but I did feel nauseous when I first started taking them. Make sure you take after food. I think my does of 20mg isn't enough but I've fainted after GTN before so I think my cardiologist is being cautious. Not really noticed a change to my Angina on them unfortunately. You'll be fine on them.

[OscarRomeo]

Hi, after a while gtn wasn't working for me and I was put on Isosorbide 10mg twice a day. Headaches were a bit of a nightmare for the first 2 wks, but after that I was fine. Tablets work really well, I'm exercising with minimum symptoms - even exercised at altitude over Xmas in Jamaican mountains and all ok. Defo' worth trying.

[Sunnysummerdays]

Thanks for the advice everyone,I intend starting the capsules,and your comments have been very helpful, take care to you all!!!

[Qualipop]

I was put on isosorbide mononitrate tablets after my heart attack- had no problems whatsoever. After that was stopped I was given a GTN spray. It made me feel awful; the banging headache, dizziness. A paramedic suggested I try the GTN tablets instead. They dissolve under your tongue so you can remove them once the pain has eased but before the side effects start. Only trouble is it's easy to remove the tablet before it's worked properly.