Medication not lowering blood pressure

[Sunrise2011]

GP has put me on diuretics along with Ramipril and Propranolol but since adding Indapamide I have passed less urine that normal, had awful headache and blood pressure is even higher than before. Previously on Amlodipine with Ramipril and Propranolol which controlled BP but caused ankle swelling and some chest pain. Has anyone else had problem with medication increasing BP?

[Chappychap]

For me three things contributed equally to getting my blood pressure down.

Medication.

Weight loss/exercise.

Low salt diet.

Like I say, they each seemed to work about the same. So if your blood pressure is rising maybe try compensating with some life style changes?

Good luck!

[Sunrise2011 in reply to Chappychap]

Thank you for your reply, I am trying to increase my exercise walk for about 2 hours a day with dog, have improved diet and lost 9lbs in weight so hopefully this will all help. I don't think the anxiety about BP being high is helping, vicious circle! Going to try some relaxation techniques.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I was originally put on Amlodipine which caused quite severe oedema which meant I was going to work in a suit with unlaced trainers! My GP at the time then added Indapamide which is a diuretic. Although I could go back to shoes life became a nightmare as I would have won a medal for Team GB in the Pee'ing event as I was going before I left home, when I got to the station, when I arrived at the other end and after the walk to work! If you are drinking the same amount as before and pee'ing less ring 111 as you may be heading for urine retention. This is a serious condition so better safe than sorry! The Amlodipine and Indapamide were withdrawn by another GP and I was put on Lisinopril . Bisoprolol was added to the mix after my quadruple bypass and the Lisinopril reduced. Let us know how you get on.

[Sunrise2011 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you for reply, I have stopped taking the Indapamide and urine levels returned to normal. Have appointment with GP on Monday so will see what is suggested next.

[MountainGoat52]

I had similar effects to Michael. Indapamide gave me severe headaches, made me extremely unwell and I was unable to function properly. I have since found out that all loop and thiazide diuretics strip out my potassium. Amlodipine gave me oedema with severely swollen ankles. I got both medications stopped and ended up on Losartan to lower my BP, but eventually even that was not sufficient to control it, so the GP added Doxazosin which made the situation worse!

I hope that you get some answers on Monday. There are many options for controlling what needs to be controlled.... it's just finding the right ones.

[gladliz in reply to MountainGoat52]

Same problems with Amlodopine and Indapamide. On Indapamide I had an episode of Afb and ended up in hospital for 3 days being given pottasium tablets. Not a happy bunny as I should have been having regular blood tests to check levels and I wasn't because no one told me I needed them. It was my local Pharmacist who mentioned this when I came out of hospital.

[Hidden]

I had had most of those mentioned including candesartsn which was increased to reduce the bp but I was unwell on it- I now have lisinopril and spironolactone which is a potassium sparing diuretic and my bp is well managed. I did suffer badly from swollen feet and ankles on the candesartan and had to keep pestering until the change- it can take a while but there will be a pairing that suits you! Don’t give up. If you can keep a bp diary for a week or so taking it twice a day along with noting any side effects it’s clearer for the gp if the meds are working well.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Hidden]

I was given Amiloride, a potassium sparing diuretic, but only after a failed attempt (and how!) to get my body to accept Furosemide. That was after my bypass op.

What gets me in respect of these medications is that there is absolutely no cross-referencing between hospital and GP records. My GP won't accept that I cannot take Furosemide nor is there any record of me being okay with Amiloride. So much for there being a joined up NHS.

[Sunrise2011 in reply to MountainGoat52]

I saw a cardiologist privately as NHS wait was so long, he changed medication but when it didn't work had to see GP as every time I want to speak to cardiologist it costs £150 which I can't keep paying, but cardiologist and GP have very different ideas and seem to have their own 'preferred' medication, feel I am stuck in the middle and getting nowhere.

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Sunrise2011]

Yes, I can relate to that. Thankfully my BP medication (Losartan) has remained the stable medication, just the dose going up and down, other medications being added and removed as I went along. I was prescribed Eplerenone to protect my heart during the wait for bypass surgery. I was fortunate to be told this was what it was for, otherwise I'd be still on it today.... or at least it would still be on my prescription. I've kept a strict record of what has suited me and what hasn't and noted when it has been prescribed. My records are far more detailed than those of my GP practice, then I've only myself toconsider.

[onadiet]

Yes.All of them ARB ACE CCB Beta Blocker you name it.At present on Losartan 50 to 75mg taken in 2 halves twice daily or 25mg in am and 25 in pm.

This to lessen horrible side effects. After over 1 yr.bp is decreased a bit About 130 over 75 to 138 over 75. I'm 72 and I have ISH as it is always my systolic that is high. Not 120 over 80 but that is near enough for me at 73. Bad side effects from all the bp meds. Palpitations Pounding heartbeat. Stiff ,aches and muscle pain headaches earaches tinnitis tingling.and the test. Horrible meds. But necessary as long as they work.You may have resistant bp.Theyre working on a new med.now to conquer that. Hope it works.Not pleasant I know.