Glyceryl Trinitrate first time use..?

[G_Jones]

OK - visit to my GP yesterday - and now awaiting referral to chest pain clinic to check my occasional exertional chest pain.

In the meantime - GP has prescribed Glyceryl Trinitrate / Bisoprolol & Aspirin.

I was intending starting with these today - however - during last night (2am) I woke with a light chest pain - so thought it might be an idea to test the Glyceryl Trinitrate spray.... a mistake I think - as it gave me quite a headache which is only now starting to clear - I also had worse chest pain too - so.... is this to be expected if I try again...?

Thanks for any replies - I appreciate it...!

(might help to add - I am also a long term omeprazole user - approx 18 years)

[Keder]

Hello G_Jones.

Make sure you follow exactly the instructions for using your GTN spray. I overdid it once and BP dropped alarmingly. Hope your condition improves. Keder

[Tos92]

A headache is a common side effect and something which I experience. It can be alarming experiencing it for the first time with the GTN spray as my headaches tend to be throbbing in nature. This is because the GTN dilates the blood vessels in the head too. In terms of making your chest pain worse, it may be that you needed to take a second dose as the rule is 1-2 puffs under the tongue 5 minutes apart, for 15 minutes. If the chest pain has not subsided after 15 mins, it is a call to 999.

It might also be worth noting that if the GTN did not help with the chest pain, it may have been something else other than angina. To confirm this however, you may want to try the GTN again when you have another episode of chest pain.

Any chest pain which causes you concern should either be followed up at the hospital by calling 999 or 111.

All the best.

Tos

[benjijen]

Headache is common. I was told to take paracetamol as well. I wasn't happy with that as I'm already on codydramol so don't take it. Make sure you take the spray exactly as prescribed.

[Qualipop]

The headache is completely normal.

[Wenlock]

I have same problem....thought my had was going to explode, worse than the chest pain. Luckily don't use it much. Think we tend to panic and press to much. However I always carry it with me and tell person I'm with where it is. Keep check on run out date. Find reason for pain, ie what were you doing at time of pain. Good luck Wenlock.

[Oldgimmer66]

Worth a chat with a doc I reckon. I get a slight headache with it, and really weird pins and needles if I cough straight afterwards.

[Bananacar in reply to Oldgimmer66]

Your user name gave me a laugh as my mum always referred to herself as an ' old gimmer'. Are you from Yorkshire as I have never heard it anywhere else?

[Oldgimmer66 in reply to Bananacar]

I am. I’m glad it brought a laugh 😆

[XmasEve24]

Headache is normal as has already been said on here when you first start using a GTN spray. You probably needed another dose with the further chest pains. Do not be put off using it. Also Angina pains often come on in the early hours when at rest. Keep a note of them and as already said if pains don’t subside after 15 mins of using the spray. Seek immediate medical help. Good luck 🙂