Advice Please

[Shocked46yrold]

Hi all, hope you’re all doing good!

I’m here for a bit of advice regarding a new medication I’ve been prescribed!

Isosorbide Mononitrate 10mg

Ive been taking this for two weeks and have had the worst headache since starting this drug! I’ve spoken to my GP and they’ve advised it can take a month for it to settle but so far it’s not got any easier at all. It is the most common side effect listed.

Is anyone on this medication that can tell me that it does get better as I’m struggling every day at work and it’s really getting me down 🙁

Please help ❤️‍🩹

[bee_bear]

I feel your pain! I'm amazed you're working while on it, I know what those headaches are like, you must be so exhausted.

2-4hrs after taking that pill I'd be flat out on the sofa with a horrendous headache and end up sleeping 2hrs. By the end of the day I'd have taken 8 paracetamol.

After 2 wks I told the cardiologist that it wasn't getting any better and I was unsettled about taking so much paracetamol to get through the day.

So they've been stopped and I'm waiting to see what to try next, possibly Nicorandil.

I was told it takes a few days for the headaches to stop, then to give it 2 weeks and then to give it a month. Bottom line was that I wasn't able to function every afternoon for 2 weeks and I needed to get some respite from it and some life back, so I couldn't keep going with it.

Good luck with it, I hope it settles down for you soon or you work something out with the doc.

[Shocked46yrold in reply to bee_bear]

Thank you so much for replying, I feel so much better knowing I aren’t imagining how bad these headaches actually are. I didn’t take my second dose yesterday as I needed a break from the pain. Some days they’re that bad it comes with a dose of nausea on the side and that’s just awful too. Can I just ask what times were you advised to take them?

[bee_bear in reply to Shocked46yrold]

I only had to take 30mg once in the morning. I'm gutted the headaches were so bad and didn't settle because in the morning hours before I took my pill, I felt better than I have for months!

It was only because the cardiologist asked how I was getting on that I told him how bad it was and he commented that I should have let him know before I did.

I wonder if it's time for you to check in with your cardiac nurse or cardiologist and get advice from them?

[Callie456]

Hi, I totally get it, those headaches from nitrates are extremely bad! I remember I couldn't bear the pain and couldn't do anything but lie down once they started. Mine is a transiderm nitrate patch, which I started 12 months ago after a heart attack. The headaches lasted about 4 - 5 weeks, then your body gets used to it and since then I haven't had any more problems and it controls the angina very well. The headaches are because the meds are widening blood vessels not only around the heart but the whole body and head as well.Hang in there if you can, but I understand how painful it is in the meantime. I took a lot of panadol! I kept reminding myself it wasn't permanent, because there's no way anyone could put up with those headaches forever.

Take care and I hope it settles for you soon, but if not make sure you discuss options with dr.

[Collectone]

Hi .I couldn't function on this medication or Nicorandil due to crushing headaches .I took them for 2 weeks then decided enough is enough .I've never experienced such pain .

[bee_bear in reply to Collectone]

yikes.. so nicorandil was as bad as isosorbide m?

[Jules2021]

HiIt took just over 2 weeks for the awful headaches to ease when I started isosorbide. Hope you're feeling better soon,if mot speak to gp.

Jules x

[Sunshinebrew]

yes I had bad headaches when first prescribed and took a couple of weeks to settle. I’ve just recently had my dose increased to 40mg twice a day and the headache has returned I take them at 8 am and 2pm daily

[CarolingTeacher]

That pain is dreadful—I remember that medicines didn’t seem to touch it. I’m so sorry you’ve been suffering with that pain and that you have had to work on top of it. Take heart in knowing that for most of us on that drug the pain will pass. Though I really didn’t think it would be possible, mine did go away in a few weeks. It is a marvelous drug and has made a big difference in the angina I was experiencing. Best wishes!

[Wanderinglady]

I persevered for three weeks, taking them twice a day. I’d get about 15 minutes headache free, then it was time to takes the next pill. I was rolling around on the floor in agony. In the end, the specialist nurse told me to stop taking them.

[Elsadlero]

Hi also been on 10mg for 2 weeks, have continuous headache but worse, feel exhausted...not sure in gonna stay on them. Also started low dose aspirin at same time so don't know if its that which is causing the problems. Possibly a lower dose is available for either tablet, or can cut in half. Best be guided by your GP if you can get hold of him/her! Other peoples' experiences are useful.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

I found the headaches from Isosorbide very difficult for a couple of weeks. But, though its taken a long while to find the right combination of meds, they have contributed to very good control my unstable angina. So well worth it!