GTN spray

[ArdenPrimary]

I had a HA 3 weeks ago and along with my meds I have been given a GTN spray. Thankfully I have not had to use this yet. My concern is all the possible side effects. Has anyone suffered a reaction when using the spray. I’ve never had any side effects to any of my other medications so I’m hoping I might be lucky.

Thank you

[Alfie33]

I have to sit or lay down when i use my spray because it makes you feel shocking for a few minutes

[ArdenPrimary in reply to Alfie33]

Oh help. Thank you for your reply.

Have a good weekend x

[Tos92]

Like Alfie33, I always make sure I am lying down or sitting down when taking the spray. It lowers my BP so I almost immediately feel dizzy, raises my heart rate, and can cause a throbbing headache due to the dilation of the blood vessels in the brain. This is also known as a nitrate headache and very common. The side effects for me subside fairly quickly however.

It is recommended that you take 1-2 sprays under the tongue, 5 minutes apart. If after 15 minutes and 3 sprays the chest pain has not subsided, it is usually protocol to go to your nearest emergency room or call 999 to rule out a heart attack or anything else more sinister.

I hope you are one of the lucky ones and have minimal to no side effects 🤞🏽. I usually have side effects to most medication.

All the best.

Tos

[ArdenPrimary in reply to Tos92]

Thank you for your reply. It’s good to know these effects are short lived.

Have a good weekend x

[nilmonisikdar40]

The GTN spray is a later development of the tablet taken under the tongue ( sub lingually). It is a metered dose and therefore the side effects of taking too much too is minimal. The most common side effect is headache because of the dilatation of blood vessels of the head. The other less common side effect is heart burn and if you are suffering from oesophageal reflux which is leaking of gastric juice into gullet, you avoid it. If you need to take too many of GTN spray, your G.P. can prescribe you tablet which has a long lasting effect. I hope my answer helps.

[ArdenPrimary in reply to nilmonisikdar40]

That is very helpful. Thank you x

[Andyman]

Never used mine in the 12 years since my heart attack. Don't worry about the side effects worry about getting fit and healthy. Hopefully you never have to use it and all that worry would be for nothing. If you have to use it then it will really help you.

[ArdenPrimary in reply to Andyman]

Thank you for your reply. That’s exactly the outcome I am looking for.

Best wishes x

[YITOPM]

Used mine this morning for 3rd time (and one was just a test) in 3 years since HF. No particular side effects apart from mitigating persistent mild chest pains.