Newly prescribed GTN spray

[Westie2012]

Had a face to face appointment with a really good GP yesterday , my symptoms are sudden sharp chest pain and feeling breathless when the temperatures drop to freezing or below that , it never used to affect me until this year . He wants me checked for anemia and angina , in the meantime he’s prescribed me a GTN spray . When I was given the spray in hospital I had a banging headache for 12 hours, my question is have others that have a gtn spray had any side effects , as I’ll be using it when I’m out and about I’m hoping I won’t get any side effects . I know everyone reacts differently so just asking about other peoples experiences .

[jayjay10000]

Hi there...I only just picked my GNT spray up today, so this all new for me too..The information which I got from the BHF website. Cold weather, windy conditions and even hot weather, the heart has to work harder, so someone with some sort of heart issue will maybe experience, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest, I found out myself the hard way, I'll will let you know if there is any side effects when I have too use my GNT spray. Take care.

[Dessert in reply to jayjay10000]

Hi JayJay

It’s a common side effect to get a headache after GTN spray . I get dizzy for about a minute or two and I get a headache . I find the brand of the GTN spray makes a difference ( which company makes it ) . I like the GTN spray in a fat little red bottle with a white cap . That for me has less side effects.

[jayjay10000 in reply to Dessert]

Hi there do you know the make what GTN spray you have, I hate trying new medication 💊 then ending up feeling unwell and try to cope at home, I was thinking the worst, so then Anxiety kicks in and then a panic attack 😅 I hate feeling like this 😕

[Bodypump51 in reply to Dessert]

This is the one paramedics carry. It’s good.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Try this

nhs.uk/medicines/glyceryl-t...

The patient information sheet with the spray should also give similar information

Headaches can be commonplace.

[JennyRx]

I couldn’t get on with the GTN spray. Made me feel worse than the breathlessness. So I’d just sit on a wall until I could get my breath back. And they changed my meds.

[TanOcd in reply to JennyRx]

I am the same Jenny, can’t take it unless I can go to bed after 😂

[JennyRx in reply to TanOcd]

It made me ill all day which defeated its purpose. So they increased my amlodopine and no problems

[Wonky_heart]

I found I had headaches (that eventually passed) but it also sent my heart rate over 130 each time making the chest pain even worse. When I spoke to the cardiologist he suggested the GTN tablets that you place under the tongue. It's brilliant. I don't get the headache nor the fast heart rate. It does take about a minute to dissolve but it's far kinder. Worth a try.

[DarrenRafferty]

Tips : only use it when you need it, sit down for a good 5 minutes after spraying, take a paracetamol if the headache doesn’t go away.. oh and monitor how many times you use it. If the frequency increases then go back to the GP. I probably use mine once a month

[Silvertail]

It gives me a bit of a headache sometimes, but it soon goes.

[Headache1001]

I have been using mine for three months now and the headaches are significantly better, so hopefully they will improve for you as time goes on. All the best.

[sandandkev]

It opens the blood vessels so you get a rush of blood,they say to sit down when you take it 1st few times,I started with 2 sprays,breathe slowly and don't overhung it

[Arty56]

Hi there, I've been using my gtn for about 6 years after being diagnosed with cad and angina plus afew other things. I never know when I will have an attack,but, I do now have a feeling before which gives me approx 10 to 20 seconds to stop what I'm doing and sit down and take it, it's been a life saver for me as my attacks are not as severe as before when I didn't have it, they were very bad before the pain was unbearable and my whole body was in pain and I couldn't speak or breathe. So, it's a good thing you have it, you do get used to using it, you may have heart palps and high BPM like I do whilst it's working opening your arteries but that's it working and once the attack has subsided you may be tired and have a headache, tbh, I want to rest and sleep then and take a co codamol. My attacks are less severe because of my gtn and daily Lansoprazole and Bisoprolol. Couldn't he without it and you get used to using it just listen to your body, mine always wants peace and quiet and a nap to feel better. Good luck with everything

[Badger1955]

Westie2012, since a heart attack in 2020 followed by stents due to a blocked branch bundle I suffered from angina. I was prescribed various drugs but was also prescribed GTN spray which I always carry. Due to the other meds I’m on to control the angina I rarely need it but when I do it certainly works quickly. Just give yourself chance to sit down once you’ve taken it. I am lucky in that I don’t get a severe headache after using it. After a few minutes I’m ok again.

[Blackknight57]

I carry gtn around with me as per prescription, I had two sprays in hospital during the stay in hospital when I had my ha.

They suggest ordering a few bottles to leave in various places.

Two half years later the half bottle from the hospital and two others out of date, never used.

By the paperwork headaches are common, some of my friends also use or don’t as the case maybe as they get roaring headaches after.

[Mumofsmellydogs]

Hi yes, I always get a headache when I use mine so take a couple of paracetamol at the same time. I only use it when I really feel I need to (more in this cold weather) and as other people have said, the one in the red bottle is better than the other ones.

[Sanmo]

I've used mine 3 times in the 2 years since my CA, all in the first month, I passed out each time with just one spray, it's just not for me. Fortunately I've never needed it since.

[Oldgimmer66]

I use a GTN spray in a white bottle. Headaches are certainly a thing. I also find it makes my mouth a bit sore if I use it frequently. Coughing after taking it hurts too.

[Kdkc]

Hi there. I had chest pain, 2 years ago in cold weather, January 2023.

Hospitalised twice in 2 weeks with angiography, no stents put in.

Hospital gave GTN spray, red bottle with white cap, NITROLINGUAL.

Pain came every morning and had to take GTN spray, which gave relief.

When my Hospital GTN got finished, I was prescribed and pharmacy gave another make, Accord. This gave me slight headache and felt sick.

I then got NITROLINGUAL one and felt better. Further angina pain checks resulted me have spasms in cold weather, so was prescribed daily dose of ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE. Since then haven't used GTN spray

[Alfie33]

It takes chest pains off but its horrible stuff, I try and sit or lie down when i use it because it makes my head pound

[DeepFriedMarsBar]

I too get the banging headache, but it goes away quite quickly (a few minutes or so).

Depending on how big the angina attack was, I can be left feeling a bit wabbit for an hour or more after.

[Oldsealady]

My husband has that spray has been a godsend to stop the pain, but made him instantly worryingly chesty afterwards with phlem, but passed in a day or two ,as only for use occasionally and essential is OK, since the raised his betablockers and stating he hasn't had any more pains so just carries for emergency

[Baxterburger]

Hi, Gtn was ok for me - with headache the only side effect. I did find after a few weeks that the headache diminished. I hope you find it helpful.

[Rinah49]

I’ve had to use the spray more recently with the temperatures dropping, I haven’t had headaches but just a blood rush in the head for a few minutes after using it.

I also was found to be anaemic and have been taking iron supplements prescribed by the doctor. Hope you get sorted but I have heard some people do suffer from headaches after using the GTN spray and I do remember the cardiologist mentioning that to me when I was initially given the spray

[momander]

I used it on the past when I had angina but luckily did not suffer from headaches

[Furryears]

Hi yes I always get a headache when I use my GTN spray , the first couple of times they lasted for hours now I get a headache but it lasts maybe an hour or so

Maybe mention this to your doctor

[Dorsetjohn]

I had an HA 3 years ago 1 sent. Given usual medication and a GTN spray. I have never used it until two days ago, when I had an excruciating pain in my back, just below my left shoulder blade, this was about 10pm. I didn't connect this with my heart as it was in my back, not my chest, so I went to bed hoping it would wear off. I woke up at 1.30 and it was just as bad, so I got up ang suddenly thought maybe it was heart related so got the GTN spray out and gave it a squirt, I immediately felt terrible, nauseuos and sweaty and I panicked and rang 999 for an ambulance, the call handler told me to take another puff of the GTN and the symptoms started to subside. The ambulance took an hour and a half to arrive and by then I was nearly OK. They took me to Bournemouth A&E and I had ECGs, bloods, etc. and nothing untoward was found. So to sum up, the initial side affects were frightening but I should have read the leaflet, but it did work, and within about 10 minutes. Also I checked the expiry of the ones I had in stock and weirdly they all expired last year so I will be ordering some new ones.

[Blueberries29]

Hi have not commented here before but have been warned that the side effect for GTN spray is a headache, have been a bit nervous using the spray myself. Not used it but was told by Cardiac department to use it if feeling tight around heart area. Hope you ok.

[jayjay10000 in reply to Blueberries29]

Hi there iam feeling the same as you, I have the white GTN spray so I know there will be a headache after using it. I had leftside sharp chest pain while walking around Sainsbury's on Monday lasted afew seconds but it stopped me in my tracks, forgot to put the GTN spray in my coat pocket..I really feel sorry for everyone who is suffering with some kind of heart issues, I know there is a lot of worries, I have there's worries every time I go out, it's taking over my life, it's horrible 😢

[Rustylove]

Hi Westie I’ve learnt to take paracetamol straight after using the spray and then the headache goes away really quickly

[Kelling]

My experience of the GTN spray are much as all the other replies you have had - headache, dizziness, feeling lethargic, dizzy etc. Given GTN spray is administered when the blood supply is not delivering enough oxygen to the veins and arteries which causes the heart to have to work harder thus producing chest pains, the spray almost immediately opens the veins and arteries allowing a rush of oxygen to the heart - as if a dam had been breached. That is the main cause of the headache, where the veins etc around the brain swell considerably causing pain as a result.

Personally, I get all of the warnings that tell me I should use the GTN, shortness of breath with palpitations and a dizziness feeling overwhelms me. I administer the spray sitting down and immediately after, lay flat on my back and relax as much as possible. Anxiety does come to the fore with these attacks, but with controlled breathing, through nose in and mouth out, I am able to control it.

It is a great medication to have and has worked for me from the very start, whilst waiting for the triple heart bypass and most recently after being diagnosed with heart failure when the GTN was permanently prescribed along with the pacemaker. In the five years since the pacemaker was fitted I have used the GTN only six times (my wife says more like ten) where is has done the job magnificently. I have sprays in my desk drawer, bedside cabinet, cars and workshop.

Hope all this helps. Please have faith in the product and try and learn from your reactions - make notes if it helps, just to learn from experience, where you may be able to understand how your body works and reacts to the chemical make up of the spray. Good luck and keep your pecker up - remember on the occasions you may feel pain and anxious - you need to be alive to be feeling that way and thank the NHS for giving you the gift of extending your life span - I know I do.

[Scho1]

it’s always best to be sat down when you take it and it can give you a headache.

[Mister1]

I have been using the GTN spray for Angina symptoms and have found that I to get headaches. Because it drops your blood pressure being a Vasodilator to help the constructive of blood to and from the heart.

If you think of the blood vessels around your brain looking like a bunch of grapes or as the brain walnut and you suddenly cause blood flow back to the heart to get it working correctly then you have a momentary decrease of electrical activity within the brain but this normalises quickly with a normalised/corrected sinus rhythm.

The body is a wonderful thing as it automatically tries to shut down your extremities as it tries to regulate your heart into naturally pattern.

I've had the following when GTN spray:

I've to sit down or lay down as felt,

Headaches,

Surging sensations after use as my body tries to regulate itself,

Ringing in my ears (Angina and after ) as my body tries to regulate itself,

A feeling like you are dropping through the floor.

I've had my different GTN sprays and technically they should all act the same as the proprietary ingredient is the same the vehicle of propellant can be lightly different.

I have also found that cold is quite cold for me and have actually sat out side in a pair of shorts in the cold for long periods of time to help with my heart but it doesn't always help..

GTN may not be the right drug for you diagnosis and you may be prescribed something else but would still recommend keep it as an emergency back up.

I also take 300mg soluble aspirin chewed as well with the GTN which is normal a first line remedy within the NHS. So, why not try 300mg of aspirin as it not as aggressive in action as GTN spray.

I wish you luck in your diagnosis.😊

[SuddenShock]

I assume that I am just lucky as I don't get a headache when I use GTN. The brand is not clear, white tube, white cap, distributed by Aspire Pharma Ltd, MA holder Egis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd

I am never too sure when to use it, waiting for an urgent bypass graft or two but generally asymptomatic or just used to this feeling normal. I was very apprehensive when I first had GTN just before Christmas 24, and did worry about the reported headaches being a problem.

A post HA friend told me to give it a practice try to make sure that I was using it properly and so the next time I felt "a bit tight" I tried and managed to spray my lips and neck but missed my tongue (oops!). I have used it a few times since and have improved my aim.

My suggestion would be give it a try before you actually need it, have the paracetamols on standby if you want to but don't put off something that could save your life just because you are wary of the experience of others. You can always talk to your Doctor later if you do get a headache and think this is less palatable than a heart attack

[Mentdent]

an advantage with the tablets, although they’re slower, is that you can spit them out as soon as they work and usually avoid the headache.

[Mancunian1]

I couldn’t use the spray as apart from the headache I often felt or was sick and it set my heart beating rapidly. Thankfully I’m one of very few with side effects, as for most people apart from the headache the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.

Thankfully having now had my double CABG I don’t use the Spray. Good luck with your health outcomes

[Sunflower47]

The tablets gave me a horrendous headache but no side effects with the spray.

[Westie2012]

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to reply , I appreciate all the advice and experiences shared . My concern is that when I get the symptoms that warrant possibly needing to use the gtm is when I’m walking to work , it’s only a ten minute walk , I don’t want to rock up to work to say I need to go home , I’m only there just over an hour as I’m a lunchtime supervisor . I’m hoping the weather doesn’t drop to freezing as that low temperatures are a trigger for my symptoms