Lowering BP meds.

[lettingoffsteam]

I've been on 5mg amlodipine and 10mg ramipril for a few months but now my GP wants me to cut ramipril to 5mg.How long does it take to have an effect?

[Hidden]

Has your BP improved?

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Hidden]

Well, I've been getting some low readings 100- 120 systolic with some below 100 and the 10mg ramipril has given me a low potassium score.I was originally on 5mg of ramipril with 10mg of amlodipine but that was swapped around due to side effects presumed to be from amlodipine. Anyway my GP thought I should try 5mg of each next.Frankly I wouldn't mind trying something else as I still have some side effects eg a rash but no joy on that front yet.I was just wondering how long it would be before I saw a change in my BP.To be honest I'm a bit nervous as my original BP on diagnosis was very high but I'm being told I may be over medicated.

[rosyG in reply to lettingoffsteam]

you could look up the half life of ramipril but I'd guess a few days The systolic is too low if under 11 so the GP seems on the right lines. I had low potassium too with ramipril but you can eat potassium rich foods to counter this Jacket potato is good, salmon, tomatoes, bananas, kale

[lettingoffsteam in reply to rosyG]

Yes I definitely tried to eat lots of potassium rich foods but it was still too low.I hope this dose change works.Have lost a lot of weight and changed my diet to mainly plant based.Trying to up the exercise too.I hate these meds.What are you taking?

[rosyG in reply to lettingoffsteam]

I had atrial flutter with two meds as potassium fell so now just walking. Doing quite well!

[lettingoffsteam in reply to rosyG]

That's great...I really hope I can gradually bring my meds down and look to lifestyle changes more.I can't see me totally off them though as my BP was stupidly high when I was diagnosed 244/133!! No previous history of high BP. Big shock to the system for sure.

[rosyG in reply to lettingoffsteam]

I had 220/103 once so hang on in there= you should be able to do t with determination!!

[lettingoffsteam in reply to rosyG]

Wow, thanks rosyG that's really encouraging.I'll give it my best.

[rosyG in reply to lettingoffsteam]

go for it- I'm also careful to check salt content of foods- amazing how amounts vary

[lettingoffsteam in reply to rosyG]

Ah yes,I was really shocked by that.Mind you...just watched a cookery programme and she was throwing in handfuls of salt!