Would changing to Indapamide slow release help my dizzy spells? And would NICE let me have it?

[Coco51]

During the recent heatwave I was starting to get dizzy spells and discovered my BP dropped to 82/47 in late morning and early afternoon. I take my BP meds at 8am, so it was just about when they peak in the bloodsteam. I suspected dehydration. However, drinking more fluid didn't help. It just meant I spent more time peeing. Called the GP about halving my Indapamide 2.5mg tablet and he said try stopping altogether.

Well for 4 days it was magic. No dizziness and BP good. I felt great. But Day 5 my BP went up and now peaks around 145/95, although acceptable at other times.

The bad news is that I am now feeling fatigue and real problems on the stairs. I think it's possibly the extra fluid my heart is having to deal with. I have put on a kg.

I now researched and discovered there is a slow release Indapamide 1.5mg which sounds as if it would smooth out those dips in BP that made me dizzy. Clinical trials show it's just as effective as the standard 2.5 tabs and better at maintaining potassium levels. But here's the problem...according to NICE advice to GPS in 2017 it's more expensive and NICE doesn't promote its use. Even so I would like to try it.

So is anyone taking this slow release version? If so how did you get the GP to give it to you?

(Context:I take other meds for Atrial Fibrillation and have a pacemaker for bradycardia which only kicks in when needed)

[Happyrosie]

Coco, you’ve done a lot of useful research! I haven’t anything useful to say, other than a chat with your pharmacist might be a good idea. He or she could write to your doctor with a recommendation (my pharmacist did this for my husband though not the same situation as you).

[Coco51 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you. Good idea!

[springcross]

That's good advice from Happyrosie Coco. x

[Coco51 in reply to springcross]

Agreed. Thank you.

[Ropa511]

Worth trying the 1.5 slow release and seeing if it works for you.

Remember that diuretics are a very cheap class of drug, so the the added expense of this particular tablet is likely to be very marginal at best.

Also there is such a thing as patient choice.

So if you feel that the 1.5mg would be a better option for you than the 2.5mg, then you are the one who has to take the tablets, so it is also your right to be happy with what you are taking and to insist on taking the tablet and dose that feels right for you.

You can always readjust later if necessary.

All the best!

[Coco51 in reply to Ropa511]

Thank you. Wise thoughts.

[JemimaPuddleduck1]

Hello Coco15 Sorry to hear the problems you are having I am on indapamide but am on 2.5mg don't have any problems with them tho.

I know that the hot weather can knock us for six we are not used to it. It did me.

Could it be the other tablets that you are taking that are reacting with the BP one.

I know in some cases its fine to start with then it slowly starts to react.

I always read the packets to make sure. Which i am sure you have done already.

I hope you can find a relief somewhere. its not nice when you are taking tablets to help onlu to find they make you feel worse.

Sorry i cant help