Not seeing dramatic improvement in numbers

[Smmmm]

I’ve been on blood pressure meds now for almost 3 weeks. During that time my meds have been tweaked 3x. Started off on Losartan 50mg, then Losartan 100mg and now Losartan 100mg HCTZ (a combo pill that includes a diuretic). I’m pleased that I don’t feel any side effects yet (hopefully won’t), and there is an improvement overall, but I’m disappointed that the medication is not consistently or more dramatically lowering my pressure.

Pre-medication it zoomed way up around 175 or 190. With medication, even the current one, tends to stay in the 140s/150s, but can sometimes be in the mid-130s, or as high as 190 or 200. All these readings are from my home machine at rest, correct posture. I had it in my mind that once I started meds I’d see dramatic differences. (I take my readings in 3s, three times a couple minutes apart, to get an average. One thing I noticed is 99% of the time my first reading of the three is much higher... do you think it’s just nerves?)

My question, for those of you who’ve been through this, can sometimes a particular drug not do much, but if you switch to something completely different then you see immediate results? I just wish this damn pill would work better because I’ve been pleased that I feel fine on this particular one.

[springcross]

Hi Smmmm. I think it is just nerves. I get the feeling that maybe you are doing what I used to do and taking your readings too much. My first one was always high too and it became an obsession with me so I used to keep taking it in the hope that the next one would be lower but it was making things worse as I was getting myself stressed out over it and that was making my BP high and of course, when it came to the next time to take it, even before I put the cuff on I was worrying what the reading was going to be. Try to forget about taking your BP for a couple of days and before you next take it, play some relaxing music for half an hour or so or do some gentle breathing exercises for a while and then take it. Don't overdo it as it will make you stressed and create a vicious circle.

With regards to the drugs themselves, some drugs do work better for some people than they do for others and it's a try it and see thing sometimes. Give your present drugs a chance to see if they will work for you and if not, then go back to your GP for advice. Good luck. x

[Happyrosie]

Well Smmmm I do find the first reading is a bit high, then I take three more and use the average of the last three.

Remember not to talk when taking the reading, and breathe slowly and gently before and during.

Also, there are the lifestyle issues to look at, it’s not all about pills - so, attention to your diet and exercise.

And I agree with much of what springcross says.

[Shadynook]

It’s a nightmare isn’t it!! I’ve only recently been on meds and tried one from every type available. My GP said I’m hypersensitive to blood pressure medication. Each on gave slightly different readings but I was only on them for about 1/2 weeks due to side effects. I’m taking Bendroflumethiazide diuretic 2.5mg been on it a week took a reading yesterday if 140/87 my highest reading before meds was around 170/100.

I am hoping to loose some weight, although I’m only about a stone and half too heavy, so I can get off these awful tablets!

[Port01]

I can sympathise about the readings and also find the first is the highest. I agree with the comments about stressing out and worrying to much. I now only take my BP for 3 days at the start each month and like others take the average of three. In my own case as well a relaxing for a few minutes I take my hearing aids out to help the calming effect. As for the medication I think they all do take quite a few weeks to fully take effect. Good luck.

[Ropa511]

Try not to worry about erratic readings...as others are saying its likely to be anxiety related.

Sounds also like they increased your meds a bit too quickly for my liking, without allowing you to settle down on one med and one dose first.

When it comes to BP meds I really believe less is more, and its best to take things slow and cautious before ramping up the dosages too much.

Personally I would at least consider asking about lowering the losartan back down to 50mg and then see how you get on with that.

Not sure what your HCTZ dosage is, but maybe that could be reduced a bit also as HCTZ is still very effective at a low dose.

100 mg losartan is the highest dose and maximises the risk of side effects (fatigue, achy limbs, nasal congestion/cough)

Generally 2 or even 3 low dose bp drugs are better than 1 high dose one.

Anyway my thoughts for what they are worth.

Good luck!

[Shadynook]

I’ve been on 5 different tablets in the last 3 months!!! Just picked up my 5th Lisinopril.Losartan unfortunately gave me swollen lips and face. I lost stone and half 4 years ago when I was first diagnosed with hypertension and only took Ramapril for a couple of months. Weight gradually crept on and of course older now (70 in February) but it’s been such a nightmare trying to find a bp that doesn’t cause awful side effects, I’m thinking just loose the weight!!! Unfortunately I have to take drastic action to do so! I followed the 800 diet which is very hard and cycled and walked every day but I now have painful knees. If I were you I’d definitely try to do whatever you can to prevent taking tablets!

Best wishes Kate