Trying to adjust my medication, Candesartan.

[Darkwing296]

Hi there. I had to increase my Candesartan from 16-32 mg as my BP was too high. I’ve been monitoring it all along and 10 days ago cut it back to 24 mg. Now I’m still having dizzy spells and my BP is low. 100/60. How long does it take for the candesartan to adjust itself. Or should I go back to the 16 mg. My family doc is super hard to get an appointment with and I can’t get one until September 24th! I can’t find anywhere how long the dose adjustment takes to be reflected in my blood pressure. Thanks for your help.

[Happyrosie]

Your pharmacist should be easily able to help you but if not, assuming you’re in the UK, ring Blood Pressure UK.

[angedogs]

When I was put on Candesartan it had to be supervised by the Heart Clinic nurse and was done in 4 mg increments every six weeks with blood tests in between each increment to make sure my kidney function wasn't affected. I don't think you should be adjusting or monitoring it yourself especially as you don't know how it is affecting your kidneys. I know you said it is hard to get a GP appointment but is it possible to have a quick phone consultation or speak to a nurse? Most surgeries have a nurse or health care assistant you should be able to talk to. In answer to your question it takes about 2 weeks for the dose to adjust enough to make a difference but sometimes can take a bit longer.

[Darkwing296 in reply to angedogs]

Thank you. I live in Canada. We have a telehealth system here but all they do unfortunately is refer you back to your family doc. We are still under Covid restrictions here as well so all apts are virtual. I think I’m going to pop in and check with my pharmacist.

[Sleepyholllow in reply to Darkwing296]

That’s probably the best plan.

[angedogs in reply to Darkwing296]

Sorry, I thought you were in the UK. Yes, best to check with pharmacist.

[Sleepyholllow]

Hi there, I’m so not qualified to answer your question, but perhaps try your local pharmacist, he/she should be able to help.My gp increased my dose of lercanidipine from 20mg to 20mg recently, I noticed an improvement almost immediately. Maybe it takes a bit more time, for your body to adjust to the changes.

Hope you get some clarity soon.

[cuore]

I don't know what province you are in, but if you are in B.C., you should be able to go to a walk-in clinic. Other provinces should have similar facilities.