Increased to two drugs now…

[Moneylover]

hello all. Just sent readings through to GP they were crazy high on Amlodopine 5mg. Higher than on no drug so just shows how anxiety about the meds causes a vicious circle. Started medication at an average of 145/90 a few months ago. Systolic now in 170s and diastolic regularly reaching 100 in the evenings. Am trying to keep calm and tell myself that I am not likely to be a freak of nature and that BP will come down. I thought GP would increase the Amlodopine first but has added 2.5mg ramopril . That seems to be a starting dose but possible to increase up to 10mg. Anyone else on this combination of drugs and if so what strengths? I assume Ramopril must act differently to Amlodopine but in synergy with it. Asked the pharmacist but he simply said speak to GP. Chance would be a fine thing, everything has just been text. Have to go for kidney function test now. All comments welcome!

[Madlegs1]

I started with Amlodipine 5mg, which got me from 180s to 150s , the Dr then added Olmersatin 10mg to the cocktail and that has got me down to 115-125s which I'm happy with.However ,on my recent visit it was up to 145. I freaked @out ,but he was quite happy.

Have to get a 24 hr holster in 3 months- so we'll see how that goes.

Stress is a huge factor in Hypertension. I can actually reduce my readings by 20 points in 1 minute by practicing mindfulness.

Getting rid of my stress factors would result in a 20 year stretch. So not a great option.🥵

Drs vary the meds to avoid side effects.

All the best.

[katieoxo60]

Just to help you I have been treated for high blood pressure for years I am allergic to Ace inhibiters and people do have different reactions to drugs so it can take some time to get stable, as its natural to worry about ones health. To spite drugs mine can go up with other stressors . Re the Kidney blood test that's usual as it can be the kidneys causing high BP or vise versa. Normally if the Kidney test is average or low its usual to be tested once a year unless your symptoms change. The suggestion for mindfulness is good to lower BP. There are lots of CDs available to calm your thoughts or Apps on the phone. Best Wishes

[Happyrosie]

I was just about to say “ask your pharmacist” because that’s what they are supposed to do. They are NOT, or should not be, just pill dispensers. Mine, for instance, does stints at the local hospital where he advises the doctors there.

However, you are where you are!

If you go to the website of NICE (National Institute for Clinical Evidence) and input hypertension into their search box, you’ll see the pathways that gp’s should take. I assume you’ve already gone down the lifestyle and diet route already. And yes, one drug type complements another drug type through I can’t comment on your particular combination, Your pharmacist should!

More information on the website of the charity Blood Pressure UK.

Oh and being told to have a kidney function test would be normal after about a month on a drug or combination.

[Mumtochd]

I was started on Amlodipine but couldn’t cope with side effects so was switched to Ramipril which I am now on 10mg, I had kidney function. Test 4 weeks after starting Ramipril then yearly, I am also in Lercandipine, Indapamide, spironolactone and recently had nebivilol added in. I am currently waiting cardiology appointment since October last year. It can take a while to get the right mix and dose.

[Moneylover]

thank you. Is that five BPdrugs? Or for other things. What BP readings have the drugs given? I haven’t taken a measurement since the 2.5mg ramopril added to the Amlodopine as am waiting for a couple of weeks till drug taken effect. Thanks for info re kidney test, once a year test is no proble, glad it’s not more frequent. Xx

[Mumtochd in reply to Moneylover]

4 BP drugs and 1 beta blocker. My BP not sits 140’s/90’s before starting meditation it’s was 220’s/180’s. GP would like it reduced a bit more.

[Moneylover in reply to Mumtochd]

I didn’t realise could go that high! Still at least controlled now. Do you know why went so high. Guess they like a bit lower though as your GP says so there is a bit of spare to play with.

[Mumtochd in reply to Moneylover]

GP doesn’t know they said it looks I am hypertension resistant and has referred me to cardiology for them to investigate which if I am lucky might get seen this year but I am grateful it has at least came down.

[Tiffan-future123 in reply to Mumtochd]

Mumtochd my blood pressure was similar to yours 230/180 a year ago . I have been on 100mg of losartan. That really did bring it down alot.

Stress can be a very big reason for hypertension.

I think I was going at 100mph without realising but my body had enough.

Now I relax more and enjoy time alone. Eat healthy meals and walk at least 20/30 mins, drink 2 litres of water a day, evenly spaced throught out the day. Meditation, spend time with nature, grounding, it really does help when changes are made.

I did see a cardiologist and all is fine with my heart. My reading last time at docs were 118/85. I hope they remain in control but they do fluctuate over the month. I have noticed they elevate during my menstrual circle, just before I start and during, but drop significantly after my period has finished. Strange.

Hoping that you find medication and lifestyle that helps to normalise your BP. It is doable.

[BobbyCollins]

I have similar problems with anxiety about BP readings. I really sympathise. My GP said to do just 2 readings per week. It seems to help. Good luck x