Doxazosin and what’s next

[Quilting4me]

I have had 2 strokes, one while undergoing chemotherapy, (ovarian cancer, hysterectomy and chemo due to cyst burst) which had to be stopped after 2 sessions due to reactions from Pachtaxel, and Dexamethasone(steroids). Was recovering well when woke up with limited movement on right.

I have had high blood pressure for years, but not as high as readings now, over 200. I have tried Amlodipine which causes anxiety, chest pain, and palpitations. Adipine which was like going through chemotherapy. Rampril, confusion, flu symptoms, Losartan, caused huge anxiety, blood pressure rise. Lercandipine, one day caused anxiety, and on Doxazosin, where I have pins and needles in hands, unsteady walking, and bone cold all the time, blood pressure still very high.

I am allergic to over the counter meds, and only take paracetamol and ibrufen(although can’t take that at present). I am on Clopidogrel.

At present being monitored, and have spoken to pharmacist at surgery, and been told it’s going to be trial or error, and still taking the Doxazosin as it does not make me confused, but can’t go on with side effects much longer

Any suggestions?

[Madlegs1]

I can't help you with advice, but sincerely hold you in my thoughts and heart.An awful time.

Hopefully it will pass and all this will be a memory.

Good luck.

[springcross]

I'm sorry to hear all you've been through and are still going through, what a worry for you. Have you tried different brands of a couple of the BP meds? Different manufacturers sometimes use different excipients which can make a difference to how we react to the medications - you could have a word with the pharmacist and get their opinion on that. I'm sorry I can't suggest anything else but maybe your GP could. You could also contact Blood Pressure UK and ask if they could help. Good luck to you Quilting4me, I hope you find a solution. x

[Happyrosie]

just to say that I sympathise and reinforce what springcross and Madlegs have said - this is way above our pay grade but the charity might have some thoughts.

[b1b1b1]

How long have you tried each medication? Sometimes it takes some time for your body to adjust to a new drug. I am sure you know that readings over 200 are life threatening. Talk to your doctor right away. Maybe pick the BP med that had the least side effects and try to stay on it.

[Quilting4me in reply to b1b1b1]

Been on the Doxazosin for three weeks, symptoms getting worse, but better than the others I’ve tried, Ramipril was over 2 weeks, Losartan was a week. I do try, but walking, dizziness, confusion, and constantly being cold, when before all this was a fresh air fanatic, now I’ve about 4 layers on and still cold.

Have been like this since I was a child, okay with antibiotics. I’m ex ambulance so aware of risks, but have been ill for over a year now, and every time I’m back on my feet, and doing normal things a spanner hits the works

[b1b1b1 in reply to Quilting4me]

It is also possible that some or most of the problems you are experiencing are caused by some type of illness rather than the blood pressure drugs. I am not a doctor, but the side effects you mention are not the usual side effects of BP medications. I have read the list of side effects of several BP meds as I also take, or have taken olmesartan, losartan, and amlodipine. Are you Able to get a good general check up, preferably at a major teaching hospital or similar type of medical facility.

[Kyrah100 in reply to Quilting4me]

Doxadosin made me feel tired all time. I'm a light sleeper, Doxadosin was good for putting me in deep sleep, I stopped taking it Jan 2023, tired of being tired all the time. Haven't told the doctor. Ist med was Amalodopine, went from size 16 to 20 in two weeks, Indapamide gave me gout, Losatan chest pains, Doxazosin made me very tired, had no energy. I feel more myself since coming off the meds.

[Anwarhussain]

You should try bisoprolol,a beta blocker at low dose like 2.5 mg and gradually increase to 5mg daily. continue your clopidogril as advised.also keep your weight under control.

[Anwarhussain in reply to Anwarhussain]

I am family medicine specialist

[Quilting4me in reply to Anwarhussain]

Will see what Doctor says today, as on top of all this now have a lump at operation site.

Also, have had MRI, CT scans and had echo

[Aprilbday]

Have you tried gabapentin as an added ( in addition to) medication to your high blood pressure medication?