Update on Omlesartan/Candesartan debacle!

[figster]

hi folks,

I thought I would give you a quick update. I started on the Olmesartan (low dose) on Monday morning. By this morning my resting heart rate had fallen into my boots and I could barely function. Over 48 hours it dropped from the usual 74 bpm to 57 bpm. I felt awful. I also started with a runny nose and blocked sinuses. Spoke to GP who told me to stop the tablets immediately. My heart rate has gone back to normal but I’m still very blocked up. So back to the drawing board! Any suggestions gratefully received.

Thank you for all your helpful comments.

[Happyrosie]

my suggestion would be to ask to be referred to a cardiologist. I looked back at previous posts and see that you have a thyroid problem, so any suggestions other than the normal diet and lifestyle one’s would, in my view, be well above our pay grade here on this forum.

[figster in reply to Happyrosie]

thanks but I wasn’t expecting medical advice from anyone! It was a friendly post asking whether people had any similar experiences and what medication worked for them. There will be plenty of people posting who have multiple health issues including thyroid.

[Happyrosie in reply to figster]

I take your point, figster, but your situation is - in my view - serious and urgent. As an individual, what works for me might not be a good idea for you and that’s why we have a medical profession. My point is that a cardiologist - or the branch of medicine treating your thyroid - has had several years of training and lots of experience. We haven’t.

[figster in reply to Happyrosie]

thank you, I take your point too but I’m guessing most people are pretty clear about the difference between medical advice and a forum where we share our experiences and help each other to feel supported with this difficult health stuff. Just to put your mind at rest I have a supportive GP and a cardiologist. For me, people’s lived experiences are often more helpful than rigid medical advice. I personally try to take the positives from both. Have a lovely day.😊

[Eviedog12]

Hi there, I take losartan, one of the family of Sartan meds. Sinus problems are an issue with these so I'm prescribed a nasal inhaler. It works for me. It was trial and error with meds to begin with but I'm sure you'll find one that suits. Good luck, you'll get there.

[figster in reply to Eviedog12]

thank you so much. That’s really helpful for me. I didn’t realise that sinus problems are an issue with this class of drug. It’s good to know that I’m not alone with this side effect. I will discuss with my GP tomorrow. Can I ask what nasal inhaler you use please? Thanks 😊

[Eviedog12 in reply to figster]

Hi again, it's one the Dr prescribed, haven't got it with me but is a saline based one as you can't use the ones off the shelf. I don't use it all the time, just when necessary.

[figster in reply to Eviedog12]

thanks, if you find the time at any point, could you let me know what it’s called and I’ll mention to the GP. 👍

[Aprilbday]

My bp has dropped like that- even lower. But I noticed it only dropped that low and lower when I am sleeping. My doctor did not change my prescription and just told me to keep taking it. So I take it but I am concerned. I don’t know what to do about it because if I don’t take it my blood pressure goes very high. I am not sure this was helpful but just wanted you to know it’s happened to me and you are not alone.

[figster in reply to Aprilbday]

that’s interesting because my GP told me to stop taking it. But my resting heart rate went so low that I felt a bit like a zombie and couldn’t function properly at work. Even though it was a low dose I’m wondering if it was still a bit too high for me. I think if it is negatively impacting your quality of life you should try to talk to your GP about it. It feels like we are constantly weighing up the pros and cons doesn’t it?

[Happyrosie in reply to Aprilbday]

aprilbday, have a look at the specialist charity website Blood Pressure UK. They might guide you as to what you should do.