Raynaud's treatment

[Happy43]

Has anyone with Raynaud's been prescribed Amlodipine? I would be interested to hear experiences. I have it sat in my cupboard but am cautious as I keep being told at every appointment i have low blood pressure and as far as I'm aware, this is also used to treat high blood pressure. I don't want to lower mine any further! Also is anyone still wearing layers of clothes despite the weather warming up? I can't seem to stay warm as well as I used to and last winter was more difficult than ever before, thermals, hand and foot warmers etc. (I've had Raynaud's for 20 years and the last 2 years it's got worse). I'm dreading this winter 😫. Any tips on how you manage would be really helpful 😊

[Roarah]

I do not have raynaulds, but amodipine is a calcium channel blocker and I with very low blood pressure have used it for migraine preventive treatment years ago with no adverse effect.

I recently stopped menstruating, my last session was when I had a stroke and instead of hot flashes I get cold flashes even though our temps here are in the high 80s, my doctor said it is common in women as our hormones shift and more common in low blood pressure women.

I think it is safe to try your amodipine it might regulate your tempature too.

[Happy43 in reply to Roarah]

Thanks Roarah that's really interesting. I have been getting cold flashes over the last few months and my periods have gradually been changing since January 2018, I often wonder if I am perimenopausal. I will try it 😊

[Hidden]

Yes I was prescribed it for Raynauds and for hypertension. It gave me a rash on my face so I had to stop. I also had a problem with Nifedipine, Seldenifil (viagra) and also a dry cough from Ramipril so finally ended up on Losartan.

I’ve taken 75mg Losartan for a few years now and it has worked really well for both problems although sometimes, due to autonomic issues when I’m flaring, my blood pressure either plummets or soars - or occasionally pendulums from one to the other!

If it doesn’t help or you find it makes your BP plummet then there are probably others you can try.

[Happy43 in reply to Hidden]

I've tried Nifedipine, it gave me headaches and Losartan didn't do anything (I took it for some time). I wondered whether the Losartan caused the low blood pressure, I never had it before that? Or would it have resolved once I stopped taking it?

[Hidden in reply to Happy43]

Sorry I can’t help with this question - haven’t a clue.

[Roarah in reply to Happy43]

Rarely, Losartan, an ACE inhibitor, has been linked to prolong refractory hypotension in surgical patients after discontinuation.

[Happy43 in reply to Roarah]

So it may have caused the low blood pressure?

[Roarah in reply to Happy43]

It could have but something else could have lowered your pressure also. Cause vs correlation would be hard to prove without studying all underlying factors. Your prescribing doctor might know more.

[Happy43 in reply to Roarah]

Ok thanks. I have an appointment with the Rheumatologist that prescribed Losartan on 19th so I'll ask then 😊

[Sekka]

Hi there. I've had Reynaud's for very many years and yes keep warm!

Warm socks and shoes at all times and gloves whenever practical (long before friends mention that it's getting cooler!)

Electric blanket helps. Use warm water to wash hands. I use a light scarf frequently, even inside.

Any exposed skin for me is risky when it's cold. Don't know that drug I'm sorry.

Don't let yourself get cold before warming up. Layers are best! Investigate the drug though. It's probably supposed to help improve blood flow to fingers and toes therefore reducing that pain. 😊

[Happy43 in reply to Sekka]

Hi Sekka thanks for the helpful tips, especially not allowing yourself to get cold in the first place! 😊

[miccika1]

I started moving more and that's the only thing that consistently helps. I wake up w Raynaud's even if im not cold. I run for 3 mins (can't do more yet) and by that time my body warms up, blood starts circulating and im ready to tey staying warm throughout the day by getting up off my butt either each hour or whenever i start feeling cold. Additionally When outside in cooler weather i put nitroglycerin gel and gloves and hand/toe warmers. I realized i need to keep my whole body warm not only hands so before going out i do the running for couple of minutes which is usually enough to warm up before goin out

[Happy43 in reply to miccika1]

Thanks miccika1 some good tips. I do find if I sit for a long period of time it gets worse so I agree with moving more! 😊

[Sekka in reply to miccika1]

That's all good sense isn't it? We can't cure it so learning how best to manage it is the solution. 😊

[sarahsch]

Hi Happy43,

I also have had Raynaud's for over 20 yrs & low blood pressure. I recently started on diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, prescribed for pulmonary vasospasms.

I have tolerated it well, although my blood pressure can be variable.

I take a slow release form which probably helps.

The positive effects on my health have been amazing. For the first time in 9 yrs I am not out of breath, my palpatations have stopped & I can do up shirt buttons which I was struggling with. It can cause flushes & I am experiencing these, but they are mild & might even be unrelated as I am 49 & menopausal.

I'd give the amodipine a go. Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Sarah x

[Happy43 in reply to sarahsch]

Hi sarah thanks for your reply. I'm glad to hear you've had success, I'll give it a try 😊

[Rmutka1]

I guess im lost. Why does blood pressure medications and/or viagra work for Raynauds ? Does it help with symptoms ?

[Happy43 in reply to Rmutka1]

I think it relaxes and opens blood vessels which improves circulation? Not really sure, it's never been explained to me.

[chrisj in reply to Happy43]

Best person to ask is your gp or rheumatologist depending on who you see xxx

[Guatmom]

I have Raynaud’s and hypertension and now take Losartan and Amlodipine. Since starting Amlodipine my hands react almost normally to cold. No more white fingers when touching frozen things. No problems even in a cold winter. And it got my blood pressure under control

[Happy43 in reply to Guatmom]

Hi and thanks for your reply, I'm glad you are feeling the benefits for your Raynaud's. Unfortunately I suffer from low blood pressure not high so wasn't sure about the effect Amlodopine would have on that 🤔. I do need to do something though as last winter was awful. Will speak to my Rheumatologist at my next appointment 😊

[chrisj]

I take it for blood pressure after kidney damage some years ago, just a small dose but one of the renal doctors thought it necessary.

I suffered white fingers and toes as a child in the 50s but it was never treated so can't comment on the use of amlodipine for that. It didn't settle down until I was diagnosed with mild SLE in 2005 and with hydroxy treatment my toes and fingers have improved a lot. Have to make sure I'm wearing gloves and socks in the winter but it's not as bad as it was as a child. Sorry I can't be more help....

[Happy43 in reply to chrisj]

Hi chrisj thanks for your reply. Interesting to hear hydroxy has helped with your Raynaud's. I have tried it twice but I have a stomach condition and it gave me severe gastritis so I had to stop. I wonder if there might be a gastro resistant version of hydroxy that i might tolerate? Another question for my next Rheumatology appointment! 😊

[4bre]

I have Raynards for many years now,summer and winter,of course cold weather is much worse but yes I still get it during summer months.Every winter my raynards gets worse and damages my fingers more and over the past couple years I have got it in my feet as well.

[Happy43 in reply to 4bre]

Hi 4bre yes mine has got worse over last 2 years and I'm concerned about getting digital ulcers. I have one finger in particular that is now worse, get tiny paper cuts on it and very dry skin, I have to wear rubber gloves to wash up and use hand cream after every hand wash 😟. My feet also got worse last winter, I find Hot Hands disposable hand and feet warmers very helpful. I also found myself going to bed a lot just to warm up! Do you take any medication for it? I've heard Ginko Biloba might be beneficial? Take care 😊