Hej After five years I have got high bloodpreassu... - PMRGCAuk

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Hej After five years I have got high bloodpreassure. I´m having a hard time finding a medication for that that doesn´t make me extremly tire

AkselOlsen profile image
11 Replies

I,m now on 8,75 mg Prednisolon. Hope my bloodpreassure gets better again if I can reduse the dose. Anyone experiensed the same? So tired of beeing tired .

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AkselOlsen profile image
AkselOlsen
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

What have they tried for the blood pressure problem? I'm on a combi of Losartan (angiotensin II inhibitor) and bisoprolol (beta blocker) - and I have no tiredness problems at all. It isn't the first line option here in Italy - but the first line gave me a terrible itchy rash so it had to be changed.

There are several of each so it should be possible to try different things that agree with you better. Even different versions of the same substance vary. And I haven't mentioned calcium channel blockers.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

AskelOlsen,

Like PMRPro I am on mixture of drugs to control high blood pressure, which seems to be the preferred option in UK (been on them a long before going on to steroids). They are Atenolol (beta blocker), Amlodopine (calcium channel blockers), Ramipril ( ACE inhibitor) and small dose of aspirin (75mg), no problem with tiredness.

Incidentally, my new GP reckons that Ramipril is the most effective - I did query coming off it because it can cause a dry cough, but he said "no way".

You don't say how long you have been on blood pressure tablets, perhaps you need to give a little more time to let your body adjust to them, if you're not happy then go back to your doctor. Hope things improve, DorsetLady

bowler profile image
bowler

I had a hard time trying to get a suitable blood pressure medication to suit me, because of my kidneys, It was a real trial and error with the side effects.

LISINOPRIL which I took for several years was causing my kidney's to deteriorate and was taken off them after being sent to A&E [ I now have chronic kidney disease ] yet my sister and cousin took them with no problems.

I am now on LERCANIDIPINE, BENDROFLUMETHIADIZE [ water tablet ] and BISOPROLOL [ beta blocker ] 2.5 mgs [ the 5 mgs made me tired,] So far so good.

I feel that all those on long term blood pressure medication should have a regular kidney function test, or is that routine anyway? I have it done because of my kidney disease.

Celtic profile image
CelticPMRGCAuk volunteer

Aksel

High blood pressure (extremely) is the bane of my life at the moment, with various combinations of drugs so far having little beneficial effect.....apart from the side effects! However, like Bowler, I also have chronic kidney disease, and just a sole kidney, so maybe that is why I'm proving such an awkward patient! Amlodipine returned my legs to being reminiscent of the days of PMR (now in remission); Ramipril, although apparently the most researched among BP drugs, made me feel nauseous and unwell. Now on a combination of Losartan and Diltiazem - the latter being from the same family as Amlodipine (Calcium Channel Blockers), so still swollen ankles, but not as bad, so, as PMRpro has said, there are many different varieties available in each group, so if one doesn't work another can be tried and hopefully you will find one that doesn't make you feel "so tired".

Bowler - yes, it's routine for everyone to have regular blood tests for kidney function whilst on blood pressure drugs.

trish29 profile image
trish29 in reply to Celtic

Hello Celtic .. Its very interesting reading about all the different Blood Pressure Tablets .. As you know I am on Propranolol 80 mg twice a day , so should I be having regular Blood Tests as my last ones were in July 2013 before seeing my Rheumatoloogist ? My GP thought Blood Tests weren't necessary last week as I had a virus and it wouldn't give a true reading .. I was with a different Doctor in an emergency clinic . So I didn't push for Blood tests . lol. Trish 29

Celtic profile image
CelticPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to trish29

Hi Trish

I believe it's usual to have at least an annual blood test to check kidney function (urea. electrolytes. eGFR) when on blood pressure medication. I have more regular cheques because of my low kidney function. However, hubby (with normal kidney function) who is also on BP meds has his blood pressure checked twice a year with the blood tests being carried out once during the year.

I was sorry to read you have been suffering from a virus - as if PMR isn't quite enough to cope with. I do hope you're recovering well and look forward to seeing you next week.xx

trish29 profile image
trish29 in reply to Celtic

Good Morning Celtic . Thank you for your reply.. the last IO days or so have been awful and the pain level has been excruciating and I haven't been able to get out . I must say that going carefully with the Ibuprofen occasssionally seems to be working and I am just starting to feel a fraction better . It appears I am being kept on Propranolol BP tablets as they are helping with the Migraines but i do think they add to my exhaustion and last weeks GP said my BP was borderline and maybe i dont get too many blood tests because I am Atypical with the PMR , just waiting for the Pain Clinic now. As you can imagine I have been very tearful and frustrated to not be able to get on at home or get out. I have been very interested at most of the posts recently because so many PMR/GCA sufferers seem to be having a hard time and i seem to pick up so many tips and learn new things about PMR from it and Kate's e- book is wonderful .When I was at my worst pain ROBINHAM was so helpful to me and told me how he has got down on the Prednisolone with the help of Ibuprofen . I have spoken to my GP and he's happy to continue with this for the time being with our lovely Rheumatologists approval . The sun is shining and I would love to go out to the Village on my scooter today .Hope to see you next week. trish 29

Celtic profile image
CelticPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to trish29

Trish

Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better after the virus. The main thing now is not to reduce the Pred until you're sure the virus is right out of your system. In fact, some medics advise increasing slightly whilst infections run their course. The blood tests I was referring to were purely BP-related in answer to your question. As far as PMR is concerned, if you are someone who has never had raised inflammatory markers, then the usual ESR and CRP blood tests are unlikely to be helpful. In the absence of those, then you have to be guided by how you feel. It's a beautiful day and I hope that the sunshine at least has helped to lift your spirits. xx

AkselOlsen profile image
AkselOlsen

Thankyou I now try Amlodipine and ACEinhibitor. Maybe my problems have nothing to do with PMR. Thankyou for your answers!

I was on Bisoprolol [10mg] and Ramipril. I developed a cough, an irritating cough. Apparently this is a common side effect of Ramipril, so I now take Bisoprolol and Bendroflumethiazide and everything is fine. I don't think I have any adverse effects from these drugs. I feel generally 'wug' and I believe that is the MTX and Prednisolone combo

cassey1879 profile image
cassey1879

Want to suggest you don't go on Amlodipine, mine went up from the pred. too and had to go on BP med. Am sure it was what caused all the swelling, and pitted edema in my ankles. Am finally off as down to 34 mg. pred. now. All swelling down and does say big side effect is swollen hands and feet. Good luck, don't know what type to suggest was only that one.

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