not sure if this is the right page for BP meds

[Doraflora]

I was prescribed Imladapine for high BP 10 days ago. All was good at first until after taking for 8 days I feel so unwell. Dizzy/woozy head/nausea and fatigue. I phoned the GP today but noone available to speak to me! They messaged the GP who said to speak to their in-house pharmacist - who is off until Monday!

I felt so bad today I thought I’d stop that med until I’d spoken to her. Don’t know if that’s a good thing, as how can I know if it is that med making me feel ill, or could it be some kind of virus.

I’ve just taken my BP and it’s “normal” so I don’t know what to do. I just don’t want to feel so grotty.

Any advice from you lovely wise ones would be hugely appreciated! x

[piglette]

These are some common side effects:

swelling of your legs or ankles, tiredness or extreme sleepiness, stomach pain, nausea dizziness, or warm feeling in your face (flushing), irregular heart rate (arrhythmia), very fast heart rate (palpitations), abnormal muscle movements tremors.

As your doctor has prescribed blood pressure tablets, people on this board cannot give advice, although some may have had a similar experience. You may be better going to a different forum to ask your question while you wait to talk to a medical professional..

[Doraflora in reply to piglette]

thanks Piglette.

[123-go]

If I were you I’d contact my local pharmacist. Your blood pressure being ‘normal’ is very likely due to the medication working but it’s quite possible that it’s causing side effects. Was a patient information leaflet included in the pack/container? I’m no expert but I wouldn’t think stopping it after such a short time would be harmful.

What a good idea it would be for the GP to know when the in-house pharmacist is off: probably asking too much. You do need advice.

Let us know how you get on.

[Doraflora in reply to 123-go]

there was a leaflet with the meds 123-go, but it didn’t show all the symptoms I’ve got.

However, I had the best nights sleep and feel a lot better this morning. My BP is the best reading it’s ever been. I’m just waiting for the pharmacy to open so I can get advice whether it’s best to stop the tablets.

But we’re talking about our surgery here. You know the saying: “one hand doesn’t know…..”. So much for these all-singing-all-dancing medical centres🙄

[123-go in reply to Doraflora]

Good to hear you feel so much better this morning. I hope your call to the pharmacist is productive…come back to keep us updated, please, and to help others with similar experiences. 🤞

[Doraflora in reply to 123-go]

the pharmacist who issued the Indapamide was extremely helpful. She said it sounded very likely like a side effect and to stop taking them until after my appointment with the surgery on Monday. I’ll update you again after then.

[123-go in reply to Doraflora]

We’ll done to the pharmacist and reassuring for you 👍. Thanks for letting us know.

[Purpleazalia]

A post on the British Heart Foundation forum might be able to offer support if you don't find enough experience here.

The first BP meds prescribed for me was a combination pack of 2 different tablets - it was 12 years ago so can't remember what they were. They made me feel so ill after a few days that I was sent home from work. I stopped taking them and the side effects went within a couple of days.

The Dr wanted me to try them again to make sure it wasn't a virus causing the problems, but I wasn't keen on repeating the experience so they prescribed a single tablet which I've been fine with ever since.

Hope you manage to find one that causes less side effects for you soon.

[Doraflora in reply to Purpleazalia]

thanks Purpleazalia. I too didn’t feel 100% sure it wasn’t a virus and now I’m feeling a lot better I daren’t risk taking them again as I don’t want another experience like I’ve just had. I’m going to speak to the pharmacy shortly for advice.

[Koalajane]

I would say if you feel the same tomorrow and can’t get to speak to your doctor it might be worth ringing 111 for advice

[Doraflora in reply to Koalajane]

thanks Koalajane.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Dizziness is a commons side effects of many hypertension medicine -but do you have the correct spelling -couldn’t find it when I tried to look up information leaflet

Those ending in “pine” are usually calcium channel blockers -but there are other types which might suit you better

See this -nhs.uk/conditions/high-bloo...

But you do need medical advice -and having to wait until Monday is not good enough. ..so as suggested try nhs 111

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

hi DL. It’s Indapamide. 1.5 mg. I’m feeling a lot better this morning so I’ll get advice from the pharmacy shortly re restarting them - or not.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doraflora]

okay thanks -then a Diuretic- hope you soon feel better.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you are in the UK, try calling 111 for advice. But if the GP said ask the pharmacist - go to any chemist and ask for advice from their pharmacist.

I assume you mean amlodipine? Here is info about it:

medlineplus.gov/druginfo/me...

If you have any chest pain, fainting or fast pounding heart beat - call 999.

[Doraflora in reply to PMRpro]

no, it’s Indapamide, PMRpro. (I had a reaction to Amlodopine last year so the GP stopped them)

I’m feeling a lot better this morning so I’ll get advice re re-starting them again - or not.

[nuigini]

You've received a lot of advice. FYI, I take my BP meds (Irbesartan, previously Losartan) at night to lessen side effects early the next day.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to nuigini]

Me too...always have, even before GCA/Pred came to play.