I started taking sildenefil 2 weeks ago for my Raynauds and prescribed 3 a day but have read advice to start with 1 and build up. However I just feel sick for many hours only having taken 1 ,followed by a headache. My question is does this seem a normal short term response and stick with it for those who have experience with this drug? I have tried varying when I take them but it doesnt seem to make much of a difference. I am a bit concerned how I will be when I up to my full dosage . I havent been able to tolerate Nifidipeine or amlodopeine as I stuck with them for a few weeks but the side effects I couldnt live with. Of course at this time I am seeing no benefit as I am not taking enough.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Kaycee97
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I've totally given up on all meds, even had iloprost and flolan infusion no help either, lost finger nails, chubby sore hands, they are embarrassing can even wear my wedding rings. Sorry not much help
I was prescribed one a day after breakfast but it was too much initially so I halved it and took that every second day to build up tolerance. I think you have to try different amounts /timing/how often/with food etc that works for your body. i have a lot of difficulty tolerating meds too.
Yes I have been trying to vary when I take a tablet in relation for food etc. Its very trial and error. I find if I take one literally before I eat the symptoms arnet as strong but of course I dont eat 3 substantial meals a day. I may try a half one thanks
I experienced the sickness when taking this also. I didn't experience any effective resolve with Sildenafil. Now prescribed tadalafil and omeprazole for the nausea feeling and upset stomach side effects. Although it doesn't resolve the flare ups, it helps manage the best from Sildenafil and nifedipine. Best to give it a couple of weeks / a month to see fi the medications help but if you feel it isn't, best to just go back to the drawing board with your consultant.
Thanks. I am due to have a phone consult 6 weeks time but I have a feeling they are wanting to discharge me. I will see how I get on for a little longer.
Hi Kaycee97, I’ve just been through the same after taking Nifedipine for years without too much benefit. I started on one 25mg per day and increased every 2 weeks until I was on 150mg daily. I felt very sick all the time and lost weight, which I really didn’t want, and now weigh only 7 stone. My husband said how awful I looked, which wasn’t very helpful! After the 6 weeks were up the sickness suddenly disappeared and my blood pressure is now normal after being very low for years (my Consultant was worried about trialling Sildenafil because of my BP). I feel much better now and my Raynauds is much better so for me it has been well worth persevering. Although I have always felt sick with food, I can honestly say that this does seem to have made a big difference. Hope this helps and good luck with your trial.
Thanks for your reply. I have split my tablets and am trying the mantra of "little and often". Hopefully I will be able to get my full dose in over time and see how I manage with it.
Good plan - half dosage often does the trick but do bear in mind that I had to wait 6 weeks before my symptoms subsided so try not to give up too soon. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
When I first started vasodilators I had terrible headaches, nausea, dizziness and flushing. It did settle after a few weeks but during that time I was pretty miserable but then I was VERY miserable prior to that because of my fingertip ulcerations and would do anything to prevent those from occurring again if possible. We are all so different though so it’s difficult to give you a definite answer to how your situation will resolve. Hope it’s settles soon and you get some benefit from the medication. X
I started taking collagen, Vit C, Vit D3+K2, everyday I was on Amlodipine and Lisinopril for yrs. I no longer take the medicine. My B/P is stable and I'm finding ways to keep my core temperature steady. Look into trying to go all natural. It doesn't hurt to look.
Everyone reacts differently to different medicines, which makes this game of finding te right treatment for everyone so challenging.
Out of everything I have tried, Sildenafil is definitely the one that works for me, my wonder drug. I get bad ulcers on my fingers and vary my dose of Sildenafil between 0-6 tablets a day, depending on severity. If I up my dose, I can see improvement of symptoms within a couple of days! And I don't get any noticeable side effects either.
You could try aying around with the dose and see if anything makes a difference. But if your body shows such signs of rejection and you are feeling unwell even after taking just 1 tablet, then maybe this drug just isn't the one for you?!
Sorry to hear its not having the miraculous effect, but maybe there will be another drug that suits you better.
I did try many different ones before I did find mine, so don't be discouraged!
It's a painful journey and I wish you all the luck!
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