One thing I forgot to mention: there is another ARB that I've heard a lot of good things about on this board. It's called Avapro. If I were to try another ARB after two failed attempts (Micardis and Diovan), I'd try that one. I think you should hold off on changing medication again. You need to give it more time to work, unless your side effects have become intolerable.

If you want to avoid some very unpleasant side effects, think twice about having your Norvasc increased to 10mgs! Studies compared the frequency of reported side effects of CCBs in 2.5, 5 and 10mg doses. Guess what dose had the highest incidence of side-effects? You'll be glad to hear people taking Norvasc had fewer side effects on any dose than did people taking my CCB, Felodipine. :)

flowergirl

[QUOTE=flowergirl2day;3342402]One thing I forgot to mention: there is another ARB that I've heard a lot of good things about on this board. It's called Avapro. If I were to try another ARB after two failed attempts (Micardis and Diovan), I'd try that one. I think you should hold off on changing medication again. You need to give it more time to work, unless your side effects have become intolerable.

If you want to avoid some very unpleasant side effects, think twice about having your Norvasc increased to 10mgs! Studies compared the frequency of reported side effects of CCBs in 2.5, 5 and 10mg doses. Guess what dose had the highest incidence of side-effects? You'll be glad to hear people taking Norvasc had fewer side effects on any dose than did people taking my CCB, Felodipine. :)

flowergirl

Sorry but I don't understand what did you mean by thinking twice about increasing the dose of Norvasc to 10mg? it's a bad thing? It seems that this is the best drug class I have used so far.

About ARBs, I experienced the same side effects from both Cozaar and Atacand :(. Do I expect Avapro to be any different?

Actually, I have Depression and Anxiety since I was a kid but I didn't want to admit that. I need those medications, in Effexor XR leaflet they say that the side effects I'm having (dizziness, nausea, yawning, tired all day long) will disappear gradually in 8 weeks.

Today at 12:00 PM my BP was 110/90, and now (6:00 PM) it's 140/95. I take Norvasc around 10:00 PM daily. I'm going to wait more few days and take more readings, by the way Effexor and Xanax has no effects on my blood pressure at all (thank god :D).

One more thing, since I have started Effexor (around 16 days ago) I lost 9 lbs :D. I think that in the next 4 months I would lose my extra 25 lbs.

I stopped taking Magnesium supplements.
Thanks for your help and for your great information, and I'm sorry if I'm wasting more of your time but I really need help :).
Michael

Michael,

[QUOTE]Sorry but I don't understand what did you mean by thinking twice about increasing the dose of Norvasc to 10mg? it's a bad thing? It seems that this is the best drug class I have used so far

I am glad this medication works well for you. :) All I meant was that the side effects are dose related. The higher the dose, the more likely a person is to develop side effects. While you may tolerate a 5mg dose very well, 10mg is twice as much medication. I had to have my dosage decreased from 10mg to 5mg because of intolerable side effects. This dose adjustment resulted in milder side effects but also a blood pressure increase. Another medication had to be added to make up for the difference. After a while, my blood pressure readings started being high again. For this reason my dose of the CCB was recently increased back to 10mg. It seems to have worked so far, except for this last week or so.

[QUOTE]About ARBs, I experienced the same side effects from both Cozaar and Atacand :(. Do I expect Avapro to be any different?

I have no experience with this one. Your guess is as good as mine. I am willing to try it someday. Trying it is the only way to find out if I am allergic to the entire drug class. Any side effects should be mild.

I know too well how frustrating trying to get the blood pressure controlled can be. Unfortunately, most medications have side effects. Looking for one that works well and whose side effects you can tolerate and live with takes time. The fact that you have to remain on strong antidepressants makes your goal of living without any side effects more difficult to achieve. I am glad your other meds don't seem to be affecting your blood pressure. Your readings seem pretty good, given how much our blood pressure varies during the day. I don't think you'll miss the magnesium too much. I know you work hard every day to get fit and stay healthy. If your weight loss is anticipated.......good for you! :cool: With the loss of excess weight you'll have lower blood pressure readings. The dosage of your medications will need to be adjusted.
Are you saying you think the new medication is responsible for your weight loss? If that's the case, you must mention this to your doctor! The drug could be interfering with the digestion of your food, metabolism or the absorption of nutrients. Not good. :( Check the drug info sheet that came with it for any such side effects.

flowergirl