I have tried 6 different medications for high blood pressure and everyone of them has caused migraine type headaches. The list: Plendel, Prinivil, 1 I cannot remember name, Ziac, Mavik, and now Toprol-XL along with HTCZ. I also take 150 mg. of Zoloft. I quit taking Prempro a couple of months ago. Does anyone know why this might could happen? The doctors just look at me like I am crazy. The headaches come about 10 to 12 hours after I take the BP meds. If I do not take the meds, I don't get that headache. Help!!

[This message has been edited by msstress (edited 07-31-2003).]

Hi Msstress-

It's amazing to me that so many physicians look at us like we're nuts and it's OUR FAULT if we experience any adverse reactions to BP meds. They always seem so "surprised" if we tell them we feel lousy on a particular drug/s. Surely they have patient after patient coming in and out of their offices daily, with complaints such as yours.

PLENDIL- calcium channel blocker- has a high incidence of headache as a side effect.
PRINIVIL and MAVIK (ace inhibitors) also have headache as one of the most common side effects. In fact, for PRINIVIL, headache is THE most frequent side effect, followed by cough.
ZIAC- (beta blocker w/ the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide) DITTO for headache.
TOPROL XL (another beta blocker).. same deal.

Ask your doctor if there is any reason why you can't try the ARBS (angiotensin 2 receptor blockers).
You'll find a lot of people on this board who have gone through what you have, drug after drug feeling lousy, until they try this class of meds.
They seem to have the least amount of side effects ....

Ask about DIOVAN or BENICAR. There are others in this class as well. I too was having problems on ACES, BETA BLOCKERS, DIURETICS until I hit on Diovan. No side effects! And I was truly beginning to panic that I was running out of options.

Let us know what you decide and I'd be curious to hear what your doc has to say.....

zuzu xxxx