Hypertension - Amlodipine

[sunny-dave]

A routine MOT last December picked up that I had hypertension (about 152/88 average) - this was not happy making.

Over the last three months, I've cleaned up my lifestyle (more green crap and more exercise etc etc) and my average BP over the last week is 142/81 - so quite a decent improvement - despite a fairly stressful week because of my house move.

However, in a long chat with my GP this morning to report back my current stats, although he is pleased with the improvments, he is still unhappy with my risk factor being above the normal point for intervention - and wants me to start taking Amlopidine 5mg.

I've had a look at all the usual suspects online and it seems a safe enough and effective drug - and usually well tolerated too.

I'm minded to agree to take the pills, but am interested in any feedback from ABers - either positive or negative.

Thanks Chaps

SDx

[dannyk13]

I have been on Amlodipine for a number of years without any averse reactions.

[sunny-dave]

Thanks Danny

[Sqad]

I agree with the advice of your GP, however the final decision is yours

[sunny-dave]

Thanks sqad - he's a good chap and not prone to over-medicating.

We had a long chat - I think he's convinced me.

[1ozzy]

I take a different drug for my hypertension.

Perindol 8mg, twice per day.

If 152/88 average is your best I shouldn't post mine ;-/

All the best, follow the medical advice you are given.

[Tilly2]

Mr T takes Amlodipine and has done for a number of years. No obvious side effect but one downside is he can't eat grapefruit and he does like his grapefruit.
His blood pressure is fine, now.

[sunny-dave]

Thanks Ozzy & Tilly - I'm not liking the idea of 'rest of life medication', but the potential alternative isn't great ...

[clueless123]

Last year I did a tai chi routine just before my test and it was 115 over 72, the lowest it has ever been.

[KARL]

My wife takes Amlodapine 10mg and the only effects that appear to be there beyond lowered blood pressure is something that one might expect is pretty normal. My understanding is that among the ways these things work is to relax blood vessels, etc. and consequently increase the volume of blood to keep the oxygen flow going (this being a simplified description). Therefore, as the effects wear off, the increased liquid is superfluous and gets shed through the kidneys, into the bladder and.....yes, you need to go to the toilet - in the middle of the night. Otherwise she seems to have no ill effects.

Are you aware of the latest research where they found that going for a brisk walk first thing in the morning did all the pressure reduction, not just there and then but for the rest of the day ? Perhaps you could give that a try for a couple of weeks - if it works for you, tell your GP and maybe hold off with the medicines.

[anneasquith]

Following “ a long chat” the gp with his knowledge and experience he suggests medication, why the dilemma ? Take the medication .

[sunny-dave]

Thanks clueless123 - I do try and relax in the same way before each reading, so that they are consistent.

Thanks KARL - useful and interesting.

No dilemma anne - just asking out of interest ...

[wolf63]

I take them in my daily mix of drugs. No idea if they work but they haven't killed me yet. I feel totally carp but I am alive (I think).

[Tilly2]

Dave, when I had to start taking levothyroxine, I felt the same...a tablet a day for the rest of my life! It seemed like the beginning of a lifetime of pills. However, I got over that eventually and thankfully only need to take that one dose of medication per day. It's just part of my routine now.

[sunny-dave]

Thanks wolfie

dave xx

[sunny-dave]

Thanks Tilly - I'm being illogical in worrying - it's just I remember the rather scary pick'n'mix list of daily meds that my Mum eventually wound up on ...

[Tilly2]

Yes, Dave. I know what you mean.

[grumpy01]

I take Amlodipine 5mg and Perindopril 4 mg and they work well together.My Doctor's have said they prefer the "two pronged" approach to controlling hypertension and it keeps mine at around 110/65 which although at the lower end of the spectrum they are happy with.

[sunny-dave]

Thanks grumpy01 - another useful answer

Dave

[jacpinetree17]

Hi S.D. yes im on Amlodipine with Lisinopril for my b.p. I had my review and the doc highered my Amlodipine to 10mg which i didnt want. Now its o.k. but my ankles are sometimes swollen and its a side effect. Yes i seem to go the loo more at night too. JPT x

[jno]

made my ankles swell so I had to come off it.