My mom has recently been diagnosed with very high blood pressure. She has been on Toprol XL -- didn't work. she was on Lisinopril -- didn't work. The ONLY thing that brings it down is Clonidine -- 0.1mg 4X a day (it doesn't last long once ingested). If she goes much over 4 hours between doses, it begins to creep up to and over 200/85-95.
the Clonidine makes her feel completely draggy and "loopy." She just has no energy and feels like she can't think or remember things.
I'm real concerned about her. The doctor tells us we should start seeing some much better numbers in the next 2 weeks and that the fatigue and fogginess should also wear off by then as well.
Can anyone offer any advice or comments? Are all of the above symptoms normal when starting BP meds?
Thanks!
2006-12-16 12:19:13 · 4 answers · asked by Gwendy68 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Yes. Starting medication to control hypertension puts an incredible strain on the system, and your mother will have particular difficulty with physical activity, balance and the like for several weeks. With her numbers - 200 over - it's a small price to pay for getting better.
Her body will get more and more used to the medication. However, controlling her blood pressure is a long road, and it's going to be rough.
2006-12-16 12:25:46 · answer #1 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does he really need to be taking 3 blood pressure medications? The answer is yes. Doctors do not start out with 3 meds. They usually start with one plus a water pill (spironolactone). If the blood pressure doesn't come down into the range they want their patient, then they add another one and then another. Some drugs work better together to control high blood pressure. Your brother has a good combination going - leave it alone unless he wants to go back to having uncontrolled hypertension with then will cause him to have his second stroke. He can reduce his blood sugars by diet alone - he can research this on the internet on how to eat properly so he doesn't have to start diabetic medications also. He can call his doctor about his leg hurting and see if he has any recommendations about this and possibly being caused by one of his meds. Your brother can ask a pharmacist where he gets his meds this question for free. He does not need a doctor's visit at this time unless the leg pain is unbearable. Then, he could make arrangements with his doctor to make payments on his next visit BEFORE seeing his doctor. Some clinics will do this. Do not encourage him to stop any of his meds unless you want to visit him in a nursing home or the cemetary after his next massive stroke.
2016-03-13 07:44:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clonidine is sedative, and the doctor's right; it probably will get better. Clonidine also comes in a patch that might be appropriate after she and her dose are adjusted, but it's expensive. She may need several drugs if her hypertension is severe. Be patient. It's even more dangerous to treat too much too fast than it is to have the high blood pressure, so don't think the doctor is dragging his feet for no reason. This stuff takes time.
2006-12-16 13:44:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those side efeects that you have described, seem to be taken out of a text book, those are the classic side effects of Clonidine, don't worry, it is expected when taking Clonidine. If only she would have responded to Lesinopril, it is one of the 1st line drugs for the treatment of hypertension, with minimum side effects in comparison to Clonidine, anyways Best of luck, hope ur mom gets well soon.
2006-12-16 13:36:48 · answer #4 · answered by virgodoll 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son takes Clonidine and yes the sedative effects do wear off and so does the fatigue. It is completely normal.
2006-12-16 14:32:02 · answer #5 · answered by LYNN W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋