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Suggest Treatment For High BP And Dizziness
Question: Hello, I was admitted to the ER for 24 hours 10 days ago for high blood pressure. They prescribed Lisinopril 20 Mg once a day and metoprolol 50 Mg twice a day. My blood pressure is now averaging about 150/95 and heart rate about 80. I am 61 and female. I saw a medical journal article that said that Metoprolol should not be prescribed as an initial medication for blood pressure. I'm also concerned about the current side effects, dizziness, and the long term side effects. I would like to get myself off this medication as soon as possible. I am working on losing weight and changing my exercise routine and diet to help. Is it possible to get myself off the Metoprolol? How can I wean myself off this medication?
Brief Answer:
can be switched by your doctor to an alternative if having side effects
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about potential side effects of medication, if intolerable, your doctor can switch you to an alternative to control your blood pressure.
All medications unfortunately have side effects that may or may not occur. The majority of side effects occur in the minority not the majority of persons using medications. Many persons experience no side effects whereas others may have a lot of problems, it can vary
Long term complications also tend to occur in the minority of persons but must be listed.
If however, you are experiencing side effects of either of your medications, then they can be easily changed by your family doctor. You do not have to continue to use them if they are causing your problems.
They can be replaced easily, weaning unnecessarily.
You should not stop on your own without involving your doctor to give you an alternative till you can control your blood pressure with lifestyle changes.
It is very good that you are changing your diet and exercise regimen. Both are important for not just hypertension but other lifestyle conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight/obesity.
As you would know, many persons do not experience symptoms connected with high blood pressure, this is why it is called the silent killer.
Once it is detected, it needs to be controlled to prevent the long term complications that definitely (not possibly like some medications) occur if it is uncontrolled.
There is a diet called the D. A.S.H diet that is helpful with high blood pressure and in terms of exercise, at least 150 mins a week , if possible, is recommended (aerobic and strength training)
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
can be switched by your doctor to an alternative if having side effects
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about potential side effects of medication, if intolerable, your doctor can switch you to an alternative to control your blood pressure.
All medications unfortunately have side effects that may or may not occur. The majority of side effects occur in the minority not the majority of persons using medications. Many persons experience no side effects whereas others may have a lot of problems, it can vary
Long term complications also tend to occur in the minority of persons but must be listed.
If however, you are experiencing side effects of either of your medications, then they can be easily changed by your family doctor. You do not have to continue to use them if they are causing your problems.
They can be replaced easily, weaning unnecessarily.
You should not stop on your own without involving your doctor to give you an alternative till you can control your blood pressure with lifestyle changes.
It is very good that you are changing your diet and exercise regimen. Both are important for not just hypertension but other lifestyle conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight/obesity.
As you would know, many persons do not experience symptoms connected with high blood pressure, this is why it is called the silent killer.
Once it is detected, it needs to be controlled to prevent the long term complications that definitely (not possibly like some medications) occur if it is uncontrolled.
There is a diet called the D. A.S.H diet that is helpful with high blood pressure and in terms of exercise, at least 150 mins a week , if possible, is recommended (aerobic and strength training)
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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