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Question: I am a 76 year old woman. I take Diovan HCT and Toprol XL. I probably should be taking it every day (1 of each) but I've been taking it sporadically. When I take the Diovan HCT, my blood pressure is good the next day, but the pulse is too high. When I take the Toprol XL, it brings the pulse down to normal, but the blood pressure goes up. Do you think it would be okay to take a lower dose of each one and take both of them every day? I have insomnia problems, so what would be the best time to take the meds so they won't cause more insomnia?
Brief Answer:
I would suggest taking both
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
diovan HCT contains valsartan and hydrochlorthiazide. Toprol XL contains metoprolol. Diovan HCT is a potent antihypertensive drug. That's why you've seen this difference in efficacy between the two drugs. Toprol XL is also an antihypertensive drug but a much less potent one. It is very efficient in reduced the pulse rate though.
Unless your doctor has specified different targets for you, then a good target for your heart rate is about 60 beats per minute and for the blood pressure between 130 and 140 (systolic) and 70-85 (diastolic).
In patients like you, I suggest keeping the potent drug (diovan HCT) and taking the less potent one (Toprol XL) in a dose that fits the circumstances. If your blood pressure after taking diovan is less than 130 then I suggest taking only half (or a quarter only) dose of toprol. Take it at the morning to avoid sleeping disturbances. Diovan has to be taken at the morning also, because of the diuretic - taking it at night would make you visit the toilet all night!
Contact me again, if you'd like further details.
Kind Regards!
I would suggest taking both
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
diovan HCT contains valsartan and hydrochlorthiazide. Toprol XL contains metoprolol. Diovan HCT is a potent antihypertensive drug. That's why you've seen this difference in efficacy between the two drugs. Toprol XL is also an antihypertensive drug but a much less potent one. It is very efficient in reduced the pulse rate though.
Unless your doctor has specified different targets for you, then a good target for your heart rate is about 60 beats per minute and for the blood pressure between 130 and 140 (systolic) and 70-85 (diastolic).
In patients like you, I suggest keeping the potent drug (diovan HCT) and taking the less potent one (Toprol XL) in a dose that fits the circumstances. If your blood pressure after taking diovan is less than 130 then I suggest taking only half (or a quarter only) dose of toprol. Take it at the morning to avoid sleeping disturbances. Diovan has to be taken at the morning also, because of the diuretic - taking it at night would make you visit the toilet all night!
Contact me again, if you'd like further details.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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