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What Causes Headache And Blurry Vision Post Intake Of Propranolol And Carbimazole?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Jun 2016
Question: hi.
just started propranolol 10mg two tablets twice a day and carbimazole 5mg three tablets twice a day. had first dose at 2:30 and after about 4 hours got headaches and blurry vision. now it's 9pm.. should I take the next dose? is this a bad side effect??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Propranolol plus carbimazole

Detailed Answer:
Good morning. In all probability the carbimazole is the culprit to the headaches you're experiencing though I cannot entirely rule out the possibility of propranolol being a contributor IF your blood pressure dropped dramatically (unlikely since the dose is not that high and you're a young patient). All the same I would need more information to solidify that hypothesis.

It is not possible for me to give you an order to take or not to take your next dose of carbimazole since I'm not your treating physician. That instruction can only from the treating doctor so please feel free to call him/her and explain the symptoms you're having. It is a common side effect so again, difficult to say more unless you give me more characteristics of the headaches.

I will say this, however, in my patients I will always give them XXXXXXX (when starting something brand new) to either not take a next dose if they are experiencing intolerable side effects. In some cases the side effects will resolve over time and in other cases they do not. But I never obligate someone to continue taking medication that makes them feel intolerably uncomfortable.

When it comes to headaches if the headaches are unlike anything you've ever had and associated with migraine like symptoms then, this is something that should be evaluated sooner rather than later in my opinion. If your doctor does not respond to your request for a telephone conversation or return visit to the office quickly then, an ER visit may be necessary. Again, all based upon how you feel and the severity of symptoms.

If things are milder than what I've described then, if it were myself taking this treatment I would continue with the medications as prescribed, continue making attempts at getting in touch with the doctor or his nurse, and monitor (even documents symptoms) things as you continue to take the medication. As I said, in many cases with carbimazole initial headache and other related symptoms do tend to go away.

If I've satisfactorily addressed your questions could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback on your opinion as to our interaction?

Many thanks for posing your question to our attention on this network and do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a total of 18 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (13 minutes later)
thank you for the reply. As it is night here I cannot get in contact with the doctor. I am just a bit more worried about the blurry vision . but you think it's the carbimazole and associated with headaches? It feels like foggy and not right and I don't think it's associated with the headache. I might take the medication and if it's still there tomorrow then contact the doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up on carbimazole

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Follow the link to read a bit more on carbimazole and its major side effects or what to do if you're experiencing other symptoms not listed:

http://patient.info/medicine/carbimazole-tablets-neo-mercazole

Again, I am not in a position to give you the most precise advice since I am unable to examine or really get the type of history and information that I'd like to be given for the questions you're asking. And Australia's a little far to be taking a jaunt to my office which is open right now since it's EARLY MORNING here! LOL.....but why not ring the doctor's office anyways and just leave a message so that someone can contact you first thing in the morning on your side of the planet?

If your symptoms of blurry vision or headache get worse then, consider a trip to the ER just to be on the safe side. Most patients acclimate to the medication over the course of a few days to few weeks and things pretty much get back to normal. Let me know how you do...Cheers!

If I've satisfactorily addressed your questions could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback on your opinion as to our interaction?

Many thanks for posing your question to our attention on this network and do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a TOTAL of 41 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (5 minutes later)
thanks heaps and sorry to bother you with another query but just in terms of the timing... I took my first dose at 2:30pm ish.. and it's round 9:30pm now.. it's a twice a day dosing so if I take the second dose now is that too close together?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Specific timing on medications best obtained from prescriber-

Detailed Answer:
Hi there. If the medication is prescribed as twice daily then, again...I think you'll want to verify this with your provider as to EXACTLY when they want you to take the medicine by in my patients I typically make it either 12 hrs. apart or just once upon awakening and once before retiring to make it as feasible and unobtrusive as possible to their daily routines. In your case I might be inclined to say that a first dose at 2:30p is later than what I'd recommend in my patients but if your provider suggested that then, I guess that's when it should be done.

However, with your medications being given for the specific condition of your thyroid dysfunction I'd prefer you get the exact timing from your doctor as they may have a more regimented schedule they need you to follow...especially if there are side effects to consider.

If I've satisfactorily addressed your questions could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback on your opinion as to our interaction?

Many thanks for posing your question to our attention on this network and do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others.

This query has utilized a TOTAL of 47 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.

Be Well!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2472 Questions

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What Causes Headache And Blurry Vision Post Intake Of Propranolol And Carbimazole?

Brief Answer: Propranolol plus carbimazole Detailed Answer: Good morning. In all probability the carbimazole is the culprit to the headaches you're experiencing though I cannot entirely rule out the possibility of propranolol being a contributor IF your blood pressure dropped dramatically (unlikely since the dose is not that high and you're a young patient). All the same I would need more information to solidify that hypothesis. It is not possible for me to give you an order to take or not to take your next dose of carbimazole since I'm not your treating physician. That instruction can only from the treating doctor so please feel free to call him/her and explain the symptoms you're having. It is a common side effect so again, difficult to say more unless you give me more characteristics of the headaches. I will say this, however, in my patients I will always give them XXXXXXX (when starting something brand new) to either not take a next dose if they are experiencing intolerable side effects. In some cases the side effects will resolve over time and in other cases they do not. But I never obligate someone to continue taking medication that makes them feel intolerably uncomfortable. When it comes to headaches if the headaches are unlike anything you've ever had and associated with migraine like symptoms then, this is something that should be evaluated sooner rather than later in my opinion. If your doctor does not respond to your request for a telephone conversation or return visit to the office quickly then, an ER visit may be necessary. Again, all based upon how you feel and the severity of symptoms. If things are milder than what I've described then, if it were myself taking this treatment I would continue with the medications as prescribed, continue making attempts at getting in touch with the doctor or his nurse, and monitor (even documents symptoms) things as you continue to take the medication. As I said, in many cases with carbimazole initial headache and other related symptoms do tend to go away. If I've satisfactorily addressed your questions could you do me the kindest of favors by CLOSING THIS QUERY and be sure to include some fine words of feedback on your opinion as to our interaction? Many thanks for posing your question to our attention on this network and do not forget to recontact me in the future at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi for additional questions, comments, or concerns having to do with this topic or others. This query has utilized a total of 18 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.