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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Dizziness And Light Headedness Normal While On Blood Pressure Medication?

My Doctor recently put me on blood pressure medication (w/ diuretic). I ve been on it for one week and have been experiencing what I think are side affects. Dizziness (extreme), joint & muscle pain and today I came home from shopping & even though I had breakfast at 4 hours earlier, became ravenous, shaky and very dizzy. I started making something to eat, but felt compelled to eat immediately. I had a cucumber in one hand and corn chips in another while I cooked, I drank gatoraid and started to feel better in about 15 minutes. The shaking subsided as did the dizziness (somewhat). I still feel lightheaded , like I have been through some sort of trauma. This is all very strange & has never happened to me. Is this normal with blood pressure medication?? Took my blood pressure when this was happening & it was ok. 135/85.
Wed, 6 Dec 2017
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Ayurveda Specialist,  's  Response
**
Thanks for contacting with your health concern

1. As you are under medical supervision and being put on antihypertensive medication and without being able to examine you directly I'm of the following opinion:

i .If a Hypertensive patient complains of giddiness, it may be due to excess dose or postural hypotension and in this case, put the patient to bedrest, stop the drug for a day, then adjust the dose or use a different drug.

PS. consult with your attending Physician/Cardiologist regarding how to manage further.

ii. Yes, side effects of diuretic are: volume depletion and electrolyte imbalance, muscle pains & cramps, lethargy, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, may precipitate an attack of gout, and increases blood sugar level. So it will be wise to check with your attending doctor to discuss the side effects and how to proceed further.

2. If giddiness is not promptly controlled, ask for Hb%, X-ray cervical spine - AP & Lateral, ENT, and Ophthalmic check up [for any underlying/ aggravating cause]
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Is Dizziness And Light Headedness Normal While On Blood Pressure Medication?

** Thanks for contacting with your health concern 1. As you are under medical supervision and being put on antihypertensive medication and without being able to examine you directly I m of the following opinion: i .If a Hypertensive patient complains of giddiness, it may be due to excess dose or postural hypotension and in this case, put the patient to bedrest, stop the drug for a day, then adjust the dose or use a different drug. PS. consult with your attending Physician/Cardiologist regarding how to manage further. ii. Yes, side effects of diuretic are: volume depletion and electrolyte imbalance, muscle pains & cramps, lethargy, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, may precipitate an attack of gout, and increases blood sugar level. So it will be wise to check with your attending doctor to discuss the side effects and how to proceed further. 2. If giddiness is not promptly controlled, ask for Hb%, X-ray cervical spine - AP & Lateral, ENT, and Ophthalmic check up [for any underlying/ aggravating cause]