Drug side effects

Posted by Garry Steffey on July 07, 1999 at 11:34:56
I have mild hypertension. My diastolic pressure stays between 88 - 94 with normal activity. I can reduce the number by using any one of several drugs that have been prescribed by my physician. However I seem to be very sensitive to drugs and every one I have tried so far has produced side effects that are much more crippling to me that the problem. For example Calcium blockers make me very dizzy and light headed can't concentrate at all and give me muscle fatigue at the slightest of activities. Ace Inhibitors make my joints ache terrible and gives me a constant feeling of fullness in my stomach and soft stool. Beta Blockers make me light headed and have a major effect on my sex life. We have tried about 10 drugs and I know that there are many more. I just thought you might recommend a new one that has been successful at treating patients that are not very tolerable of drugs and their side effects. Ace inhibitors affect my ability to concentrate the least and that is important, but I have severe joint pain that I have to deal with. All seem to give a little bit of depression, which I hate. Any thing new on the horizon? Please Help.

Posted by allie on July 07, 1999 at 14:20:13
have your Dr try zebeta. It's a semi-new beta-blocker that is tolerated very well by patients.  Also you might try taking it a night before bed, or spliting the dose in two parts 12 hrs apart. good luck
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on July 08, 1999 at 11:10:52
As you can see there are many different things that can be tried.  Hang in there and keep working with your doctor to find the right drug.  The benefits (decreased stroke and heart attack) are worth it.
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