Medication for blood pressure

Posted by Patty on August 03, 1999 at 11:20:13
I am currently taking Ziac daily for "white coat hypertension."  I am also taking dilantin because of two prior brain surgeries.  By GYN has put me on hormone therapy as I am going menopause.  Because of acid reflux I am also on Zantac.  My concern is... do all of these pills know where to go and what to do.  It seems like a lot of meds and I am wondering if I really beed the Ziac.  My pressue is very normal when taken at home before I went of Ziac.  I went to an oral surgeon to have a tooth removed and my pressure was 200/100.  That's when my Dr. put me on Ziac.  At present my pressure is around 116/68 at night when I take it.  What are your thoughts on taking all of these med?  Is there a risk for any interaction?

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on August 03, 1999 at 13:40:20
No, there is no interaction between these medications.  I would say you are on a moderate number of medications and it is always a good idea to evaluate the need to continue meds.  However, I wouldn't recommend stopping any on your own accord.  I kind of doubt you only have high blood pressure when you see a doctor.  One possible test your doctor could order to better evaluate this is a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor.  This checks your BP several times an hour for a 24-hour period and your true blood pressure can be seen.  Not all insurance companies pay for this test but it may be worth it to pay out of your own pocket if it means getting off some medication.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.