Oxymetazolene and hypertension

[Tralfaz]

I've been experiencing hypertension and tachycardia for about 3 months now, with no definitive diagnosis. I've just recently discovered something that I hope may be the trigger for all this. Maybe 10 or so years ago, I began noticing that my eyes were always red and watery in the mornings, so I began using Visine each morning. I began using using Visine LR about 3 years ago because it was stronger and lasted longer. Foolishly I've been using it every single day, sometimes more than once. The active ingredient in Visine LR is oxymetazolene, and after researching this drug, I discovered that it shouldn't be used regularly for more than 3 days, and I've been using it for years. Among the side effects and cautions listed, it mentions that if too much of the drug is absorbed by the body, it could result in, among other things, rapid or irregular heartbeat and hypertension. It also cautions against using it in conjunction with beta blockers, and every beta blocker I've tried, even at low doses, has caused debilitating side effects. Since I stopped using it altogether 6 days ago, my heartrate and blood pressure have been higher than usual. Is it possible that this drug may be causing these symptoms? How long would it it take for it to clear my system and to see some relief from the tach and HBP? I doubt that I could be lucky enough that my problems could be solved so simply, but I wanted to run this by the doc and see what he thinks. Thanks again.

[NHS]

Your message touched me -- it was obviously a plea from the heart. I have no special knowledge or information to offer, and I do hope that you'll receive the kind of help you seek.

May I suggest that (if you haven't already done so) you may wish to search the Internet for information about the possible causes of your symptoms. Or, you may wish to pose your question to the doctors who are connected with this forum. They seem to be quite helpful.


NHS

[jkf]

Yes!  My massage therapist showed me how to do that the last time I saw her.  She said the steam kills the bacteria and the colds don't last as long.  I'm sensitive to medicine too.  If I take anything I take pediatric medicine.  take care - Jodie

[LynnSB]

I subscribe to Dr. Weil's e-mail newsletter and his tip of the day was about relieving stuffy noses naturally with steam inhalation... hope this helps:
http://www.drweil.com/app/cda/drw_cda.html-command=DailyTip

[LynnSB]

I realize most docs will scoff at this, but I have had great success with taking Vitamin C ( a natural antihistamine.. see
http://atkins.com/Archive/2002/4/4-242812.html  for article with references) and olive leaf ( more info at
http://www.drhoffman.com/oliveleaf/) for colds . I am hypersensitive to most stuff and have had documented allergic reactions to so many meds it is ridiculous, but I have never had a problem with C and olive leaf. I'd also suggest a good B complex vitamin.

Lynn

[jkf]

Hi,
Do you know of anything safe to take?  My cardio tells me to stay away from everything.  I've seen commercials recently marketing a cold medicine that doesn't raise blood pressure.  Do you think that means it wouldn't raise the heart rate either?
As far as saline solutions (comment from Mell22).  I know they are safe.  I use them every night and morning.  But what I would give for something that would help the sinus's and unclog the nose during severe colds.

[Mel22]

I can't use any cold medicine; nothing with any type of "speed". I tried saline nose spray the other night. My pressure was up the next day. Saline=salt? I guess it's pure water from now on.

[LynnSB]

>>I also heard this can happen with Afrin nose drops. I've heard this more than once and I wanted to confirm to you that it isn't a "way out" assumption on your part. It is a fact.<<

Oh, goodness.. yes.. Afrin nose drops... I thought I was in afib or something after using them.. absolutely set off my really fast heart beat and irregular beats.. happened every time I used it so I was confinced it was the nose drops. NEVER AGAIN!

Lynn

[jkf]

I just wanted to let you know that I have heard the same thing about Visine.  The drugs in these eye drops can cause your heart to flip around.  I also heard this can happen with Afrin nose drops.  I've heard this more than once and I wanted to confirm to you that it isn't a "way out"  assumption on your part.  It is a fact.

[heartandheadsicl]

hello sorry for the subject change but I am in dir need of help I have heart palps acc by strong face and arm heat also prickly skin on arms and heat at the tips of my right fingers severe headaches and a lightheadeness that does not go away I have had these systems for 4 months and told my pcp so he has been ajustin my bp meds atenelol 50 mg dyazide 37,5/25 also xanax as needed for panic hydrocodone for back pain and fioracet and depakote for migraines I am not a doctoer but I do not think these headaches and heat and tightness (pressure in my head front of temples)is coused by migrians could it be from chronic long term apap acetomenaphen use associated with the narcotics for back pain couse tolerance is an issue and have taken more toof narc to compensate for back pain and headaches I am affraid to quite cold turkey for withdrawl systems being even on normal dose of narcotic been on vicodin 5/500 for far to long 5 months strong any help need badly I have a mri tentetavly schedule just waiting for call but heat in face and headaches light head and pressure gettin close to unbarable please help please please please heart and head sick thank you



  

[LynnSB]

I think a lot of people may pooh pooh your idea but who knows? I'd stay off the eye drops but also watch your blood pressure. If it doesn't go down, and exercise and diet don't do the trick, you need to most likely  get on some meds... I'd also drink lots of water and take lots of vitamin C to help get rid of the toxins -- can't hurt.  I would not be surprised in general if many of us with unexplained heart blips and racing heart rhythms are not hypersensitive to certain things in our environment and diets that many trigger these things.

good luck . Lynn

[Tralfaz]

Anyone?

[Cleveland Clinic]

tralfaz,

There are alot of theroretical reasons that large doses of the active compound in the visine could cause your blood pressure to be elevated, it probably is not solely responsible, as most of the case reports that involve marked hypertension involve ingestion of large doses.

The possibiltity that it could be exacerbating your symtoms however is certainly possible. Some of your incrased BP and HR might be a rebound. I wouldnt think these would last more then 7-10 days.  Really only time will tell.

good luck, update us in a few days.