Re: 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.

[Nathan-Jones]

Posted By Nathan Jones on July 08, 1999 at 11:33:13
You may also want to discuss with your physician, the concept of multiple drugs.  Combination drugs seem to be more effective than solo drugs with lower dosage.  I currently take Lotrel 5/20 a combination ace inhibitor/calcium channel blocker.  A combination drug may be effective at lower dosage that eliminates or reduces the side effects.
     The combination drugs may interact with different mechanisms and may even offset some of the symptoms that occur with solo drug use.











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