Lasix and Potassium

[gracie1932]

I am taking 100 mg of atenelol a day plus 20 mg of lisinopril. I had been taking 4mg of Lasix and 750mg of Potassium.  Recently my doctor said to double up on the Lasix and Potassium since my BP remains high.  When I took my second Potassium, I could feel fluttering in my chest and a little irregular heart beat so I got a severe headache that lasted 3 days.  I thought it best to not take the extra potassium until my June appointment; however, now I'm having headaches again. I think I should be taking 2 Potassium tablets but don't know if I should take all 4 tablets in the morning or split them up - one of each in the AM and one of each about noon time.  My pressure is still not stable and I have had numerous heart studies.  I also take Nexium, thyroid, and Tylenol Arthritis.

Thank you for any suggestions you may have.

[my time]

I would definitely call the doctor to let them know what is going on. Maybe you should have your potassium level checked. Also, with the headaches the doctor may want to schedule an appt to check your pressure. Good luck.

[cugirl]

Call your doctors office and ask them, tell them what is going on.  Many people think fluttering in the chest is a side effect and it is not.  Since you are doubling up on the Lasix you need to take the potassium so that it is replaced in your body.  As far as the headaches I dont know...have you been checking your blood pressure?  Sometimes when your BP is too high or too low it will cause you to have headaches.  But call your Dr's office and tell them whats going on..its free help.  If you dont get answers from them then call your pharmacist.

[AndiJ78]

I agree, put a call into the doc and while waiting for a call back (if that is how they work it) call your local pharmacist. They are oftentimes more knowledgable about medications and supplementation than the docs. Did you have your potassium checked at all yet? It is also possible that the lasix is not going to be the most effective medication, generally it is the first step to see if unloading excess fluid will help lower your b/p. If it is not working, your doctor should start looking at other treatments.

Heart "flutters" as you put it can be a sign that the potassium is not working well enough to counteract the effects of the lasix. The headaches are also a sign that this course of treatment may not be working well. Have you done your blood pressure while you have one of these headaches?

Andi

[lmroswell]

How long has your BP been high?  Are you retaining fluids?  I am no doctor, but high BP runs in my family along with other heart issues.  There are other meds out there besides Lasix that can affect BP.  In my experience with Lasix, it is mainly prescribed to reduce water retention, and that water reduction may, in your case, bring down your BP.  But, other meds can do it, also.  In taking Lasix, I am going to make just an educated guess here, but it could also wash out of your system all of the other meds you are taking or possibly have a negative impact on their effectiveness, especially if you are doubling your dose.  Talk to the pharmacist about the meds you are on and ask for his opinion.  They are extremeley knowledgeable, and can spot a potential problem or error.  But, the bottom line is go see your doctor to address your current problems.  Ask him why Lasix and not some other medication if the answer is not obvious to you.