Lithium, Wellbutrin, high blood pressure...oh my (singing)

[Crystlas]

Okey dokey... I just got back a little bit ago.  Yesterday I had a follow-up appointment at the health dept. and my blood pressure was 128/90 w/ pulse of 106.  The week before it was 140/90 pulse 90. Today I checked it and this morning I did it lying down in bed so it was good.  This afternoon 116/85 pulse at 82.  Better, but still high on my bottom # along with pulse.  Yesterday, I was diagnosed with hypertenstion and put on Lisinopril.  Well...I read on it and saw that it is bad for my kidneys and causes Lithium toxicity.  So, I decided not to take one today.  I took one yesterday morning because I am scared of all this.  Today I saw my Pdoc and she said it was fine that I cut my sodium down to the normal 2,400mg a day.  It amazed me that some days, especially when I made stir-fry I was taking in 13,000!  So, I know part of it is my sodium intake.  My Pdoc decided to try and wean me off of Lithium due to the water retention I have which caused me to gain 25 pounds this past year.  I was amazed since my clothes still fit.  She is switching me to Abilify and started me on 5mg once daily to see how I react.  I also get my Lithium level checked in the morning.  So, I want to know how Abilify is for you guys that take it!  I am worried because I have had troubles taking Atypicals.  She said Abilify is different and will perk me up.  I read that it causes drowsiness???  So what is that all about?  She also wants to keep me on my Wellbutrin (300mg daily), which causes blood pressure to go up in the first place!! Also, I was prescribed Inderal 20mg 4 times daily.  It causes insomnia, she said it helps sleep.  So I think taking 40mg twice a day, early is better.  Also, when is the best time to take Abilify?  She told me in the morning.  Thanks guys!!  Lots of Love, Kristen

[Crystlas]

Yeah, I did a ton of reading.  There is no way I am taking Inderal 4X a day.  I called her and discussed it.  I now take 10mg X a day.  Much better.  Not feeling side effects now and I take Garlic and Omega 3 too.  I like natural methods.  I have also started on a lower sodium diet.  Not too low, dut to the Lithium, but my daily allowance.  I was eating WAY too much sodium and did not know it.  I am with you on the Wellbutrin.  It never gave me a problem the first time I used it, so maybe that is why she wants me to stay on it.  I do love the weightloss perk.  My blood pressure has been much better the past few days.  I really think that part of the problem is anxiety when I go into the doctors office.  I always registered lower here at home.  My Pdoc said the Inderal is to help with my anxiety.  It does make me a little drowsy, so maybe that is what she meant by helping me sleep.  I am also going to start taking the Abilify at night, per Triedeverymed's recommendation.  So, that is the status right now.  I am hoping everything will work out ok with all of this.  I think changing my diet is a big plus!  Thanks, Kristen

[DLA]

Ummmmm. . . . .I'm totally confused here.  She told you to stay on the Welbutrin?  Why exactly?  When I went in with high blood pressure while on it years ago they didn't know that is what was causing it.  But my dr started changing meds to see if anything helped and we quickly found it was the Welbutrin.  Since then it has been mandatory to watch ppl on Welbutrin and immediately change meds if the blood pressure shoots up suddenly.  So I'm not getting this.

It can also cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure high enough to cause strokes.  I'd do a LOT more checking into this before I agreed to keep taking it.

Can someone also explain to me how Inderal helps sleep, BUT she wants you to take it 4X daily?  Huh?