Q: I have been taking 12 mg of metoprolol. I bite the 25 mg in half. I have been doing lots of walking twice a day, plus uphill mountain walking once or twice a week. Can I cut back to see if exercise has helped, missing every other day to two or three times a week. I really want to control bp w/o medication?
A: You need to discuss changing your dose of blood pressure medicine with your doctor. I do not know if your blood pressure is currently controlled or if you have other medical problems that would be impacted by a change in dosing. The blood pressuring lowering effects of metoprolol (Lopressor) can last for up to a month after stopping the drug so you can’t know immediately what stopping your drug will do.
Pretty good answer for a change. I was able to get off my blood pressure meds, but it must be done very slowly and very gradually, especially with beta blockers. I am talking about a slow progression that takes weeks, and I monitored my blood pressure every day throughout the process. Several times when I got completely off the meds, my blood pressure would rise. This is a rebound effect…..most of these drugs are designed to keep you on them once they have you hooked. That is one of the reasons withdrawal must be extremely slow and gradual. Good luck in your efforts!
Hi D. Carestia.
I have been on altace/ramipril (ace inhibitor) for about 15 years. I am really trying to get off the meds. As I have gone from 6’0 240 lbs. to about 188 lbs. in the last year, I go to the gym 4 times a week, walk and I eat very healthy and limit my alcohol. I’ve cut myself back to 10 mgs (i was taking 20). My BP is still somewhat hi about 135/85, which is ok with my doctor. I’ve also been trying accupuncture and chinese herbs. I really would like to get off the ramipril completely but afraid of what might happen. Have any suggestions? You can email me at [email protected] if you wouldn’t mind.
Regards
Doug
When I try to decrease my dosage I think I can tell immediately because my heart rate increases. I am taking Atenolol 50 mg it is a beta blocker but sometimes the bp increases and sometimes not. So what did you do to slowly withdraw were you monitored by a dr or did you just do it yourself?
It really doesn’t seem like what I am taking is lowering my bp but I am tired and dizzy. I am so confused.
Whatever you do to try to lower your B/P never do it without the doctor’s involvement as this is something that is soo dangerous to do by yourself. If you are not satisfied with your doctor just keep looking until you find one that is good. Dizziness should be looked at by your doctor as this could be a symptom of something else.
D carestia……Can u please give me some more tips & information on how to get off BP meds…….It would be a great help as I have been trying hard .
A doctor had me over medicated with medication for HBP. I changed doctors twice and finally found a doctor that took time to work with me and get off half the medication. I now take a calcium chanel blocker 180mg and one Beta blocker 12.5 mg. Side effects are depression,insomia,lack of energy,40% loss of hearing,constant ringing in ears,. I will get off all this medicine and should never had been put on it. Doctor love getting U hooked on this stuff at over $100.00 each time U fill your prescription. Thank God I found one doctor that is concerned in helping people.
Is your doctor a Cardiologist and lives in Toronto – If so I would be interested to book an appointment to see this doctor.
Pls email me what your good doctor advised you, so I may discuss with my doctor about the method. my email is [email protected]
I have heard that bp medications can actually make your heart weaker and now that some of them can actually cause cancer. One must look at all the side effects and ask themselves if it is worth it. How can every single person be expected to have the same blood pressure of 120/80 or under, when no two people are the same? Good question.
Is constant ringing in the ears a side affect of BP medicine? Will appreciate an answer. Thanks.
I am taking 2 capules of Cool Cayenne, which I at get at healthfood stores,every morning. This has really got my pressure down. My Doctor says keep it up as it is doing the job for me. Once a week I do take a BP pill, but that is all and it does work for me.
I HAVE BP,FOR 10 YEARS CAN I TAKE MEDCATION DAY AFTER DAY OR NOTMTHANK YOU,
I think it is impossible for any Doctor to know how to treat each person uniquely for high blood pressure.I have learned all I can about hypertension and natural ways to cure it, but there are so many factors that are involved that cause hypertension, for instance anxiety, stress, overweight, wrong foods, not active or exercise on a regular basis, maybe heredity, so I think a dcctor can only treat high blood pressure as a general disease, when it is actually a disease made up of so many different factors. I think it is up to ourselves to try and see what works for us and monitor our blood pressure daily with the help of a doctor. I am still on 10 mg of ramipril which is not a beta blocker which slows down your heart. It is an A.C.E. Inhibitor which I guess inhibits some kind of enzyme.
I have managed to lower mine somewhat by exercising, trying to reduce anxiety and stress (which is helped by exercising), using the respirate (although It is relaxing I haven’t seen dramatic reduction of bp and I have been using it 3 weeks. I also try to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. I’ve also managed to lower my total cholesterol from 224 to 165 and my tryglicerides from 185 to 148 in just nine months of exercising and eating healthy. I am also taking some supplements like cal/mag/zinc and vitamin c.