Q: Does the time of day make a difference in how certain blood pressure medications work? For example, would it be better to take a beta blocker in the am or pm; a calcium channel blocker in the am or pm?
A: Medicines that need to be taken once a day should be taken at the same time every day. Taking a medicine in the morning or at night is largely a matter of personal preference. You want to take medicine when it is easiest for you to remember. However, some people have fewer side effects when they take their medicine at bedtime. Also, the effectiveness of some drugs may be less right before the next dose is taken. Because of this, your doctor may recommend you take your medicine in the morning because blood pressure is higher when you are awake and active.
(25 votes, average: 4.28 out of 5)
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This is a great question, and here is an idea that hopefully will help someone. I hated taking blood pressure medications of any kind. The side effects were constantly apparent, and they took away from the quality of life. When I was taking beta blockers, they were very counter-productive to aerobic exercise which was critical to good health and maintaining normal blood pressure – what a conundrum! They discourage exercise by slowing the heart rate, and most people have to work like a mule just to get their heart rate up to aerobic levels if they are taking a beta blocker. Many people, because of that, just give up on the exercise and live with the evils of the beta blocker. Anyway, when I was taking that stuff, I would take it right after my workout every day. That way, the dosage over a 24-hour period had the least possible impact on my system which at least helped me get the exercising done every day. Until I did that, I could not really exercise effectively, and was even more depressed about that, which didn’t help my blood pressure either! Anyway, I hope this idea might help someone who has to take beta blockers (hopefully only temporarily). All the best!!
I am made to believe that once you start taking blood pressure pills, it is for life. So, temporary sems to be out of the question. What about if you are taking beta blockers in the morning and in the evening, then there is no chance to go on a regular exercise then?
I thought it was just me. Was walking 4 miles a day but could no longer do it after starting the beta blocker. Am excited, will try it your way! Will take the pill AFTER walking in the am! Thank you.
You quote that blood pressure is higher in the morning when the body is more active. On my particular case, my problem is at night: I fall asleep and everything is ok, but a strange sensation like tingling in my skin wakes me up and my blood pressure is very high! would a betha blocker taken before bed do any good?
i lost a rt. kidney back in 1995 sense then i have had to be on blood pressure meds i;m ok with this but like another that wrote you i wake up with this noise in my head every night should i ask the Doctor if i should take another pill at this hour I’m on clonidine 0.3mg x3.
I totally agree with taking beta blockers after you exercise – beta blockers slow your heart rate and it is very hard to get any exercise during the day as the meds leave you tired and not much energy. I take my meds @ 3:00 pm and try to do my exercise routine before and this always helps me.
Whether or not your taking beta-blockers has no effect whatsoever on the idea that aerobic exercise is counter-productive. Exercise is NOT counter-productive, even if you can’t get your heart rate into some pre-defined range.
Please stop spreading falsehoods.
Heart rate Does Make A Differnce If You Are Trying To Get A Arobic work out for many this type of work out will lower your blood pressure then beta blockers can get in the way yet if you are having blood pressure problems you are in a difficult situation. Runners High is a prime example after a good work out you can just feel how much calmer and complete. And check your blood pressure afterwards the numbers do not lie.
Agree!
Beta blocker (CONCOR) is causing me muscle cramp on the chest area and hand whereby I cant lift up my hand after 7 weeks on the medication. Really terrible that I stop taking completely even dr advised me not to do so. I am feeling well without the medicine.
my problem is i was taking levothyroine for low thyroid but it got to high blood pressure shot up hard to control with blood pressure pill except clonidine so you have take blood pressure to watch reading ‘getting old almost 4 weeks after cutting back.
Re: exercise hand ball, the constant activity of pressure squeezing can contribute to development of carpal tunnel syndrome. To help prevent CTS, press palms of hands together and alternate pressing hands to stretch tendons to loosen tightness. Thanks for all the experience contributions. Regarding generic diltiazem and atenolol I have found effects differ per manufacturers, and this is very disturbing and reflected in differences in B/P readings. If a med is no longer working as before, it may be best to change, as can deveope a tolerance. If have dullness or ringing in ears, get another prescribed. Best to have second opinions. Allergies can also develop even if never had before. Bless all of you!
Angiotension blockers create a 25 % increse in lung cancer and 11% increse in other cancers according to a large study out of case western university hospital. what is your opinion on this study? thanks , harve Bauguess
I have not seen a reply or any information from the doctor to this extremely important question.
Thank you, Harve, I hope this question is addressed and answered!
new study: case hospital reveals increse in cancer rate for angiotension blockers. what 1i your opinion on this? thanks harve bauguess
A new study – just out from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology – suggests that for at least one class of blood pressure medications – ACE inhibitors – timing is important. According to the study (which was done with mice) the drugs were much more effective if taken at sleep time, rather than in the morning. In fact, if taken in the morning, they appeared to be no more effective than placebos …
I just read about this in our local newspaper:
http://www.canada.com/search/Timing+everything+when+comes+heart+medicines+Study/4756412/story.html