Impact of blood pressure medication

[kemeky]

Hello,

Started blood pressure medication (Lisinopril) a few weeks ago.  Can feel the negative impacts difference when i sleep and wake up.  

What have others done different, if anything, when prescribed blood pressure meds to aid in the sleep quality??  

Thanks!

[PaulaO2]

Did a google search. ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril can cause respiratory inflammation which in turn can increase obstructive apnea events. They can also cause insomnia.

Get with your doc about this. Until then, if you are taking it in the PM, switch it to the AM. If already taking it in the AM, stop caffeine use several hours before you typically go to bed. It could also be a matter of just adjusting to the medication and it will even out.

The articles also say beta blockers can cause insomnia (but not the inflammation) which is why I take mine in the morning.

Oh, and you can also talk to your pharmacist if you can't get with your GP.

[Crimson Nape]

ACE inhibitors can have side effects. For me, it was severe coughing. The bad one is swelling of the tongue., causing breathing problems. Even a slight reaction could cause an increase in OAs.

- Red

[Lucid]

Hi, kemeky  There are a ton of different medications for high blood pressure that work in different ways.  If you talk with your doctor, as Paula suggests, there are many other prescription options.  

Also, is this showing up in OSCAR?  Maybe there's some change in your settings that might help in the meantime.

[CorruptAlligator]

I worked with a Pharmacist to try out different BP meds. I switched to Losartan from Lisinopril, and it worked out much better. So, I recommend talking to your doc about trying other meds.

[kemeky]

Awesome information!! Thank you for the input. I will definitely talk with my provider about various options.

In terms of showing up on Oscar, the restlessness or anxiousness corresponds with the increased numbers.

[Jeff8356]

I can't tolerate anything but a beta blocker (Atenolol) and I have tried many. Also take a nitrate (isosorbide dinatrate, off label) and I have not noticed any difference in my sleep. Also no need for frequent bathroom trips with either. Well worth discussing it with your Dr to get the one that works the best for you.

[multicast]

I switched to Losartan 

Me too, with great success.  No more coughing and no eczema on my legs anymore. Betablockers had negative impact on my mind and mood and on my erectile abilities as well. Avoid them whenever possible. If possible switch to a sartan combined with a diuretic.

IMHO doctors start with ACE inhibitors instead of sartans because ACE inhibitors are less expensive ...

Mike

[Expat31]

@corruptalligator

Losartin, grapefruit juice and furanocoumarins. 

If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking a course of Losartin, the furanocoumarins in the grapefruit  can double/triple the absorption rate of this medicine, and various others. 

The last time I looked, about 10 years ago, the total was more than 50 to date. 
 
I had big problems until I read the research carried out by a Canadian doctor,  Doctor David Bailey about these  interactions

David Bailey I think is known to be the first person the run the 3 minute mile. 

What I am describing is the briefest of the briefest explanaction. 

The full understanding is online. 

As a note, my wife had a problem some years ago with a different medicine she was taking. .She likes a grapefruit at breakfast. Now she is very careful. 

Maybe best to those who are interested is to find the detailed list produced by Dr Bailey's team for information. 

I did have the list, but can't find it right now. If I can retrieve it or search on line, I will post it on the forum. 

[btbderek]

I’m glad you asked about this. I just started taking Lisinopril, albeit a small dose, Monday. Will keep a close eye on it and see how it goes, will report my findings if anything pops up. I’m already struggling getting good sleep so I definitely hope I don’t have a negative reaction.