Take two different calcium blockers each day? Is that wise?

[pattayadingo]

Flunarizine and Amlodipine, both are calcium blockers.

So my question is, is it wise to be taking two different Calcium channel blockers each day? The two listed above.

Yes, I have high blood pressure ( currently 134 / 77 [age 58] ) and also take an ACE inhibitor

I have looked on the internet about blood pressure pharmacy and they all seem to say you can take 3 different types. None mention 2 Calcium blockers + an ACE inhibitor.

Sometimes the internet can be a bad thing, I appreciate that and does not always throw up the information you seek.

[jeanpierre]

Calcium blockers may have different side effects: Headache. Suddenly blushing (flushing). Swollen feet and ankles (edema). Slow heartbeat, and sometimes heart palpitations. (Aggravation of) heart failure. Dizziness or light-headedness. Gastrointestinal complaints.

anyway be carefull and see a doc

[jrtmedic]

I presume you are accepting advice from a Cardiologist and that your medication is prescribed by him/her.

If you are uneasy/dissatisfied with the advice you are receiving the simplest solution is to obtain a second opinion.

If you choose to seek a second opinion ensure you obtain a copy of your medical record which can then be evaluated by your chosen 2nd doctor.

Best wishes

[Sheryl]

It would be very unusual to prescribe 2 calcium blockers at the same time for hypertension. in addition, flunarazine is not usually used for management of hypertension but rather to prevent migraine headache and also sometimes in the management of epilepsy and cerebral vascular disorders.

Were the amliodipine and flunarazine really prescribed by the same doctor at the same time and for the same purpose? Or were they prescribed by different specialists for different reasons?

Combo of an ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blocker is common enough

[pattayadingo]

It would be very unusual to prescribe 2 calcium blockers at the same time for hypertension. in addition, flunarazine is not usually used for management of hypertension but rather to prevent migraine headache and also sometimes in the management of epilepsy and cerebral vascular disorders.

Were the amliodipine and flunarazine really prescribed by the same doctor at the same time and for the same purpose? Or were they prescribed by different specialists for different reasons?

Combo of an ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blocker is common enough

Firstly, apologies, Sheryl for not getting back to this sooner. Went for holiday break for my birthday. Came back, no internet. Typical

Yes, same doctor prescribed both. And on two occasions.

Second time after full spectrum blood tests.

cholesterol high but under medication.

Previous heart condition - 2 stents fitted.

BP was 134/77 (been as high as 169/90 - before Anapril and amliodipine previously given by a different doctor).

It was only after checking the internet i saw that both Amlopidine and Flunarizine work as calcium blockers, that is why I was concerned. (Wikipedia giving Flunarizine as a calcium blocker).

I do not and never have suffered migraine attacks.

[pattayadingo]

I presume you are accepting advice from a Cardiologist and that your medication is prescribed by him/her.

If you are uneasy/dissatisfied with the advice you are receiving the simplest solution is to obtain a second opinion.

If you choose to seek a second opinion ensure you obtain a copy of your medical record which can then be evaluated by your chosen 2nd doctor.

Best wishes

As above for Sheryl's post.

It is never easy to know if a doctor is giving you the best treatment.

I tis not my intention by the way, to anyone reading these replies, to be seen to be having a go at Thai doctors.

After a near accident after being prescribed Flunarizine initially, I checked the internet for drugs information and side effects that is when i saw Wikipedia - amongst other sites - list both as a calcium blocker.

Mainly been to see the doctor because of previous heart condition and to check blood pressure and blood tests because I produce a lot of cholesterol.

I'd rather be aware of any potential problem as in high blood pressure because my father had 3 strokes and died of heart problems.

I do take my Hypertension book with me when I see a doctor and am looking to see a different doctor next set of blood tests due in 7 weeks.

[jrtmedic]

As Sheryl observed prescribing two different calcium channel blockers is unusual.

I do not believe you are "having a go" !

You are completely within your rights to question your prescription and you are correct in that maintaining control of your hypertension is vital to maintaining your well being.

You should attempt to secure a copy of your medical notes prior to seeing a different doctor. It should just be a matter of asking but make sure you take adequate personal ID with you (Hospital card + passport).

Best Wishes

Edited July 30, 2013 by jrtmedic

[pattayadingo]

As Sheryl observed prescribing two different calcium channel blockers is unusual.

I do not believe you are "having a go" !

You are completely within your rights to question your prescription and you are correct in that maintaining control of your hypertension is vital to maintaining your well being.

You should attempt to secure a copy of your medical notes prior to seeing a different doctor. It should just be a matter of asking but make sure you take adequate personal ID with you (Hospital card + passport).

Best Wishes

I will, regards the records.

And thanks

[bunnaag]

Calcium blockers may have different side effects: Headache. Suddenly blushing (flushing). Swollen feet and ankles (edema). Slow heartbeat, and sometimes heart palpitations. (Aggravation of) heart failure. Dizziness or light-headedness. Gastrointestinal complaints.

anyway be carefull and see a doc

you can stop the amlodipin in Thailand produced this medicine causes often swollen feet

[Sheryl]

Do not stop the amliodipine except under a doctors supervision.

Not everyone gets swollen feet. All drugs have side effects, only some people get them.

Hypertension is a serious risk to health and needs to be carefully managed. From the OP, even on these medications, his BP is still undesirably high.

Need to get another opinion as to the best medication for his particular case. ..and discontinue current only when given an alternative.

[jrtmedic]

Absolutely agree.

I am sure the OP has more sense than to follow the potentially dangerous "advice" to stop taking some of his medication.

[pattayadingo]

Absolutely agree.

I am sure the OP has more sense than to follow the potentially dangerous "advice" to stop taking some of his medication.

Do not stop the amliodipine except under a doctors supervision.

Not everyone gets swollen feet. All drugs have side effects, only some people get them.

Hypertension is a serious risk to health and needs to be carefully managed. From the OP, even on these medications, his BP is still undesirably high.

Need to get another opinion as to the best medication for his particular case. ..and discontinue current only when given an alternative.

Due to the risk factor of what high BP can do to you (remembering it killed my father and after 3 strokes), I'd not stop the medication without consulting another doctor.

Side effects - I can tolerate for a while. I've noticed in the past they can recede after time. I'd rather be aware of what they are though, especially in respect of drowsiness & driving.