How do I wean myself off my BP medication?

[giddyup]

I have been taking BP medication for around 4 years and this has kept my BP around 130/70. I haven't smoked for at least 5 years, eat very little salt and drink a couple of beers a week. I'm curious as to what my BP would be without medication, but I don't want to risk a stroke or heart attack if I suddenly stop. Can I reduce my dosage or only take every other day? At present I take 1X50mg Losartan, plus half (50mg) a 100mg Metoprolol.

[observer90210]

Sorry for your health issue and hope you are still around in 20 years to talk to share your latest experiences...

 

But IMHO, such questions, even if talking to a doctor online, would be better assessed after clinical evaluation and medical check up, in person!...Safer to do it that way....take care...

[Pungdo]

I took BP meds for years, then I went onto a Low Carb High Fat eating plan 2 years ago, I had to get off the meds in the end because my blood pressure was getting too low and by the way I have been a smoker for over 40 years.

The LCHF diet won't get you off them straight away, but if you get stuck into it and don't stray you will see your BP come right down over a period of time.

[dotpoom]

I was told by a doctor that they were the cause of my non-existant labido....so he put me on different ones. I found no improvement after 3 or 4 months of those, so I simply stopped taking any. I went to my local chemist with the labido problem for advice, she took my BP and noticed it was " off target" (I can never remember what the correct numbers are). I told her I stopped taking my tablets ....she told me to start taking them again and get checked by a doctor. I was talking 2 different ones at a time, she said one of them was useless and to not bother taking it so seeing as it was a doctor who prescribed it in the first one I never bothered going to another doctor to get the check up. I just take the one.

  Toutch wood, ....I seem to be still alive, although would like to be equally alive down below.

Was thinking of testosterone treatment but I think it's a bit late in the day for that now....Still....life is great 555.

 

[tolsti]

what is your weight? It plays a large part in high BP

 

[misterphil]

Get fit and use this instead of blood pressure tablets.

 

resveratrol

 

Also have your testosterone levels checked at a hospital. If your middle aged your balls stop working and you don't produce testosterone anymore.  

[cardinalblue]

I am on 5mg...at those amounts you might be a lifer....

 

why go off it? They're working...don't push your luck!

[Pilotman]

get to your ideal weight and exercise,  simple as that.  

[MyFriend You]

Everyone is different, I was on 50mg Losartan + HCT for a few years, Thai doctor put me on 40mg Micardis (Telmisartan)  don't know the difference, but BP is typically 120/75 and no jitters dry mouth from the HCT.   I also lost about 25lbs and walk 3-5kms a day around a lake on Soi 16.

[wwest5829]

1 hour ago, dotpoom said:

I was told by a doctor that they were the cause of my non-existant labido....so he put me on different ones. I found no improvement after 3 or 4 months of those, so I simply stopped taking any. I went to my local chemist with the labido problem for advice, she took my BP and noticed it was " off target" (I can never remember what the correct numbers are). I told her I stopped taking my tablets ....she told me to start taking them again and get checked by a doctor. I was talking 2 different ones at a time, she said one of them was useless and to not bother taking it so seeing as it was a doctor who prescribed it in the first one I never bothered going to another doctor to get the check up. I just take the one.

  Toutch wood, ....I seem to be still alive, although would like to be equally alive down below.

Was thinking of testosterone treatment but I think it's a bit late in the day for that now....Still....life is great 555.

 

I found it ironic that Viagra was originally thought to be a possible treatment for high blood pressure. Hmmm, if I take Viagra for lowering my blood pressure, I get a double benefit?!

[1FinickyOne]

It really gets confusing and doctors seem to like meds... I have recently heard that BP naturally increases as we age and add 100 + age for the sys... though I cannot imagine that is correct... 

 

It is inexpensive to get a home machine and monitor your BP - what I have noticed is that there can be sizable fluctuations easily and often. One doc put me on 100 mg a day of Losartan and my BP was not that high... I have been monitoring and adjusting and am down to 25mg a day and my BP is pretty normal, averaging 120s/70s if it goes over 140, I increase the dose for a day or two and it goes back down... 

 

And I have no idea if I am doing htis correctly but it seems every doctor tells me something different as well as everything I read...

 

So, good luck. 

[ThaiWai]

I take Atenolol 50mg and Losartan 100 mg because taking the Atenolol alone gives me bradycardia.  If I don't take my meds I can feel it.   Bulging eyes, headaches,  tingling in my shoulders and blurry vision.  The assumption that the ideal height and weight will end the needs for meds is a myth.  In my case it is hereditary and I do what my doctor says to keep it in check.  To date he has not encouraged me to get advise from internet strangers on a Thai visa forum but if that changes I will advise.

[MyFriend You]

1 hour ago, wwest5829 said:

I found it ironic that Viagra was originally thought to be a possible treatment for high blood pressure. Hmmm, if I take Viagra for lowering my blood pressure, I get a double benefit?!

That's why they say taking Viagra and Statins may cause an unsafe lowering of BP..............hmmmmm    if Big V lowers BP in my nether region, how does that work to make it, well, you know.

[Krataiboy]

Yeah, but. . . 

 

Blood pressure (hypertension) varies constantly, depending on many factors. High blood pressure is not a disease. It is an adaptation. If you exercise, your blood pressure goes up. If you sleep it goes down. In between, it goes up and down constantly and naturally in response to the oxygen requirements of various parts of the body. 

 

If you don't believe me, get a wrist or arm monitor and take your blood pressure half a dozen times a day when you are engaged in different kind of activities.

 

Once you have done this,  ask yourself why doctors routinely prescribe blood pressure medication on the strength of a single reading taking on a routine visit, such as for an annual check-up or if you just happen to be feeling under the weather.

 

Consistently high blood pressure - and the definition of high varies between countries  - can be a sign of an underlying disease or condition which needs to be investigated. But, of course, it is much quicker and easier for an overworked GP to prescribe a few pills than put you through a series of expensive, time-consuming tests.

 

All too often, hypertension is simply the result of factors you can treat yourself for - such as poor diet, lack of exercise and too much stress. Changing to a healthier lifestyle can enable  you to reduce your BP medication and even lead to you dumping the tablets in the bin, along with the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects which routinely accompany their use.

 

This worked for me and has helped thousands of others.  The first step is to arm yourself with the information you need to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments. YouTube is a good place to start, particularly the down-to-earth, informative videos on blood pressure and related subjects - such as cholesterol and statins - produced by Dr John Bergman and Dr Eric Berg.

 

 

Edited June 26, 2017 by Krataiboy
error

[Laza 45]

6 hours ago, misterphil said:

Get fit and use this instead of blood pressure tablets.

 

resveratrol

 

Also have your testosterone levels checked at a hospital. If your middle aged your balls stop working and you don't produce testosterone anymore.  

Resveratol    ...  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resveratrol

[malt25]

I'd be consulting a doctor, not TV forum.

But that's just me.

[giddyup]

Just now, malt25 said:

I'd be consulting a doctor, not TV forum.

But that's just me.

As has been mentioned here, doctors are too quick to prescribe drugs. I have had the medication I'm taking prescribed by a doctor, who changed the dose prescribed by a previous doctor. They aren't infallible.

[Crossy]

We recently lost a member (and personal friend) who stopped taking his BP medication without taking advice from the doc.

 

Consult the quack, or another quack.

 

[giddyup]

3 minutes ago, Crossy said:

We recently lost a member (and personal friend) who stopped taking his BP medication without taking advice from the doc.

 

Consult the quack, or another quack.

 

Lost him, how?

[Crossy]

Just now, giddyup said:

Lost him, how?

 

Dead, stroke.

 

[Sheryl]

If your pressure on those  meds is averaging 130/70  I don't think you are ready to try to get off meds.

 

If you can get it lower then yes, could try, monitoring closely each day.  Weight loss and exercise are the means most likely to help.

 

Some people no matter how thin and fit will still need medication, but many others will not. Varies with the individual as there is a genetic compo0nent, it is not always the case that being fit equals normal BP.

 

Are you on the metoprolol solely for BP? As this class of drugs is no longer recommended for that purpose unless there are accompanying conditions such as heart failure.  Otherwsie, bnder current guidelines treatment would be with the losartan alone which can be increased in dosage if necessary up to 100 mg/day.
 

But first find out why your doctor put you on the beta blocker as there may be more than just hypertension involved. Either that or your doctor is a bit behind the times.

 

The dosage range for losartan is 25 - 100 mg so if you get to the point where  you are off the beta blocker, on losartan alone and  are averaging well under 130 systolic you could try a gradual dose reduction, monitoring closely.

 

 

 

 

[giddyup]

16 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

If your pressure on those  meds is averaging 130/70  I don't think you are ready to try to get off meds.

 

If you can get it lower then yes, could try, monitoring closely each day.  Weight loss and exercise are the means most likely to help.

 

Some people no matter how thin and fit will still need medication, but many others will not. Varies with the individual as there is a genetic compo0nent, it is not always the case that being fit equals normal BP.

 

Are you on the metoprolol solely for BP? As this class of drugs is no longer recommended for that purpose unless there are accompanying conditions such as heart failure.  Otherwsie, bnder current guidelines treatment would be with the losartan alone which can be increased in dosage if necessary up to 100 mg/day.
 

But first find out why your doctor put you on the beta blocker as there may be more than just hypertension involved. Either that or your doctor is a bit behind the times.

 

The dosage range for losartan is 25 - 100 mg so if you get to the point where  you are off the beta blocker, on losartan alone and  are averaging well under 130 systolic you could try a gradual dose reduction, monitoring closely.

 

 

 

 

AFAIK I was prescribed both drugs for high blood pressure. I don't have any history of heart problems, so can't say why the Metoprolol was prescribed. My BP readings vary considerably, the 130/70 is at the high end and sometimes it's as low as 115/60, so would stopping the Metoprolol have any dangerous consequences? Maybe just reducing the dosage to 25mg a day?

I just took a BP reading, it was 120/64.

Edited June 27, 2017 by giddyup

[Pilotman]

11 hours ago, ThaiWai said:

I take Atenolol 50mg and Losartan 100 mg because taking the Atenolol alone gives me bradycardia.  If I don't take my meds I can feel it.   Bulging eyes, headaches,  tingling in my shoulders and blurry vision.  The assumption that the ideal height and weight will end the needs for meds is a myth.  In my case it is hereditary and I do what my doctor says to keep it in check.  To date he has not encouraged me to get advise from internet strangers on a Thai visa forum but if that changes I will advise.

There can be an hereditary element that means that a person has a pre disposition to high BP, but the most common reason for high BP is  a combination of excess weight, poor diet and lack of exercise. Those three elements should be tackled first before any other course is tried. 

[Lucky mike]

I want to be clear I have no medical qualification, I just speak from my own experience....about 10 years ago I had a stroke and heart attack and was told I would be on tablets for the rest of my life.  That is when I decided to change my life, I lost 37 kg and started exercising daily and stopped eating bad food.  Every morning I drink lemon and warm water and try to eat well most of the time .  I ear garlic, ginger and honey....I feel great, I have a beer or a glass of wine daily and don't smoke....much is written about health on the internet......I believe the big pharmaceutical companies don't want you off their expensive poisons....I make no recommendations just personal experience, good luck !

[Sheryl]

3 hours ago, giddyup said:

AFAIK I was prescribed both drugs for high blood pressure. I don't have any history of heart problems, so can't say why the Metoprolol was prescribed. My BP readings vary considerably, the 130/70 is at the high end and sometimes it's as low as 115/60, so would stopping the Metoprolol have any dangerous consequences? Maybe just reducing the dosage to 25mg a day?

I just took a BP reading, it was 120/64.

 

If you are certain the metoprolol was given for no reason other than hypertension you could reduce it to 25 mg and monitor. Give it at least a week before  further stopping it.

 

However if there is any chance this was prescribed to you because of arrythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) or other cardiac problem you should not stop except under physician supervision.

[GarryP]

I keep delaying coming off the BP medicine. I am on Amlodipine 5mg once a day and have been for about 5 years.  Originally I was also only cholesterol medicine but the doctor took me off them after about 6 months. I am getting fitter and would like to come of the medicine if possible. I am not overweight. And high BP is not a hereditary thing (or at least I believe so). My father only started taking meds when he got into his 70's and is still very active at 86 - none of his brothers are on BP meds, including his 92 year old elder brother. I am 54, quit smoking 8 years ago,  no longer drink alcohol and use my rowing machine (intense rowing) about 5 times a week.  Is there any hope for me?

[Sheryl]

What are your BP readings like?

 

And any other health problems? Heart disease? Diabetes?

[whatawonderfulday]

13 hours ago, Krataiboy said:

Yeah, but. . . 

 

Blood pressure (hypertension) varies constantly, depending on many factors. High blood pressure is not a disease. It is an adaptation. If you exercise, your blood pressure goes up. If you sleep it goes down. In between, it goes up and down constantly and naturally in response to the oxygen requirements of various parts of the body. 

 

If you don't believe me, get a wrist or arm monitor and take your blood pressure half a dozen times a day when you are engaged in different kind of activities.

 

Once you have done this,  ask yourself why doctors routinely prescribe blood pressure medication on the strength of a single reading taking on a routine visit, such as for an annual check-up or if you just happen to be feeling under the weather.

 

Consistently high blood pressure - and the definition of high varies between countries  - can be a sign of an underlying disease or condition which needs to be investigated. But, of course, it is much quicker and easier for an overworked GP to prescribe a few pills than put you through a series of expensive, time-consuming tests.

 

All too often, hypertension is simply the result of factors you can treat yourself for - such as poor diet, lack of exercise and too much stress. Changing to a healthier lifestyle can enable  you to reduce your BP medication and even lead to you dumping the tablets in the bin, along with the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects which routinely accompany their use.

 

This worked for me and has helped thousands of others.  The first step is to arm yourself with the information you need to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments. YouTube is a good place to start, particularly the down-to-earth, informative videos on blood pressure and related subjects - such as cholesterol and statins - produced by Dr John Bergman and Dr Eric Berg.

 

 

I agree mainly with you.  Although not a smoker for 37 years I was on medication for mild hypertension for around 6 years together with daily asprin to thin blood.  Around last July I did a lot of online research etc because I did not want to take medicine if possible.  So a combination of a better diets together with reducing my weight to the BMI recommendation means now that my BP, without any medication since January, is averaging 134/84.  Prior to this with medication it was 138/93 (yearly average). However the other issue I had was an irregular heartbeat.  Researching this I discovered that 2.5% of people and age group  prescribed aspirin had noticed increases in irregular heartbeats. For me this occurred (with daily aspirin) 80% of the time. Again since January, and no daily aspirin, the irregular heart beat is now only 20% of the time.  not perfect but still a reversal.  I am hoping by the anniversary of my stopping medication both will improve further.  Unless I die !!!

 

Anyway only my experience and of course we are all different but sometimes the medical professionals are not always right. So best of health to you moving forward.

[GarryP]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

What are your BP readings like?

 

And any other health problems? Heart disease? Diabetes?

No heart disease or diabetes. Overall, in good health, except a slightly swollen prostate.  My BP is usually around 120 to 125/80. Heart rate is 60.   

[Sheryl]

18 minutes ago, GarryP said:

No heart disease or diabetes. Overall, in good health, except a slightly swollen prostate.  My BP is usually around 120 to 125/80. Heart rate is 60.   

 

Then yes, it may prove possible to get off meds, you won't know till you try.

 

You will need to monitor your BP closely though and for a while - it takes about 10 days to stabilize and in some cases may climb up high later than that. So you'll need to measure daily for at least 2 weeks and periodically thereafter.

 

Best to discuss with your doctor first.