Blood Pressure Meds... Are trying to kill me

So I went for a physical this past Tuesday to get checked out. You know make sure my body is heading in the right direction before I started a major weight loss journey. My nurse took my vitals and my blood pressure was 136/89. My doc was like oh my that's pretty high. I was like meh, kinda but I have been eating ribs for the past 3 days. Bad I know but that's most of the leftovers we had from a huge SNF party. I also had sausage for breakfast that morning. So I attributed my HBP from that. She was like we're putting you on medication. I told her I didn't need it. I started it on Wednesday morning and that night during my C25K run I got winded really quickly, like I was so tired and I didn't feel like I could continue. But I pushed through it. Well fast forward to tonight.... These side effects are kicking my *kitten*. It's 73 degrees in my house and I'm sweating profusely. I noticed yesterday that when I went for a 5 mile walk at a moderate pace I'm sweating so hard you can see it through my grey jacket. I'm like cool! Getting my burn on. NO! During my workout last night I almost passed out in the gym from light headedness and headache when I went to lift 20 lbs of weight. I was seeing bright lights and the headache was vicious. I had to stop. Now today I decided to do laundry. It's in the basement. I walked up and down the stairs and I'm tired. Like literally out of breath, sweaty mess. I'm sitting here typing this and I'm sweating bullets. Wtf is going on?! I can't call my doc cause they're closed and I'm really concerned. My workout is in an hour and honestly I don't think I can do it. I'm so tired and pissed off. I just started and I don't want to skip any workouts but I also don't want to put my body in jeopardy or danger either. Anyone else have any horrible side effects from BP medicine?
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Replies

  • CariJean64
    CariJean64 Posts: 297 Member
    It could be that your blood pressure is too low! Can you check it yourself or have someone check it for you?
  • CariJean64 wrote: »
    It could be that your blood pressure is too low! Can you check it yourself or have someone check it for you?

    Yes I can check it. I never thought to do it, but if my pressure is low what can I do to raise it? I've eaten my dinner and I'm stuffed so I don't wanna eat anything else. Especially sugary things. I'm not a fan!
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    136/89 is border-line high. HBP is 140/90 or higher. Not a DR, but I would suggest monitoring your BP on your own (you can purchase a BP cuff for $20-$40 at most drugstores/Walmart/Target, grocery pharmacy). If the meds are causing problems (have you read the disclosures you received from the pharmacy?), discontinue use.
  • Fit_Happens_2021
    Fit_Happens_2021 Posts: 303 Member
    edited October 2014
    It could be side effects of the meds, my doc said mine can cause tiredness and other symptoms, but I never had any side effects from them. Check the info sheet that came with the prescription to see what side effects are likely.
  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,089 Member
    CariJean64 wrote: »
    It could be that your blood pressure is too low! Can you check it yourself or have someone check it for you?
    This would be my first thought (and concern) as well. Is there someone home with you who could call for an ambulance if you pass out? If not, and if you continue to feel like you might pass out, you might want to call for emergency medical assistance (911 if you're in the U.S.) before you pass out.

  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    edited October 2014
    You didn't say what dose, type.
    Most pharmacists can guide you through discontinuation until you can see your doctor.
  • torcol1
    torcol1 Posts: 8 Member
    danieb462 wrote: »
    CariJean64 wrote: »
    It could be that your blood pressure is too low! Can you check it yourself or have someone check it for you?

    Yes I can check it. I never thought to do it, but if my pressure is low what can I do to raise it? I've eaten my dinner and I'm stuffed so I don't wanna eat anything else. Especially sugary things. I'm not a fan!

  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    136/89 is border-line high. HBP is 140/90 or higher. Not a DR, but I would suggest monitoring your BP on your own (you can purchase a BP cuff for $20-$40 at most drugstores/Walmart/Target, grocery pharmacy). If the meds are causing problems (have you read the disclosures you received from the pharmacy?), discontinue use.

    so, are you a doctor to tell OP to STOP taking their meds?

    139/89 certainly isn't as immediately dangerous as a contraindicated medication.
    Go to a doctor or talk to the pharmacy who dispensed them. The OP has only been on them a few days.
  • It could be side effects of the meds, my doc said mine can cause tiredness and other symptoms, but I never had any side effects from them. Check the info sheet that came with the prescription to see what side effects are likely.

    I did read them, and they said to consult your doctor if I have the symptoms that I listed above. I can't call my doc. Should I call a different one???
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    136/89 is border-line high. HBP is 140/90 or higher. Not a DR, but I would suggest monitoring your BP on your own (you can purchase a BP cuff for $20-$40 at most drugstores/Walmart/Target, grocery pharmacy). If the meds are causing problems (have you read the disclosures you received from the pharmacy?), discontinue use.

    so, are you a doctor to tell OP to STOP taking their meds?

    Have you ever read the disclosures at accompany all prescriptions? They include the following statement:

    If you experience any of the following <insert list of dangerous side effects>, discontinue immediately and contact your physician.

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    Seriously, you want to contact your doctor about this one, not the internet. Call them, they usually will have someone on call to answer your questions and advise you.
  • mbailey423
    mbailey423 Posts: 141 Member
    Please don't take this the wrong way, but if I were in your shoes is seek medical attention.

    I'm on BP meds and never have those type of symptoms. 40mg Lisinopryl and a water pill
  • torcol1
    torcol1 Posts: 8 Member
    edited October 2014
    I sometimes suffer from low blood pressure, drink plenty of water, keep salty chips in your home for these incidents ex: eat a bag of lays potato chips, and rest do not try to do to much while you are going through your episode of low bp. Call your Dr. if you can't get your bp to come up to a reasonable number. When your bp gets too high or too low it will cause you to feel winded, weak and faint. You will find that it causes you to feel tired and sleepy quickly. If your bp is too low do not take your bp med but if it gets too high take it. Call your Dr. asap if symptoms continue and you can't reach your Dr. go to the ER. My Dr. returns my calls and it keeps me from going to the ER I see him as soon as the next day. Your Dr. may want to see you asap.


  • FredDoyle wrote: »
    You didn't say what dose, type.
    Most pharmacists can guide you through discontinuation until you can see your doctor.

    Lisinopril/ Hydrochlorothiazide
    - 20 mg/ 12.5 mg
    •They're in the same package but diff doses for each day. Don't know what I've taken so far cause its printed on the pill

    Propranolol
    - 10 mg tablets

    I would like to stop taking them because my short walk from my kitchen to my bedroom caused dizziness when I stood up and I'm sweating again
  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    mbailey423 wrote: »
    Please don't take this the wrong way, but if I were in your shoes is seek medical attention.

    I'm on BP meds and never have those type of symptoms. 40mg Lisinopryl and a water pill
    You can get those types of symptoms when you first go on them as they do lower your blood pressure.
    That being said, I would check with a medical professional.

  • sunburntgalaxy
    sunburntgalaxy Posts: 455 Member
    Most doctors offices have an after hours answering service or on call doctor you can reach if you need to - I would suggest calling your normal doctors office asap to see if that is available. If not call the hospital - it really sounds like you need to get real medical advice.
  • FredDoyle wrote: »
    136/89 is border-line high. HBP is 140/90 or higher. Not a DR, but I would suggest monitoring your BP on your own (you can purchase a BP cuff for $20-$40 at most drugstores/Walmart/Target, grocery pharmacy). If the meds are causing problems (have you read the disclosures you received from the pharmacy?), discontinue use.

    so, are you a doctor to tell OP to STOP taking their meds?

    139/89 certainly isn't as immediately dangerous as a contraindicated medication.
    Go to a doctor or talk to the pharmacy who dispensed them. The OP has only been on them a few days.

    I agree that OP needs to talk to HIS doctor or a pharmacist...not some random stranger here on MFP

    I get that... I just didn't know if anyone else had similar side effects from taking them. Also I think SHE should talk to HER doc about it. Its 9:11 pm on the east coast. The pharmacy is deff closed!

  • torcol1 wrote: »
    I sometimes suffer from low blood pressure, drink plenty of water, keep salty chips in your home for these incidents ex: eat a bag of lays potato chips, and rest do not try to do to much while you are going through your episode of low bp. Call your Dr. if you can't get your bp to come up to a reasonable number. When your bp gets too high or too low it will cause you to feel winded, weak and faint. You will find that it causes you to feel tired and sleepy quickly. If your bp is too low do not take your bp med but if it gets too high take it. Call your Dr. asap if symptoms continue and you can't reach your Dr. go to the ER. My Dr. returns my calls and it keeps me from going to the ER I see him as soon as the next day. Your Dr. may want to see you asap.


    I take my BP meds when i wake up. I've literally been drinking water all day because I've been sweating so much. Had a Gatorade with dinner because I've been sweating much more the past 2-3 hours. I didn't know that I was supposed to be monitoring my blood pressure. It wasn't really an issue before and my doc deff didn't say that was one of the things I should be doing whilst on the medication. I just moved so I may need to reconsider my PCP. She was highly recommended -_-
  • danieb462 wrote: »
    FredDoyle wrote: »
    136/89 is border-line high. HBP is 140/90 or higher. Not a DR, but I would suggest monitoring your BP on your own (you can purchase a BP cuff for $20-$40 at most drugstores/Walmart/Target, grocery pharmacy). If the meds are causing problems (have you read the disclosures you received from the pharmacy?), discontinue use.

    so, are you a doctor to tell OP to STOP taking their meds?

    139/89 certainly isn't as immediately dangerous as a contraindicated medication.
    Go to a doctor or talk to the pharmacy who dispensed them. The OP has only been on them a few days.

    I agree that OP needs to talk to HIS doctor or a pharmacist...not some random stranger here on MFP

    I get that... I just didn't know if anyone else had similar side effects from taking them. Also I think SHE should talk to HER doc about it. Its 9:11 pm on the east coast. The pharmacy is deff closed!

    ooopppsss....sorry...she. My bad...I'm sorry

    Haha it's cool! No harm no foul! But thanks
  • CoachJen71
    CoachJen71 Posts: 1,200 Member
    mbailey423 wrote: »
    Please don't take this the wrong way, but if I were in your shoes is seek medical attention.

    I'm on BP meds and never have those type of symptoms. 40mg Lisinopryl and a water pill

    Ditto on the Lisinopril. Did have a bad reaction to another BP med, but in the form of petechiae.

    Does your doc's office have an on-call number? If not, call your local hospital and tell them what you wrote here.
  • socalkay
    socalkay Posts: 746 Member
    Are you just starting this exercise routine? If the exercise is new, it may be exercise, not the meds that are impacting you - or a combination. Back off on the exercise until you have consulted a doctor if that's when you experience most of the symptoms.

    Talk to your doctor Monday or go to urgent care or ER this weekend if dizziness persists (have someone drive you) or if you are feeling alarmed about other symptoms. Don't try to treat yourself for low BP at this point.

    A BP cuff is a good idea because that would give you more data to convey to the doctor.

    I've also been taking lysinopril for years with zero side effects but my father can't take lysinopril because of side effects (though not the ones you describe). Anyway, different people react differently and this is why you must work with your doctor on this. It's not uncommon to need to try 2 or 3 different BP meds before you and your doctor find one that works for you.
  • So my workout for tonight is definitely off right?

  • ContraryMaryMary
    ContraryMaryMary Posts: 1,777 Member
    I have essential hypertension - that is, my blood pressure sits at 140/90 for no apparent reason (I have been fully checked by a cardiologist). I was on BP medication to bring it down to 120/80 for nearly 10 years but went off it (under doctor's advice) when I got pregnant. Post partum, and having moved to a new suburb, I saw a new doctor and he told me that they're rethinking their views on high blood pressure, and 140/90 is nothing to worry about if that's my natural level, it isn't rising and I am fit and healthy (which it is, it hasn't, and I am). As a result I am no longer on medication. Chat to your doctor again about the need for medication, and possibly seek a second opinion. Good luck.
  • mbailey423
    mbailey423 Posts: 141 Member
    danieb462 wrote: »
    So my workout for tonight is definitely off right?
    I'd say yes until you get checked out


  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,089 Member
    If you don't have someone with you to get you medical if you pass out, you should call for medical help now before you pass out, because you won't be able to do it after you pass out. Sustained profuse sweating with only mild exertion (walking to the bedroom or downstairs to the laundry room) accompanied by dizziness doesn't seem like something to mess around with. It could be low blood pressure because the medication is too strong for you, or it could be something completely unrelated that just happened to crop up at the same time.
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    edited October 2014
    danieb462 wrote: »
    It could be side effects of the meds, my doc said mine can cause tiredness and other symptoms, but I never had any side effects from them. Check the info sheet that came with the prescription to see what side effects are likely.

    I did read them, and they said to consult your doctor if I have the symptoms that I listed above. I can't call my doc. Should I call a different one???
    Your doctors office likely has someone on call for this type of thing..yes, call them!! They may confer with your own doc and call back or they may make the decision themselves.

    Do be careful asking medical questions on the Internet or anywhere other than your own doctor.... He's the one that put you on the pills, He's really the only qualified person to tell you why he did and if you should go off.

    Asking anyone on MFP is ..well just not smart... we're not doctors even if someone on here was...it's not OK for them to respond as a doctor in this settings.
  • rowlandsw
    rowlandsw Posts: 1,166 Member
    It could be side effects of the meds, my doc said mine can cause tiredness and other symptoms, but I never had any side effects from them. Check the info sheet that came with the prescription to see what side effects are likely.

    Mine seriously act like a sedative, they'll knock me right out better than my psych meds.
  • socalkay wrote: »
    Are you just starting this exercise routine? If the exercise is new, it may be exercise, not the meds that are impacting you - or a combination. Back off on the exercise until you have consulted a doctor if that's when you experience most of the symptoms.

    Talk to your doctor Monday or go to urgent care or ER this weekend if dizziness persists (have someone drive you) or if you are feeling alarmed about other symptoms. Don't try to treat yourself for low BP at this point.

    A BP cuff is a good idea because that would give you more data to convey to the doctor.

    I've also been taking lysinopril for years with zero side effects but my father can't take lysinopril because of side effects (though not the ones you describe). Anyway, different people react differently and this is why you must work with your doctor on this. It's not uncommon to need to try 2 or 3 different BP meds before you and your doctor find one that works for you.

    I've actually been working out 2 weeks prior to me going in for my physical. I was wondering if it was my exercise regimen but I was only sweating during and after my workouts. But when i started the meds I noticed a huge change. I was fatigued on my run after 4 minutes. like I'm tired af I can't go anymore fatigued. and that was the night i started them. Yesterday a 5 mile walk in 65 degree weather had me sweating through 2 shirts and a fluffy lined cotton jacket. Yes fluffy. Idk the material lol. I know my body and yes I'm over weight but I don't sweat unless I'm doing vigorous activity or its 95 degrees outside. The headaches and dizziness have been persistent. I woke up with a head ache. If I move too quickly I feel like I'm gonna faint. No bueno
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,031 Member
    edited October 2014
    danieb462 wrote: »
    socalkay wrote: »
    Are you just starting this exercise routine? If the exercise is new, it may be exercise, not the meds that are impacting you - or a combination. Back off on the exercise until you have consulted a doctor if that's when you experience most of the symptoms.

    Talk to your doctor Monday or go to urgent care or ER this weekend if dizziness persists (have someone drive you) or if you are feeling alarmed about other symptoms. Don't try to treat yourself for low BP at this point.

    A BP cuff is a good idea because that would give you more data to convey to the doctor.

    I've also been taking lysinopril for years with zero side effects but my father can't take lysinopril because of side effects (though not the ones you describe). Anyway, different people react differently and this is why you must work with your doctor on this. It's not uncommon to need to try 2 or 3 different BP meds before you and your doctor find one that works for you.

    I've actually been working out 2 weeks prior to me going in for my physical. I was wondering if it was my exercise regimen but I was only sweating during and after my workouts. But when i started the meds I noticed a huge change. I was fatigued on my run after 4 minutes. like I'm tired af I can't go anymore fatigued. and that was the night i started them. Yesterday a 5 mile walk in 65 degree weather had me sweating through 2 shirts and a fluffy lined cotton jacket. Yes fluffy. Idk the material lol. I know my body and yes I'm over weight but I don't sweat unless I'm doing vigorous activity or its 95 degrees outside. The headaches and dizziness have been persistent. I woke up with a head ache. If I move too quickly I feel like I'm gonna faint. No bueno

    You're still here? lol You're on the way to call the doctors office remember? Someone will be able to take the call or will ask what symptoms you're having and can give you actually professional advice. It's really safer to just call, if they say don't worry, then you can stop worrying everyone and yourself as well. :smile:

    Take care,
  • danieb462 wrote: »
    socalkay wrote: »
    Are you just starting this exercise routine? If the exercise is new, it may be exercise, not the meds that are impacting you - or a combination. Back off on the exercise until you have consulted a doctor if that's when you experience most of the symptoms.

    Talk to your doctor Monday or go to urgent care or ER this weekend if dizziness persists (have someone drive you) or if you are feeling alarmed about other symptoms. Don't try to treat yourself for low BP at this point.

    A BP cuff is a good idea because that would give you more data to convey to the doctor.

    I've also been taking lysinopril for years with zero side effects but my father can't take lysinopril because of side effects (though not the ones you describe). Anyway, different people react differently and this is why you must work with your doctor on this. It's not uncommon to need to try 2 or 3 different BP meds before you and your doctor find one that works for you.

    I've actually been working out 2 weeks prior to me going in for my physical. I was wondering if it was my exercise regimen but I was only sweating during and after my workouts. But when i started the meds I noticed a huge change. I was fatigued on my run after 4 minutes. like I'm tired af I can't go anymore fatigued. and that was the night i started them. Yesterday a 5 mile walk in 65 degree weather had me sweating through 2 shirts and a fluffy lined cotton jacket. Yes fluffy. Idk the material lol. I know my body and yes I'm over weight but I don't sweat unless I'm doing vigorous activity or its 95 degrees outside. The headaches and dizziness have been persistent. I woke up with a head ache. If I move too quickly I feel like I'm gonna faint. No bueno

    You're still here? lol You're on the way to call the doctors office remember? Someone will be able to take the call or will ask what symptoms you're having and can give you actually professional advice. It's really safer to just call, if they say don't worry, then you can stop worrying everyone and yourself as well. :smile:

    Take care,

    I called my doctors office and the on call doctor told me to stop taking them and follow up on my next appointment. Which is Nov. 4th. Still doesnt change that fact that I feel like mierda and I'm sweaty!