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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 15, 2005, at 11:54:25
I have noticed that more and more Psych meds are coming with the warning that they might increase blood pressure. My blood pressure already tends to be on the high side, and I don't particularly like the side effects of blood pressure lowering medications, though I will probably have to start one in the near future.
As far as I know, my diagnosis is just major depression though I am sure you could throw some anxiety along in there for good measure. Which antidepressants are LEAST likely to cause a rise in blood pressure?
I've already taken the TCAs, Wellbutrin, and Prozac. Most SSRIs kill my stomach or give me migraines. I'm trying the fish oil thing, but that isn't enough. Suggestions?
MidnightBlue
Posted by PM80 on April 15, 2005, at 13:24:00
In reply to Blood Pressure and Psych Meds, posted by MidnightBlue on April 15, 2005, at 11:54:25
Seroquel is probably not right for you, given your unipolar depression, but it is used to treat anxiety and it lowered my blood pressure. Sometimes I would spike into stage2 high blood pressure, but not since I've been on seroquel. In fact, one side effect of seroquel is low blood pressure. Another is slightly elevated blood sugar - which was great for my occasional low blood sugar shakes. Just a thought - it may not be helpful for you.
Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2005, at 19:27:02
In reply to Re: Blood Pressure and Psych Meds, posted by PM80 on April 15, 2005, at 13:24:00
I've never taken TCA's but they are supposed to lower BP. I don't know what to tell you. What does your pdoc say? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 15, 2005, at 23:24:28
In reply to Re: Blood Pressure and Psych Meds, posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2005, at 19:27:02
You have to actually HAVE a pdoc for him to tell you something. I haven't had one for about 3 years. My regular doc prescribed my drugs for about a year, and then I lost insurance. During those two years I was sent once to a pdoc who tried to put me on Effexor. He was upset when I pointed out I have a tendency to high blood pressure and that I wasn't sure that was the best choice. It can easily run 150/90. Or that I had actual medical problems that would complicate his carte blanche approach to drugs. Consequence? I'm on nothing and still depressed. I'll be going to my reg doc again in a couple of weeks. My first real access to medical care in quite some time with the exception of the nurse practitioner this last week because I was really sick with a stomach bug.
Posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 15:32:30
In reply to Blood Pressure and Psych Meds, posted by MidnightBlue on April 15, 2005, at 11:54:25
Hi,
The MAOI pargyline was formerly used as a treatment for hypertension. Nardil, an MAOI antidepressant/anti-anxiety drug, also decreases blood pressure. Patients who take Nardil must stick to a tyramine-free diet. Nardil + food high in tyramine = severe hypertension.
>I have noticed that more and more Psych meds are coming with the warning that they might increase blood pressure.
Many other drugs can increase blood pressure as well, such as Bextra!
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by MidnightBlue on April 16, 2005, at 16:10:24
In reply to Re: Blood Pressure and Psych Meds » MidnightBlue, posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 15:32:30
I know about the Bextra and blood pressure Ed, but I haven't had any Bextra since Sunday night and today my pressure was 169/100. Getting better every time! The only "drug" I am on except Tylenol is Prilosec OTC for GERD. I am hurting like crazy. I had to stop all meds when I had food poisoning Monday afternoon. Just now getting back to real food and supplements.
I wish they would come out with that MAOI patch because I really would be eager to try that. I already eat a restricted diet because of migraines.
Posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 16:23:23
In reply to Re: Blood Pressure and Psych Meds » ed_uk, posted by MidnightBlue on April 16, 2005, at 16:10:24
Hi,
>I know about the Bextra and blood pressure Ed.
I thought you would :-)
>I wish they would come out with that MAOI patch because I really would be eager to try that. I already eat a restricted diet because of migraines.
Nardil can prevent migraines so it could be a good choice. Also, some people who get migraines say that they find a tyramine-free diet helpful in preventing attacks.
Ed.
This is the end of the thread.
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