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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Pluto on March 14, 2007, at 0:24:17
Hi
My blood pressure readings are constantly high while on benzodiazepines. I take Xanax 1.5mg plus Cozaar (Losartan)50mg still my BP is 150/100. Do benzos cause hypertension? Or would it be a start-up side effect of benzos which would resolve over time if I continue taking them? (I take Xanax occassionally)
Cheers to all
PLS
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 14, 2007, at 8:22:22
In reply to Why Do Benzos Elevate My Blood Pressure?, posted by Pluto on March 14, 2007, at 0:24:17
> Hi
>
> My blood pressure readings are constantly high while on benzodiazepines. I take Xanax 1.5mg plus Cozaar (Losartan)50mg still my BP is 150/100. Do benzos cause hypertension? Or would it be a start-up side effect of benzos which would resolve over time if I continue taking them? (I take Xanax occassionally)
>
> Cheers to all
> PLSXanax is reportedly associated with increased likelihood of hypotension, so your reaction would fall into the category of a paradoxical reaction.
The only way to clear the air, here, is to do a challenge/rechallenge experiment. Get a baseline BP, take the drug, take a BP reading at peak plasma concentration.....etc. The problem is that some people get elevated blood pressure from the act of having their BP taken, so-called "white coat hypertension".
<shrug>
Lar
Posted by valene on March 14, 2007, at 8:54:01
In reply to Why Do Benzos Elevate My Blood Pressure?, posted by Pluto on March 14, 2007, at 0:24:17
Xanax lowers my blood pressure - if I take it before a doctor's visit I am nervous about, may take an extra half pill, my BP is always lower.
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2007, at 10:39:30
In reply to Re: Why Do Benzos Elevate My Blood Pressure?, posted by valene on March 14, 2007, at 8:54:01
Me too since I've been on benzos so long have no ideas what my bp would be without them. Love Phillipa
Posted by madeline on March 14, 2007, at 13:23:51
In reply to Why Do Benzos Elevate My Blood Pressure?, posted by Pluto on March 14, 2007, at 0:24:17
One thing that benzos are notorious for is rebound hyperexcitablilty. When the drug leaves the system, some people basically go through withdrawal.
Elevated blood pressure, heart rate and respiration are common.
So another explanation may be that you are very sensitive to xanax withdrawal.
Also, several things interfere with the appropriate metabolism of Cozaar and for you the benzos may be one of them - allowing your blood pressure to rise.
Take care
Maddie
Posted by Phillipa on March 14, 2007, at 20:09:44
In reply to Re: Why Do Benzos Elevate My Blood Pressure? » Pluto, posted by madeline on March 14, 2007, at 13:23:51
Maddie so that's why the new pdoc prescribe long acting xanax at 2mg and if needed prn regular xanax. And I can take the lunesta too. He saw how high my anxiety is and immediately changed the dose to 2mg. Said he has another woman like me and it works like a charm. He said the ad's just made me more anxious. And they have over the years. And thinks my problem has a lot to do with my thyroid the endo who has yet to call him back so now tomorrow either get another or get the orignal one I wanted if they will let you change once you start with one. Until the thyroid only took benzos for years and didn't increase them. Love Phillipa oh the 2mg is for twice a day wants to make sure it's constant in my bloodsteam. And people come from different states to see him and the pharmacist said they knew a lot of his patients he's really good. Hope this works
This is the end of the thread.
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