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What Causes Recurring Headache And Dizziness While On Konverge?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Aug 2016
Question: I have a recent history of high blood pressure . I am 73 , fit and correct weight for my ageing have a reasonable diet. I have been on Konverge for about 6 years and the consultant recently added Imdur to my medication (approx 9 months ago) . I also have had low grade anaemia for some years.
I have been experiencing headaches and slight dizziness on and off for a couple of weeks and am wondering whether or not this could be as a result of the combination of the two medications. Ken
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possible, could be from Imdur alone as well.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Konverse is a combination of two drugs Olmesartan and Amlodipine, while Imdur contains isosorbid mononitrate. Regarding the combination between the two while there is no direct interaction between these 3 components, since they all influence blood pressure there is a higher likelihood for hypotension when combining them, especially amlodipine with isosorbid mononitrate. More commonly it is in the form of orthostatic hypotension appearing when you change your position from supine to standing, manifesting with dizziness and headache.

However more than the combination itself I would bet more on the symptoms being a side effect of Imdur alone. It does have a high percentage of patients with headache as a side effect, up to 30% of patients. Dizziness is also a possible side effect of Imdur. In many patients these side effect diminish with time and medication can be continued. However in some patients they persist and treatment has to be modified or interrupted.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (26 hours later)
That is really interesting. I sometimes forget to take my pills for a day or two. Would this impact their effectiveness or is there a cumulative buildup overtime.
Part of the reason I was put on Imdur was due to a right branch block to one of my arteries and I complain from time to time about breathing problems. These are not consistent and I can often play 18 holes of hilly golf with no issues. The breathing problems are more severe after eating a heavy meal. I also have low haemoglobin at 10.8.
I recently had an angiogram which showed no deterioration in the arteries since the last one, about 10 years ago.
I suppose the question is, could low blood pressure be due to low haemoglobin and have anything to do with a breathing problem? Ken
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Regarding your first question on forgetting the pills, they would impact their effect on controlling blood pressure on the days you are not taking them, so try not to forget too often.

As for the effect of low hemoglobin, when there is marked anemia it may lead to alterations in blood pressure and breathing issues. However I do not think that to be your case, not at those values should be much lower. At those hemoglobin values it should contribute very little if any to your symptoms, other heart or lung related issues are at play.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Recurring Headache And Dizziness While On Konverge?

Brief Answer: Possible, could be from Imdur alone as well. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Konverse is a combination of two drugs Olmesartan and Amlodipine, while Imdur contains isosorbid mononitrate. Regarding the combination between the two while there is no direct interaction between these 3 components, since they all influence blood pressure there is a higher likelihood for hypotension when combining them, especially amlodipine with isosorbid mononitrate. More commonly it is in the form of orthostatic hypotension appearing when you change your position from supine to standing, manifesting with dizziness and headache. However more than the combination itself I would bet more on the symptoms being a side effect of Imdur alone. It does have a high percentage of patients with headache as a side effect, up to 30% of patients. Dizziness is also a possible side effect of Imdur. In many patients these side effect diminish with time and medication can be continued. However in some patients they persist and treatment has to be modified or interrupted. I remain at your disposal for other questions.