Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Increased The Dosage Of BP Medication. Feeling Light Headed And Heartbeats Are Fairly Profound. Should I Be Concerned?
Question: My cardiologist increased the dosage of my BP meds (Nadolol, from 40 mg to 160 mg) My pulse rate is now 48 and my BP is 95/55. Should I be concerned? I am lightheaded and my heartbeats are fairly profound.
Brief Answer:
I suggest you see your doctor regarding the dose.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
The symptom of lightheadedness is a recognised side-effect of Nadolol and is seen in about i in 100 patients. It is a beta blocker and can slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure. I would suggest that the dose you are on is quite high and this is the reason for your symptoms as your blood pressure is inappropriately low for you. This is why you are lightheaded with a slow pulse.
I suggest you call your cardiologist to discuss these symptoms and possibly reduce the dose but this would need to be the decision made between you and your cardiologist who knows your condition.
In the meantime, I suggest you do not undertake any physical exertion or drive if you are dizzy and lightheaded.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
I suggest you see your doctor regarding the dose.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
The symptom of lightheadedness is a recognised side-effect of Nadolol and is seen in about i in 100 patients. It is a beta blocker and can slow the heart rate and lower the blood pressure. I would suggest that the dose you are on is quite high and this is the reason for your symptoms as your blood pressure is inappropriately low for you. This is why you are lightheaded with a slow pulse.
I suggest you call your cardiologist to discuss these symptoms and possibly reduce the dose but this would need to be the decision made between you and your cardiologist who knows your condition.
In the meantime, I suggest you do not undertake any physical exertion or drive if you are dizzy and lightheaded.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My cardiologist isn't in the office today and I actually passed out earlier this morning. Should I consider this an emergency? I'm assuming I should at least skip my morning dose (80mg).
Brief Answer:
Omit dose and visit the ED.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further information.
Yes. You are right to omit the morning dose. I would consider the safest course of action would be to see a doctor urgently so a visit to the ED would be advisable. This would enable you to be fully assessed possibly with an ECG. This would also allow any other cause for your symptoms to be identified although I do feel that it is most likely the beta blocker that is the cause.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Omit dose and visit the ED.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further information.
Yes. You are right to omit the morning dose. I would consider the safest course of action would be to see a doctor urgently so a visit to the ED would be advisable. This would enable you to be fully assessed possibly with an ECG. This would also allow any other cause for your symptoms to be identified although I do feel that it is most likely the beta blocker that is the cause.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I didn't go to the ED, but I did go to an urgent care facility. They did an ECG (which showed no abnormalities) and took my BP, pulse, and tested my sugar level. All were ok. BP was 138/88, pulse was 54 and sugar was 82. I went to work this weekend and tonight my ankles swelled (the swelling has gone down since), my BP was at one point 180/102 (eventually went down to 153/94) and my vision was affected, though that has subsided. I really don't understand how my BP can fluctuate so greatly.
Brief Answer:
Continue with Nadolol at present.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further information.
The side-effects of swelling and visual disturbances (blurred vision) are known to occur with Nadolol. These may only be temporary as your body adjusts to the new medication. However, there are many options for the treatment of blood pressure and sometimes a change of medication is needed or a combination of medicines to gain best control of blood pressure.
I suggest you continue with Nadolol at present and consult with you cardiologist in a week or so when your blood pressure may be more settled on the new medication.
I hope this is of help.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Continue with Nadolol at present.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further information.
The side-effects of swelling and visual disturbances (blurred vision) are known to occur with Nadolol. These may only be temporary as your body adjusts to the new medication. However, there are many options for the treatment of blood pressure and sometimes a change of medication is needed or a combination of medicines to gain best control of blood pressure.
I suggest you continue with Nadolol at present and consult with you cardiologist in a week or so when your blood pressure may be more settled on the new medication.
I hope this is of help.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
