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Should Bendro Be Weaned Off When It Causes Discomfort After Being Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis?

Posted on Tue, 12 Jan 2021

Question: Hello Doctor Rynne,
I have been taking bendroflumethiazide 2.5mgs for about 8 years for border line blood pressure and Citalopram 10mgs for health anxiety for approx the same time. I am 66 years old. I haven't been feeling well for a few years, lightheadedness, tiredness, anxiety, tinnitus, neck and shoulders stiffness, generally unwell. Also my father, brother and mother in law died during this time which affected me badly. Since this time I have had an echocardiogram, neck and spine x rays , blood tests more than once and a visit to ENT. Everything ok but diagnosed with early Osteoarthritis in neck and spine. The last full blood check about 8 months ago showed slight raise in CPR. I had a chest infection 5 months ago which lasted a few weeks and I lost a stone in weight. My appetite has not been back to normal since and I am conscious of eating salt, I avoid adding it to food other than cooking. For the past few weeks I have been get lightheadedness and headaches after taking Bendroflumethiazide and feeling spaced out. I stopped taking Bendro a week ago and I felt better for several days but one day I had lightheadedness and my bp was 154/84 so I panicked and went back on Bendro. Headaches, lightheadedness and neck stiffness back. Also fast heart sometimes and flutter occasionally in chest. I get very anxious about any symptoms. I don't want to go back to doctor just yet but could this be signs of hyponatraemia or gout? I feel better when I'm off the Bendro but don't know whether I should try to reduce it. It has helped over the years with my migraines but now I'm not sure what to do. Should I reduce and gradually come off if I take care with my diet? Non smoker or drinker. Thankyou.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
fluid, electrolyte imbalance, BP alteration or others.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have read your query thoroughly.

* As per my clinical experience, the narrated symptoms indicate possible fluid &
electrolyte imbalance ( sodium or potassium ), BP alteration or others.

* My recommendations at present

- Consume more liquids in terms of coconut water, lemon juice, green tea, coffee,
butter milk or others as per your body adjustment.
- Do not stop Bendro, instead take in half of the previous dose at present.
- Maintain intake of balanced, nutritious diet.

- Avoid stress, anxiety.
- Manage to have regular sound sleep of 6-7 hours.
- Do regular morning walk, YOGA and deep breathing exercises for best results.

Follow up after 2 days or early as per the requirement.
Wish you fine recovery.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (48 hours later)

Hello Doctor XXXXXXX
I have been following your advice, apart from yoga but I have other relaxing tecqniques. I went out yesterday and felt ok until I came home and I just wanted to lay down. My anxiety is still an issue but I am trying to control it.. I am still feeling lightheadedness and heavy head particularly after taking my reduced Bendro in the morning. I have done some housework this morning and my bp reading just now was 135/86. I had a headache last night in bed on the top right hand side of head where I usually get my migraines which made me feel lightheaded but it wasn't a migraine as I know it. It is still there this morning and I have taken pain killers. I do have neck arthritis so I don't know whether this could be the cause, or anxiety.
My question is, am I to expect withdrawal symptoms from reducing the Bendro?
Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Welcome for follow up.

* You may experience some withdrawal symptoms with tapered doses of Bendro.
Body takes time in adjusting to that.
* Neck arthritis does not present with this typical picture presentation.
* Additional application of lavender oil drops and gentle massage over the
forehead will give excellent soothing relief.

* Rest continue to maintain hydration and relaxing techniques.

Do follow up as per the requirement.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Helli,
How long before I should start to feel improvement with my muzzy head and lightheadedness please? I need to know this in case I need to visit my doctor again.
Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I predict more than 50 % improvement in symptomatic score by next 48 hours, if
not so, should visit your doctor sir.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (20 hours later)

Hello Doctor,
I purchased urine test strips on XXXXXXX for Salinity view and tested my urine this morning and it is low in salt. I tried two strips with same results. What should I do?
Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Electrolyte imbalance was presumption before 2 days during our conversation.

* Low salt should be countered with intake of salt in various forms as lemon juice,
butter milk, mung water.

* Recommended to discuss with your consultant regarding need of blood electrolytes
level evaluation.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy