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What Are The Repercussions Of Abruptly Stopping BP Medications?
Question: hi my aunty from overseas is taking a few blood pressure medications. candesartan 16mg, metoprolol 50mg and amlodipine 5mg. she hasnt had them in a month because she says she feels better here.. she says the weather is better so she doesnt need them. worried about her.. can she restart them straight away? it wouldnt be harmful to start taking them all at once after a months break? does she need to start slowly at lower dosages?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would explain that in this clinical situation it is important to closely monitor her blood pressure frequent times during the day in the next days.
The possible risk of antihypertensive drug interruption is the abrupt raise in blood pressure.
If her blood pressure values are above 135/85 mmHg, I would recommend starting initially candesartan 16mg and then the other drugs.
If her blood pressure values are too high, she can start at the same time candesartan and amlodipine.
Metoprolol is a weak antihypertensive drugs and acts mainly by reducing her heart rate. If she has a high heart rate or is experiencing ectopic heart beats, it would be necessary to restart metoprolol again.
The possible risk when starting all these drugs together, is the possible decrease in blood pressure more than needed.
That is why every change in her therapy should be done based on her blood pressure and heart rate values.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would explain that in this clinical situation it is important to closely monitor her blood pressure frequent times during the day in the next days.
The possible risk of antihypertensive drug interruption is the abrupt raise in blood pressure.
If her blood pressure values are above 135/85 mmHg, I would recommend starting initially candesartan 16mg and then the other drugs.
If her blood pressure values are too high, she can start at the same time candesartan and amlodipine.
Metoprolol is a weak antihypertensive drugs and acts mainly by reducing her heart rate. If she has a high heart rate or is experiencing ectopic heart beats, it would be necessary to restart metoprolol again.
The possible risk when starting all these drugs together, is the possible decrease in blood pressure more than needed.
That is why every change in her therapy should be done based on her blood pressure and heart rate values.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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