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What Medication Is Suggested For High BP?
Hi Dr.Grief, I am interested in your opinion on Benicar HCT 40mg/12.5mg to treat HBP. I have a history of having low to normal BP. My BP & HR have been at approx. 155/110 & HR 90-100 for the past 4 months. There is no family history of HBP, in fact most have lived into there 90 s. I have been taking Venlafaxine ER 150mg 1xdaily for the past 6 months and understand that this may affect my BP. (I am on no other meds or supplements) I also understand that the olmesatan medoxomil and the hydrochlorothiazide are meant to work together. I currently do not have any signs of water retention. I am concerned because last year I was hospitalized for severe dehydration, (possible a side effect of some meds my Dr. had me on) and don t want that to happen again!!! In your opinion do you think this is overkill for lack of a better word? Do you think just an antiotension receptor blocker alone would be a better choice considering my history? I need to get my BP down regardless but I really would appreciate your input. Thank you, Julie Pratt, RDH, BS
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
Hello
Thanks for the query to HCM Forum.
Benicar HCT ( olmesartan medoxomil+hydrochlorothiazide ) is most potent anti hypertensive drug .
As you mentioned in your query that you are taking venlafaxine as an anti depressant drug so need not to worry about that.
Now your main concern is about hydrocholrothiazide ( as antidiuretic ) .
You want to take olmesartan alone as you were hospitalized for dehydration previously.
The main side effect of olmesartan alone is PERIPHERAL EDEMA , hence your treating physician advised you BENICAR HCT instead olmesartan alone .
Other side effect of olmesartan are facial edema , angioedema , acute renal failure .
I would like to advise you consult your treating physician about these side effects and thereafter start this drug ( if alone).
Good luck.
Thanks for the query to HCM Forum.
Benicar HCT ( olmesartan medoxomil+hydrochlorothiazide ) is most potent anti hypertensive drug .
As you mentioned in your query that you are taking venlafaxine as an anti depressant drug so need not to worry about that.
Now your main concern is about hydrocholrothiazide ( as antidiuretic ) .
You want to take olmesartan alone as you were hospitalized for dehydration previously.
The main side effect of olmesartan alone is PERIPHERAL EDEMA , hence your treating physician advised you BENICAR HCT instead olmesartan alone .
Other side effect of olmesartan are facial edema , angioedema , acute renal failure .
I would like to advise you consult your treating physician about these side effects and thereafter start this drug ( if alone).
Good luck.
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