I have Wegener's Granulomatosis(with kidney involvement). I have high blood pressure, acid reflux, insomnia, sleep-apnea, fibromyalgia, migraines, & depression/anxiety. I've been on Prednisone off & on for the past 6 years, and I've been on immuno-suppressives for 5 years to treat the Wegener's Granulomatosis. Right now I take Cell-Cept 1000mg twice daily, Bactrim regular strength once daily, Prednisone 5mg. once daily, Protonix 40mg twice daily, Atenelol 50mg twice daily, Norvasc 5mg once daily, Wellbutrin 150mg once daily, Ambien cr 12.5mg once at bedtime, Nasonex nosespray 2 puffs each nostril once daily, and Tylenol 1,000mg for pain. I have lost 30% of my kidney function due to the Wegener's, and I always have red blood cells & protein in my urine. I have been on Atelenol for 5 years and recently had to start Norvasc because my blood pressure was VERY high. My blood pressure is under control now, but I'm SO tired all the time. I was recently at the Vasculitis Foundation symposium up at Mayo Clinic and one of the kidney doctors mentioned Cozaar (Losaratin???) and said it helps to preserve kidney function. I was wanting to switch to Cozaar. How would I go about doing that??? Would I have to gradually come off the Atenelol & Norvasc while going on the Cozaar??? Or can you just stop taking the Atenelol & Norvasc once you start the Cozaar?? I would of course ask my doctor about all of this, but I just wanted to get your opinion as well. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Lisa
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Q: I would like to switch blood pressure medications and want to know what would be the best?
Lisa,
Thanks for your question. As you know, you have a complicated situation that requires much thought and consideration when prescribing any medication. Your physician, who knows your underlying medical conditions, as well as your response to different medication, is the best person to decide if a change is necessary. If the answer is yes, then he will decide what that change should be, and discuss how they should be made. Treating blood pressure is not a cookbook science. It sometimes requires trials of different drugs, as well as different doses.
Please take advantage of this website to learn of other ways to help your blood pressure in addition to medication. Also, you can search the different types of medications to gain some background for your visit with your physician.
Thanks.
Martin Cane, M.D.
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