[did2007]

I'm kinda wondering which BP medicine is the best? My dad has good results with Hyzaar 100's, and I haven't had good results with either Lisinopril or Atacand (it might be because they were expired). I think the Norvasc is working well so far though, but I think my BP machine is a bum because it's way off from the results in Wal-Mart and my doctor's office.

[princesslinda]

I think this is something that's very individualized. The best medication is the one that works best for you.

I'm on Enalapril (ace-inhibitor) and also take HCTZ 12.5 mg every other day, with good results.

[fgummett]

Yes... it is something between you and your doctor. It is also not uncommon (as Linda above) to be on multiple meds for BP.

Exercise, relaxation, good nights sleep

[GretchO]

It depends on why you have high blood pressure - which number is elevated (for some it's the diastolic number, for some it's systolic number, for some it's both). Ace inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics all have different mechanisms. Some people use combinations, pregnant women can't use ace inhibitors. I think it best to talk with your doc about what your options are.

[Jan B]

It is specific to your exact needs.
I have very good results with Accuretic (Ace). I started w/Accupril, and it wasn't doing a lot for me, so I went to Accuretic (same thing as Accupril w/a diuretic) and it's worked great for several years (same dosage).

[davef]

As others have said, the best BP medication is one that suits you in that is prescribed in the full knowledge of your medical history and situation. I take Enalapril (ace-inhibitor) but that does not mean it's right for you. This is something you really need to discuss with your doctor. I certainly would not recommend "trying out" medication without your doctor's supervision and approval.

[Eddy]

Enalapril made me cough. I'm on 20 mg/day of Benicar, an angiotension receptor blocker.

[barbarac]

I agree with you. I don't like thinking that my BP medicine is based on which drug rep has the best personality or gives out the most samples. I want one that works. I have tried most. He keeps switching and the new ones don't work any better. Think I take one of everything--a ace inhibitor, beta blocker, calcium blocker, and one more that I don't know what it does--no one seems to know what it is. Also a water pill as the calcium blocker really swells my feet up--so he cut that in half to one a day instead of 2 and now it is better.

It just seems so hit and miss. Let's try this, and that. Norvasc swelled me up, now Dynacirc CR does the same. He keeps saying that is a side effect, but I don't want it!!! Tried Cardura once--horrible reaction.

I really don't think my BP is that high that I need to be taking so much, but all of a sudden that is all he seems worried about. This is my GP. I go to an endocrinologist for the diabetes.

I too would like to see what works for different people. I want something that works, not experiments.

[Penny]

Hubby was on 2, Lisinopril and Metropolol (I think). With his recent kidney problem, his heart doctor sent a post card and told him to quit taking the Lisinopril as it could be causing the kidneys to not work right. Now his blood pressure is all over the place, but we are to wait until he sees the kidney doctor in 2 weeks. Sometimes it gets so high or low, it scares us. The doctors don't seem concerned.

[notme]

I was taking Lotensin and HCTZ and my doctor combined them into one pill. Now I take Lotrel once a day and it is working great. It is very individual.

[did2007]

I got me a new bp monitor ordered today (Omron HEM-637 was $48 on Amazon), so what i'm going to do is when I get the machine, i'll test every day at least 3x until I see my doctor, then test it vs. their machine and see how consistent it is. I went to CVS the other day and I used their machine (they had a wrist machine), but it still read higher than the machine that's at my house. I kinda like the wrist machine, but as with any new machine, i'm not sure how consistent it is.

Anyways, I got a free coupon for the Hyzaar from my dad (he gets them in samples from his heart doctor) in case they want me to try something new. I'm making a guess, but I don't think the Norvasc is working as well neither....but when I get the new machine, i'll possibly be able to tell a little better. On the old machine, I changed the batteries and still the same results apply. It might be another problem such as my cholesterol might be high and it might affect my bp levels, so along with my Gemfibrozil, I have began today taking the new Bayer with Cholesterol reducers (30 cost me over $5.00 at Wal-Mart...I didn't get a paper Sunday and I missed the $1.50 coupon) and i'll see how that works.

Before I go back to the doc, I have to fast the night before and take some blood tests. I am guessing, but I might have to be on something like Lipitor (in which if so, I'd have to take that and the Norvasc together, might as well be on Caduet since i'm getting it on RX assistance--could be an advantage on how many pills I take.....and I can get a 30 day trial of Lipitor until my RX assistance comes through) to lower my cholesterol. Plus, I might need to eat healthier. I'm going to hopefully find out soon.

[mcgriff]

I take Lisinopril not to treat hypertension as I have good BP numbers. Lisinopril is excellent for diabetics as it selectively targets arterioles to the kidney thus increasing the ability of nephrons to stay alive and do their job better.