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Blood Pressure Meds (ARBS). Has anyone had a POSITIVE experience?
At 65 years old, I’ve waffled back and forth with my blood pressure for years, often on high normal. I actually think I have Stage 1 hypertension but I’m not on any medications. My doctor agreed that I lose weight first, then we re-visit it this December 2025. I have 13 pounds to go! I’ve already lost 29 lbs in about 1.5 years. It was tough at my age and body type, but I did it! I need to get down to 135 lbs. I may STILL need meds, though. Because of that, I’ve done some research on the different types of blood pressure medications (even months ago I did so). The ARBS seem to have the lowest side effects, and yet I have read many discouraging comments on YouTube about those on Losartan having some serious side effects. Not sure what their dosage was. Has anyone done WELL on Losartan? That was the one I was considering, but I’m not ruling out others. How about any of these ARBS? (see below list) I find it overwhelming to even think about and I’m very nervous about side effects. I’d love to hear from others who are having a POSITIVE experience. I’d rather not be scared away from NEGATIVE experiences. I’m here to get some reassurance from those who are BENEFITTING without any serious side effects. I look forward to reading your stories and replies!
Generic Name
Losartan (Cozaar)
Valsartan (Diovan)
Irbesartan (Avapro)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Olmesartan (Benicar)
Telmisartan (Micardis)
Azilsartan (Edarbi)
Thank you! I hope this helps others who are on the fence and considering lowering their blood pressure with the help of medical science. This will be my very first medication ever in my life. So far, just vitamins and supplements. I accept that at 65, I may not be able to keep down my BP with just beet root capsules or powder in my smoothies, a low-salt whole food plant based diet and exercise. Sometimes, genetics rears its ugly head. That may be my case. I don’t want to harm my coronary arteries as I age.
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@gardeningjunkie Hydralazine is not used for ADD. It is a vasodilator for reducing blood pressure. Clonidine is sometimes used, but more frequently stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall.
Hi @unmanageable, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have been trying to manage your high blood pressure for quite some time, and have found a good place to share with others.
Like you, I take amlodipine. My blood pressure is controlled, though and at least for the past couple of months have not had much ankle swelling. I am not sure I completely understand but my doctors seem to. I have focused on what they tell me is in my control to help, and when I do this my medication seems to work better.
I doubt I am telling you anything here, but I found a couple resources that are good summaries about high blood pressure. You may find something in them valuable.
- Hypertension Overview ( I want to draw your attention to the “Self Care” section of the Diagnosis & Treatment tab where there are specific results listed for each item we can do)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
- More Than Stress: What You Eat Affects Your Blood Pressure:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/blood-pressure
What does your prescribing doctor(s) say about your swelling and head pain? Is it your upper or lower number (or both) that is concerning? Does your doctor think it would make a difference what schedule you follow to take your medication?
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1 ReactionEvidently my rambling lengthy post wasn't clear. I can simplify my discussion about BP meds side effects. Some asked about side effects from Hydralazine which I can take up to 3 of daily for spikes over 130 and have no noticeable side effects. My Clonidine is used for spikes over 180. I avoid this med because of two side effects: emotions are flatlined and I get brain fog making doing basic tasks challenging. I was told Clonidine is a medication for ADD/ADHD. Amlodipine 10 mg is usually prescribed as a last ditch effort when other BP meds aren't helping enough. The 10 mg dose gives me painful edema. My ankles become twice their normal size by early evening. I need to discipline myself to elevate my legs above the level of my heart at least an hour, but 2 hours is even better, every afternoon. Doing this makes a big difference in the swelling and pain.
Unmanageable mentioned pain on the right side of the her head, but so far I haven't experienced that.
@jlharsh How many mg's of Amlodipine do you take daily? With 5 mg I didn't experience ankle swelling, but with 10 mg I do.
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1 Reaction@gardeningjunkie, I take 5mg of amlodipine. I do not think it has been the cause of swelling because my swelling has gotten better but no changes have been made to how much amlodipine I take. It must be contributed to something else going on that I don’t quite understand.
I know you mention needing to elevate your feet, but do other lifestyle habits make a difference? Will you decrease the amount you are taking since it is causing you problems?
@jlharsh
I take 10mg amlodipine.I see different doctors at appointments because of government hospitals and get different opinions all the time.I have been given 25mg hydrazaline to add to my enalapril and amlodipine but worried about the side effects so i have not yet taken.Any advise on hydrazaline side effects
@jlharsh I've never noticed negative side effects for even taking 3 hydralazine in the evening when my BP rises. It does help control the spikes.
The 5 mg of amlodipine daily is not enough to keep my blood pressure low, so I've had to increase to 10. Last night I made the decision to stop watching exciting television or reading my exciting mystery books at night, that will help. I had to pop 3 hydralazine while watching a dark, dark drama Animal Kingdom on Nextflix last night. If I watch a comedy I don't need additional BP meds at night on top of all the other BP meds I take with breakfast and dinner and perhaps I can go back to the 5 mg of amlodipine which didn't cause edema in me. This will be a big sacrifice. I'm an adrenalin junkie. I gave up alcohol 10 years ago and processed sugar 5 years ago so I've proven I can discipline myself but giving up my mysteries and political dramas in the evening may be even harder. At least I should test that for several weeks.
In your case you may have additional health issues causing the edema. For example many with diabetes have edema.
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1 Reaction@unmanageable It sounds like you have blood pressure that is stubborn. You mention a new prescription of hydrazaline you haven’t started yet because you are concerned about side effects. Here is some information about the drug:
- Hydralizaine Overview: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydralazine-oral-route/description/drg-20064201
It sounds like @gardeningjunkie has good things happen by adding this drug into the mix she takes. I am also tagging @lilac2025 that created this initial discussion. Hopefully, they and other members here have experience that will help you.
You mention several doctors each giving you a drug to take. Will you have an opportunity to review the list of what you take with one provider so you know you are taking drugs that all work together?
I've taken Losartan ( 100mg/day, then cut back to 50mg when other medications were added) for high blood pressure for many years and have never had any side effects I can identify from this medication. Losartan is one of a number of medications I take for high blood pressure and other cardiac issues, and the losartan seems to get along very well with those other meds.
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1 Reaction@unmanageable Continue working with your doctor. Do you see a cardiologist? There are reasons BP can be hard to control. Also some people, like me, have to take several different classes of medication and split between am and pm dosing. I and being evaluated for some rather rare conditions like a neuroendocrine tumor and FMD. Those can be treated with minor surgeries. It would be great not to require so much medication but I do tolerate propanol, olmesarten and hydralazine well.