Question:
I'm in my 30's and I've been on BP meds for about 7 years. Norvasc and Dyazide. Even on the meds, I've averaged around 140/90 for most of that time. Last Oct. I had reflux surgery. In the months after that, my BP lowered to the 120's/70's. It maintained around there for months. During the last few weeks it has dropped again. Tonight it was 104/54. The one thing that hasn't changed throughout this is that my resting pulse is typically in the 90's. Sometimes higher or lower.
My monitor is calibrated. I've had no change in diet or activity level recently. I did go off of Allegra about 3 months ago, but didn't notice a BP change at that time.
I'm happy my BP has been healthier, but am concerned about the BP change with no apparent reason. I'm not due for a BP follow-up anytime soon, in fact one of my specialists refilled my meds for another 6 months. Is this something I should be getting checked sooner rather than later? I do worry about the fast pulse, but none of my docs over the last 4 years seemed to think it was something I should be concerned about. It has been "typical' for me.
Answer:
Hi
How long have you been on Allegra? I found these things listed as side effects of Allegra which contains pseudoephedrine: These products must not be used if you: are taking an MAO inhibitor (a medication for depression) or have stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within 14 days; retain urine; have narrow-angle glaucomaglaucoma; have severe high blood pressure or severe heart disease. Side effects with pseudoephedrine may include nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, or insomnia. Headache, drowsiness, increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms have been reported. You should also tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, impaired kidney function, or symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as difficulty urinating.
It is possible the Allegra was keeping your BP up, and it has gone down now that you stopped. Were you taking it prior to the reflux surgery? My guess would be that's the culprit. See your doc or cut down on the meds. Heart rate can often spike in an attempt to keep pressures up if they drop.
