my Blood Pressure

Well I had an accident at work and found myself in the hospital. It was there the doctor told me my blood pressure was 220 over 180 which is very dangerous and can lead to stroke or heart attack. Now if you visit one of those heart sites they will tell you what to do.

1, Don't smoke or drink alcohol or coffee

2. eat plenty of fruits and vegetables drink water etc. and cut down on the salt

3, take prescription medication from the doctor.

4, reduce stress and exercise regularly.

There is this lady at work she is almost 50. Everyday she wakes up and has a cigarette and many more throughout the day. She has a few cups of coffee and at least 5 more. She fries bacon first thing and has it on toast for breakfast. For lunch she has a bag of potato chips. Her job is very stressful. Now of course I am curious as to what her blood pressure must be so I asked. She says its 120 over 80 or can go as high as 135 over 80 if she gets stressed out I don't think she is lying. Then she says well your a vegetarian you don't fry any bacon or smoke or drink so I wonder what is your blood pressure. You get the point here don't you

Now I have a BP monitor so I will take it on a regular basis and see if any of these things the heart assn recommends really does me any good

here goes today my BP is Holy geez to day its 224 over 118 Ok I have some prescription medication from the doctor Its called apo metoprolol I am suppose to take one in the morning and one at night. To day I take my first pill lets see what happens.

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Metoprolol is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to treat heart attacks. Extended-release (long-acting) metoprolol also is used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure. Metoprolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by slowing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Metoprolol comes as a tablet and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The regular tablet is usually taken once or twice a day with meals or immediately after meals. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take metoprolol, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take metoprolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

The long-acting tablet may be split. Swallow the whole or half tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of metoprolol and gradually increase your dose.

Metoprolol controls high blood pressure and angina but does not cure them. Extended-release metoprolol controls heart failure but does not cure it. It may take a few weeks before you feel the full benefit of metoprolol. Continue to take metoprolol even if you feel well.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

Metoprolol is also used sometimes to prevent migraine headaches and to treat irregular heartbeat and movement disorders caused by medications for mental illness. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before taking metoprolol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to metoprolol, acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin, in Tenoretic), betaxolol (Kerlone), bisoprolol (Zebeta, in Ziac), carvedilol (Coreg), Esmolol (Brevibloc), labetalol (Trandate), nadolol (Corgard, in Corzide), pindolol, propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA, Innopran XL, in Inderide), sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, Sorine), timolol (Blocadren, in Timolide), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in metoprolol tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: bupropion (Wellbutrin), cimetidine (Tagamet), clonidine (Catapres), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), hydroxychloroquine, paroxetine (Paxil), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), ranitidine (Zantac), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil, Serpatab), ritonavir (Norvir), terbinafine (Lamisil),and thioridazine (Mellaril), Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have a slow heart rate, heart failure, problems with blood circulation, or pheochromocytoma (a tumor that develops on a gland near the kidneys and may cause high blood pressure and fast heartbeat).Your doctor may tell you not to take metoprolol.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; heart or liver disease; diabetes; severe allergies; or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking metoprolol, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking metoprolol.
• you should know that metoprolol may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
• you should know that if you have allergic reactions to different substances, your reactions may be worse while you are using metoprolol, and your allergic reactions may not respond to the usual doses of injectable epinephrine.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Metoprolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness or lightheadedness
• tiredness
• depression
• upset stomach
• dry mouth
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• gas or bloating
• heartburn
• constipation
• rash or itching
• cold hands and feet
• runny nose

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• unusual weight gain
• fainting
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Metoprolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness
• fainting
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your response to metoprolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names   Return to top

Brand names of combination products   Return to top

Last Revised - 06/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2007. All Rights Reserved.

My hands and feet are cold but then it is -24C out side and cold in the house. I have a little gas but then I did have beans for lunch.