I went to the Doctor today because I was having chest pains and also to have my blood pressure checked, which was 171/100. The Doctor prescribed Lotensin Benazepril to me and I have some questions about it.
How long does one have to take this medication to lower your blood pressure, and when it is lowered do you have to continue taking it? Also, how does the procedure to stop taking it work?
I’ve never had to take any kind of prescription medication before so I’m kind of naive to the way things work.
Also I read that if you take too much potassium that it can affect you while taking this medication. Does that include potassium in my daily vitamins and/or added to certain foods?
This may seem like a silly question but did you ask your doctor thse same questions? You need to be informed to get good health care. From the very specific questions you’re asking here you really need to clarify these things with your doctor. If you can’t get hold of your doctor right away talk to the pharmacist.
I’ll second seeking professional advice about taking prescription medicacation. You can get specific information about the drug here, but it’s not worth much without your medical history and a real live doctor/pharmacist to explain what all the long words mean.
Yes, ask your doc these questions. Generally a person on such a medicine for high blood pressure needs to keep taking it to keep the blood pressure down. The ACE inhibitors (like lotensin) generally start working with the first dose, tho one may not get the full effect for a few weeks.
People who correct the underlying problem causing elevated blood pressure may be able to stop the meds. But many many people have “essential hypertension” which means that despite ideal weight and no excess sodium, and good health all around, their blood pressure still runs too high.
Again, your doc is your best source for information about your condition.
I guess I was pretty overwhelmed with everything so I didn’t think of asking these specific questions. I do see him again this Friday so I will ask him then.
I am currently on enalapril, and have previously taken accupril for HBP. Both are ACE inhibitors and very similar to your benzapril. They work relatively fast in comparison to other BP medications I have taken- my blood pressure dropped considerably within 1 week and was within a normal range after 2 weeks. I continue to take them daily, and my BP stays very stable and normal. My BP always rises gradually back to unhealthy levels when I go off medication. The only side effect I have encountered is a constant dull headache with higher doses.
You should consult with your doctor about going off meds and your condition in general. Everyone is different.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Maybe I should have posted this in IMHO, but I was looking for real answers from people that have taken these meds. I’m not looking forward to a lifetime of medication and the side effects of this particular medication may not work with my lifestyle (I’ve read you can get a bad, consistent cough and I am a Professional Singer), but I have found that there are several medications out there.
