High blood pressure meds and RLS
Does anyone know of a medication for high blood pressure that doesnt trigger RLS?
I have high blood pressure, and my GP gave me a prescription which made my legs react badly. I'm afraid I can't remember what it was. He has now given me Atenolol to try. I'm very reluctant to try it, as I have just reached a manageable situation with my RLS, and I'm afraid this new drug might upset my precious 'applecart'.
Thought that I would also mention that I have very swollen legs and ankles, and poor circulation in that area. Don't know if that is relevant to RLS, high BP. Anyone else in a similar situation?
Thank you for the link. My local pharmacy has a different pharmacist every day. I'm not sure why, but I can try further afield to find someone. I wish that doctors would deal more holistically with patients. They tend to look at the problem, but not the person. This would save time and money . My GP knows I have RLS, but is just thinking about my blood pressure, without making the connection and looking for better options in medication. That's where a good pharmacist would be invaluable.
Many 😊
Hi
. Most any pharmacist should be able to answer your questions. Maybe it's good that your pharmacy has so many different people behind the counter. If one doesn't have enough understanding of RLS, another might. Have you ever been evaluated for peripheral artery disease? Peripheral artery disease involves narrowing of the arteries in the legs (and/or the neck, arms and abdomen), which can decreased blood flow, injuring nerves and other tissues, and preventing medications from reaching your lower limbs. My father was diagnosed with it after a cut on his foot became infection and IV antibiotics didn't touch it. Treatments are usually quite successful. If you do have peripheral artery disease, that might explain some of your blood pressure issue. Thinking of you and wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) Hi Lori, thank you for your reply. You're absolutely right about the different pharmacists, I hadn't thought if it in that way.
I was hospitalised two years ago with swollen legs which had become infected. They called it cellulitis, but there was some disagreement, as cellulitis usually only appears in one leg. I was given iv antibiotics for ten days, and they eventually responded. However, my legs have remained swollen since then at varying levels. Up and down, never going away. More recently my BP has increased, and my legs much more swollen and painful. The GP did some 'heart' and 'kidney' blood tests in February. The results were 'normal'. Every medication I have been given, Bendroflumethiazide, and Bisoprolol both made my RLS much worse and I had to discontinue with them. I've been advised that these are very old treatments, and there are more up to date medications, which can be used with RLS. This is where a pharmacist can help me. That is ongoing as I have nothing for my BP and swollen legs.right now. Atenolol is no good too, I've found.
My GP has since referred me to a heart specialist, as she feels something else maybe going on. If peripheral artery disease is the culprit, then hopefully it will show up.
Thank uou very much Lori for your kind help and support. I will keep you posted.
Hi Louis, I've been taking Metoprolol for about 10 years and I'm pretty sure it hasn't caused any RLS flare ups. Good luck.
Hi George, it's always good to hear when someone has used a drug which hasn't affected their rls. I'll add it to the list for the doctor/pharmacist. Thank you for thinking of me and responding.
Thank you Kim for that advice.
here’s what I would do. Ask your doctor, but find a good pharmacist to be a part of your team. They often have a level of understanding and experience doctors don’t have. Find someone who will go through the process with you. Here’s an article about different drug options available to help you discuss.
https://restlesslegssyndrome.sleep-disorders.net/medications
Best wishes as you go through this! You need them all working together, that is for sure.
