I have relatively high blood pressure. (about 140/90) and have recently started on a low dose (25mg) of hydrochlorothiazide, which didn't make any difference at all. Then the doctor added a low dose (50mg) of metoprolol, which still did nothing. Last week the metoprolol was doubled to 100mg and my readings finally started to drop to around 120/80 or even lower. Yahoo!!!
Next, my doctor prescribed 25mg of nortriptyline for my severe restless legs syndrome, rather than continue using codeine. Problem is I now feel drained of all energy, lightheaded, and worst of all, my blood pressure is back up to where it started.
Is anyone familiar with any of these drugs, or know whether the nortriptyline is the reason for the increased blood pressure?
Is my present dose of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol enough to maintain a lower pressure?
Is it safe to stop taking the dreadful nortriptyline? From what I have learned on the net this drug is an anti-depressant, which usually causes increased rls symptoms, so it is a bit of a mystery why he prescribed it for rls.
I am tired of feeling sick, drained and light-headed.
Any thoughts?