My BP has been under control for a few years with a combo of Benazepril HCL (20mg) & Toprol XL (25mg) as a kicker. By "under control" I mean an average of 130/75, with occasional readings near 120 and others near 135 (diastolic not a problem).

In December, my systolic suddenly shot up into the 160s or 170s. When I went to the doctor, the only thing we could think of that changed is that on the last batch of Benazepril I got, Express-Scripts informed me that they had changed the supplier of generic. The doctor said that this can affect some people, so he gave me a scrip for Lisinopril (also staying with the Toprol).

The Lisinopril didn't work. It got me down to an average 140/70, but no better. Then we tried Atacand, but after 5 days I'm reading a systolic in the high 140s to mid 150s. Not good!

Since I was doing OK on the Benazepril for a long time, I'm thinking of asking the doc to let me try the brand-name version of it (Lotensin). At this point I'm more concerned about my health than what the drug costs. If we can establish that Lotensin still works, maybe I can then try a different generic supplier.

Additional info: Normal weight; good diet; plenty of exercise; avid runner with resting BP about 50.

Anyone have any similar experiences or other suggestions?