My dr. prescribed this Sept.2010, 1 a day, 20 mg for blood pressure.
Since that time I have lost 30 lbs.

I have been "dizzy" for weeks, feel like I'm losing my balance. Her nurse wanted me to go to Urgent Care last week when I called the office. (my dr. is out of town..due back this week) I didn't want to go..full of germs there *grin..sick people you know.

She spoke w/my dr. who said cut the pills in half...which I did and for three days have taken 1/2 a pill....still dizzy. She also wanted me to take my BP every day until I see her.

I don't like those machines...they vary so much that I am clueless as to what my readings really are.

Don't believe these numbers...I don't!

108 over 70 Pulse 78
86 over 42 Pulse 78

Next day

128 over 65 Pulse 84
125 over 67 Pulse 76
106 over 67 Pulse 75

Next day

103 over 46 Pulse 67
101 over 56 Pulse 68
111 over 64 Pulse 68

Yesterday

153 over 60 pulse 100
110 over 38 pulse 98
118 over 48 Pulse 95

Am drinking lots of water and am tempted to quit the pills
altogether until I can see her...hopefully sometime this week.
Am I being foolish?

What kind of "machine" are you using?

The diastolics are low. Quite low. As they go down, the heart rate will go up to compensate...and you see that in your list so far.

I prefer using the old manual pump up yourself BP cuff, which sells for about $20. It is easy to learn, and most accurate if you get a "no pin stop" type --which refers to the measuring doodad meter. I don't like the digital ones at all. I don't think they are accurate.

What were your readings before? What medication did you used to take, if any?

Over doing BP meds may lead to falls, which are very bad for the elderly. If your doctor does not listen to you... find another!
You don't need to break a hip or worse over this, IMO.

Some ACE inhibitors (like Benzapril) enter the brain, more easily. Another one is lisinopril. Some others do not, like Vasotec which is an older one. When people on ACE inhibitors get alot dizziness, switching to Vasotec may help. (doctors sometimes don't know about lipophilic ACE inhibitors..as that information is rather new.) The lipophilic ones are thought to be protective for Alzheimer's so often they become more popular.

Some dizziness may be dose related also...so it is difficult to separate that out.

Also depending on kidney clearance, this drug may build up in the body and cause overdose side effects. So you need to know your kidney status.

It's a digital one and I so agree with you! Of course I can't remember what my original BP readings were that made her put me on meds...I know that they were never scarey high...she was into prevention. She is also, very responsive to my needs...now if she'd just get her butt home so I can see her! Thanks Mrs.D.