Managing Blood Pressure Medication: Safe Discontinuation and Monitoring - Cardiology

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Blood pressure medication withdrawal observation?


Hello doctor, I am 163 cm tall and currently weigh 103 kg (I originally weighed 145 kg and have been losing weight for about 9 months).
I am taking blood pressure medication, Shumai Kang enteric-coated tablets 5/20 mg (one tablet) and Tenormin 100 mg (half a tablet).
Recently, for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness and a feeling of heaviness.
My blood pressure before taking medication is usually around 105-110 systolic, and before bed, it is about 98-105 diastolic, with diastolic pressure mostly in the 50s or 60s.
The doctor believes that my symptoms may be related to the medication since I have lost a significant amount of weight and am continuing to exercise for weight loss.
Therefore, he advised me to stop the medication for 2 to 5 days and only take it again if my morning blood pressure is above 120, in which case I should take half a tablet of Shumai Kang.
I would like to ask if it is safe to stop the medication like this.
Additionally, I have been applying green oil for my dizziness; could that be harmful? Thank you for your assistance.

Xiao Zhu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/22

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology


Hello, I agree with the physician's opinion.
Additionally, applying green oil for dizziness and a feeling of fullness is not harmful, so there's no need to worry.
Ping An Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2017/06/22

More Info


Managing blood pressure medication, especially when considering discontinuation, requires careful monitoring and understanding of the underlying health conditions. Based on your situation, where you have experienced significant weight loss and are currently taking blood pressure medications, it is essential to approach this change with caution.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that blood pressure medications, such as the ones you are taking (舒脈康膜衣錠 and Tenormin), are designed to manage hypertension effectively. However, with your recent weight loss from 145 kg to 103 kg, your body’s response to these medications may have changed. Weight loss can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, and thus, the dosages that were once appropriate may now be too high, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head.

Your doctor’s recommendation to stop the medication for a short period (2 to 5 days) and monitor your blood pressure is a reasonable approach. This allows you to assess how your body responds without the medication, particularly since your blood pressure readings have been on the lower side (systolic 105-110 and diastolic in the 50s to 60s). If your blood pressure remains stable and does not exceed 120 systolic, it may indicate that your body is managing well without the medication. However, if you notice any significant changes or if your blood pressure rises above 120 systolic, it would be prudent to resume taking the medication as advised.

Regarding your concern about using green oil (a topical analgesic) for your symptoms of dizziness and heaviness, it is generally safe to use such topical treatments for minor discomfort. However, it is essential to ensure that you are not applying it excessively or in a way that could lead to skin irritation or other side effects. If the dizziness persists or worsens, it would be advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, stopping your blood pressure medication temporarily under medical supervision can be safe, especially given your recent weight loss. However, continuous monitoring of your blood pressure is crucial during this period. If symptoms persist or if you have any concerns about your health, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise will continue to support your blood pressure management and overall well-being.

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