Posted by Rick on March 23, 2000, at 14:34:10
Does it seem feasible that Serzone could induce a transient increase in blood pressure?
I have a friend who developed very high baseline blood pressure a few years ago, but has been keeping it under pretty good control lately with five (yes, five) different BP meds. Incidentally, this includes the Calcium Channel Blocker Procardia Extended-Release (nifedipine), which I understand is metabolized by one of the enzymes that is powerfully inhibited by Serzone(nefazodone). He typically has normal to moderately high readings first thing in the morning (anywhere from 120/80 to 150/105, with 140/90 being typical), and then normal-to borderline-high readings the rest of the day (115/75 - 130/85).
Now, he had been on Serzone about three weeks (for general anxiety and possible mild depression) with no change in BP, except perhaps a little morning lowering(no other side effects except a little dry mouth). But about nine days ago he was increased from 300mg/day to 400, and about five days ago suddenly started getting morning readings as high as 170/125 and daytime readings up to 155/105. This lasted about three days, and then for the last few days he has been getting really good readings, e.g. around 120/80 -- even first thing in the morning.
While his BP seems stress reactive, the period where it started shooting up was NOT a particularly stressful one, he says.
Bottom line question: Is it possible Serzone drove a transient increase in BP? If so, is it likely to happen again?
Thanks in advance for any input,
Rick
poster:Rick
thread:27954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/27954.html