Posted by stargazer2 on June 9, 2007, at 8:31:24
In reply to Re: Does anyone here use a BP monitor for MAOIs?, posted by Honore on June 9, 2007, at 1:19:26
Hi, I got one at an auction many years ago and now test my BP from time to time, not so much for monitoring foods per se, but for seeing if Nardil is causing my BP to fall when I feel light headed, but I have used it once when I had an unusual headache I suspected to be related to something I ate and found that my BP was 160/100 which is high for me. It wasn't so high that I needed to go to the ER but I was able to see that it was probably related to something I ate and then I was able to examine that situation to prevent that from occuring again. I think it was a few slices of pizza, could probably get away with one slice, not 3.
So it is very useful for monitoring baseline BP's related to starting up new meds and in the case of MAOI's, monitoring a situation where you suspect foor interactions may be affecting your BP. From once a week monitoring, you can get a good sense of your normal BP and then if you eat something that affects your BP, you will see the difference and be able to know to avoid that food item in the future.
You are a prime candidate for a monitor since you have so many specific concerns about food items you can at least see what your BP may be doing if you suspect a reaction from the way you are feeling. You may not get a throbbing headache, which is a late sign of high BP, you may just sense something doesn't feel right, like dizziness. It's better to be safe and have the ability to monitor something a simple as your BP thus warding off unnecessaary trips to the ER because you are fearing you may be having a hypertensive crisis. The monitor will tell you when you need to go.
My normal BP is in the range of 110/70. If the top number (systolic) went above, say 160 and escpeially if the bottom number was above 100, then that may be reason to go to the ER. If you have Nifedepine (my other post) this may reduce your BP enough, so that a trip to the ER may be unnecessary. Of course, if you are at all unsure of what is going on, a trip to the ER may be indicated anyway.
Stargazer
poster:stargazer2
thread:761947
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070604/msgs/761976.html