Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand.
Do you have a question for Maarten and do you live in Thailand? Send this to the editor: www.thailandblog.nl/contact/ It is important that you provide the correct information such as:
- Age
- Complaints)
- History
- Medication use, including supplements, etc.
- Smoking, alcohol
- Overweight
- Any laboratory results and other tests
- Possible blood pressure
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Dear Martin,
I am a man of 72 years, 178 cm, and 91 kg heavy. I don't smoke, an occasional drink, no beer or wine. I like to drink coffee (filter, cups) no tea, but water again. Exercise moderately, but still a half to full hour of fitness a few times a week.
From 2012 I have received the following medicines from a doctor in the BKH in Korat: Amlodipine 10 mgr, Tamsulosine 10 mgr. I myself replaced this last medicine in early 2022 with Alfuzosin 10 mgr combined with Finasteride 5 mgr, following various advice from you on Thailandblog.
I can now indeed drink more and go to the toilet less, which is a relief at night because of sleeping. I take all 3 medicines with water around 20.00:XNUMX pm.
My question is about the Amlodipine. At 10 mg Amlodipine daily my blood pressure drops to 110 to 120/70 or lower and I feel dizzy during the day. It's like I'm swinging back and forth. And I've been getting thickening on both ankles for a few months now. I have tried 7,5 mgr, but the thickening does not go away, and 5 mgr then the blood pressure rises to 145/80, sometimes higher.
Is it necessary to switch to another medication? Do you have any advice?
With thanks and best regards,
F.
*****
Dear F,
Amlodipina can indeed cause swollen legs through vasodilation. You could try an ACE inhibitor, such as enalapril, ramipril, etc.
Start with a low dose and increase every two weeks until your blood pressure does not exceed 15o, 160/90.
Do read the package insert.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Maarten
Do you have a question for Maarten and do you live in Thailand? Send this to the editor: www.thailandblog.nl/contact/ It is important that you provide the correct information (see list at the top of the page).