Question:
Are we able to absorb blood pressure medications?

My blood pressure did not go down following a 70+ pound weight loss. I'm working with my regular doctor (not my surgeon, who is in Mexico) to bring me back on blood pressure meds (went off at the time of surgery). Are we able to absorb blood pressure meds like Diovan? I was concerned about taking a high mg pill and not absorbing it, so I'm currently taking a 40 mg pill in the morning and another in the evening. Do I stand a better chance of absorbing the meds if I take smaller doses more frequently? My current dosage isn't working, and I'm not sure if I should take 2 40 mg pills twice a day. My regular doctor isn't up on what post-WLS patients need, and I know this website has a wealth of information. Anybody? Thanks in advance. -Lesa    — Lesa B. (posted on July 13, 2004)

July 13, 2004
Lisa I don't know about the particular med you noted but......there is another med for hypertension called CATAPRES. Generic name is clonidine for the tablets. Anyway, the CATAPRES comes in a transdermal patch. This med is used in children dor ADHD and adults too and for some cases off severe diarrhea in diabetic patients, vascular headaches, and also for withdrawal from narcotics and nicotine. My son had to use the patch as he was also on an anti-depressant.....they generally counteract one another ond one will not work if taken together systemically(orally). You may mention this to your doc and ask about it. HTH Marsha
   — Wings In Waiting

July 13, 2004
Diavoin is a old med there are several newer meds that may help lower your blood pressure better. im on altace now.. its working really well. i would go to a cardioloigist to get a evaluation. do not in crease your does on your own! you could really hurt yor self..find a doctor that is better able to handle the situation. All the Best! Tracey
   — traceybubbles

July 14, 2004
Just wanted to jump in and say the hypertension can be caused by different things, so one medication that works for one person, may not be appropriate for another. Best is to let you MD decide what is right for you. I am on the lowest dose of Diovan/HCT and it seems to be working just fine. I have a bit of "white coat" hypertension - my B/P goes up when the doc comes in the room! It is always significantly higher when he checks it, than when his medical assistant checks it before he comes in! It takes time to see if a B/P med has the desired effect, so stay with it and be patient. I will keep taking mine to make him happy (as long as I don't feel dizzy or anything). My B/P normally runs about 110/60 at home, 120/80 when my doc checks it. I was on higher doses of the same medication before WLS, and I do believe I am absrbing enough to make a small difference in my B/P readings.
   — koogy

July 14, 2004
Lesa, Some people have high blood pressure even when not over wieght. So wieght loss may not help much. There are many different blood pressure medications and you and your doctor can try different ones until you get the one or combination of meds that will work for you. Good luck.
   — catleth