Suggest Treatment For Dizziness While On BP Medication

Posted on Fri, 24 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 Answered on

Fri, 15 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband is dizzy and has had this symptom previously. His physician upped his blood pressure meds.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following information is needed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation your husband is in.

You are reporting that he is dizzy. As he is taking meds to treat high blood pressure, can you please report if he measured his bp and if he found high?

Sometimes, dizziness is a sign of increased bp, that's why his doctor upped his bp med.

Can you please specify:
- his diagnosis?
- the names of meds he is taking?
- bp level if measured?
- reports of tests he did so far?

Looking forward to have the requested info in!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (9 hours later)

I'll find out the information re meds and send another email tomorrow. He went to Dr today and his blood pressure was 120 over 70. Dr. asked (not his regular doctor) if the dizzyness was positional or followed a certain pattern; answers were negative.

He's been coughing a lot and on prescription cough syrup with codeine.
Thank you, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ok,looking forward to have the requested info in..

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

His blood pressure (bp) was fine. I need to know the names of medications he is taking and related dosage to see if might need to change therapy or dosage as per his normal bp.

With regards to coughing, cough syrup with codeine won't cause dizziness unless they have ingredients (certain anti-hystamines) that would cause drowsiness. You can give me the name of cough syrup, so I can analyze its other ingredients apart codeine.

Cold and coughing would cause pressure to the chest and head, that will also be associated with dizziness and headache.

Dehydration is often associated with cold and coughing, which can also explain the dizziness. Encourage him to drink plenty of fluids especially water and tea.

I'll wait for the requested information to be in as per your saying!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (2 days later)

My husband takes lisinopril 40 mg once a day and amlodipine besylate 5 mg once daily.
Thanks for your help, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lisinopril the cause to his coughing...should change therapy

Detailed Answer:
Hi back Gayle,

As he is taking lisinopril, then, the coughing is due to this medication. Discuss this side effect with his doctor to switch to ARB medications like valsartan or olmesartan.

All the best!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar