chronic headahe worried about low blood pressure

[anx mum]

Hi thanks for reading means a lot to me hope can one can help me. I have been poorly with chronic headaches for nearly a year. I see a specialist nero.
Just writing I am worried about my blood pressure ive felt dizzy it is low a 2 number on both. Been on propanel for few years dr said yesterday reduce propanal from 80mg to 40mg after leaving I thought should it weaned off. This low pressure is scaring me I said can u rise my bp some how they said its worse being high pressure.

[Catherine S]

I was given 80mg Propranolol for high BP and migraines and it does lower bp, which is probably why your doctor suggested half the dose to allow yours to raise a bit more. She's right about low bp being better than high, although too low can sometimes also cause problems. I took propranolol for some years before changing over to another beta blocker called bisoprolol, but although this seems to have fewer side effects, it doesn't seem to control my BP like the propranolol did.

See how you get on with the 40mg anyway, it might just make all the difference to your bp and to how you feel in general. Where you given Propranolol because of the headaches?

ISB ☺

[anx mum]

Thank u for speaking to me I'm worried cause dr was asking me to come from 80mg to 40mg ive been on this drug for years. Thought I had to gradually reduce them. I have chonic headaches. Maybe cos if u are off propanel u would have a better pulse and maybe blood pressure

[Catherine S]

My doctor also reduced it from 80 to 40 in one go and I had no problem with any extra anxiety. It was reduced because beta blockers slow the system down, and I was putting on weight and losing alot of energy and feeling breathless when out walking even just normally. 40mg helped with all of this, but when I moved house and changed doctors I was told to change from propranolol to the Bisoprolol.

I feel sorry for you with the chronic headaches though, have you been told what's causing them? I get headaches that are not connected to blood pressure and can last for 2 or 3 days, but I dont get them as often as i used to, they're a combination of hormones from the menopause and sometimes sinus headaches. In fact I've got a headache today which started when I woke up yesterday and been taking paracetamol for it. I hate taking anything stronger to be honest.

ISB ☺ x

[anx mum]

My doctor also reduced it from 80 to 40 in one go and I had no problem with any extra anxiety. It was reduced because beta blockers slow the system down, and I was putting on weight and losing alot of energy and feeling breathless when out walking even just normally. 40mg helped with all of this, but when I moved house and changed doctors I was told to change from propranolol to the Bisoprolol.

I feel sorry for you with the chronic headaches though, have you been told what's causing them? I get headaches that are not connected to blood pressure and can last for 2 or 3 days, but I dont get them as often as i used to, they're a combination of hormones from the menopause and sometimes sinus headaches. In fact I've got a headache today which started when I woke up yesterday and been taking paracetamol for it. I hate taking anything stronger to be honest.

ISB ☺ x

Drs are saying cluster headache and hemicrania its hard cos I'm not a headachy person just come on suddenly last march cause everything is going through my mind anxiety really bad Can I ask what side effects did u have when u came of propnel. from 80 to 40. Im here if u need to chat too

[Catherine S]

Thanks for that. Well I'd always had those side effects ive mentioned on propranolol no matter what the dose to be honest, but 40mg was better than the 80 i'd been on for some years. But the Bisoprolol have been even better with more or less no side effects, and I take 10mg a day which is the same as taking 40mg of propranolol according to the doctor.

I almost mentioned cluster headaches in my previous reply, they are really painful so I do feel it for you.

ISB x

[GlassPinata]

I don't know, I frequently have headaches and I also have low blood pressure every time they check it, but the doctors say it is okay.
I am small- 100 pounds, 5'3". They say low blood pressure is normal for how small i am.

Someone told you low blood pressure is worse than high blood pressure??