Hi. I am a 43 year old male and have just been diagnosed with High blood pressure. I have been put on Lisinopril an ACE inhibitor to control it. My HBP was found when I went to my GP's after my first Bad Panic attack in two years, two weeks ago. I have had bad side effects with the BP meds including dizziness tightness in the chest, flu symptoms and to top it all anxiety. I had another medium type Panic attack yesterday, I just sat down to eat my tea and bang it hit me. This time I managed to control it a little by going to bed, laying down and listening to some soothing music and sucking on a couple of rescue remedy pastles . I hate feeling like this and to say I have been clear of panic attacks for two years. I feel a failure! The last bout was two years ago in winter 2008/2009 after I nearly killed my family in a car trip in the bad snow. (slid down a hill backwards with steep drops on either side) My panic attack starts by a wave of fear running over me, then been unable to breath and having unwelcome thoughts running through my head, things like I am dying or their is something seriously wrong with me. The last bout in 2008/2009 my GP put me on Cit but I had a very bumpy ride with them for six weeks or more I started on 5mg and progressed to 20mg eventually I did get used to them in a way but they some how changed my moods I became very snappy with my wife and kids. I had to choose either the meds or my anger (for the want of a better word.) So after three months, with the GP's help I weaned myself off them. I was back to my normal self within a few weeks.
I am reluctant to go back to the GP's again in fear that he wants to put me back on Cit. I don't think I can do the roller coaster again. Anyway enough from me for the time being but any advice is very welcome.
Buster