If you forget to take one or more doses: take your next dose at the normal time and in the normal amount. Do not take any more than your doctor prescribed. If you miss one dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule.
If you miss one dose, chances are that nothing will happen. You might feel a little 'buzz' or you may feel 'high'. If you miss more than one dose, you might experience headaches, nausea, nervousness, increased heart rate, etc. This usually occurs between 1.5 to 3 days after the last dose, but it may occur earlier.
Blood pressure medications are usually taken every day — anywhere from 1 to 4 times per day. Since they're used so frequently, it's only natural to forget a dose or two every now and then. So, for the most part, it's OK (and not uncommon) to miss a day or two of your blood pressure medication.
Call the pharmacy and explain the situation. Call your home pharmacy and ask them to transfer your medication. If your home pharmacy won't transfer the prescription, call your primary care provider.
The best thing to do when you realize you're going to run out of medication is to call your prescriber. They may be willing to contact your preferred pharmacy so you can get a prescription filled there.
There is an average survival rate of only ten months in these cases. There are also increased odds of developing fatal heart disease (such as heart attack or arrhythmias) and kidney diseases if you go untreated for a long time. These can also contribute to an early death.
“It may take a month to six weeks to bring your blood pressure down by slowly raising your medication doses,” Durso notes.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Do not take this medicine if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your last dose.
If you run out of medicine while you're away from home, you may be able to have a consultation with a local GP and get a prescription for a limited supply of medicines. You'll then need to find a pharmacy that's open. You can also go to an NHS walk-in centre. They may be able to organise a GP consultation.
If you stop taking your blood pressure medicine suddenly without consulting a doctor, you may have some serious side effects, such as: Dizziness. Irregular heartbeat. Chest pain.
This is a robust study that shows that people who take their blood pressure medication at night have better blood pressure control and have reduced risk of a cardiovascular event such as a stroke or heart attack.
But the most common blood pressure medications work for a full 24 hours and are taken once a day. Examples of common blood pressure medications designed to last 24 hours include: ACE inhibitors (lisinopril and benazepril) Angiotensin II receptor blockers (losartan and candesartan)
“Following your doctor's recommendations, take one pill in the morning as you have been doing and move the other to the evening. Once you have established that routine, you can consider moving the next to the evening as well.”
Forgetting to take medication can be related to how many times a day a medication is prescribed. The more often a medication is prescribed, the more likely it is that the medication will be forgotten. Some medications are available as an extended-release form, which allows the medication to be taken less frequently.
Travelling with your medicines
Always carry medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes and so on) in their original, correctly labelled packages. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription.
Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labeled with your full name, health care provider's name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines.
Sleeping on the left side is the best sleeping position for high blood pressure, as it relieves pressure on the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. These vessels are located on the right side of the body and can be compressed by slowing its circulation if you sleep on your right side.”
When you take your blood pressure medicine twice, you may experience a drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. In severe cases, it can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock or organ damage.
Keep in mind that stopping any blood pressure medication cold turkey may be dangerous because it can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly. These include: Calcium channel blockers, like amlodipine (Norvasc) Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), like losartan (Cozaar)
Still, you can make lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down. Something as simple as keeping yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day improves blood pressure. Water makes up 73% of the human heart,¹ so no other liquid is better at controlling blood pressure.
Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same. Your health care provider might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same times each day.
Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”
Q. When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.