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Posted 1 Month, 2 Weeks ago Linkback
I am taking Benazepril and Norvasc for BP and was wondering if there were any alternatives since I don't like taking these due to the swelling they cause in my legs?
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stuart
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Posted 1 Month, 2 Weeks ago Linkback
Benazepril is in a class of bp reducing drugs called ACE inhibitors and is not known to cause problems like you are experiencing.

Norvasc is in a class called Calcium Channel Blockers (CC and as a class of medication they stop the heart and arteries from contracting with as much force thus reducing blood pressure. About 10% of people taking a CCB will experience swelling in the ankles and feet. It's a well known problem although if your legs are swelling too, then it's significant issue.

That said, you doctor probably chose a CCB for a specific reason related to the way your heart is working ... and that means that there may not be an alternative in a different class of BP reducing medication that will work as well. So it may be necessary instead to manage the edema (swelling) rather than change meds.

This is an issue that you must bring up with your doctor anyway, since edema can cause other problems like clots and infections. Until you get to see the doctor, whenever you can, raise your legs when lying down (put a pillow under your calves to lift your legs above your heart!) or when sitting (reclining chairs are good for this!) If you sit at a desk, get a stool and lift your feet up as much as you can. Make it easier to for blood to return to your heart by counteracting gravity. Try to stay off your feet as much as you can.
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