Expert: Eric Brandt - 5/9/2005

Question
I am 55 year-old post menopausal female in good health.  I have not very well controlled blood pressure on diuretic, aspirin, 4 toprol, 1 nasovac, diovan and I take 2 effexor per day.  I am very tired or drugs and want to reduce or go off entirely, but my blood pressure continues to be high.  I want off the drugs -- my weight is high, my energy low.  I don't know where to start, if it's even realistic, but I am interested in alternatives.  How would you recommend I proceed?  I would love to share practical information with anyone as I am very frustrated with trying to find a sympathetic doctor.

Answer
Hi Rachelle,
By your own admission you are overweight. A good place to start is to work on reducing your weight. You can see a nutritionist for meal planning, or you can see Weight Watchers or Sure Slim. They all can help you reduce your weight. Weight reduction will lower blood pressure and improve your energy level.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm