I am 55 year old, taking TELPRESS 40 - AM for the last 4-5 years to control BP and is okay and controlled. Do I Change the Medicine or stop the medicine gradually? please advise.
Ans: Hello. If the BP is controlled but not low, it likely means it is controlled because of the medicine. To be able to control the BP without the medicines, you will need to make lifestyle changes to reduce salt, reduce weight (if high), improve sleep, increase exercise and reduce stress. If these are done side by side, you may see your BP coming a bit lower than normal and that is a sign that you can reduce your medicines.
Changing the medicine is only needed if you are experiencing any side effects from it. For eg, Telpress 40 AM has 2 molecules, telmisartan and amlodipine. Telmisartan can cause increase in potassium and needs to be stopped when you have fever or diarrhea/ dehydration to prevent kidney damage. Amlodipine can cause swelling in the feet. However if tolerated well, these can be taken for life without any problems. All the best.