Dear Dr, Roach: I wonder if you could comment on the negative side effects of various blood pressure medications for those over 65 particularly folks who are 80-plus.
Should a person be on more than two medications if ones blood pressure is generally 150-160/70-80? Does the answer change if the person also has chronic atrial fibrillation?
I am on three blood pressure medications meds, have chronic atrial fibrillation and have had extremely bad lightheadedness, to the point of altering my quality of life. I am on one medication (clonidine) that was listed as having many side effects, like the ones I mentioned. I checked with my pharmacist and got the same info: Its not good for seniors. Atenolol also was listed as not being good for seniors. Websites said clonidine could cause older adults to have memory issues, such as brain fog, which I have experienced. No fun for sure.