[hopeful27]

What could be causing high blood pressure & migraines?

by hopeful27 on Mon Dec 01, 2014 10:10 pm

Has anyone experienced high blood pressure and horrible headaches while on VRD [Velcade, Revlimid, and dexamethasone]? My mom has been experiencing this, even though she has never had high blood pressure.

It seems when she gets a headache so bad and goes to the ER, it is always related to the high blood pressure. None of the doctors can explain why her blood pressure is shooting up. This is the week she is off all treatment, but her headaches and high blood pressure have increased in frequency this week.

Any thoughts on what is causing this? Her sugar levels have been high lately, but her doctors said her primary doctor must regulate this.

Thanks.

[Anonymous Today]

Re: What could be causing high blood pressure & migraines?

by Anonymous Today on Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:32 am

While I was on VRD back in 2011, my blood pressure and blood glucose were rising rapidly. They attributed this to the dexamethasone I was on. Initially, I was on 40 mg once a week and they cut it back to 20 mg once a week, which helped a lot. I also saw my GP and they put me on Tekturna for the high blood pressure. We monitored the blood pressure and when it started staying in the normal range, they weaned me off the Tekturna. Hope this helps!

[JBarnes]

Re: What could be causing high blood pressure & migraines?

by JBarnes on Thu Dec 04, 2014 1:55 pm

The dex makes you hyper (higher BP). I also had my dex readjusted to calm me down. I was getting a 40 mg dose and they split it up to two 20 mg doses during the week. You don't mention the dosage rate for the dex but you might consider asking if that could be contributing. My heart used to race for a few days after taking the 40 mg dose. But, I did get a lot done around the house since I was up for 36 hours straight. Jerry.