My blood pressure gets really high when I go to the dr. I Hate to go cause Im afraid that it will get to high. I have been told that I should take a Xanax before i go in. Does anyone have any info on what will help? thanks and God bless
What well help with white coat hypertension?
Question posted by bandet1234 on 4 Sep 2015
Last updated on 8 July 2019 by Rbg1990
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3 Answers
Rbg1990
9 July 2019
If you ever worked out a way to manage white coat syndrome I would love to hear it. I’m seeing a counselor right now to try some exposure therapy to get used to BP readings. I’ve avoided the doctor for two years due to anxiety about this very issue!
mickey16
8 March 2019
Yes, do not concentrate about it. I know that can be hard. The more you force yourself to relax the Bp get worse. My doctor says my only reliable reading are at home. Whenever my kids take my bp or myself it is lower. The Xanax may help a little but even that will not help much if you have a sense of dread which is different than just being nervous. When you check it wait a few minutes between each reading often the first may be high. Make sure you arm is level with your hear and your back is supported many times doctor's or nurses do not do this and you get a false high reading. Good luck-be happy and don't worry.
LaurieShay
4 Sep 2015
If you experience heightened anxiety when going to the doctor, and have been given a script of xanax to take as needed, then I suppose that would be ok. Just let the doctor know you have done so. Are you sure it is only when at the doctor? Have you checked at other times during your day to make sure you are not experiencing hypertension at other times? Deep breathing and teaching yourself relaxation skills for these times would be very helpful though it may seem less effective than a xanax it really does work.
bandet1234
4 Sep 2015
No I don't get xanax, but many people has told me that it bring there blood pressure down when they go into the dr and our feeling anxious. I can't go to the cause im afraid that my blood pressure will get to high. I have tried the breathing and trying to go to a happy place but that don't help either. I on a very low dose of blood pressure meds. Normally at home my blood pressure is 135/80 now that I have been looking for answers on here of course it get 140/83. That's nothing when I go to the dr it gets 165/111 or higher. It's so aggravating the dr put me on anxiety meds but it just makes me sleep
LaurieShay
4 Sep 2015
Not sure how long you have been taking the antianxiety medication and what the doctor prescribed, but this medication can take awhile to work. A temporary spike in blood pressure isn't too serious as long as it is normal otherwise which it sounds like from what you post that it is. I wouldn't stress over this. Your doctor sounds like he is managing the situation.
bandet1234
4 Sep 2015
Yeah she is trying lol. It just goes up when im there I haven't took the anxiety pills cause im afraid lol. They make me feel weird.
LaurieShay
4 Sep 2015
Again, not sure what the doctor prescribed for anxiety, but it can't help unless you take it, lol.
bandet1234
4 Sep 2015
Buspirone 7.5 is what she wrote me im supposed to take it twice a day
LaurieShay
4 Sep 2015
Ok, you may experience some dizziness and nausea in the beginning, but this will subside as you adjust. It is very important to take the buspirone in a particular way. You must always take it with food or always take without food, but don't alternate between these two ways. Buspirone is an excellent choice for anxiety. It will take some getting use to in the beginning, but if you hang in there I think you'll find it very effective.
bandet1234
4 Sep 2015
I have only took it once. Was scared cause I thought I was going to have a heart attack and couldn't hold my eyes open
bandet1234
4 Sep 2015
I have only took it once. Was scared cause I thought I was going to have a heart attack and couldn't hold my eyes open
LaurieShay
4 Sep 2015
Would you be anymore likely to take something like Xanax? Might want to discuss with your doctor your reluctance to take the medication. I wouldn't necessarily ask for Xanax, but you could mention it. Your doctor would have to assess whether this is a good med for you to take. The buspirone, having taken only one pill, I doubt was the reason you felt like you were going to pass out. It is the uncontrolled anxiety. What may I ask is your worst fear about taking this medication? Maybe if you investigated this fear you would be able to overcome and able to take the medication which will help with future panic attacks.
Related topics
xanax, anxiety, hypertension, blood pressure, blood, pressure
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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