Posted by ed_uk on December 9, 2004, at 10:45:19
In reply to MAOI and beta blockers ?!, posted by Ted_Brosnan on December 9, 2004, at 10:03:31
Hi Ted,
Most beta blockers would not be suitable treatments for a hypertensive crisis. Non-selective beta-blokers such as propranolol might possibly aggravate a hypertensive crisis by blocking beta-2 receptors, allowing 'unopposed' alpha-1 mediated vasoconstriction. The only beta-blocker which might be helful is labetalol (Trandate) because it is also an alpha blocker.
Nifedipine and chlorpromazine are the usual emergency meds to give to people receiving MAOIs. Phentolamine injection can be used in hospital.
Here are some hypertensive crisis symptoms. The list is taken from rxlist.com.
severe headache, palpitations, neck stiffness or soreness, nausea, vomiting, sweating (sometimes with fever and sometimes with cold, clammy skin), dilated pupils, and photophobia (light causes discomfort). Either tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate) may be present and can be associated with chest pain.
Some of the above symptoms are also common side effects of MAOIs such as nausea and headache. Hypertensive crises tend to cause much more severe symptoms.
Regards,
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:426686
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/426710.html