Diastolic reading still over 100

Steve, I was told that it can take 3-4 weeks after starting BP medication to see a reduction in BP.  I think it probably varies depending on the drug, the dose and our different bodies!  I expect your GP has advised you to make a follow-up appointment after a month or so for a the usual blood test and check of your BP - if not, then do  go back and seek advice.  

Hi Steve,

It is difficult to pass the judgment on given information. To conclude the effectiveness of any drug, it needs the reading before the start of medication and corresponding changes result after the start of medication for at least a month. Also your age factors should be considerd while giving and checking the effect of medicine. Though the current figure is showing bit higher reading, don't go by the figures. Let the medicine have complete effect, and then check for BP reading along with overall wellness. You may please adopt the lifestyle such as doing regular exercises, avoiding food rich in cholesterol etc. which helps to reduce blood pressure.

Steve...describe yourself.....height, weight, sleep patterns, work schedule, family life, age, eating habits, and anything else about yourself thyat comes to mind....incl any other chronic or current maladies...

I've had hypertension all my adult life, so I have a few tips that might be applicable. This is NOT a diagnosis or a cure! I am not a doctor or an expert. Just things to check out that worked for me:

1. Make sure you're not taking a decongestant of any kind: pseudofed (pseudoephedrine), phenylpropanolamine - like that. "Decongestant" is NOT the same as "antihistamine" which usually won't raise your BP - e.g. benadryl, chlorpheniramine. Even a decongestant nosespray like Afrin can make your BP shoot up. (look for "oxymetazoline" - that's a strong BP raiser)

2. NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, advil, motrin, etc., will raise your BP. Tylenol not as bad, and aspirin the least (research says if taken at night), but they are known to increase it some.

3. Eat low-salt foods as much as possible. Some people's BP shoot up with salt.

4. Eat baked potatoes without heavy additions (certainly no sour cream, real butter, or bacon bits). It's the highest potassium-per-pound food and potassium  can lower BP. BUT have your doctor check your serum potassium levels, because some BP meds cause your body to retain too much potassium, which can be really bad for your kidneys. I take a BP med that is supposed to retain potassium, but my blood count shows my serum potassium is just below medium! (Don't take potassium supplements - dangerous.)

5. If you're taking supplements high in Vitamin E, you might cut back some.

6. Avoid all fatty foods.

7. Because of your high diastolic (lower number), ask your doctor if a diuretic BP med would help. You might be retaining too much liquid.

This is confusing I know, but high BP can be the result of either dehydration, not enough water - or the retaining of too much water. Talk to your doctor about whether you should be drinking more water or taking a diuretic BP med, which makes your kidneys get rid of more water in your body.