High Blood Pressure

[TXJoe]

My brother was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure He isn't very computer literate and generally doesn't read much, he's 45. For the past few months he's been calling me complaining he can't sleep and feels strange; he has never had a sleep problem now he's getting only a couple hours a night. I finally asked him what medications he's taking; I was astonished when he named them off. I don't know much about high blood pressure medications so was hoping I could get some advice about whether this list looks reasonable. I included his diabetes medication in case it was important to the meds he takes. This is what he takes each day for his blood pressure:

Diabetes Med:
1. Metformin 1000mg
2. Glimepiride 4mg
3. Levemir 80 units

Blood Pressure Med:
1. Atenolol 100mg
2. Enalapril 20mg
3. Hydrochlorot 25mg
4. Amlodipine 5mg
5. Doxazosin 1mg
6. Spironolactone (diuretic) 25mg

Can I get some input on this? Also, any ideas about the sleep problem he's having since starting these meds?

Thanks
Joe

[85emt24]

Has he been tested for sleep apnea? I have two brothers and a sister that are all on CPAP machines at night due to sleep apnea. We all have high blood pressure. My NP told me that sleep apnea is fairly common in people with high blood pressure. Another symptom of sleep apnea is waking up with a headache. This is due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

[TXJoe]

Well... first, he was sleeping fine prior to starting blood pressure meds which was around October 2008. Also in the past year he has lost 30 pounds (he was over weight) which, if he had sleep apnea, the weight loss would have had a positive affect on it. Before he would be out as soon as his head hit the pillow, now he can't fall asleep and after tossing and turning all night might get a couple hours.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Oh, on a side note, I'm 53 and was diagnosed recently with low testosterone and I DO have sleep apnea. My endocrinologist is sending me to a sleep clinic because he says constant interruption of sleep affects hormone production... we'll see. I just thought I would mention that since sleep apnea was mentioned ;)