Update on Drug Side Effects: Crushing Fatigue Crushed
Back to normal and new regimen
Previous posts about the original cardiac event and the week-long intensive drug regimen and its side effects.
I’m happy to report, to the dismay of haters I’m sure, that 24 hours after ceasing the meds (except as I shall outline below), Richard is back to his asshole, call-people-fucktards self. At high energy and motivation.
This is HOW civilization advances.
A miniscule percentage of humans that have ever lived have that sort of courage. Many have the courage to go die, being cheered on by the mob, but the courage to tell the mob they’re a bunch of fucktards, every last one of them?
Microscopic numbers.
… It’s hard to describe how awful it was. Now I understand what people are going through when they complain about chronic fatigue and depression. I lived it for a week, and it’s the worst thing I’ve ever gone through. How can you even call it “life” when you quite literally want to do nothing and even being awake feels itself like a burden? And you can’t escape the feeling. There’s nothing you can do. Alcohol doesn’t help, even (worsens it, actually).
The thing was, I knew it was the drugs and not the heart or anything else. Why? Because every morning when I’d get up (and even getting up in the middle of the night) I felt perfectly normal and energetic. Normal Richard…let’s see what I can do to give this day a good fucking, like it deserves!
A couple of hours later I’d take the drugs, and within a couple more hours, the relentless crushing fatigue and depression. And there is no escape at all until the wee hours of the next morning. Of course, I knew this was a week-long ordeal, and I knew it would end. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like for people who feel there’s no escape. It’s minute-by-minute torture.
So, this is my heart going out to you if that’s your struggle. I’ll never make light of it.
… Now for some behind-the-scenes. I got plenty of well-wishes over those last two posts, some shared experiences, some knowledge, and some recommendations.
Two items of note, and I’m going to withhold identities and references because of pernicious and puerile haters, and I don’t want any sorts of backlashes.
Just read your post this morning. If there is one drug in your regimen that’s causing severe fatigue, it’s got to be the Prenolol. That’s a calcium channel blocker, and those are notorious for causing fatigue. Magnesium is natures calcium channel blocker, so if the fatigue gets too bad, maybe ditch the Prenolol and take magnesium. It will cause no fatigue. And the best time to take it is bedtime, so it wouldn’t matter if it did.
Then, this:
If the Exforge (Amlodipine / Valsartan) is being used to treat hypertension you may want to try replacing this with Telmisartan monotherapy; I’ve taken 160mgs/day (80mgs twice per day) for over a decade; it works well with no noticeable side effects.
(and may have life-extension benefits as well,
see https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2015/3/best-drug-to-treat-hypertension ).
In particular, that Life Extension piece is very interesting. Reminds me of Metformin, where a prescription drug does not only what it’s intended to do, but its “side effects” are actually beneficial.
Some notables from the article:
Longevity Benefits Of Telmisartan
Typical prescription drugs have unpleasant or lethal side effects that cause health-conscious people to want to avoid them wherever possible. There are exceptions, such as the antidiabetic drug metformin, which for most people provides far more benefits than risks.
A little known side benefit to the class of antihypertensive drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers is that they enhance insulin sensitivity, increase utilization of fat as energy, and improve mitochondrial function. Of all the drugs in this class, telmisartan stands out as superior for potential longevity enhancement.
As humans age, mitochondrial dysfunction becomes a deadly factor in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, endothelial breakdown, and type II diabetes. Telmisartan helps correct these underlying mechanisms of aging and death.
Telmisartan activates a regulator of cellular energy called PPAR-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1a), which stimulates the burning of excess calories. This can be a crucial factor in weight management.
Studies indicate that telmisartan directly stimulates PPAR-gamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), a key inducer of beneficial metabolic effects. PPAR-gamma activating properties have also been reported for other angiotensin II receptor blocker drugs, but telmisartan is at least 10 times more powerful.
Telmisartan has been shown in preclinical models to reduce weight gain, increase total energy expenditure, and increase expression of key mitochondrial enzymes in skeletal muscle better than a more popular drug in this class (Diovan®).
Atherosclerosis remains a leading killer of Americans. Telmisartan functions by multiple mechanisms to protect against arterial occlusion, including increasing beneficial endothelial nitric oxide.
Lastly, telmisartan appears to promote biochemical, biological, and metabolic effects that some researchers have suggested could boost athletic performance.
Now, included in my drug regimen for the week was indeed an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It’s generic name is Valsartin. So, I asked Copilot, what’s the difference?
Both Valsartan and Telmisartan are angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. However, there are some differences between them:
- Mechanism of Action: Both medications work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. This helps blood vessels relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure.
- Duration of Action: Telmisartan has a longer duration of action compared to Valsartan. Telmisartan has a half-life of about 24 hours, meaning it stays active in the body longer. Valsartan has a shorter half-life of about 8 hours.
- Affinity for Receptors: Valsartan has a higher affinity for angiotensin II type 1 receptors compared to Telmisartan. This means Valsartan may be more effective at blocking these receptors.
- Blood Pressure Reduction: Studies have shown that Telmisartan may be slightly more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to Valsartan.
- Side Effects: Both medications have similar side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, and potential for increased potassium levels. However, individual responses can vary.
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is best suited for your specific condition and needs. Do you have any other questions about these medications or their use?
So, three times the half life, and marginally better performance? Telmisartan for the win, it seems. I still have three days of 160mg Valsartan left, which because of its 8-hr half life, I’ve decided to take half/half morning and evening, I’ll have a 4-day baseline for comparison when I walk across the street and grab a box of Telmisartan (30x 80mg) for 20 bucks from my pharmacy lady. (Yep, walked over last night to confirm she has it. Prescription required? Haha ….no, that’s only for faux “land of the free” people, haha hahaha…who pay $140 per month, plus the doctor…for the prescription, ha hahaha!). I’m going to start by taking just 80mg every morning. Half life being 24 hours, it will be interesting to see how BP measurements compare as it builds up at only 80mg vs. the 160mg of 8-hr half life Valsartan taken at 80mg in 12-hr intervals.
(Update: I’ll also retain the daily 81mg “baby aspirin.” Why not?)
So, back to my custom BP spreadsheet I created about 4 years ago when first I had a high BP incident in August 2020.
Further to that, here are the add-on supplements and nutrition things:
- Vitamin D3 (supplement and more sun exposure)
- Vitamin K2 (MK-4 and MK-7…the LEF “Super K” product)
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Natto (fermented soy beans…includes Nattokinase)
- Coconut water (nature’s electrolyte drink)
On natto, via Copilot:
Nattokinase is a natural enzyme found in natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. The fermentation process involves a specific bacterium called Bacillus subtilis, which produces nattokinase. Here are some key points about nattokinase in food:
- Source: Nattokinase is exclusively found in natto. It’s not present in other soy-based foods like tofu or tempeh.
- Health Benefits: Consuming natto has been linked to various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of blood clots. The enzyme’s fibrinolytic activity helps break down fibrin, a protein involved in clot formation.
- Nutritional Profile: Natto is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a good source of vitamin K2, which is important for bone health.
- Taste and Texture: Natto has a unique, cheese-like flavor and a sticky, stringy texture. It’s an acquired taste, but many people enjoy it for its health benefits.
- Culinary Uses: Natto is often eaten as part of a traditional Japanese breakfast, served with rice, miso soup, and other side dishes. It can also be added to soups, stews, and other recipes for a nutritional boost.
Natto and nattokinase have been consumed in Japan for thousands of years, and their health benefits are well-documented.
Well, it’s good to be back. 180 degrees in 24 hours.
Happy Thanksgiving, Americans. Seems to me, you have a whole fuck-ton to be thankful for this year, so be sure to make it big and special. I’m right there with you in heart, mind, and renewed energy.
I’ll see you again come Black Friday.
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Free The Animal is an eclectic writing project about everything since November 2003. 23 years, 5,500 posts, 5 million words.
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