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BP meds and alcohol, do I need to give up completely?

9 replies

Unicornshorn · 05/04/2026 19:27

I’ve been on 5mg lisinopril for a few months after being diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension. My numbers are now good and for the last two weeks have been quite a bit lower in the morning and evening than they had been at first. I was quite anxious measuring at first but getting more used to it but have also cut out caffeine, alcohol and eating really healthily. Had lost weight before diagnosis but have lost another two stone since December. I’ve got a big birthday this year as do friends so I’d like to have a few drinks but a bit nervous. Take meds about 10pm at night which isn’t always ideal/ easy to remember. I’m thinking of either switching to morning or pushing the time back to bedtime (11ish) which would also mean if I had a few drinks I’d then be going to bed. I do feel quite sleepy at the moment since my numbers lowered further so is this all a bad idea? If I took them in the morning the meds would actually be stronger if I had a few drinks early evening(12 hour half life). I also don’t want to affect my numbers by switching if there’s risk of this. Any experiences or advice would be great, have been trawling through posts but can’t find anything similar. I also don’t know how to switch and whether I’d get side effects as I usually sleep any off.

OP posts:
youalright · 05/04/2026 19:33

I'm on bisoprolol had no idea you wasn't supposed to drink alcohol with it i just googled bisoprolol and lisinoprol and it says the exact same thing regarding alcohol. I've been on it years and have drank regularly with no issues. I take mine in the morning. You will be fine a lot of meds advise against drinking with them but most are absolutely fine their is only a few that are a definite no like metronidazole but then the packaging usually says in big writing do not drink alcohol instead of its advisable not to.

Unicornshorn · 05/04/2026 20:12

Thanks very much. I think it’s in case the alcohol makes your bp drop more and you get dizzy. I know what you mean about the packaging though, they like to scare us! So you don’t notice the alcohol making your readings higher or anything then? Thanks again

OP posts:
Villanousvillans · 05/04/2026 20:14

My DH gave up alcohol altogether after his BP was up and down, mostly up. He lost some weight as a result and was able to completely stop the BP medication.

Unicornshorn · 05/04/2026 20:56

Yeah I was never a big drinker and have stopped completely since October. Was more whether I could have a couple now and then. Glad your husband has done so well.

OP posts:
suki1964 · 05/04/2026 21:03

Ive been on BP meds since my mid 20's - as a very fit healthy weight woman - I have essential Hypertension, nothing causing it , and Ive been a drinker and non drinker throughout the decades

If I want a drink I'll take one. My readings dont jump around unless I forget to take the meds for a day or three, which Im often doing . Drinking doesnt effect the readings

But that's me, and we are all different

The only thing I actively avoid is grapefruit

youalright · 05/04/2026 21:06

suki1964 · 05/04/2026 21:03

Ive been on BP meds since my mid 20's - as a very fit healthy weight woman - I have essential Hypertension, nothing causing it , and Ive been a drinker and non drinker throughout the decades

If I want a drink I'll take one. My readings dont jump around unless I forget to take the meds for a day or three, which Im often doing . Drinking doesnt effect the readings

But that's me, and we are all different

The only thing I actively avoid is grapefruit

I don't know if you know when it says avoid grapefruit does it just mean an actual grapefruit or like grapefruit flavours mixed in drinks like lilt. I have avoided grapefruit altogether but often wonder if I could have a lilt.

suki1964 · 05/04/2026 21:24

youalright · 05/04/2026 21:06

I don't know if you know when it says avoid grapefruit does it just mean an actual grapefruit or like grapefruit flavours mixed in drinks like lilt. I have avoided grapefruit altogether but often wonder if I could have a lilt.

If its the juice of grapefruit its best to avoid altogether

Artifical flavourings are grand - Im not sure what's in Lilt

youalright · 05/04/2026 21:29

suki1964 · 05/04/2026 21:24

If its the juice of grapefruit its best to avoid altogether

Artifical flavourings are grand - Im not sure what's in Lilt

Thankyou I appreciate it, no im not il have a Google

youalright · 05/04/2026 21:40

I just asked chatgpt and it says lilt is OK occasionally but don't over do it. I've been avoiding it for years 😁

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