1. Treat Heart Disease
Heart pain or angina is due to the lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. Used for years, nitroglycerin is taken for heart pain or angina. If used as prescribed, it can be effective for preventing heart pain or easing pain that has already occurred. It dilates the blood vessels, which lessens the work that the heart must do. This helps the heart get the oxygen to the areas of the heart that need it the most. Dilation lowers the pressure of the arteries, and the less the heart works, the less oxygen it needs.
2. Possible Drug Interactions
There are possible drug interactions when using nitroglycerin. Avoid any medication used to lower blood pressure, because nitroglycerin also lowers blood pressure. Taking both could lower the blood pressure to unsafe levels. Some anti-depressants and anti-psychotics lower blood pressure, as well. Valium and drugs with opiates should be avoided while taking nitroglycerin. Drinking alcohol should also be avoided or consumed in limited amounts.
3. Know the Side Effects
There are some reports of side effects when taking nitroglycerin. Headaches are possible. Nitroglycerin can make you drowsy or dizzy, so take this medication while sitting down to avoid any problems. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are sure how nitroglycerin affects you. Pregnant women or women that can become pregnant should not take nitroglycerin. Facial flushing and upset stomachs can also occur.
4. Choose the Right Form
Nitroglycerin is available in many forms. Tablets, capsules, patches and sprays are available. Do not crush any prescribed tablets. There are sprays and tablets made to hold under the tongue or in the cheek to treat heart pains that have already occurred. Take as prescribed by your primary health care provider. Talk to your doctor about the methods of each form of nitroglycerin and which one is best for you.
