Normal? No, it is too high on or off meds. It usually takes about 3 days for the BP to adjust to new BP meds. So, take that into consideration. You want it below 140/90. No wonder you have a headache!
So, try to do some light exercise every day like walking or slow biking. No weights until the BP is under control. Watch the salt and the sodium in your food. No more than 2,400 to 3,000mg of sodium per day. Salt has 1,000mg of sodium in one level teaspoon. Read your packaging.
Try to eat lots of fruits and veggies and fat free milk products. Magnesium and calcium help control high BP and getting it from food is better absorbed than pills.
The meds work in 3-5 days but the other stuff takes at least 2 weeks to even start to work and the exercise will kick in in about 2-3 months if you do it regularly.
See your Dr or at least send your BPs to him about once a week until it is under control and then check it daily for awhile. Write it down in case you have white coat hypertension and it only is up in his officel You can take your home readings and the Dr. will see that the high readings in his office are his fault and not what you normally have.
Make sure you rest a few min before checking your pressures. Put the device on the kitchen table, sit in a chair and lay your arm on the table and relax it as you take the readings. It will be more accurate.
Good luck.
Mary Ann

Thank you for your input! I have been on BP meds for years, which is why I am concerened it is high on meds. I will watch my salt intake (I actually did tonight and I love salt!)

My rate has gone down! It was 120/90 about 20 minutes ago. I do not understand the fluctuation, though. I feel OK other than chest tightness and some diziness.

I have been trying to relax before readings because of the concern that I am making myself nervous.

My hubby mentioned the ER again earlier today, but I feel OK being home. I will monitor it. I hate when doctors don't call back. Stinks.

Thanks! Gabrielle

Since you have been on bp meds for years, maybe you need to consider other things that could be making it rise. Mary Ann mentioned salt, and maybe it could be anxiety. My husband was having issues and his heart would pound a little and then he would just make it worse because that was all he could think about. He took some Xanax for a couple weeks and it is much better now and he is learning to control it. It's odd for him because he isn't really anxious when it happens.
Also, maybe you could do a halter monitor for 24 hours and see if there are any triggers to what is making it go up.
-Kate

Thanks for the advice!