Whenever we have any disease or health condition, we have to take certain medication to cope with it. But, if we use these medicines for a long time, they might have certain side effects. Well, all medicines can cause side effects and similarly, high blood pressure drugs are no exception. However, many people do not have high blood pressure drug’s side effects when they have it and some have very mild side effects. But, it’s important to know about it and to discuss with the doctor to manage high blood pressure drug’s side effects you may have. There’s no use to “suffer in silence.” therefore, do not hesitate to consult the doctor.
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Here, we are going to discuss high blood pressure drug’s side effects that may be caused by any type of high blood pressure drug. Here are four general warnings you should be aware of before discussing these side effects.
Never stop your medicines without discussing to your doctor. In some cases, it can be very threatening, causing a big hipe in blood pressure.
If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, then discuss to your doctor about the secure medication. ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can cause mild and harmless side effects to pregnant women and baby.
If you feel problems with erections during intercourse, consult with your doctor. Some high BP medicines can cause this problem. Changing in the dose or another type of medication can help you. Actually, hypertension can also cause erectile dysfunction.
As an informed person, read about the medication and the possible side effects of high blood pressure drugs.
High Blood Pressure Drug’s Side Effects:
High blood pressure drug’s side effects may affect you in different ways. Excess salt can increase the fluid within the blood vessels, which raises blood pressure.
Diuretics
It helps the body to eliminate surplus salt and water by increasing urine output. Possible side effects of diuretics are:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Rashes
- Muscle cramps
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalances
Well, diuretics cannot be preferable to those who become dehydrated quickly. They can also worsen some other conditions such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Lupus
- Gout
- Menstrual problems
Beta-blockers
It can reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of certain stress hormones, like epinephrine. High blood pressure drug’s side effects due to beta-blockers may include:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Weakness or dizziness
- Cold feet and hands
- Dry mouth, eyes, and skin
Some other less common side effects are:
- Slow heartbeat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Rash or itchy skin
- Depression
- Low BP
Some medications and drugs can change the efficacy of beta-blockers. These include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cough and cold medications
- Insulin and some other oral medications for diabetes
- Allergy shots
- Antidepressants
ACE Inhibitors
A side effect of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough. It is an enzyme that causes the body’s blood vessels to narrow, which leads to an increase in a person’s blood pressure.
Less common side effects include:
- Loss of taste
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Skin that is sensitive to sunlight
- Low blood pressure
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers slow down the appearance of calcium into these muscles and reduce the strength of the contractions and reduce the blood pressure.
High blood pressure drug’s side effects of calcium channel blockers include:
- Tiredness
- Flushing
- Swollen feet or ankles
Less common side effects include:
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Rash or itchy skin
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Alpha-Blockers
It lowers the blood pressure by preventing norepinephrine from building to alpha-receptors. It eases the blood vessels and allows blood to flow freely.
Common side effects of alpha-blockers are:
- Rapid heart rate
- Drop in blood pressure while standing
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Feeling tired, weak or lethargic
- Disturbed sleep
- Skin rash or itchiness
- Loss of bladder control in women
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
It also works like alpha-blockers. These drugs reduce blood pressure by preventing the release of norepinephrine. Alpha-2 receptor agonists may cause the following side effects:
- Tiredness
- Feeling faint or dizzy after standing up
- Slow heart rate
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Fluid retention
- Erectile dysfunction
Central Agonists
It reduces the blood pressure by preventing the brain from sending signals to the nervous system. High blood pressure drug’s side effects by central agonists are:
- Feeling faint or weak when standing
- Slow heart rate
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Anemia
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Fever
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Constipation
- Swollen legs or feet
Direct-acting Vasodilators
Vasodilators relax and widen the walls of the blood vessels and allowing blood to flow to move more easily. Direct-acting vasodilators specifically target the arteries.
Hydralazine hydrochloride may cause the following side effects:
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Swelling around the eyes
- Heart disease
- Angina
- Recent heart attack
- Diabetes
- Uremia
- Kidney disease
- Pheochromocytoma
Conclusion:
Here, we have discussed high blood pressure drug’s side effects. We all know that all drugs have their own side effects. But if you are taking medicines for BP, then you should know about the side effects of these medicines. If you feel any of the symptoms then consult your doctor as soon as possible.
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