What are the Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Medications?
High blood pressure can lead to many other health problems like heart diseases and strokes. In order to lower the risk of such problems it is very necessary to lower the blood pressure. And the best possible solution for it is the use of medications. There are varieties of medications available for lowering blood pressure, which are prescribed depending on factors like age and previous medical history of the patient. Though these medications help you in lowering blood pressure the major drawback is the side effect caused by them.
It's a fact that almost all of the high blood pressure medications cause side effects. As the side effects of high blood pressure medications differ from person to person there is no specific way of knowing your reaction to the medication. A particular medication may not cause any side effect in one person but may cause it in another. Therefore the only way to know the side effect is to try the medication, but only under medical prescription. Let's see some of the high blood pressure medications and side effects caused due to them.
Alpha-blockers: Alpha-blockers helps in lowering the blood pressure by blocking receptors in the blood vessels. One of the side effects associated with alpha-blockers that are seen in women is stress incontinence. These medications may cause fast heart rate or dizziness on standing. Some of the alpha-blockers prescribed are doxazosin and terazosin.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These medications may cause the side effects like skin rash, dry cough and loss of taste. In some people it may lead to acute allergy or acute poisoning with swelling around the mouth and throat. In rare cases it may cause kidney damage. Captopril, enalapril, cilazapril and ramipril are some of the ACE inhibitors.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers: These medications act in the similar way as the ACE inhibitors. Side effects caused due to these medications are usually mild and may cause occasional dizziness and in some cases acute allergy. Some of the Angiotensin receptor blockers include candesartan, losartan, eprosartan and valsartan.
Beta-blockers: Some of the side effects caused due to these medications include tiredness, lack of energy, cold hands and feet and depression. These medications may slow down the heartbeat and cause asthma so should be avoided if you already have asthma problem. In some people these medications may cause sleeping disorders like insomnia. Some of the beta-blockers are acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol, timolol etc.
Calcium-Channel blockers: The side effects caused due to these medications include swollen ankles, palpitations, swollen and bleeding gums, constipation, dizziness and headaches. Some men may pass more urine than usual during the night. Amlodiphine, diltiazem, nicardiphine, lacidiphine are some of the calcium-channel blockers.
Central Agonists: Some of the side effects caused due to these medications include drowsiness, mouth dryness, nasal stuffiness, constipation and fever. As these medications cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, you may feel weak or faint when you are standing or walking. Clonidine, methyldopa, guanabenz, moxonidine and guanfacine are some of the central agonists.
Diuretics: Diuretics helps the body to get rid of excess fluids, salt and therefore may decrease potassium content. Potassium loss may cause leg cramps or weakness. One of the major side effects associated with diuretics is that it may cause skin rashes. Another side effect that is seen rarely is Impotence. Some people may suffer from gout attacks if the medications are taken for a long time. Some of the diuretics generally recommended are amiloride, bendrofluazide, chlorothiazide, dyazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide etc.
These were some of the high blood pressure medications and their possible side effects. As mentioned earlier almost all of them have some side effects. But some people with a strong immune system may experience no side effects at all. Don't take any of the above medications without a doctor consultation. And also don't stop their consumption suddenly without the permission of your doctor.