What are the Side Effects Of High Blood Pressure Medication?

It is common for any medicine to cause side effects and medications for high blood pressure are no immunity. Nonetheless, a few people do not show any side effects from consuming blood pressure medicines. They only display mild side effects. However, staying informed about the side effects and working closely with the specialist will be helpful in managing the same. Today, several therapeutic options are available for controlling high blood pressure with reduced side effects.

What are the Side Effects Of High Blood Pressure Medication?

The content in this article provides details related to the side effects produced by each type of blood pressure medicines. Before beginning, read some of the common side effects produced by the drugs of high blood pressure.

  1. Diuretics – the drug is helpful in flushing away the excessive content of water and sodium from the body. It causes the following side effects:

    1. Extra urination
    2. Erection problems in men
    3. Weakness
    4. Leg cramps
    5. Fatigue
    6. Sudden foot pain.
  2. Beta-Blockers – the drug is helpful in lowering the heartbeat, which in turn reduces the production of the blood. The side effects include:

    1. Asthma
    2. Depression
    3. Erection problems
    4. Insomnia
    5. Cold hands and feet.
  3. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors – the medicine is helpful in blocking the formation of a hormone that is responsible for blood vessel narrowness. These inhibitors cause:

    1. A hacking cough that does not go away quickly
    2. Skin rash
    3. Loss of taste.
  4. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) – the medicine acts as a shield for blood vessels from a hormone that causes narrowness. Due to this, the blood vessels are open, allowing free movement of the blood. The common side effect of the drug’s dizziness.

  5. Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) – the medicine is helpful in preventing the entrance of calcium into the heart muscle and blood cells. It thus helps in relaxing the blood vessels. The side effects include:

    1. Constipation
    2. Dizziness
    3. Swollen ankles
    4. Headache
    5. Increased palpitations.
  6. Alpha-Blockers – the blood pressure medicine is helpful in reducing nerve impulses, which helps in smooth flow of the blood. The side effects caused by the drug include:

    1. Dizziness
    2. Lightheadedness
    3. Weakness
    4. Fast heart rate.
  7. Alpha-2 Receptor Agonist – the high blood pressure medicine is helpful in lowering the blood pressure by decreasing the movement in the nervous system that produces adrenaline. The side effect caused by the drug includes dizziness and drowsiness.

  8. Alpha-Beta-Blockers – the high blood pressure medicines are helpful in reducing heartbeat and nerve impulses. Patients suffering from high blood pressure receive them through intravenous injection. However, a doctor can prescribe the medication even for those who are suffering from congestive heart failure. The side effects include:

    1. Dizziness
    2. Lightheadedness
    3. Weakness.
  9. Central Agonists – these medicines are helpful in controlling the nerve impulses and provide relaxation to blood vessels. The side effects include:

    1. Constipation
    2. Anemia
    3. Dizziness
    4. Lightheadedness
    5. Drowsiness
    6. Dry mouth
    7. Fever
    8. Erection problems.
  10. Peripheral Adrenergic Inhibitors – these medicines are capable of blocking neurotransmitters produced in the brain. Due to this, the message for contraction fails to reach the smooth muscles. Using the drugs causes:

    1. Diarrhea
    2. Dizziness
    3. Lightheadedness
    4. Erection problems
    5. Heartburn
    6. Stuffy nose.
  11. Vasodilators – these medicines are helpful in relaxing the muscles in vessel walls, which in turn opens blood vessels for smooth flow of the blood. The side effects include:

    1. Headaches
    2. Excessive hair growth
    3. Fluid retention
    4. Very rapid heartbeat
    5. Swelling around the eyes
    6. Joint aches.

Conclusion

As you can see, the side effects of high blood pressure medications vary from one medicine to another. They also change according to the dosage level and the condition of the patient. Speaking about the symptoms with the doctor will be helpful to make necessary changes to the treatment.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:March 24, 2018

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