Side Effect of Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure can be dangerous. Sometimes, antihypertensive medication may be needed to bring blood pressure levels to normal. These medications work in different ways and produce different side effects.

Diuretics
They may decrease potassium levels in the body and cause leg cramps, weakness or tiredness. Diabetics may experience a slight increase in their blood sugar levels.

Beta-blockers
These drugs work by reducing the heart rate, thereby reducing the work load of the heart and lowering blood pressure. They can cause insomnia, tiredness, depression, fatigue etc.

ACE Inhibitors
These medications work by reducing angiotensin production which in turn dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. They cause side effects like rashes, kidney problems, cough, fatigue etc. They are not recommended for women planning to get pregnant.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers
These drugs prevent angiotensin from constricting the blood vessels by blocking the receptors that it binds to. They can cause fatigue and dizziness and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Calcium channel blockers
They block calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and arteries and prevent blood vessel constriction. These drugs can cause palpitations, swollen ankles, constipation, headache, dizziness etc.

Alpha blockers and combined alpha and beta blockers
They relax the muscle tone and cause side effects like increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, fluid retention etc.

Central agonists
They work by decreasing the extent of blood vessel contraction. They can cause dry mouth, dizziness, constipation etc.

Vasodilators
These are the most commonly use drugs and cause side effects like headaches, rapid heartbeat, puffy eyes and joint pain.

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