High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a potentially dangerous condition that can seriously raise your risk for heart attack and stroke. For this reason, many doctors prescribe medication to their patients who are diagnosed with high blood pressure, to keep the problem in check and reduce the risk of many other health issues. However, high blood pressure medication side effects are not uncommon and many patients find they have to try a number of different drugs before they find one they can tolerate well. This article will go over some of the most common reactions to watch out for when taking medication for high blood pressure control.
Drowsiness: This is one of the most common high blood pressure medication side effects that can occur with almost any drug prescribed for this purpose. Many patients find that taking the medication before bed helps to alleviate daytime drowsiness. If you find this to be a problem for you, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosing schedule so you are not taking the medication during the day any more than absolutely necessary.
Dizziness and Light-Headedness: This is another one of the more common side effects that occur with most high blood pressure drugs. Some patients find that they must rise more slowly when getting up from a seated position or awaking in the morning. It is also important that you do not exercise too vigorously in very hot weather or drink to excess, since both of these activities can exacerbate the effects.
Headaches: This is one of the least pleasant side effects, and frequently one that doctors will prescribe additional medication to treat. You can do your part to reduce headaches by exercising regularly and practicing deep breathing exercises. Another way to combat the problem is to take a hot bath or apply a cool compress to the affected area.
Digestive Issues: Taking medication to reduce your high blood pressure can cause a number of problems with your digestive system, ranging from constipation to an upset stomach and diarrhea. Specific symptoms will depend in part on the type of medication that you are taking. In some cases, taking your pills with meals will alleviate the problem. Constipation troubles can often be relieved with modifications to the diet that include more fiber through fresh fruits and whole grains.
Sensitivity to Sunlight: It is also important to note that many experience high blood pressure medication side effects that involve sensitivity to sunlight. If you are taking one of these drugs, it is a good idea to avoid sunlight during the hottest part of the day. It is also important to wear protection like sunscreen and sunglasses without fail when outdoors.
There are many high blood pressure medication side effects to deal with, but in most cases, the benefits of these drugs for high blood pressure control far outweigh these issues. Patients must work with their doctor to find the medication that is the most effective form of high blood pressure treatment for them, with the fewest negative side effects possible. Of course, if you want to avoid high blood pressure medication side effects, don’t take medication. Many people find they can manage their high blood pressure with simple lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise. If you want to know how to do this properly, you will want to investigate Blood Pressure Truth, a guide to natural blood pressure control which tells you exactly how you can make small, easy modifications to your life in order to keep your blood pressure under control.
