5 side effects of blood pressure medication and how to deal with them

Hypertension is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer" because it usually does not exhibit any symptoms until it leads to major complications such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Medications are a mainstay of therapy, helping to maintain blood pressure in millions of people around the world. However, antihypertensives (blood pressure medications), like all drugs, can have side effects. While these side effects vary depending on the specific medication, most are tolerable for the majority of patients and do not require discontinuation.

These medications are always prescribed alongside lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, stress management, and regular exercise. Although the side effects can sometimes be bothersome, the benefits of keeping blood pressure under control far outweigh the risks.

Here are five of the most common side effects of blood pressure medications—and simple strategies for managing them:

The most common side effect is dizziness when standing up abruptly. The reason for this is that drugs such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or calcium channel blockers will reduce the blood pressure too quickly. This condition is referred to as orthostatic hypotension.
How to handle: Slowly stand up from lying down or sitting, and ensure that you are properly hydrated. Do not quickly get up from the sitting or reclining position with jerky movements that will cause a spell of dizziness. If the situation continues, the physician can lower the dosage or switch you to another medication.

Diuretics, or "water pills," are among the most popular drugs for hypertension. They accomplish this by letting your kidneys eliminate salt and water, reducing the level of fluid in the body. The outcome is increased visits to the bathroom.
How to cope with it: The best is to consume the drug in the morning instead of in the evening so as not to break the sleeping habit, because sleep quality is equally essential. Cutting down on caffeine can also help, as caffeine itself has a diuretic effect. If, for some reason, urine excretion is impaired, inquire from the physician if there is a suitable drug that can be taken instead.

A side effect of beta-blockers or some calcium channel blockers is to make one abnormally weak or fatigued. These medicines decrease the workload of the heart, but sometimes cut back on energy as well.
How to deal with it: Allow the body to get used to it, giving it time as exhaustion will usually get better in some weeks. Adding gentle exercises such as walking or yoga can also enhance energy. If the exhaustion is bad or not getting better, visit your doctor to discuss switching the kind of drug.Also See: 5 nighttime drinks for hypertension patients to reduce high blood pressure naturally​

One of the most frequent side effects of ACE (drugs such as lisinopril and enalapril is a dry, chronic cough. The cough is harmless but is bothersome and interrupts sleep. It is due to the fact that the drug increases the amounts of bradykinin, a chemical that irritates the airways.
How to deal with it: Always alert your doctor prior to stopping the medication. In most cases, switching from an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) blocker to an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) like losartan or valsartan fixes the problem.

Calcium channel blockers, especially amlodipine, will cause swelling of the lower legs due to water retention. This is not typically bad but does hurt and is known as peripheral edema, fairly common but not dangerous.If the swelling becomes severe or persistent, it's important to consult a healthcare provider, as adjusting the dose or switching to a different medication may help alleviate the symptoms.
How to control it: Raising the legs when-sitting, use of compression stockings, and limiting salt consumption can all help. Taking the pill with a weak diuretic or changing to another class of antihypertensive may also be advised by your doctor.

This is only meant for informational purposes. Before taking any action, please consult a medical professional

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To properly check your blood pressure at home, first ensure you've been sitting quietly with your back supported and feet flat for five minutes, avoiding talking, caffeine, smoking, or exercise for 30 minutes prior. Next, place a correct-sized cuff directly on your bare upper arm with your arm resting on a surface so the cuff is at heart level. Start the machine and remain completely still and silent during the measurement. Finally, after the first reading is complete, wait one minute, take a second reading, and record both results (systolic and diastolic) and the time, ideally taking these measurements at the same time every morning and evening before food or medication for consistent monitoring.

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Drinking a glass of water before a shower can help the body regulate blood pressure smoothly. Water ensures that blood volume is sufficient to maintain stable blood pressure during temperature induced vasodilation. Drinking water before bathing also helps prevent sudden dizziness or fainting that can occur when blood pressure drops.

Eating a balanced diet, reducing salt, exercising regularly, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight all support healthy blood pressure.