Any drug can cause side effects, and high blood pressure (HBP) drugs are no exception. However, many people take high blood pressure medications without side effects, which are usually mild. Still, it’s important to stay informed and work closely with your doctor to manage any side effects you may have. In this article, we’ll be discussing the different side effects of blood pressure medicine.
Alpha-Blockers
Certain hormones in the body, such as norepinephrine, can bind to chemical receptors called alpha receptors. When this happens, the blood vessels narrow and the heart pumps blood faster, causing blood pressure to rise. Alpha-blockers lower blood pressure by preventing norepinephrine from binding to alpha-receptors. This relaxes the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely.
Alpha-blockers lower blood pressure by preventing norepinephrine from binding to alpha-receptors. This relaxes the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. Certain hormones in the body, such as norepinephrine, can bind to chemical receptors called alpha receptors. When this happens, the blood vessels narrow and the heart pumps blood faster, causing blood pressure to rise.
Side effects of Alpha-Blockers are:
- Blood pressure drop when standing
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling tired, weak or lethargic
- Disturbed sleep
- Rash or itching
- Loss of bladder control in women
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Vasodilators
Also called blood vessel dilators, relax and widen the walls of blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them. Direct-acting vasodilators specifically target arteries. Two direct-acting vasodilators are hydralazine hydrochloride (Apresoline) and minoxidil (Loniten).
Side effects of vasodilators include the following:
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Swelling around the eyes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fluid retention leading to weight gain
- In rare cases, excessive hair growth
Central Agonists
Central agonists lower blood pressure by preventing the brain from sending signals to the nervous system to increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels. As a result, the heart’s ability to pump blood diminishes and the blood vessels remain open.
Side effects of Central Agonists are:
- Feeling weak, especially when standing
- Lethargy
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Anemia
- Erectile dysfunction
- Constipation
- Stuffy nose
- Pancreatitis
- Liver disease
Diuretics
These high blood pressure medications remove excess water and sodium (salt) from the body.
- Weakness, leg cramps, or fatigue. Diuretics may lower levels of the mineral potassium in your body, which can cause these side effects.
- Diuretics may cause the following side effects:
- Extra urination. Extra water means more time in the bathroom.
- Erection problems in some men
- Severe and sudden foot pain, which is a symptom of gout.
Peripheral Andregenic Inhibitors
Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors (PAIs) block neurotransmitters in the brain that cause vasoconstriction. Blocking these receptors keeps blood vessels relaxed and open, thereby lowering a person’s blood pressure.
Some side effects of PAIs include:
- Stuffy nose
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness when standing
- Possible fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Nightmares
Calcium channel blockers(CCB)
These high blood pressure drugs prevent calcium from entering the heart muscle and blood vessel cells. The blood vessels can then relax.
Calcium channel blockers may cause the following side effects:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Irregular or very fast heartbeat (palpitations)
- Swollen ankles
