Many prescribed drugs that help people have side effects, and blood pressure medication is no exception. The negative reactions are usually minor and easily readjusted, but certain side effects need immediate attention.
Common side effects of blood pressure medication include dizziness, weight gain, headaches, constipation, insomnia, and fatigue. Other side effects might have patients more concerned.
Maintaining regular contact with a doctor is important when experiencing unusual side effects. Doctors can change medication or dosage.
Patients should not stop their medication until consulting a doctor,
WebMD points out. Discontinuance could lead to a spike in blood pressure.
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Here are the 13 most dangerous side effects of blood pressure medication:
1. An increase in blood sugar levels could occur for people with diabetes when taking such blood pressure medications as diuretics and beta blockers,
according to the American Heart Association.
However, changes in dosage, medication, or diet may correct these issues. Diabetics should have their levels monitored closely.
2. Impotence may occur when taking diuretics and beta blockers.
3. Potassium loss could result as a side effect of diuretics. It could affect muscle function, including heart muscles,
reports RxList.
4. Thirst and dehydration may occur with diuretics.
5. Severe skin reactions may occur in some cases from diuretics.
6. Slow heart rate is a side effect of beta blockers. There may also be weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
7. However, an increased heart rate could happen when taking alpha blockers.
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8. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath may result from beta blockers. RxList warns that beta blockers should be withdrawn gradually because discontinuing suddenly could cause heart attack or death.
9. Upper respiratory tract infections have been reported after using angiotensin II receptor blockers.
10. A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up is a hazardous side effect of alpha blockers, causing dizziness or fainting.
11. Nightmares and depression have been reported as side effects from central agonists, according to WebMD. Depression and insomnia may occur with beta blockers.
12. A dry, hacking cough may not go away from use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, requiring a switch in medication.
13. Irregular or rapid heartbeat may result from such blood pressure medications as calcium channel blockers and vasodilators.
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