High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, refers to a medical condition in which blood pushes against the vessel walls at a high force. The Mayo Clinic states that signs of high blood pressure include headaches, dizziness and nosebleeds. Sometimes, high blood pressure reveals no symptoms at all. Fortunately, generic drugs for high blood pressure exist.
Metoprolol
Metoprolol, commonly sold as Lopressor or Toprol-XL, treats high blood pressure. Drugs.com says that metoprolol also prevents a heart attack from occurring. Specifically, this drug is a beta-blocker medication that affects the blood flow through the veins and arteries.
Metoprolol's less concerning side effects include vomiting, nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping and fatigue. In some instances, metoprolol can decrease sex drive and lead to impotence. Tell a doctor when metoprolol's less serious effects develop.
Metoprolol's serious side effects include fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, depression and swelling of the feet or ankles. Other effects include stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes and a slow heartbeat. Call a doctor immediately when metoprolol leads to these effects.
Changing metoprolol's dose may be required when suffering from asthma, bronchitis, depression, low blood pressure, myasthenia gravis and a thyroid disorder.
Metoprolol is a tablet taken each day or as indicated.
Losartan
Losartan, commonly sold as Cozaar, also treats high blood pressure. Drugs.com says that losartan also reduces the risk for a stroke and slows kidney damage in people suffering with type two diabetes.
Losartan's less concerning side effects include fatigue, trouble sleeping, a stuffy nose, diarrhea, stomach problems and a headache. Losartan's other effects include dizziness, a sore throat and muscle, back or leg pain. Notify a doctor when losartan's less serious effects develop.
Losartan's serious side effects include chest pain, fainting, easy bleeding or bruising, a slow heart rate and a weak pulse. In some instances, losartan can lead to pale skin and swelling of the feet or hands. Call a doctor immediately when losartan leads to these effects.
Suffering from such conditions as congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, dehydration and an electrolyte disorder may require a change in losartan's dose.
Losartan is a tablet taken each day.
Torsemide
Torsemide, commonly sold as Demadex, is yet another medication that treats high blood pressure. Specifically, this medication is a diuretic (water pill) that helps the body rid itself of water and salt. This leads to lowered blood pressure.
MedlinePlus says that torsemide's less concerning effects include fatigue, a headache, thirst, stomach problems and weakness. In some instances, torsemide can also lead to fainting and dizziness. Talk to a doctor when torsemide's less concerning effects remain for greater than seven days.
Torsemide's serious effects include vomiting blood and excessive weight loss. Call a doctor immediately when torsemide leads to these effects.
Taking corticosteroids, digoxin, lithium and probenacid with torsemide may lead to drug interactions.
Torsemide is a tablet taken daily.
