The mechanisms that make some over-the-counter and prescription medications effective can also raise blood pressure (BP). If hypertension is a pre-existing condition, it is wise to avoid these drugs, except under the advice and monitoring of your doctor. When hypertension is a side effect of needed medicines, additional drugs to control blood pressure may be added to the regimen.
Decongestants
Got a stuffy nose? Don't reach for a decongestant medicine if you have high blood pressure. Read the labels on over-the-counter preparations for these ingredients: pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline or oxymetazoline. Sold as syrups, fizzes, pills and nasal sprays, decongestants work by constricting blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. The American Heart Association also reminds the public that nonprescription medicines are often high in sodium, making them off-limits for people with hypertension.
Antidepressants
The effects of antidepressants on neurotransmitters can transform mood, but these effects may also trigger a nervous system response that increases blood pressure. If you are taking Venlafaxine (Effexor), Phenelzine (Nardil), Desipramine (Norpramin) or Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) it is important to have your blood pressure monitored regularly. The benefits of taking antidepressant medicines may outweigh the risks; this class of drugs should not be stopped abruptly. Talk to your doctor before quitting or changing the way you take such medications.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are used to treat narcolepsy, facilitate weight loss and control attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Examples of such medicines are Adderall and Ritalin. Methamphetamine is a similar street drug with a high rate of addiction and dependency. These substances affect dopamine in the brain, causing pleasurable feelings, high energy, suppressed appetite and insomnia. They are vasoconstrictors, causing the heart to beat faster and work harder, and may precipitate a dangerous rise in blood pressure. According to the National Institute of Drug abuse, high doses of stimulants can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including stroke.
Oral Contraceptives
The Mayo Clinic warns that hypertension is a potential side effect of all types of birth control pills (and other devices like the ring or patch that contain hormones). Least risky are the lower dose estrogen medicines. Hormonal preparations can cause a rise in blood pressure because they constrict smaller blood vessels. Women who have high blood pressure should be monitored while taking contraceptives or should choose another method of birth control.
Pain Relievers
Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Alleve), can cause the retention of fluid in tissues. The resulting swelling burdens the kidneys, which can increase blood pressure. Many people take these medications for chronic pain and have side effects from long-term use. Alternating other methods of pain control with the help of pain-management specialists may provide better relief with less side effects.
Another over-the-counter medication that can affect blood pressure is an ingredient in many cold, flu and sleep preparations. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also in prescription analgesics such as Vicodin, Percocet and Tylenol with Codeine. The Mayo Clinic reports that women who take at least 500mg of acetaminophen daily are more likely to develop hypertension than women who don't take this pain reliever. The reason for this effect is not known.
