The quest for lower blood pressure is a common pursuit in modern western society. Many factors contribute to high blood pressure. High-fat diets clog arteries with hardened plaque. Excessive salt intake increases blood volume as the body attempts to balance sodium levels. Sedentary lifestyles weaken the heart's ability to pump blood. In addition to all of these factors, certain drugs can further damage your ability to maintain a blood pressure below the healthy reading of 120 over 80.
Prescription Drugs
A doctor's prescription does not guarantee that a prescription drug is safe for people with high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic lists a number of types of prescription drugs that can cause an increase in blood pressure. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin have been found to increase blood pressure, though researchers have not discovered the mechanism by which they exert this effect. Women who take birth-control pills are commonly warned about their effect on blood pressure, which is due to hormones that cause a narrowing of blood vessels. Immunosuppressant drugs, such as Medrol, can increase blood pressure, but again in these cases, scientists don't know exactly how they achieve that effect. Stimulants such as Ritalin increase the heart rate, and a subsequent increase in blood pressure ensues.
Open communication between doctor and patient is essential for ensuring that the medications prescribed will not exacerbate a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Numerous over-the-counter drugs can elevate blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, cause water retention, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. Some commonly used NSAIDs are Advil, Motrin and Aleve. Long-term use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, seems to cause increased blood pressure in women. Decongestants like Sudafed and Afrin cause blood vessels to constrict, which causes the blood to exert more pressure on blood vessel walls.
A pharmacist can help explain the effects of various over the counter drugs and should be consulted in cases where high blood pressure is a concern.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements may seem innocuous, but even remedies directly derived from plants can affect blood pressure. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that high blood pressure is a rare but possible side effect of taking American ginseng. Other herbal supplements that have been found to influence blood pressure include guarana, bitter orange, licorice and St. John's wort.
The herb ephedra has such a severe effect on the heart that the Food and Drug Administration banned it in 2004, after several fatal incidents involving the use of the supplement occurred.
