Blood pressure medications work to reduce the workload on the heart so it doesn't have to pump as hard to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues of the body. These medications can be effective in reducing blood pressure levels so that the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart disease are lessened. However, there are a number of blood pressure medicine effects that consumers should be aware of when a new medication is started.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril and enalapril prevent the enzyme angiotensin I from being converted into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II improves the rate at which the kidneys filter waste products, but it also causes the blood vessels to become narrower. This causes blood pressure levels to increase. Side effects of this type of drug include headache, dry cough, diarrhea, loss of appetite, joint pain, numbness in the hands, dizziness, fatigue, fever, sunlight sensitivity, fainting, lightheadedness, loss of taste and upset stomach.
Alpha-Beta Blockers
Alpha-beta blockers, also called alpha antagonists, reduce blood pressure in two ways. They reduce blood vessel nerve impulses, which relaxes the vessels and allows blood to pass through without as much force. They also slow the heartbeat, which causes less blood to be pumped through the blood vessels. Alpha-beta blockers may cause dizziness, depression, dry eyes, fainting, diarrhea, scalp tingling, sexual problems, swelling of the legs and feet, slow heart rate, skin rash, wheezing, tiredness and shortness of breath. Labetalol and carvedilol are examples of alpha-beta blockers.
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers reduce blood pressure by allowing the blood to pass through the vessels with less force. This is accomplished by blocking nerve impulses that travel through the blood vessels. The side effects of this drug are usually more noticeable at the beginning of treatment. After taking the first dose of an alpha blocker, you may experience dizziness and low blood pressure. Other possible side effects include nausea, weight gain, weakness, pounding heartbeat and decreases in low-density lipoprotein. Alfuzosin, doxazosin and terazosin are examples of alpha-blockers.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers such as olmesartan and telmisartan work to reduce the effects of angiotensin II on the blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure by allowing the blood vessels to relax. Common side effects of these drugs include headache, nausea, diarrhea, cough, low blood pressure, skin rash, muscle pain, bone pain, elevated levels of potassium, vomiting, dizziness and drowsiness.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers reduce the heart rate and allow blood to be pumped with less force. This causes blood pressure levels to drop. Esmolol, metoprolol and nadolol are examples of common beta blockers used in the United States. These drugs can cause several side effects. The most common are dry mouth and skin, cold hands and feet, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue and dizziness. Other possible side effects include wheezing, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, slow heartbeat, swelling of the feet and hands, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pain, back pain, sore throat, impotence and depression.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers such as nisoldipine and verapamil prevent calcium from entering the heart muscle and walls of the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure. This type of drug can cause headache, skin rash, constipation, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, flushing and swelling of the lower legs and feet.
Diuretics
Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and bumetanide lower blood pressure by removing excess fluid and sodium from the bloodstream. One of the most common side effects of this type of drug is frequent urination. Other possible side effects include gout, low sodium levels, increased cholesterol, skin rash, increased blood sugar, impotence in men and low potassium levels.
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