It may take time and a lot of diligence to find the right medications, at the right dose, with the least problems and with the easiest lifestyle modifications to effectively lower blood pressure, but the risks are high for health complications if blood pressure is not lowered promptly. Various problems are associated with taking blood pressure medications, but they can be managed by discussing them with the doctor and adjusting therapy on an individual basis.
Side Effects
All medications produce undesirable side effects. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, some of the more common side effects associated with blood pressure-lowering drugs include head pain, faintness; light-headedness; gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation; tiredness; weakness; weight loss or gain; nervousness; irregular heartbeat; chest pain; cough or flu symptoms; and rash. Any unusual or troublesome effects should be quickly reported to the doctor.
Prescription Drug Interactions
The National Kidney Foundation, or NKF, reports that certain prescription drugs can interfere with the actions of blood pressure-lowering medications, including migraine medications with ergot, certain steroids, oral contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy, asthma medications with theophylline, cyclosporine, the ulcer medication metoclopromide and prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Certain blood pressure drugs taken in combination can cause problems, such as verapamil taken with prazosin causes stronger effects of verapamil, notes the NKF.
OTC Drug Interactions
A number of over-the-counter drugs can elevate blood pressure and therefore interfere with the actions of blood pressure-lowering medicines. Examples of these medicines include pain medications such as NSAIDs, as well as cold and allergy products containing pseudoephedrine, states the NKF. Any OTC medications taken with blood pressure-lowering drugs should first be discussed with the doctor because they may make blood pressure more difficult to control.
Dietary Supplement Interactions
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, some dietary supplements, including ephedra, ma huang and bitter orange, can increase blood pressure and affect the actions of blood pressure drugs. HolisticOnline.com reports that diuretics should not be taken with potassium supplements and salt substitutes because potassium blood levels could rise too high. It is important to talk to the doctor about any dietary supplements taken with blood pressure medications.
Drug Food Interactions
Certain foods or drinks may affect the way blood pressure medicines work and need to be avoided. The AAFP reports that grapefruit or grapefruit juice and certain types of oranges, such as pomelo and Seville, affect how the body handles certain blood pressure medicines. Examples of blood pressure medicines that interact with grapefruit are felodipine, nifedipine, nimodipine and nisoldipine. According to HolisticOnline.com, licorice can interact with blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers and diuretics.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: High Blood Pressure Medicines
- National Kidney Foundation: Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hypertension and Antihypertensive Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Your Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure
- Holistic Online: Medicine Herb-food Interactions
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Drug-Food Interactions
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