High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and arteries. Because the consequences of hypertension are so serious, it may be necessary to take anti-hypertension medication to control blood pressure levels. The potential side effects of hypertension medicine should be considered when making a decision about treatment for this serious condition.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers slow down the heart rate by blocking the effects of epinephrine on the heart. The most common side effects of beta blockers include dizziness, fatigue, cold hands and weakness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Less common side effects include depression, loss of sex drive, difficulty sleeping and shortness of breath. Examples of beta blockers include atenolol, carvedilol, nadolol, propranolol, acebutolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol and nebivolol.
Diuretics
Diuretics reduce blood pressure by removing excessive fluid and sodium from the blood. When sodium and water are retained, blood volume is increased, which increases blood pressure. Loop diuretics work by increasing the flow of urine from the kidneys. Thiazide diuretics increase sodium and fluid excretion. Both of these types of diuretics increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels), because potassium is excreted at an increased rate. Potassium-sparing diuretics reduce the amount of water in the body without causing potassium loss, so the risk of low potassium levels is not increased. Other side effects of diuretics include weakness, diarrhea, cramps, skin rash, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to sunlight, lightheadedness and joint pain. Hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, furosemide and amiloride are examples of diuretics.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin II is an enzyme that causes the blood vessels to become more narrow. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent angiotensin I from being converted to angiotensin II, which prevents narrowing of the blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Side effects of ACE inhibitors include headache, loss of appetite, sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, joint pain, fever, numbness in the hands or feet, diarrhea, loss of taste, upset stomach, fatigue, fainting and tingling in the hands or feet. Benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, perindopril, fosinopril and captopril are examples of ACE inhibitors.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) block the narrowing effects of angiotensin II on the blood vessels. This dilates the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, which reduces blood pressure. Side effects of angiotensin receptor blockers include dizziness, nasal congestion, diarrhea, headache, lightheadedness, back pain and leg pain. The Mayo Clinic reports rare side effects including kidney failure, allergic reaction, reduced white blood cell count, liver failure and swelling of tissues. Eprosartan, candesartan, losartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, olmesartan and valsartan are examples of angiotensin receptor blockers.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers reduce blood pressure by reducing the amount of calcium in the heart, which relaxes the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. The most common side effects of calcium channel blockers include constipation, difficulty swallowing, heartburn and swelling of the ankles. It is possible that calcium channel blockers can cause blood pressure or heart rate to become too low. Examples of calcium channel blockers include felodipine, amlodipine, verapamil and isradipine.
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers keep small blood vessels open and relax large blood vessels. This reduces blood pressure by reducing the workload of the heart. After the first dose of an alpha blocker, you may experience dizziness and low blood pressure. Other possible side effects of alpha blockers include nausea, headache, weight gain, weakness and pounding heartbeat. These drugs can also interfere with other medications. Doxazosin, terazosin and alfuzosin are examples of alpha blockers.
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