1. Diuretics Treat High Blood Pressure
Doctors prescribe diuretics, otherwise known as water pills, to treat high blood pressure and the symptoms of several medical conditions, including kidney stones, congestive heart failure and edema. Diuretics work by encouraging the kidneys to increase sodium output in urine and wherever salt goes, water follows. The resulting increase in both sodium and water elimination reduces arterial stress and helps to lower blood pressure.
2. Which Diuretic is Right for You?
There are three classes of diuretics: thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing. Doctors usually first prescribe thiazide diuretics to treat the onset of high blood pressure because they have fewer side effects than the loop and potassium-sparing. In the event of renal or congestive heart failure, your doctor might choose a loop diuretic as it is a more potent option than thiazide. However, loop diuretics also deplete the body of potassium. The potassium-sparing class of diuretics, unlike thiazide and loop diuretics, prevents the body from losing too much potassium. The diuretic your doctor prescribes depends on your medical history and current condition. Likewise, your doctor may choose to treat your condition in conjunction with other medications that will further influence his decision as to which diuretic he prescribes.
3. Dizziness Is Common
As a side effect of doctor-prescribed diuretics, you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dehydration and a fluctuation in potassium levels as your body adjusts. Blurred vision, upset stomach and loss of appetite are also common and should pass after the initial trial period. You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps or weakness. To counter the effects of potassium loss, your doctor may encourage you to drink orange juice, eat bananas or may even prescribe potassium supplements.
4. Dieters Abuse Diuretics
Extreme dieters have long relied on diuretics as a form of weight loss and control; however, a dieter may mistake the loss of vital fluids and electrolytes as true weight loss. After a few days, her body may react by retaining water. This water retention and fluctuation in weight is what prompts the dieter to take even more diuretics, beginning a cycle of diuretic abuse.
5. Proceed With Caution
You should take diuretics only under strict doctor supervision for the treatment of real, life-threatening medical conditions; you should never take diuretics for weight loss. Diuretics disrupt the body's fluid and electrolyte balance and can lead to the break down and failure of vital organs, such as your heart, kidney and liver. Therefore, you should take diuretics with extreme care. Because diuretics can interact negatively with even some over-the-counter medications, such as cold and sinus remedies, you should discuss with your doctor any additional medications you take. Abuse of diuretics can lead to organ failure and even sudden death.
