Q: Are there blood pressure medications available that don't have troubling side effects?
A: All medications used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) can cause side effects.
But because many different drugs are available for this condition, a doctor usually can find one that both lowers blood pressure and results in minimal side effects.
Not every blood pressure medication works similarly for everyone. So, commonly, when someone begins taking medication, based on the body's response, the doctor may adjust the dosage or type. Of course, the best possible scenario would be to find a medication regimen that controls blood pressure but has no side effects.
Finding the most effective regimen can be a process akin to tweaking. You take a medication, and your body responds. You report that response (blood pressure and side effects) and your thoughts to the doctor, who decides if tweaking is necessary.
For example, some blood pressure medications can cause increased urination, weakness, dizziness, decreased libido, headache or skin rash. The doctor can determine if, in your case, the drug or another condition might have been the cause. Sometimes, lowering the medication dosage helps relieve symptoms. Other times, a different drug may be necessary.
In some cases, side effects can mean that the drug is working properly. For instance, fatigue or loss of energy can result when blood pressure decreases. These symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.
Keep in mind, too, that medication is not the only way to reduce blood pressure. Lifestyle plays an important role. To help reduce blood pressure, eat a diet low in salt and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid excess use of alcohol; maintain a healthy weight; stay away from tobacco and secondhand smoke; and exercise regularly. Sometimes, a healthy lifestyle can minimize or perhaps eliminate the need for blood pressure medications.
-- Gary Schwartz, MD, nephrology and hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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