Dangerous Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Drugs

Below is an introduction to the classes of high blood pressure drugs, the way they work, as well as their common "listed" negative effects:

ACE inhibitors - [Accupril (Quinapril); Aceon (Perindopril); Altace (Ramipril); Lotensin (Benazepril); Capoten (Captopril); Vasotec (Enalapril); Monopril (Fosinopril); Prinivil, Zestril (Lisinopril); Univasc (Moexipril); Mavik (Trandolapril)]

Function: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors stop your body from making Angiotensin II - an organic substance our bodies produce that, amongst other things, may cause our arteries to narrow, thicken and stiffen. Angiotensin II also triggers the release of a hormone connected with increased water and sodium within the body.

The commonest side effect is a dry cough. Rarer side effects include: Lightheadedness, dizziness, rash, reduced appetite, increased blood potassium, adjustments to the flavor of foods and swelling. ACE inhibitors may also be connected with birth defects. Some pain relievers lessen the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors.

Alpha Blockers - [Cardura (Doazosin); Minipress (Prazosin); Hytrin (Terazosin); Flomax (Tamsulosin); Uroxatral (Alfuzosin)]

Function: These drugs stop the hormone norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from constricting the muscles that surround the veins, smaller arteries and other muscles through the entire body.

Side effects: "First-dose effect" - when first taking Alpha Blockers, some people get dramatically reduced blood pressure, dizziness and feeling faint when sitting up or standing up. Additional side effects include: headache, pounding heartbeat, nausea, weakness, and weight gain.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers - [Atacand (Candesartan); Teveten (Eprosartan); Avapro (Irbesarten); Cozaar (Losarten); Benicar (Olmesarten); Micardis (Telmisartan); Diovan (Valsartan)]

Function: These drugs block the action (not the production) of Angiotensin II -

Side effects (fairly rare) include: Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, back and leg pain, sinus congestion, kidney failure, liver failure, allergic reaction, lowered white blood cells, and swelling. Angiotensin II receptor blockers may also be connected with birth defects.

Beta Blockers - [Sectral (Acebutolol); Tenormin (Atenolol); Zebeta (Bisoprolol); Coreg (Cardedilol); Lopressor, Toprol XL (Metoprolol); Corgard (Nadolol); Bystolic (Nebivolol); Inderal LA (Propranolol)]

Function: Beta-blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) block adrenaline (epinephrine), causing the heart to slow and blood vessels to open.

Common side effects include: Cold hands, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. Less frequent side effects include: Depression, reduced libido (sex drive), insomnia (trouble sleeping), and shortness of breath. Beta-blockers may cause severe asthma attacks. They can also block indications of low blood sugar (like a racing pulse) in diabetics. Beta-blockers can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, typically temporarily. Abrupt discontinuation of beta-blockers can increase risk of heart attack and other heart issues.




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