Side effects of blood pressure medications?

My doctor is recommending that I consider several blood pressure meds, and I am curious what side effects have been experienced by others. And specifically- how did you react to the ACE inhibitors, beta blockers etc?

Thu. May 31, 3:51pm

I've tried the ace inhibitors and it always causes a cough. The first time I was told I had ashma and then another doctor told me right away it was the medication, once I stopped it the cough went away. I now take a beta blocker and don't have any problems. Sometimes you might have to try more than one to find the right one for you. After losing 45 pounds I was allowed to stop one of mine so hopefully if I can continue to lose I'll be able to get rid of the other one.
High blood pressure is dangerous so be sure and follow your doctor's advise. I wish you the best.

Thursday, May 31, 2007, 8:56 PM

I am on Lisinopril (and Ace Inhibitor) and hydrochloriathiazide (forgive me if sp. wrong . . .that one always gets me! haha!), a diuretic. I was lucky and did not develop a cough w/ the ace inhibitor and have been on it now for 7 months.

As for other side effects-the first few months I was dizzy a lot. Every time I got up from sitting, squatting or even doing certain poses in yoga, I felt like I was about to pass out! I learned to get up VERY slowly and what also helps is to squeeze your hand into a fist when it happens. This stabilizes you BP. Dizziness is very common with these medicines but most people get past the dizziness after a few weeks, as your body adjusts to the lowered BP. I still get dizzy/lightheaded once in a while, but it's nothing like it was at first. It only happens now if I'm a little dehydrated, or have been restricting my sodium intake too much. I find the side effects of these medicines very bearable now and most days I don't think twice about being on the medicine!

Whatever you decide-make sure you are very gently to your body when you first go on a medication. It'll take a while for the medicine to kick in and a while for your body to function normally. If you feel faint while exercising-stop, sit down and stay put! My username is .q. (formerly andreaq) if you have other questions.

Thursday, May 31, 2007, 11:55 PM

I'm on lisinopril as well, and I second the dizzyness- it was really easy to get head-rushes when I'd stand quickly for the first couple months, but after a while that went away. One thing I've noticed is that I'm definitely more easily dehydrated, and the effects are worse- lightheaded, have passed out twice. but, both cases were pretty severe dehydration.

Friday, June 01, 2007, 12:17 AM

8:56 pm, was that 45 pound loss recently? How much do you have to go to get off your other medication?

Friday, June 01, 2007, 7:19 AM

I started Peertrainer Jan. 2006 and have lost the 45 pounds in that length of time. I think I had lost about 40 pounds before stopping one of the medications. I'm sure it will different for each of us but weight loss certainly helps. Good luck.

Friday, June 01, 2007, 9:51 AM

I need to lose about 17 more pounds to go off the other medication plus my cholestrol has dropped 100 points. I'm sorry this should have also been included in 9:51 post.

Friday, June 01, 2007, 9:53 AM

this is a link to a new article on the subject of high blood pressure, the relationship with diabetes, and the role of sodium and potassium in controlling it.

-PT

Link

Wednesday, June 20, 2007, 4:38 PM

Interesting about potassium- most foods high in potassium are great for the diet, high in fiber sometimes, help you lose weight. I think one would be hard pressed to find foods high in potassium that were not healthy. And most foods high in sodium are not great for you.

Friday, June 22, 2007, 2:52 PM

blood pressure medications lightheadedness

this was my experience and I finally was able to get off my beta blocker after losing 40 pounds.

Thursday, August 23, 2007, 11:40 AM

my high blood pressure is all genetics. i was really bummed when i realized that no matter how little i weigh or what i eat that my bp naturally is high. no fair!! i'll have to be on meds for the rest of my life it looks like. :(

Thursday, August 23, 2007, 12:37 PM

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