Blood Pressure Medication & Alcohol

High blood pressure affects a large subsection of the U.S. population. A number of medications work to keep this disorder under control, and alcohol may increase the side effects of these drugs. Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure, so drinking may dampen the effect of medications by exacerbating your condition. Be sure to talk to your doctor about alcohol and any blood pressure medication you are prescribed.

High Blood Pressure

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, up to one in three U.S. residents have high blood pressure. This disorder is known as a silent killer, as many times there are no signs of a problem until a major medical issue occurs. High blood pressure increases the chance of a stroke or heart attack. Many patients take medication to keep this problem under control.

Alcohol and Blood Pressure

• If you are taking medication to control high blood pressure, you may be thwarting yourself. Familydoctor.org points out that more than two drinks a day for men and one for women can cause a spike in your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor should encourage you to limit your drinking.

Alcohol and Blood Pressure Medication

• According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking alcohol while on some blood pressure medications can cause side effects. Alcohol consumption may cause dizziness when rising from a seated position when on drugs like Ismelin, Apresoline and Aldomet. Dizziness may lead to a fainting episode. If you're taking Inderal, chronic drinking might reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Other Side Effects

• EMedtv points out that alcohol can increase the intensity of a blood pressure medication's other side effects. A number of these drugs list "may cause drowsiness" as a side effect. Alcohol can increase this drowsy effect. Read all warnings on your medication before drinking, especially if you plan to get behind the wheel of a car.

Talk to a Medical Professional

• Talk to your doctor about alcohol and your blood pressure. Have this discussion before starting a drug regimen. Your doctor will detail safe levels of drinking and explain side effects you may experience from combining alcohol with your medication. If you have an alcohol problem, your doctor will help you come up with a strategy to treat your addiction.