What Are the Dangers of Blood Pressure Medications?

An ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. To reduce your blood pressure, you can exercise regularly and monitor your diet, which includes reducing your salt intake. Quitting smoking and moderating your alcohol consumption can also help lower your blood pressure. However, for some people, lifestyle changes are not sufficient, and a doctor may recommend a blood pressure medication. It's important to know all the possible side effects before beginning a medication regimen. Additionally, it's essential to disclose all preexisting medical conditions to your doctor, as well as any other medications or herbal supplements you are currently taking.

Aldactone

• Aldactone is a diuretic that does not lower your body's potassium levels. While taking Aldactone, you should not drink alcohol or consume a diet that is high in sodium. Excess sodium will cause water retention. Do not use products fortified with potassium, as your potassium levels may become too high. You should not use Aldactone if you have kidney disease, difficulties urinating, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Possible side effects of Aldactone include drowsiness, numbness, muscle weakness or pain, uneven heartbeat, tremors, nausea, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, flatulence, jaundice and loss of appetite. If you have an allergic reaction to Aldactone, you may experience swelling in the facial area, hives, and problems breathing, in which case you should call your doctor immediately and discontinue use.

Teveten HCT

• Teveten HCT is a diuretic and an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Do not use Teveten if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney disease, difficulties urinating, or if you are taking dofetilide or ketanserin. Additional medications that may interact with Teveten are adrenocorticotropic hormone, barbiturates, corticosteroids, narcotics, diabetes medications and other blood pressure medications. Possible side effects of Teveten include dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle pain or weakness, irregular heartbeat, nausea, fatigue, jaundice, swelling in the arms or legs, fever, chills and chest pain. If you have an allergic reaction, you may experience typical symptoms for this, including hives and facial swelling.

Toprol XL Extended-Release

• Toprol is a beta-blocker. You should not use Toprol if you have an irregular or very slow heartbeat, circulation problems, or if you are taking mibefradil. Do not take Toprol if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or diabetic. Possible side effects of Toprol include dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Additional severe reactions include cold or blue hands and feet, hallucinations, shortness of breath, depression and vision changes. You may also experience allergic reactions, such as swelling and a tightness in the chest.

Cardizem

• Cardizem is a calcium channel blocker. Do not use Cardizem if you have heart problems, kidney or liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. While taking Cardizem, do not consume alcohol, grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Symptoms of a Cardizem overdose include chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting and a slow heartbeat. Possible side effects include a skin rash, itchiness, stuffy nose, a tingly feeling and nausea. If you experience any of these more serious side effects, call your doctor: shortness of breath, rapid weight gain or swelling, stomach pain, jaundice, fever, irregular heartbeat, or if you experience allergic reaction symptoms such as hives.

Caduet

• Caduet is a combination drug; it is both a statin and a calcium channel blocker. Do not use Caduet if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have liver disease. You may not be able to take Caduet if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, or if you are taking other blood pressure medications. Do not consume alcohol, grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this drug. Symptoms of an overdose include fainting, warmth, a fast heartbeat, redness, lightheadedness and tingling. Possible side effects of Caduet include dizziness, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness and impotence. More serious side effects include chest pain, unusual heartbeat, swelling of the hands and feet, fainting, jaundice, and pain in your shoulder or arm. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Caduet can occasionally cause a breakdown of your skeletal muscle tissues, which may result in kidney failure. Symptoms of this may include dark urine, flu symptoms and muscle pain.