Do I have to keep taking Blood Pressure Medication?

Do I have to take Medication for Life?

Do I have to keep taking my blood pressure medication, my blood pressure is normal again? This is a rather frequent question. Blood pressure is not like a strep throat where you"get" high blood pressure, take some medication and you are cured. High blood pressure is more like diabetes you have it for life but with medication it can be controlled. High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke, kidney disease, heart attack and heart failure. Medication can reduce the risk of all of these diseases. It is very important to take prescription medication as ordered until your doctor changes it. You would need to consult your physician before you stop taking your blood pressure medication. If you experience side effects from your blood pressure medication (or any medication) you need to inform you doctor.

Common side effects from blood pressure medications are dependent on the medication you are taking.

Diuretic Medication such as Lasix (Furosemide) can cause loss of potassium which can result in muscle cramps, dizziness or lightheadness. Often your doctor will prescribe potassium supplement while on diuretics, like Lasix, or recommend you eat a banana daily. To prevent lightheadness or dizziness be sure you are drinking the proper amount of fluid daily about 1.5 liters to 2 liters a day (unless your doctor restricts your fluids).

Ace Inhibitors such as Lisinopril (Prinivil or Zestril), Captopril (Capoten), and Enalapril (Vasotec) can cause hacking dry cough, rash, or loss of taste.

Beta Blockers such as Tenormin (Atenolol), Metoprolol (Lopressor), Propranolol (Inderal), and Nadolol (Corgard), can cause cold hands and feet, insomnia, depression, impotence, or slow heart beat. If you have diabetes you will need to monitor you blood glucose as these drugs can impact your sugar.

Calcium Channel Blockers such as Diltiazem (Cardizem), Nifedipine (Procardia) and Verapamil (Calan or Isoptin) may cause swollen ankles edema, palpations, constipation, headache or dizziness.

Side Effects with each of these drugs can differ a great deal. Different people react differently to medications. As with all medications it is important to read the medication information provided by the pharmacy. You must inform your physician of any side effects you notice or if you in any way feel differently while taking these medications. Take medication as ordered. It is important to take the medication as ordered as suddenly stopping medications can cause problems to your health. Know the "class" of your medications as you will often see over-the-counter medications that say "do not take if you are on Ace Inhibitors" for example. So you need to know what you class of medication you are on so if other medications should not be taken with that class you will know.

Remember, consult your doctor about your care and concerns!