Top 10 side effects and what to do about them

Most antihypertensive medications are well tolerated when taken at low to moderate doses. Side effects, when they do occur, are generally temporary. Because side effects are more often a problem at higher doses, physicians generally choose to increase medications to only moderate doses, and then add a second medication, rather than use high doses of one medication. In addition to keeping doses at moderate levels physicians can use the side effect profile of a medication, along with a patient's medical history, to select medication combinations that decrease the incidence of side effects.

1. Dizziness, lightheadness, or fainting- Get up slowly. Avoid excessive exercise during hot weather. Limit alcohol consumption. Patients should not operate a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery until they are aware of how the medication affects them and until these side effects have gone away.
2. Hypokalemia-low potassium levels (diuretics)-The doctor may request that you eat foods rich in potassium such as bananas, orange juice, chicken, turkey, fish, milk, raisins, lentils, potatoes and spinach. Do not make diet changes without consulting your health care provider, if you are on a diabetic diet, taking potassium supplements, or taking a medication to reduce potassium loss.
3. Gout-(diuretics)- drink plenty of fluids
4. Photosensitivity-(diuretics, beta blockers) Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and avoiding prolonged contact with the sunlight between 10 AM and 3 PM. Do not use tanning beds, tanning booths or sunlamps.
5. Increased sensitivity to the cold- (Beta-blockers)-Dress warmly during cold weather and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.
6. Cough (ACE Inhibitors) - This side effect frequently goes away during treatment. If it does not go away or is troubling see your doctor. Sometimes this medication may be changed to an ARB.
7. Nausea- Nausea is often temporary. Some medications should be taken with food or milk to reduce nausea. (i.e. bepridil, verapamil extended release) Do not break, crush or chew extended release tablets or capsules- Mild nausea may go away but patients with severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea should check with their physician immediately.
8. Headache- Headaches usually go away once the body has adjusted to the treatment. However, if headaches are severe or prolonged, contact your physician.
9. Tenderness, swelling or bleeding gums (CCBs) may appear when treatment begins. Brush and floss carefully and regularly. Visit your dentist regularly.
10. Slow heart rate (Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers) Have your health care provider teach you how to count your pulse. Contact your physician if your regular pulse rate is less than 50 beats per minute.

All unusual or troublesome side effects should be reported to your health care provider. Such effects include bruising, rashes, hives, red spots on skin, difficulty breathing, joint pain, swollen joints, chest pain, fainting, irregular or rapid heart rate, swollen ankles, vomiting, diarrhea, dark tarry stools, and depression.