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All antihypertensive drugs have some side effects so let’s take a look at the adverse reactions that these drugs can create:

Diuretics: Diuretics are used in the early stages of high blood pressure; they reduce the blood pressure by purging out the sodium and excess water from the body, this reduction in the fluid levels of the body causes diuretic side effects including frequent urge to urinate, dehydration and dry mouth. Normally, consuming enough fluids to keep the body hydrated is enough to reduce these side effects Diuretics not only lower the level of sodium but they also reduce the level of potassium in the body. Since Potassium is a vital nutrient it is essential to replenish it and doctors will unjustly recommend that patients on diuretic should consume food items rich in potassium to make up for its loss. Patients who are under diuretics should keep a constant tab on their potassium levels.

Beat Blockers: Since Beta blockers reduce the heart rate to reduce the blood pressure these drugs may cause cardiac ailments like angina, arrhythmias, insomnia, migraine and depression. When taken excessive doses beta blockers may reduce the heart rate dangerously leading to a cardiac failure. Impotency is also a side effect of beta blockers however it is very rare.

ACE Inhibitors: Pregnant women should not use CE inhibitors because these drugs can cause serious side effects in the mother and the fetus. Side effects of this medication can be serious and bothersome with almost 10% of the people who were administered ACE inhibitors complaining of insistent, cough. In some people this drug may lead to allergic reactions like swelling of the face etc. It is important that you consult your doctor at once if any side effects are experienced after using ACE inhibitors because in some cases the side effects can be fatal and have caused renal failure due to a dangerous increase in the potassium levels.

Calcium Blockers: By reducing the assimilation of calcium in the heat cells, these drugs reduce the force of contraction on the heart muscles. Side effects of this drug are mild as compared to those of ACE inhibitors and they include: nausea, constipation, swollen ankles, spells of dizziness, headaches and rashes.

Alpha Blockers: Alpha blockers function in the same way in which beta blockers do, the only difference is that different receptors are blocked by these drugs. The side effects of these drugs include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache and other mild issues. These are usually experienced in the initial stages of treatment.

Angiotensin II Blockers:  the ARB work like the ACE inhibitors so these drugs are usually prescribed to patients who have experienced severe side effects of ACE inhibitors. The side effects of ARB’ can be very mild and people using the drugs may simply feel slight dizziness intermittently however this drug like the ACE inhibitors should not be administered to pregnant women.

Using two or more of the antihypertensive drugs in combination will increase the risk of experiencing side effects. So it is essential that you only take blood pressure medication under the guidance of your doctor. There is no single combination of high blood pressure drugs that works generically, depending on your age, the extent of your problem, individual needs and your race the doctor will determine the optimal combination of drugs for you. Although these mediations can be used to reduce high blood pressure it is highly recommended that you also look at natural recourses to regulate hypertension like eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing weight through exercise.

Blood pressure medication has to be taken for life because these drugs do not help in curing the disorder they merely help to control it. However, once the medicines are used to control blood pressure for three or more years and if the readings of an individual are normal while under these drugs for an extended period of time, the medication may be stopped. This particularly holds true for people who have made significant changes to their lifestyle which in turn has had a positive impact on their blood pressure. Even after you stop the medication, regular blood pressure checks are a must. In some patients the blood pressure may remain normal however in others it may start to rise eventually in this case medication can be started again.