Hypertension or high blood pressure is a serious condition that affects people globally. Treating it on time is vital as it is a potentially dangerous condition and can lead to health hazards like stroke and heart attack. There are varieties of medicines available for the treatment of high blood pressure. The right medicine for a patient can only be determined by the doctor who will consider the patient’s medical history and current situation and then prescribe a drug. Using the wrong medicine can be injurious to health rather than beneficial. Hence, some knowledge about the medicines used for high blood pressure is essential, especially those drugs that are known to be problematic. Some of these drugs are

Most Dangerous High Blood Pressure Medicines

1.    Clonidine: this is the generic name for a drug that lowers blood pressure by changing blood chemistry. Clonidine is also used for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms of alcohol addiction although the FDA does not approve of this usage. Before taking this medication, it is important to know that sudden discontinuation of this drug leads to a dangerous elevation of blood pressure. Hence, doctors will recommend a gradual ceasing of this medicine.

2.    Diuretics: These are often combined with other medicines to achieve the desired results. Diuretics work by flushing out sodium and excess fluids from the body. These medicines are generally safe to use but diabetics need to be extra careful as it tends to increase blood sugar levels. However, a change in insulin or diet can offset the effects of diuretics. Diuretics also cause potassium depletion in the body which can lead to hypokalemia. Its symptoms are fatigue, muscle cramping and abnormal heart rhythms. Again, this effect can be avoided by taking proper food and supplements. Conclusively, you can take this medicine after discussing with your doctor its potential effects on your overall health.

3.    Beta blockers: These drugs are commonly used for treating hypertension, arrhythmia and angina. They work by decreasing the heart rate. Its side effects include insomnia, depression, asthma like symptoms and decrease in blood sugar levels. Hence, diabetics need to be extra careful of their sugar levels if they plan to take beta blockers. Checking sugar level regularly will keep them up to date about their blood sugar levels and warn them in time about dangerously low sugar levels.

4.    Prazosin: This belongs to the alpha-adrenergic blocker (alpha blocker) category of drugs prescribed in hypertension. Prazosin works to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and allowing more blood to pass through them. The use of this drug is not recommended to patients with kidney or liver disease. Moreover, Prazosin has also been known to cause dizziness and a feeling of tiredness. Sudden changes in body postures can also cause fainting. Sudden discontinuation of Prazosin can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure which can be dangerous for health.

All medicines have some sort of side effects. This is why it is essential to begin a medicine only after a doctor’s recommendation and never to cease taking a drug without the doctor’s approval as in both situations, dangerous results can occur. Not taking any medicine for hypertension is also not an advisable step because leaving it untreated can lead to serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease. Hence, do not take hypertension lightly and consult with your doctor about the right medicine for you.

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