Does anybody know what are the side effects associated with taking high blood pressure medication?? If any.
Really for your blood pressure, they aren't going to prescribe anything too heavy. So your sides should be minimal.
Unless you have a high heart rate/low cardiac output, they will probably put you on an Ace-Inhibitor. More than likely it will be lisinopril. Google it. It's an old, but well tried and true drug. Very few sides. VERY inexpensive ($5 a month for generic). I've used it and really, really liked it. Since then I've moved onto a Beta-Block but that's to control my HR and BP.
Blood pressure meds aren't going to whack you out, screw you up, etc. They really aren't THAT bad. Just do your research. Lisinopril is the most common prescribed Ace-Inhibitor. Lopressor (metoprolol) is probably the most prescribed Beta Blocker (Coreg is up there fairly high as well). There are Calcium Channel Blockers but I rarely see those used, to tell you the truth.
Blood pressure and AAS is NOT something you want to screw with. I see enough 30-50 year olds coming in with debilitating strokes and heart attacks as it is. Try not using the entire right side of your body for a day and tell me how much it sucks.
For everyone else. Please remember a few things:
- A one time reading is NOT a good indication of your blood pressure. It needs to be tracked. Check it at the same day, in the same position, with the same amount of a rest each day for a few days. That gives you a fairly good idea. I can check mine at the beginning of my shift and at the end, there can be a 20 point difference!
- Use the proper cuff size. Too big, too small, they can all make a big difference in the final outcome. I usually see a 15-20 point difference between the improper and proper sized cuffs.
- Don't use those machines at stores. They are bullshit.
- If you don't know how to do it yourself, either learn or find someone. A lot of hospitals and community centers offer free BP screenings (and cholesterol at like $10-$15). Know someone going to nursing school? Have them show you how. It's a VERRRRRRY easy skill to learn. If the idiots at work can do it, so can you. For under $40 you can get a stethoscope and BP cuff (don't buy the expensive ones, you aren't listening for heart valves to close, the cheap $20 scope will work fantastic).
- Those new commercials about not asking your doctor questions........well they are the damn truth. If you have a concern, ASK THEM. Don't be afraid. Tell them you can't afford this type of med and have them write for another. Think you may sound like a dumbass? Trust me, they've heard worse. Once had a lady use a tampon to stop her diarrhea......think your question is dumber than that?