Blood Pressure Medicine Types

This is one of the most common questions. The truth is, there isn’t one “winner.” Which is in many ways good news because it means you have options.

All four medication types are the first choices because they work well for most people. The best one for you might also help with another health condition. So, each person has a different best medication or medications.

Most people will not gain weight from blood pressure medicine. Some people might notice water weight gain, but this is usually from heart problems, not the medicine itself.

Amlodipine is different. About 1 in 10 people taking amlodipine get ankle or foot swelling. This swelling is from extra water, not fat, and happens because the medicine opens up blood vessels.

This swelling usually goes away within a few days once it’s treated.

More about Swelling from Amlodipine

• Usually starts after taking the medicine for several weeks or months
• Is more likely with higher doses
• Can be bothersome but is not dangerous

What You Can Do if This Happens

• Elevate your feet when resting
• Stay active – walking helps
• Tell your doctor – they can often help by:
  
  • Lowering your dose
  • Adding another medicine
  • Switching to a different blood pressure medicine

It’s a good idea to still talk to your doctor. Together you can figure out if there’s a pattern. You should keep checking your blood pressure 1-2 times a day. Write down your readings and how you feel.

High blood pressure damages your body slowly over time. You can’t feel it happening.

What Can Get Damaged

• Heart – Works too hard, can get bigger and weaker
• Blood vessels – Get stiff and narrow
• Brain – Blood vessels can burst or get blocked
• Kidneys – Can get damaged and not work as well
• Eyes – Can hurt your vision

How Long Does It Take to Happen?

• Damage happens over months and years
• Some damage can’t be fixed once it happens
• The higher your blood pressure, the faster damage occurs

Most medications start working within a few hours. But don’t worry if you don’t feel anything different! High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms, so you won’t feel the medication working.

Some people feel a little lightheaded for the first few days as their body gets used to the lower blood pressure. This usually gets better. But tell your doctor if you feel very lightheaded or might fall.

It takes about 2-4 weeks to see the full effect on your blood pressure readings.