Monday, March 25, 2024
HomeWhat Happens If You Take Too Many Blood Pressure Pills

What Happens If You Take Too Many Blood Pressure Pills

What Other Drugs Will Affect Naproxen

Can A Blood Pressure Pill Kill You If You Take Too Many?

Ask your doctor before using naproxen if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine , fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline , trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are also using any of the following drugs:

  • cholestyramine;

  • phenytoin or similar seizure medications;

  • probenecid;

How To Avoid Missing Pills

More than half of patients with hypertension miss at least one dose a year. What is your reason for skipping a dose? Is it the cost, the side effects, or the number of pills? Whatever it is, talk to your doctor. There are many medicines available for hypertension in the market, and it is often possible to switch to another medication that suits you instead.

References:

  • Reidenberg MM. Drug discontinuation effects are part of the pharmacology of a drug. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 2011;339:324-8.
  • Corrao G, Rea F, Ghirardi A, Soranna D, Merlino L, Mancia G. Adherence with antihypertensive drug therapy and the risk of heart failure in clinical practice. Hypertension. 2015;66:742-9.
  • Karachalios GN, Charalabopoulos A, Papalimneou V, Kiortsis D, Dimicco P, Kostoula OK, et al. Withdrawal syndrome following cessation of antihypertensive drug therapy. International journal of clinical practice. 2005;59:562-70.
  • De Leeuw PW, Fagard R, Kroon AA. The effects of missed doses of amlodipine and losartan on blood pressure in older hypertensive patients. Hypertension Research. 2017;40:568.
  • Loved this article? Don’t forget to share it!

    Risks With Certain Drugs

    The various kinds of blood pressure drugs carry different risks.

    Diuretics. Sometimes referred to as water pills, diuretics are popular because they effectively help reduce arterial wall pressure by helping the kidneys excrete excess salt and water, the American Heart Association notes.

    Examples include chlorthalidone , chlorothiazide , hydrochlorothiazide , indapamide and metolazone .

    Dr. Lawrence points out that “if a patient takes a diuretic for high blood pressure control, there’s a risk for triggering dehydration.” In turn, dehydration can increase the risk for issues ranging from minor headache to heat stroke, the AHA warns. Diuretics can also cause excessive urination, notes Harvard Health.

    Beta-Blockers. These drugs lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine , thereby reducing your heart rate and blood output. The AHA warns that these medications can also trigger insomnia, depression and cold hands and feet, and both the AHA and Harvard Health highlight erectile dysfunction as another concern. The U.S. National Library of Medicine warns that taking too much of a beta-blocker can result in poisoning.

    Examples include drugs such as acebutolol , atenolol , metopolol and bisoprolol .

    Examples, according to the AHA, include amlodipine besylate , bepridil , diltiazem hydrochloride , felodipine and isradipine .

    Examples of ACE inhibitors include benazepril hydrochloride , captopril , enalapril maleate and fosinopril sodium .

    Also Check: What Is A Dangerously High Blood Pressure

    A Trend Toward Lower Targets

    Finding safe, effective ways to manage blood pressure has been a matter of growing interest. “Nowadays, there’s a trend to control blood pressure more aggressively than in the past,” says Dr. C. Michael Gibson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an interventional cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Although the prior standard was a blood pressure target of less than 140/90 for most people, a goal of 120/80 appears to be even more effective for preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease.

    How Blood Pressure Medication Works

    Are You Taking Too Much Thyroid Medication?

    The heart, kidneys, hormones, blood vessels and central nervous system each play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. There are many different kinds of blood pressure medication that can affect each of these systems.

    “Blood pressure is controlled by many systems in our bodies, so different drugs work in different ways,” Dr. Brayer says. “Some are calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARB inhibitors or adrenergic blockers. That is why some people need two or even three medications to work together for optimal control.”

    Read Also: Is High Blood Pressure Heart Disease

    Medications Used To Treat High Blood Pressure

    Diuretics

    These high blood pressure medications flush extra water and sodium from your body. Diuretics may cause these side effects:

    • Extra urination. Extra water out means more time in the bathroom. Take these medications earlier in the day and when you’re not far away from a bathroom.
    • Erection problems in some men
    • Weakness, leg cramps, or fatigue. Diuretics may decrease the body’s levels of the mineral potassium, which can lead to these side effects. Certain potassium-sparing diuretics do not have this effect, however.
    • Intense and sudden foot pain, which is a symptom of gout; this is rare.

    Beta-Blockers

    Beta-blockers make your heart beat less forcefully and more slowly. These medications may cause side effects such as:

    Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

    These high blood pressure medications block formation of a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, so vessels relax. ACE inhibitors may cause these side effects:

    • A dry, hacking cough that doesn’t go away. If you have this side effect, the doctor may prescribe another type of medication.
    • Skin rash and a loss of taste are two other possible side effects of ACE inhibitors.

    Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

    These high blood pressure medications shield blood vessels from a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. This allows blood vessels to stay open. One of the more common side effects of ARBs is dizziness.

    Calcium Channel Blockers

    Alpha-Blockers

    Alpha-2 Receptor Agonist

    High Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects To Watch For

    Doctors can choose from a vast array of medications for hypertension. These drugs fall into more than 10 different classes, with multiple drug choices within each category. But no matter the class, every drug of this type can produce side effects. You should discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of the specific drug he or she is prescribing for you, including which symptoms require prompt medical intervention.

    In general, whether you are taking a diuretic medication for , an ACE inhibitor, a beta blocker, or some other type of drug, watch for these symptoms that might indicate your dosage needs to be adjusted:

    Also Check: What Is Blood Pressure Supposed To Be

    Will My Dose Go Up Or Down

    You will probably be prescribed a low dose of ramipril at first so it does not make you feel dizzy.

    This will usually be increased gradually until you reach the right dose for you.

    The first time you may be prescribed a pack that contains tablets of 3 different strengths of ramipril .

    Your doctor will tell you which strength to take, how often to take it, and when or if you need to increase your dose.

    Important

    Take ramipril even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits of the medicine.

    Finding The Right Blood Pressure Medications For You

    Can A Blood Pressure Pill Kill You If You Take Too Many?

    How blood pressure medicines work

    Your body is constantly working to keep your blood pressure under control. There are receptors in your blood vessel walls which detect when your blood pressure is too high or low. In response, your nerves, hormones and kidneys all play a role in bringing it back to a safe level.

    Over time, your blood pressure can creep up for a number of reasons, including an unhealthy lifestyle, and medications can help to bring it back down. They do this by acting on the ways your body controls blood pressure. Some affect the nerves or hormones which send signals to your blood vessel walls, telling them to relax or contract, while some affect the kidneys, causing them to remove excess salt and water from the blood.

    Taking more than one medicine

    Taking a combination of different medicines can work better than taking one, because they work in different ways. Taking a low dose of two medications rather than a high dose of one, can also help to avoid side effects, as side effects can sometimes be caused by the dose.

    Sometimes a medication will work well to begin with, but with time your blood pressure might creep up again. You may then need to take another medicine alongside it which works in a different way.;

    Choosing a medicine to suit you

    Which medications will be suitable for you depends on a number of things, including your:

    Finding the right combination of medicines

    Simplifying your medicines

    You May Like: Blood Pressure Which Number Is More Important

    Death Risk Increased With Two Blood Pressure Drugs

    High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. But a new study has found that two classes of medication that are commonly used to lower blood pressure could present a death risk all on their own.

    Scientists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City, UT, found that individuals with hypertension who used alpha blockers and alpha-2 agonists to control their blood pressure showed an increase in blood pressure variability, which could increase mortality risk.

    Lead study author Dr. Brian Clements and team have recently presented their findings at the 2018 American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions, held in Orlando, FL.

    Blood pressure is the force of blood that pushes against the wall of the arteries. And, in November last year, the American Heart Association and the ACC set new guidelines.

    Now, a person is considered to have hypertension if their systolic blood pressure is 130 millimeters of mercury or higher, and their diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg or higher.

    Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart is beating, while diastolic blood pressure is the force of blood when the heart is at rest, or between heartbeats.

    According to the new study from Dr. Clements and colleagues, certain types of medication that are used to lower blood pressure may be contributing to this mortality risk.

    When To Call 911 For High Blood Pressure Medication Side Effects

    In rare cases, medication for hypertension can cause an extreme drop in blood pressure that requires emergency medical treatment. if someone you know takes blood pressure medication and experiences:

    • A series of blood pressure readings below 90/60 mm Hg accompanied by other symptoms

    • Altered mental status including extreme or loss of consciousness

    • Inability to wake the person up

    Fortunately, these symptoms are very rare. Most people take high blood pressure medicine without ever experiencing even a minor side effect.

    You May Like: What Does Sys Mean In Blood Pressure

    How Blood Pressure Medications Work

    Blood pressure tends to vary during the day. It tends to be higher when you wake up in the morning and during the morning hours, and lower in the night and when sleeping. However, there are people whose blood pressure does not drop at night; researchers call these “non-dippers.”

    Most blood pressure medications have been designed for ease of use, meaning they are meant to be taken once per day. Even so, these medications are not equally effective over the entire 24-hour period during which they are active.

    The action of blood pressure drugs peaks anywhere from four to 15 hours later after you take a dose. Ideally, the drug is prescribed so that the peak concentration coincides with the time of day when your blood pressure is at its highest.

    There are several different types of blood pressure medications that have different mechanisms of action and are thus best taken at certain times of day.

    Medications that are best taken in the morning:

    • Diuretics, or water-pills”:These include Diuril and Lozol , and work by helping your kidneys get rid of extra water in your body. Because diuretics can cause you to urinate more , it’s best to take them in the morning. If you need a second dose, take it by mid-afternoon.

    Some other common blood pressure medications that are best taken at bedtime include:

    • ACE inhibitors , including Lotensin and Vasotec
    • ARBs , such as Avapro
    • Beta blockers, such as Lopressor
    • Calcium Channel blockers, such as Norvasc

    Before Taking This Medicine

    Can A Blood Pressure Pill Kill You If You Take Too Many ...

    Naproxen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using this medicine, especially in older adults.

    You should not use naproxen if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

    Ask a doctor before giving naproxen to a child younger than 12 years old.

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:

    • heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

    • a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

    • a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;

    • asthma;

    • fluid retention: or

    • if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

    If you are pregnant, you should not take naproxen unless your doctor tells you to. Taking a NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

    It may not be safe to breastfeed while using naproxen. Ask your doctor about any risk.

    Naproxen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

    Read Also: Does Apple Watch Show Blood Pressure

    How Is Resistant Hypertension Diagnosed

    • Full history and physical exam, which includes letting your doctor know about all medications and supplements, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal or recreational. Its important to mention if you skip doses of daily medicines.
    • True measurement of your blood pressure using correct technique and calibrated equipment.
    • Home blood pressure measurement during the day and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to record your blood pressure throughout a regular day. It may be used if your physician suspects your blood pressure readings in the office dont tell the whole story.
    • Tests for secondary conditions, which may include special blood work and imaging studies. Identifying and treating these conditions may eliminate hypertension or at least make it more treatable.
    • Tests for organ damage caused by hypertension, which may include:
    • Electrocardiogram to measure your hearts size and rhythm
    • Echocardiogram to measure your hearts size and function
    • Fundoscopic eye exam to check for damaged blood vessels inside the eye; these tiny blood vessels come in from the brain and are a unique opportunity for your doctor to judge the health of similar blood vessels in your brain, heart and kidneys
    • Urinalysis to check for kidney damage
    • Other blood tests
    • Chest X-ray

    What Are The Risks Of Resistant Hypertension

    Over time, uncontrolled hypertension damages the arteries, contributing to their stiffening. As the arteries become narrower and less flexible, the heart has to work harder to move blood through the body. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and other heart conditions; cause damage to your kidneys, memory and vision; and contribute to erectile dysfunction.

    You May Like: Can You Feel High Blood Pressure

    What About Medicine Interactions

    If you use 2 or more medicines at the same time, the way your body processes each one can change. When this happens, the risk of side effects from each medicine increases. Each medicine may not work the way it should. Be sure your doctor knows all of the medicines you are taking. These include over-the-counter and;prescription;medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

    Also ask your doctor whether you need to avoid any foods or drinks while using your;blood pressure;medicine. For example, people taking certain CCBs may need to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice.

    Take The Right Medicines

    When Should You Take Your Blood Pressure Medication? Results of a Recently Published Study

    If a healthy diet and lifestyle changes alone don’t lower your blood pressure enough, or if your levels are very high to begin with, you should consider medication. The drugs used to treat high blood pressure are effective and relatively safe, and most are available as low-cost generics. But they can cause side effects, as listed in the table below.;

    Many doctors will recommend initial treatment with a group of drugs called thiazide diuretics, sometimes known as “water pills.” Studies have consistently shown these drugs work for most people who take them, have been used for more than 50 years, are inexpensive, and have a very good safety record. In addition, they outperform all other types of high blood pressure drugs in reducing the risk of death from heart failure. ;;;

    Still, many doctors routinely prescribe other blood pressure medicines, including newer, more expensive ones. In addition to thiazide diuretics, the guidelines this report is based on recommend three types of drugs for potential initial treatment, or if a second drug is needed to lower your blood pressure. They are: calcium channel blockers ; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors ; and angiotensin receptor blockers .

    Recommended first-choice blood pressure drugs

    • Thiazide diuretics

    What else you need to know about the latest blood pressure guidelines

    Don’t Miss: Does Aspirin Raise Blood Pressure

    Does High Blood Pressure Lead To Weight Gain

    Some high blood pressure medications can, in fact, lead to weight gain. Common offenders include older beta-blockers such as propranolol and atenolol . There could be several reasons for this — including the fact that the medications can make patients feel tired and thus less likely to exercise.

    • Minoxidil tablets — used only when other antihypertensive medications have failed — can also cause weight gain.
    • Weight gain is also listed as a common side effect of doxazosin . Diuretics are more likely to cause weight loss.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles