Jessica Wick
Often called the silent killer because it has no warning signs or symptoms, elevated blood pressure can cause a host of health problems, including stroke. According to the CDC, roughly 75 million American adults have high blood pressure. In some cases, doctors prescribe medication to help their patients safely lower their blood pressure.
But no medication is spared from dangerous side effects, and unfortunately, blood pressure medications have a few that are very concerning.
Why blood pressure matters
A healthy, normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Having a normal blood pressure is ideal for your body to function at its best. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading cause of stroke and can cause severe damage to your eyes, kidneys, and arteries. That’s why knowing your number is important.
Common classifications of blood pressure medications
Since there are different causes of high blood pressure and different situations to consider, there is more than one classification of blood pressure medication. The most common types are:
Diuretics, which remove excess sodium and water from your body.

ACE inhibitors, which relax blood vessels.
Beta blockers, which work by blocking the effects of adrenaline.
Alpha blockers, which relax certain muscles and help small blood vessels remain open.
ARBs, which relax blood vessels by blocking the action of angiotensin, a chemical in your body that narrows blood vessels.
Calcium channel blockers, which prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel muscle cells.
The medication you’re prescribed and its effects will depend on your individual body chemistry. However, the following six have some surprisingly dangerous possible side effects.
Vasotec
Vasotec is the common brand name for the ACE inhibitor. It’s used to treat diabetic kidney disease and heart failure in addition to low blood pressure. Dangerous side effects include liver dysfunction, swollen lips, face, and tongue, and blood pressure that is too low. It can also cause insomnia and wreak havoc on your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Bisoprolol, sold as the brand Zebeta, is a common beta blocker. The list of common side effects are scary enough: Drowsiness, nausea, constipation, ringing in your ears, depression, anxiety, and loss of sex drive, just to name a few. But it’s the rare side effects, such as low heartbeat, trouble breathing, and blue fingers and toes that are truly concerning.
Doxazosin (Cardura)
Doxazosin, sold as the brand Cardura, is one of the most common alpha blockers. Common side effects include feeling fatigued, headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. Dangerous but less common side effects include excessive weight gain, fainting, weakness, yellow eyes, and shortness of breath. Discontinue use and see a doctor if you experience any of the less common effects.
Mykrox
Mykrox is a diuretic, and the main ingredient is metolazone. Diuretics are often thought to be a safer blood pressure medication since they simply remove excess fluid from the body.
But the side effects are present, and they’re worrisome: Bleeding gums, black, tarry stools, cold sweats, blood in the urine, itching, convulsions, constipation, and dizziness are just a few of the things you’ll need to watch out for.
Losartan (Cozaar)
Losartan (sold as Cozaar) keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. But it can also cause a dry cough, insomnia, stomach issues, muscle pain, shortness of breath, swelling, weight gain, and problems urinating.
Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
Chlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that treats the fluid retention in high blood pressure patients. It’s sold as Diuril, and while it’s often effective, the side effects are pretty scary: Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, constipation, loss of sex drive, and a sensitivity to the sun.
Natural ways to lower blood pressure
While medication is sometimes necessary, there are plenty of ways you can prevent high blood pressure or lower it naturally. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of exercise are the best ways to maintain a healthy blood pressure.
If you do notice a spike, eat a healthy diet full of potassium-rich foods, limit sodium, and drink plenty of water. With any luck, you won’t need medication at all.