Hypertension is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to a heart attack, stroke, heart failure, etc. And aside from lifestyle changes, high blood maintenance medication is also sometimes used in managing this condition.
Just like other medications, there are certain things that patients need to know when taking these drugs. Here are some of the things you need to know if you’re taking high blood maintenance medicine.
High Blood Maintenance Medication: Important Safety Reminders
For the most part, maintenance medication isn’t usually needed by everyone who has high blood pressure. In fact, a person with hypertension can manage their condition well if they eat right, exercise, and visit the doctor regularly1.
But in some cases, these might not be enough. Some people might have preexisting conditions that make hypertension harder to manage, or their lifestyle changes might not be adequate. Either way, these are situations where doctors would prescribe medication for high blood maintenance.
There are different types of blood pressure medication, such as diuretics to remove salt from kidneys, beta-blockers to make the heart beat slower, and ACE inhibitors which relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure2.
Whichever medicine you’re taking, here are some important things to remember3:
Follow your doctor’s recommendations
First, you should always follow your doctor’s recommendations on how to take your medication. Take note of when you need to take it, how often, and whether or not it’s okay to take on an empty stomach. These are all important and can help ensure you’re taking your medications the right way.
Inform your doctor of all your medications
If you’re already taking other high blood maintenance or medications for other conditions, always inform your doctor. Some medicines shouldn’t be taken together, or mixing them might make side effects worse. So try to inform your doctor before they prescribe you any new medication.
Always keep a stock of medicine at hand
The last thing you want is to run out of medication when you need it most. Try to keep a stock of medication at hand, and be sure to buy extra. That way, if for any reason you’re unable to buy medication, you’ll always have a supply on hand.
Don’t stop taking your medication
You might notice your blood pressure start to normalize once you take your high blood maintenance meds. This is a sign that the medication is working, though this doesn’t mean that you can stop taking it.
Once you stop taking your medication, chances are, your blood pressure will go back to the way it was. So keep taking your medication until your doctor says to stop.
Do not share your medication with others
Lastly, never ever share your medication with other people. It might be tempting to do so, especially if they also have hypertension, but if they don’t need the medicine, or if their doctor hasn’t prescribed it, then you should not give them your meds.
Possible Side Effects
It’s possible for high blood maintenance drugs to cause certain side effects. For the most part, these side effects are normal, and some tend to go away over time. However, if these cause you significant discomfort, or serious problems, be sure to inform your doctor as soon as possible.
Here are some side effects that you can expect4:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Excessive urination (in the case of diuretics)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Swelling
- Cough
Whenever your doctor prescribes you medication, don’t hesitate to ask them about the possible side effects. This way, if you don’t feel that you can cope with the side effects, you can figure out what medications will suit your situation best.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to high blood maintenance medication, the most important thing to remember is to always follow your doctor. This way, you’re getting the best possible care, and ensuring that you are managing your condition well.
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