Various medications, supplements and other substances can trigger or worsen high blood pressure (hypertension). Sometimes these substances interfere with medications intended to lower blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure and it's not responding well to treatment, talk to your doctor about any substances you're taking — including illicit drugs. Being open and honest with your doctor can help you effectively manage your blood pressure.
Prescription medications
The issue
Various prescription medications — from pain relievers to antidepressants and drugs used after organ transplants — can cause or aggravate high blood pressure.
Examples
Antidepressants :
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)
COX-2 inhibitors :
· Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Immunosuppressants :
· Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
· Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
· Tacrolimus (Prograf, Protopic)
Others :
- Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Sibutramine (Meridia)
- Yohimbine (Yocon)
What to do
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If your blood pressure increases or isn't well controlled, ask your doctor about alternatives to these medications. He or she may recommend lifestyle changes or additional medications to control your high blood pressure.
Provided by : MayoClinic.com
