Blood Pressure Medicine That Doesn T Make You Tired
High blood pressure is a common condition that affects millions of people in the United States. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. While there are many medications available to treat high blood pressure, some of them can cause side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness. In this article, we will explore blood pressure medicine that doesn’t make you tired.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This can cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems. High blood pressure can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, diet, lifestyle and underlying medical conditions.
Common medications for high blood pressure
There are several different types of medications that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure. These include:
- Diuretics - These medications help to reduce the amount of fluid in the body, which can lower blood pressure.
- Beta-blockers - These medications work by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - These medications help to relax the blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) - These medications work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors by relaxing the blood vessels.
- Calcium channel blockers - These medications help to relax the blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart.
Side effects of blood pressure medication
While medications can be effective in controlling high blood pressure, they can also cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of blood pressure medication include:
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
Blood pressure medication that doesn’t make you tired
While many blood pressure medications can cause fatigue and drowsiness, there are some that are less likely to cause these side effects. These include:
- ARBs - Angiotensin II receptor blockers are less likely to cause fatigue than some other types of blood pressure medication.
- Calcium channel blockers - These medications are also less likely to cause fatigue and drowsiness.
- Centrally-acting agents - These medications work by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which can help to lower blood pressure without causing fatigue.
Lifestyle changes to help lower blood pressure
In addition to taking medication, there are also several lifestyle changes that can help to lower blood pressure. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
Conclusion
High blood pressure is a serious condition that requires treatment to avoid complications. While medication can be effective in controlling blood pressure, some types can cause side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness. By choosing medications that are less likely to cause these side effects and making lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure, it is possible to manage high blood pressure without feeling tired all the time.