Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Blood Pressure Pills and the Blahs

Q. I have enjoyed excellent health all my life, but last year my doctor diagnosed high blood pressure (170/90). He prescribed triamterene/HCTZ and atenolol. I also take vitamins and a half aspirin daily.
The medicine has brought my blood pressure down to around 130/63, but I feel extremely fatigued. My doctor has also informed me that a test shows I’m getting very close to diabetes. I can’t help wondering if my medicine is contributing to the trouble I now face.

A. Your medicines seem to be controlling your blood pressure, but they could be causing your current problems. Atenolol may cause fatigue also known as the “beta blocker blahs” or the “beta blocker blues.” There is also growing reservation among cardiologists in the know about the advisability of relying on beta blockers like atenolol, metoprolol or propranolol as first-line blood pressure medications. British experts in hypertension save beta blockers for the last line of defense, using other kinds of medications first.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic that has been associated with elevated blood sugar. This drug may actually tip the balance for some people and bring on diabetes. Such diuretics may also raise uric acid levels high enough to trigger gout.
Here are some other things to be aware of while taking these drugs.

Beta Blocker Side Effects:

• Fatigue, tiredness, blahs, depression
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Itchy skin rash
• Difficulty breathing, asthma
• Slow hear rate
• Cold hands or feet
• Nightmares or vivid dreams
• Sensitivity to sunlight, sunburn
• Heart block
• Blood disorders

Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

• Dizziness
• Imbalance in electrolytes (high potassium levels)
• Muscle cramps, spasms
• Nausea, vomiting, digestive upset
• Elevated uric acid levels, gout
• Sexual difficulties
• Headache
• Visual disturbances
• Skin rash (report to doctor immediately!)
• Sensitivity to sunlight, sunburn
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Anemia

Blood pressure control is essential, but you need to ask your doctor if some other medications would be appropriate. There are many options for lowering blood pressure, and some are less likely to cause the side effects you are experiencing. We have a comprehensive chapter on problems with beta blocker blood pressure pills and discuss many alternative medications as well as non-drug treatments for hypertension in our book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy.
You may also find our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment of value.
Good luck negotiating with your physician about the best way to control hypertension without causing debilitating symptoms.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
5- 3 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.