4 Hidden Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Meds

Fatigue

It is not unusual for those who are taking high blood pressure meds to experience feelings of tiredness. This effect is mostly caused by beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic blockers, and centrally-acting alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists. But there are also meds that don’t contain these compounds and still cause fatigue.

These classes of medication work in special ways, and this is why they have this effect. For example, beta-blockers slow down your heart rate. Then we have alpha-adrenergic medications that influence the central nervous system, particularly the sympathetic (“flight or fight”) system, which is responsible for keeping us awake.

Sometimes simply the lowering of blood pressure will cause fatigue, but once you get adjusted, this will become your new normal.