Proper blood pressure control is important for your cardiovascular health. So it’s wise to key an eye on your blood pressure readings if you’re taking anything that could cause a problem. That includes vitamins and other supplements that can affect your blood pressure.
This article looks at common drug types that can make your hypertension (high blood pressure) worse. It also discusses what they’re typically used to treat and what you can try instead, keeping in mind that you should always discuss medication used with your healthcare provider.
Treat headachesReduce feverAt higher doses, alleviate pain and inflammation
While NSAIDs are typically safe, prolonged use can raise your blood pressure.
Long-term use has also been linked to changes in kidney function. The kidneys play a key role in blood pressure regulation. There’s research evidence that finds NSAIDs may increase cardiovascular risks, like heart attack and stroke, in some people.
OTC NSAIDs include:
Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) Aleve, Naprosyn (naproxen)
Ask your healthcare provider about pain-relief options that may be safer for you.
They do this by constricting blood vessels in your nose and sinuses. That opens airways and makes you feel less stuffed up from colds or allergies.
Most decongestants contain either:
Pseudoephedrine Phenylephrine
Those are both stimulants known to increase blood pressure.
When used short-term, decongestants are largely safe and effective. But overuse may raise blood pressure and undermine your treatment.
Look for non-stimulant decongestants, which may be just as effective for certain nasal conditions.
Decongestants NSAIDs or Tylenol (acetaminophen) Cough suppressants
Constricted blood vessels and fluid retention are effects of these drugs when taken together. They can cause short-term blood pressure increases and make your treatment less effective.
Blood-vessel constriction is a common side effect of these products. They often have a larger effect on women who smoke, are overweight, or are over age 35.
Oral contraceptives with lower-dose estrogen may have lesser effects on blood pressure. If you still have a problem while taking these, you may need to consider other forms of birth control.
Serotonin Norepinephrine Dopamine
These drugs increase your levels of adrenaline and other stimulating hormones. That can increase blood pressure.
Dopamine is even used in emergencies to raise critically low blood pressure.
Several antidepressant classes are linked to increased blood pressure, such as:
Tricyclics: Amitriptyline, doxepin, Norpramin (desipramine) SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), Savella (milnacipran) MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)*: Emsam (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine)
Aged and fermented foods (e. g. , sauerkraut, cured meats, soy sauce, and tofu)Acetaminophen or aspirin The heart medicine dobutamine The antibiotic isoniazidMany stimulants
A Word From Verywell
If you take any of these OTC drugs, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk of hypertension. You may want to check your blood pressure at home until you know how the medication affects you. You may need to switch drugs, lower your dosage, or up the dosage of an anti-hypertensive drug.
Prehypertensive range = between 120-139/80-89Hypertensive range = 140 or higher/90 or higherHypertensive crisis = above 180/above 120
