Treating high blood pressure with medication presents a real challenge to physicians today. But many times, all that is necessary is to prescribe one or two types of medication that will bring the elevated blood pressure down to a normal level, combined with sensible diet and exercise and relaxation techniques. At other times, however, you will need to experiment with multiple drug regimens before you and your doctor arrive at the right combination of medication with the smallest number of side effects. You need to be patient, and don’t stop taking your medication without first discussing it with your doctor.
As long as we’re on the subject of medication for high blood pressure, remember to take your medications as prescribed whenever you visit your doctor for follow-up checkups, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. It’s also a good idea to order your prescriptions in small amounts at first. At the beginning of your treatment plan, you and your doctor will be experimenting with different medications to find the right one for you. This can be costly. Either ask your doctor to prescribe small amounts or ask your pharmacist to halve your prescription.
Special Mention for the Elderly
If you have an elderly relative who has high blood pressure and is also quite frail, it’s important to weigh the risks of taking the medication against the potential benefits. Lowering the blood pressure too drastically can cause further weakness, falls, and confusion and can ultimately be as harmful to her health as the high blood pressure. Ideally, the doctor, patient, and family should decide together about ways to control your loved one’s blood pressure without the side effects that may have a negative impact on the quality of her life.
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