17 Drugs, Supplements and Medications That Raise Blood Pressure!

I'm Dr. Frita and today, I'm giving you 17 drugs, supplements, and medications that raise blood pressure and cause hypertension. We have all taken some form of medicine or supplement and the point is to make us feel better and healthier, right? But in actuality, there are many medications and supplements that can actually be harmful to you by causing high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half the adults in the United States have high blood pressure and many don't even know it. So imagine that on top of that, you're also taking medications and supplements that are making your blood pressure increase. That could lead to catastrophic hypertension. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure. So I know you don't want to take medications that can actually make your blood pressure worse, do you? So today, we're going to talk about it. I'm giving you 17 drugs, supplements, and medications that can increase your blood pressure and cause you to have hypertension. Keep reading.

 

Looking for a comprehensive approach to managing your blood pressure? My book "Under Pressure: A Guide to Controlling High Blood Pressure" combines both traditional and holistic methods for controlling hypertension. With my training from prestigious institutions like Meharry Medical College, Georgetown University Hospital, and Emory University Hospital, I provide expert guidance on Western medicines while also exploring natural approaches through diet, exercise, and breathing techniques. Get your copy and take control of your blood pressure today.

17 Drugs and Medications That Raise Blood Pressure

I'm Dr. Frita. I am a board-certified kidney doctor and high blood pressure doctor, so I have personally seen these medications raise the blood pressure of some of my patients in my very own practice. I want you to remember that different people react to the same medications differently. So just because you might hear a drug, medication, or a supplement that you're taking, that doesn't mean for you to automatically stop it and throw it away. What it does mean is that you need to have a conversation with your doctor/ health care provider. Consult your physician, and monitor your blood pressure closely.

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications - Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Let's start with some of the over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As a kidney doctor, I need to be real with you: these medications can make your body hold onto fluid and affect how well your kidneys work, which can send that blood pressure climbing up, up, up!

1. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin):

Examples of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. And yes, I know, these medications are great for pain relief and inflammation. The truth of the matter is that they can potentially cause high blood pressure, and this is how. When you take an over-the-counter medication like this, it causes you to retain water. It can also cause a decrease in your kidney function. Yes, it can decrease the way that your kidneys filter. It can also cause your blood vessels to tighten or constrict. This can lead to high blood pressure.

2. Naproxen (Aleve):

An example of naproxen is Aleve, and we know that it's a very strong pain medication as well. A lot of people take it for headaches, for menstrual pain, different types of arthritic pains, or sports injuries. It's very popular. And in some people, they do just fine. But just like ibuprofen, naproxen also has the potential to raise high blood pressure because it too can make you retain fluid, can cause kidney function or the GFR to decrease, and can cause vasoconstriction. So yes, naproxen can also raise blood pressure in some people.

Question: Did you know that some of the latest health hacks that keep showing up in your headlines can actually harm you? Yes, and we need to talk about that. That's why I want to invite you to join me live on my YouTube channel for Medical Mondays. I break down all of the hot health headlines in the news. I give you evidence-based medicine. We talk about myth versus facts. And we keep it fun. You even have a chance to interact with me live and ask some of your questions. I give you a fresh take on medicine that you can't get anywhere else. So please, go ahead and mark your calendars for Mondays at noon Eastern Standard Time and join me for Medical Mondays. Let's make Monday your healthiest day of the week.

3. High-Dose Aspirin:

Now, I'm not necessarily talking about the low-dose 81-milligram aspirin that you might be taking to prevent heart disease and stroke. I talking specifically about high-dose aspirin that can put you at a higher risk for high blood pressure. It can cause fluid retention, a decrease in kidney function, and it can cause a tightening of the blood vessels. Aspirin can do other things as well. When you're taking a high dose of aspirin, it can increase your risk of bleeding. In the case of peptic ulcer disease, or if you have a fall, it can increase your risk for a head injury or a brain bleed.

4.COX-2 Inhibitors:

An example of a COX-2 inhibitor is Celebrex. And oh my gosh, these COX-2 inhibitors are so wonderful as far as anti-inflammatory properties. If you have arthritis or a sports injury and you've ever had a COX-2 inhibitor, it really does work well. But it can increase your risk for high blood pressure. The same mechanism or similar mechanism can cause water retention. It can cause the blood vessels to tighten. It can cause heightened blood pressure.

Now remember, if you're taking these medications, it does not mean that you have to automatically stop and it's going to ruin your life and ruin your blood pressure. But if you already have high blood pressure or difficulty controlling blood pressure, consult with your doctor you may need to find an alternative because yes, these medications, these NSAIDs, aspirin, and COX-2 inhibitors definitely can elevate your blood pressure.

Also, and I've done this firsthand as a kidney doctor, as a nephrologist, I've had patients who've taken these medicines, and not only have they had elevated blood pressure, but they've also had kidney failure and I've had to dialyze them. Yes, NSAID nephropathy or kidney disease for medications like Aleve, and ibuprofen. When taken in patients who already have vulnerable kidneys, yes, it can lead to kidney failure. So again, don't run, don't panic, don't throw away the medications, but it's definitely worth the conversation because these meds can affect your blood pressure.

As I go through this list of medications that cause high blood pressure, I want you to tell me which of these drugs, supplements, or medications surprised you the most. Please drop a comment down below and let me know.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

5. Decongestants:

Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine or Sudafed can definitely help to relieve nasal congestion because it narrows the blood vessels in your nose or your nasal passages. Narrowing these blood vessels helps clear up your congestion, that's why you take it. The issue is that in addition to narrowing the nasal blood vessels, it can also narrow blood vessels in the rest of your body and this can lead to high blood pressure.

6. Corticosteroids:

Now this is a big one. Corticosteroids (like prednisone) are powerful medications commonly prescribed for allergic reactions, lupus flares, gout attacks, and other inflammatory conditions. While effective, these medications can significantly raise blood pressure by causing sodium and fluid retention in your body. If you're taking corticosteroids, especially if you already have high blood pressure, it's crucial to monitor your blood pressure numbers closely. As a kidney doctor, I see the impact of these medications weekly in my practice, and while they're often necessary, you need to be aware that they can also cause other side effects like increased blood sugar, weight gain (particularly in the face and abdomen), easy bruising, and stretch marks.

7. Antidepressants:

Certain antidepressants, particularly venlafaxine (Effexor XR), may raise blood pressure by causing blood vessel constriction and altering how your brain's central nervous system controls blood pressure. While these medications are crucial for managing depression, anxiety, and panic disorders, it's important to let your doctor know if you have high blood pressure and monitor your numbers carefully. Never stop taking antidepressants because of this information - just talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring your blood pressure while on these medications.

8. Immunosuppressants:

Blood pressure medications should be carefully monitored when taking immunosuppressants like cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf). These transplant medications can raise blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and affecting kidney function. What makes this particularly concerning is that cyclosporine is sometimes used to treat kidney diseases, even though it may raise blood pressure as a side effect. If you're on these medications, be sure to work closely with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure levels and adjust treatment as needed.

9. Stimulants:

Stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta used to treat ADHD, can cause drug-induced hypertension by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. ADHD, once mostly diagnosed in children, is now being increasingly identified in adults, who are often already at higher risk for high blood pressure. If you're taking these medications, it’s essential to monitor your blood pressure, include regular checkups, and consult your physician to manage the potential risks effectively.

10. Weight Loss Medications:

Weight loss medications, such as phentermine, can raise blood pressure by increasing your heart rate. If you’re taking these medications, be sure to monitor your blood pressure and consult your doctor to ensure safe use.

Question: Do you have any specific lifestyle changes that you use to lower your blood pressure? Please comment below.

11. Migraine Medications:

Migraine medications, like triptans, work by tightening blood vessels in the brain to relieve migraines, but they can also tighten blood vessels throughout the body, potentially raising blood pressure. If you’re using these medications, monitor your blood pressure closely. And don’t forget to check out my video on the top 10 best exercises to lower blood pressure naturally!

12. Oral Contraceptives or Birth Control Pills:

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are commonly used but can have the side effect of elevating blood pressure. The estrogen in these pills can cause blood vessels to tighten, leading to higher blood pressure. They also increase the risk of blood clots or DVTs, especially for those who smoke. Be sure to talk to your doctor to understand and manage these risks.

13. Anabolic Steroids:

Anabolic steroids, like testosterone and other performance-enhancing drugs, can raise your blood pressure by causing fluid retention, which increases pressure in your blood vessel walls. They can also alter your cholesterol, leading to high cholesterol and plaque buildup that narrows blood vessels. Over time, this can make blood pressure harder to manage and contribute to resistant hypertension.

14. Caffeine:

Ooh, I know y'all love to have your cup of Joe. Y'all like to drink your coffee all day long and drink your sodas. Please cut back on your sodas. Caffeine, found in coffee, soda, and other beverages, is a stimulant that can tighten blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow. For people with high blood pressure, caffeine is likely to raise blood pressure in some cases by increasing your heart rate and vessel constriction. This doesn’t mean you have to give up caffeine completely, but you should consult your doctor to determine how much is safe for you. And don't forget to check out my video, Is Caffeine Bad for You?

15. Nicotine and Smoking:

Y'all know cigarettes have no good news. You know that. Nicotine can give you high blood pressure. It can act as a stimulant, which releases adrenaline, that fight or flight hormone, and it can cause your heart rate to go up and it can cause your blood pressure to rise as well. Long-term use of nicotine can damage blood vessels, leading to stiffness, which of course, can promote high blood pressure. And smoking cigarettes, let me tell you, there's no good news with smoking cigarettes. Look at just about every illness and you'll see smoking cigarettes as a cause or risk factor. They're a risk factor for heart disease and high blood pressure. They're also a risk factor for cervical cancer, lung cancer, COPD, emphysema, and skin cancer. So smoking cigarettes is something that really takes years off of your life and the quality of your life. And yes, smoking cigarettes can cause high blood pressure. The carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen in your body. This makes the heart work faster to try to get oxygenated blood to your tissues and that can lead to high blood pressure. Cigarettes have these tobacco chemicals, which can also damage blood vessel walls and it can also promote plaque formation and atherosclerosis. It can promote poor circulation and just worsen high blood pressure. Please, put the nicotine and the cigarettes down. Por favor.

16. Alcohol:

Alcohol consumption can have a significant effect on blood pressure. It can increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of your blood pressure medications, making it harder to manage hypertension. If you’re concerned about your alcohol intake, be sure to monitor your blood pressure and discuss it with your doctor.

17. Energy Drinks:

Energy drinks. I know that's not a shocker. You know that energy drinks are loaded with caffeine. We already talked about that, but they can also sometimes be loaded with other stimulants, which can lead to a temporary increase in your blood pressure numbers.

Conclusion:

So, these are 17 drugs, supplements, and meds that increase blood pressure and can lead to hypertension. Remember, not all medications affect everyone the same way, so it’s important to consult with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure regularly. Managing your blood pressure isn’t just about taking medications—it’s an integrative process. Combine your doctor’s advice with healthy lifestyle changes like exercising, eating nutritious foods, practicing slow deep breathing, and reducing stress. Take these steps to live your healthiest, happiest life! If you found this helpful, be sure to like and share it with your loved ones.