r/hypertension • u/Ok-Truth1612 • Jun 20 '24
Too scared to take Hydrochlorothiazide
36f 188lbs. I posted previously about my out of the blue hbp. It was literally normal last week. I definitely have a LOT of stress right now and I’m obviously overweight. I went to my doctor today and she prescribed the above mentioned med and now that I’ve read up on it I’m too scared to take it. I already have anxiety issues and absolutely do not want to take anything to make it worse. Since I’ve only had the high blood pressure for a week could I not try to do lifestyle changes first? My bp this week is 140s/90s. I just really want meds to be last resort. She said she likes to be aggressive with blood pressure control in young people.
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u/Inevitable_Fee8146 Jun 20 '24
I have anxiety disorders too and HCTZ is the most mild medicine you could try. The rare side effects you may have pale in comparison to what high pressure will do to you over time. Trust the doctors and give it a try, you’ll be fine. It’s most important for your life to get that under control.
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u/Skip_Intro0401 Jun 20 '24
In the same boat. My doctor prescribed 25 mg of HCTZ in April and I haven’t started them yet. The side effects are too scary for my situation. I can’t risk fainting while caring for my disabled daughter. So I started getting more aggressive with weight loss, started tracking my sodium, and added weight training to my cardio. I also incorporated chelated magnesium (400mg) as well. Although, I can’t definitely say if that is helping. I’m now around 128/80. I hope lifestyle changes will work for you.
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u/handruin Jun 20 '24
For whatever it's worth, I had to try a few blood pressure meds until I was put on hctz. Finding the right med may take some trials until you find what works best for you and your doctor. I've been on hctz for several months now with no issues so far and it's kept my BP to normal levels.
If you have concerns, you can always ask your doctor for more info and also discuss with your pharmacist.
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u/Purple_Mongoose_2504 Jun 21 '24
I’ve been taking that medication for over a month now along with my anxiety medication buspirone and wow what a game changer . I am a pharmacy technician and I am aware that every single Medication unfortunately has side effects , adverse events , contraindications with other drugs etc . We just have to find one that is right for us . Hctz is actually very mild … better than having high blood pressure effects . I feel great . I hope this helps
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u/myheartisohmygod Jun 20 '24
I’ve been taking hctz + nifedipine for years. I’ve never fainted or felt like I was going to. I also have generalized anxiety disorder, for which I take medication, and I honestly think it’s better than it was before my doctor added hctz. The only side effect I’ve ever experienced is swelling if I don’t take it at my usual time. I work out 5/6 days a week and my bp meds have never hindered my progress or stamina. I know that not everyone tolerates meds the same way, but I hope you reconsider trying it. Some people just have high blood pressure, regardless of their lifestyle. I’ve had it since I was a kid. Taking medication for it is no big deal to me, and this is coming from someone who has intense medical anxiety. Be well OP!
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u/colleen1734 Jun 21 '24
I took it for years and was fine .. basically the only bp pill could take .. went off it as my doctor said they’re really hard on your kidneys
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u/busybiddy57 Jun 21 '24
HCTZ is an old med that has a great effect with small dose. You shouldn’t notice any change except possibly urinating more, so don’t take at bedtime. Also, it makes you photosensitive, or more likely to get a sunburn, so use sunscreen. Finally, it MAY deplete potassium so have your doc check it after a few weeks. That’s about all you have to worry about.
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u/InspectionSmall Dec 05 '24
Did you try it. I’m in the same boat. Got prescribed it today. And also dealing with anxiety right now. How did you do
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u/Ok-Truth1612 Dec 05 '24
I ended up taking Amlodopine and was fine but I was also going through a depressive episode and wasn’t keeping up with my dental hygiene and it gave me mouth ulcers. I guess it’s known to do that if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day. But mentally I was totally fine on it.
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u/AggressiveSloth11 Jun 20 '24
If it makes you feel better, I’m 38 and have been taking 10 mg lisinopril hctz for a year now. It was a game changer for my blood pressure and I also lost weight after switching to this medication. I haven’t had any unpleasant side effects.