Several kinds of drugs are used to lower blood pressure, and they are often used in combination with each other. It is not at all unusual for three or more drugs to be used together. The aim of treatment is to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks and other complications in the long term - which often means taking several drugs for many years.
All drugs can have side effects, but it is usually best to use low doses of several drugs rather than high doses of a single drug. Often people with raised blood pressure have to go through a period of visiting the doctor every few weeks until a suitable combination is found which lowers the blood pressure to target without significant side effects. Once this point is reached, blood pressure checks often only need to be done twice a year.
Most drugs now come in packets which contain information leaflets listing many potential side effects including some which can be serious. Taking medication for blood pressure is usually a lifelong commitment, so if you are significantly affected by your drug treatment, or worried that a serious effect is developing, you need to see your doctor to check this out. However, almost all drugs used to lower blood pressure have been in use for many years and are known to be safe and beneficial for all but very few people, for example those who develop allergies to particular medicines.
Many of those interviewed had adverse reactions to the first set of treatment prescribed and were keen to move onto a different treatment or combination of treatments (for a list of treatments and their side effects see 'Side effects of treatments').
The selection process was viewed by most as a necessary trial and error process, and in numerous cases the patient was relieved when a suitable treatment was found, particularly when they had experienced side effects such as impotence and skin reactions from previous drugs. Once again, the right combination depended on the patient.
For many people diagnosed with hypertension, beta-blockers were the first choice of drug. There were several reasons for this - they are known to be effective, relatively free of side effects in most people and they are inexpensive. They have also been shown to make a heart attack less likely to occur.
Some patients were happy to put faith in their doctors over which treatment to choose, while others were reluctant to change their medication when there were no noticeable problems. One patient considered that there were discrepancies in what was prescribed depending on which area they lived in.
Many were reluctant to take tablets at all and attempted to find ways to avoid treatment. One patient trying alternative treatments was supported by her doctor, which made her feel much more at ease, although she did acknowledge that treatment might still be needed if things became more serious in the future. Another who was keen to avoid treatment altogether was not happy with her doctor's lack of sympathy.
That there are limited symptoms but noticeable side effects means that some people do have problems accepting treatment and often are reluctant to take any advice from the doctor, or pressure from family, that treatment is necessary. One patient, described why he wished to have the problems told to him directly.
Certain times were selected for taking tablets to get maximum benefits, especially with diuretics. These were taken in the morning to avoid restless nights.
For more information on high blood pressure see NHS Choices and our Resources and Information section.
Last reviewed December 2011.
Last updated December 2011.
