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Anti-Hypertensive Medications: ALPHA BLOCKERS

How they work: Possible Side effects: Special Notes:
Alpha blockers work by reducing the nerve impulses to blood vessels. This reduces the tone of the blood vessels, causing blood to easily pass through, thereby decreasing blood pressure.

Call your provider if you experience any of the following:

  • Allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in the hands, face, mouth, tingling in the mouth, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness, fainting or unusual headache
  • Painful, prolonged erection of the penis, not caused by sexual arousal
  • Problems with urination
  • Stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles or hands
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Breast enlargement or swelling
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
  • Sexual problems
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Excessive sweating
  • Tiredness
  • Weight gain
  • Do not drink alcohol while using this medication.
  • You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, and fainting may occur with your first dose.
  • Take this medication at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your provider.
  • Avoid driving or using dangerous machinery if you are not alert.
  • Your dose may need to be changed several times inorder to find what is the right dose for you.

 

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