Types

• Several types of high blood pressure medicines are available, all of which work in a different way and have somewhat different side effects. The medicines include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and more.
  
  

More Common Effects

• Side effects that may occur with most high blood pressure medicines include headache, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, weight gain and erectile dysfunction.
  
  

Time Frame

• High blood pressure medicine side effects usually are temporary while the person's body adjusts to the medication.
  
  

Serious Side Effects

• More serious blood pressure medicine side effects are rare. They can include depression, allergic reactions, seizures and kidney damage.
  
  

Contraindications

• Patients with kidney, liver or heart disease may not be able to safely take certain blood pressure medications. Some of these drugs also should not be taken by pregnant women.