If you’re among the millions of people controlling high b00d pressure (hypertension), your daily routine likely includes some mixture of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. But did you know that certain common pills—even over-the-counter ones—could be silently raising your bl00d pressure and increasing your risk of stroke or heart atta.ck?
Here are the medications you should think twice about if you have high blood pressure:
Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine)
Found in many cold and flu medications, these ingredients narrow bl00d vessels to ease swelling in the nasal passages—but they also increase bl00d pressure. Many people unknowingly spike their BP while treating a common cold!
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
While effective for pain relief, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause your body to keep sodium and water, making your heart work harder. Chronic use can raise the risk of kidney damage and uncontrolled hypertension.
Certain Birth Control Pills
Some oral contraceptives can raise bl00d pressure by affecting hormone levels and fluid retention. If you’re over 35 and smoke or have pre-existing hypertension, this combo can be especially dangerous.
Stimulants for ADHD or Weight Loss
Medications that increase alertness or suppress appetite often raise heart rate and BP. This includes drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and some OTC weight loss supplements that consist of caffeine or ephedra.
Herbal Supplements (yes, really!)
Licorice root, ginseng, ephedra, and even St. John’s Wort can interfere with BP medications or raise pressure on their own. “Natural” doesn’t always mean safe.
What You Should Do:
Examine the label before taking any OTC medication. Look for warn.ings about high bl00d pressure.
Meet your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a new supplement or cold remedy.
Monitor your bl00d pressure regularly—especially after adding anything new to your routine.
Your heart doesn’t get a break just because you’re treating a headache or stuffy nose. Every pill you take affects your body in some way—don’t let one undo all your progress.
If in doubt, ask yourself: “Is this pill helping me… or putti
