Does High Blood Pressure Medicine Make You Tired?
If you answered “yes,” rest assured that you are not alone in feeling fatigue from blood pressure medications.
This common side effect can be frustrating, especially when trying to maintain an active and energetic lifestyle.
However, there are effective ways to manage and mitigate this fatigue.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The causes of fatigue from blood pressure medications,
- How exercise can help, and
- Additional strategies for managing both fatigue and blood pressure.
Understanding Fatigue from Blood Pressure Medications
If your blood pressure has been high for some time, as it often is in older patients, the process of lowering it with drugs temporarily reduces circulation in some blood vessels, including in the brain.
Here’s what typically happens during this adjustment period:
- Reduced Blood Flow: The medication lowers blood pressure, which can decrease blood flow to certain areas temporarily.
- Adjustment Period: This reduction in circulation can lead to feelings of fatigue as your body adjusts to the changes.
- Timeline: Expect to experience this fatigue for approximately two to six weeks as your body gets used to the new circulation levels.
Patience is key during this adjustment period.
Combating Fatigue with Exercise
The Role of Exercise
In the meantime, regular exercise can combat fatigue.
Here’s how exercise can help:
- Increases Energy: Regular physical activity stimulates the production of more mitochondria, leading to increased energy. More mitochondria mean more energy for you.
- Improves Circulation: Exercise helps improve blood flow and boosts energy levels, which can counteract the tiredness caused by blood pressure medications.
- Boosts Mood: Physical activity releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in your brain that can lift your spirits and help fight off fatigue.
- Enhances Stamina: Over time, exercise can improve your overall stamina and endurance, making daily activities feel less tiring.
If you have not been active for some time, it is important that exercise is performed under a qualified physical therapist to ensure it is done safely and effectively.
Impact of Moderate Exercise
According to the American Medical Association, even participating in moderate exercise has a positive impact on blood pressure.
This means that while you may still require medication, exercise can be the boost you need to fight side effects such as fatigue and help bring your blood pressure down.
Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can improve your overall health and make managing medication side effects more manageable.
Weight Loss
Another positive effect from exercise can be weight loss, which can help to reduce high blood pressure.
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly impact blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Benefits of a Nutrition and Exercise Program
A program of nutrition and exercise can increase blood flow and get you feeling more energetic as your body adjusts to blood pressure medication.
- Proper nutrition and consistent exercise contribute to overall well-being and can help alleviate fatigue.
- Aerobic exercise, such as walking, is considered safe for most people and provides numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and increased stamina.
- Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that can increase blood flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and remove cell wastes, further aiding in the reduction of fatigue.
Other Approaches To Management
Other approaches to managing blood pressure and fatigue include quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, both of which can affect your energy levels and contribute to high blood pressure.
Making these lifestyle changes can enhance the effectiveness of your medication and improve your overall quality of life.
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and makes it harder for your body to circulate blood effectively. When you quit smoking, your blood pressure starts to improve, your heart works more efficiently, and your energy levels begin to rise. This, in turn, helps reduce the overall fatigue caused by both the medication and your condition.
- Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, can raise blood pressure and dehydrate the body, leading to increased feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Cutting back or eliminating alcohol can lower your blood pressure and improve sleep quality, which is vital for feeling energized and well-rested during the day.
Making these lifestyle changes not only supports the effectiveness of your medication but also contributes to your long-term health.
By quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, you can experience better energy levels, lower blood pressure, and a significant boost in your overall quality of life. These changes may be challenging at first, but they are powerful steps toward a healthier, more energized future.
Seeking Treatment and Support
Designing a Physical Therapy Program
Side effects from blood pressure medications can keep people from seeking treatment.
However, a well-designed physical therapy program makes adjusting to your medication easier and less exhausting. When done right, exercise can even help lower your blood pressure, too.
At The Jackson Clinics, our physical therapists can work with you and your physician to customize an exercise plan to help you achieve your long-term health goals.
A personalized plan will not only help you manage fatigue but also boost your energy and improve your overall health.
Don’t wait—take control of your energy levels and well-being today by speaking with a physical therapist who can guide you every step of the way.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
