Drug-induced hypertension

Hypertension - medication related

Blood pressure is determined by the:

• Amount of blood the heart pumps
• Condition of the heart valves
• Pulse rate
• Pumping power of the heart
• Size and condition of the arteries

There are several types of high blood pressure.

• Essential hypertension has no cause that can be found.
• Secondary hypertension occurs because of another disorder.
• Drug-induced hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension caused by a response to medication.

Drugs that can cause hypertension include:

• Acetaminophen
• Alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA and derivatives), and cocaine
• Antidepressants (including venlafaxine, bupropion, and desipramine)
• Caffeine (including the caffeine in coffee and energy drinks)
• Corticosteroids
• Cyclosporine
• Erythropoietin
• Estrogens (including birth control pills) and other hormones
• Many over-the-counter medications such as cough/cold and asthma medications -- particularly when the cough/cold medicine is taken with certain antidepressants like tranylcypromine or tricyclics
• Migraine medications
• Nasal decongestants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Rebound hypertension occurs when blood pressure rises after you stop taking or lower the dose of a drug (typically a high blood pressure medication).

Many other factors can also affect blood pressure, including:

• Condition of the kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels
• Genetics
• Foods eaten, weight, and other body-related variables
• Levels of various hormones in the body
• Volume of water in the body