HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Headache, Dizziness, Nausea And Rapid Heart Rate Post Intake Of Hydralazine?

default
Posted on Sat, 17 Sep 2016
Question: I just started taking Hydralazine for my Blood Pressure. I feel horrible today, headache, dizzy, nausea, heart racing and pounding, tingly just really feel weird. What should I do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Hydralazine is a very potent blood pressure lowering medicine. Either it is lowering your pressure too much, causing your body to release adrenaline to compensate for blood pressure that is too low when you are upright, or your body doesn't tolerate it well.

I recommend calling the physician who prescribed it for you and telling him or her about it.

If he or she asks you to come in to the office to be seen because of your symptoms, ask the nurse to take "orthostatic pressures and pulse". They will have you lie down, several minutes later sit up, and then stand, each time taking your blood pressure and pulse. If, after you stand up, your blood pressure drops and your pulse rises significantly, that means the medicine is causing you to have orthostatic hypotension, which would explain the heart racing, dizziness, etc.

You should not continue to take this medication at the current dose until you and your doctor have sorted this out.

I hope this information helps.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Headache, Dizziness, Nausea And Rapid Heart Rate Post Intake Of Hydralazine?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Hydralazine is a very potent blood pressure lowering medicine. Either it is lowering your pressure too much, causing your body to release adrenaline to compensate for blood pressure that is too low when you are upright, or your body doesn't tolerate it well. I recommend calling the physician who prescribed it for you and telling him or her about it. If he or she asks you to come in to the office to be seen because of your symptoms, ask the nurse to take "orthostatic pressures and pulse". They will have you lie down, several minutes later sit up, and then stand, each time taking your blood pressure and pulse. If, after you stand up, your blood pressure drops and your pulse rises significantly, that means the medicine is causing you to have orthostatic hypotension, which would explain the heart racing, dizziness, etc. You should not continue to take this medication at the current dose until you and your doctor have sorted this out. I hope this information helps.