What is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications?

Antihypertensive medications are primarily designed to lower blood pressure, and one of the most common side effects associated with these medications is hypotension, or low blood pressure. When these drugs achieve their intended effect, they can sometimes lower blood pressure more than desired, leading to symptoms of hypotension. This may manifest as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or fatigue, especially when a person stands up quickly, which is known as orthostatic hypotension.

While other options may relate to side effects of different classes of medications, they are not generally recognized as typical side effects of antihypertensive drugs. For instance, increased heart rate is commonly observed in certain medical conditions or as a response to medications that cause vasodilation; however, many antihypertensive medications can actually lower heart rate. Insomnia and weight gain are also not standard side effects of antihypertensives; rather, they are associated with other medication classes or medical conditions. Thus, hypotension stands out as a notable and common side effect of treating high blood pressure with antihypertensives.