Hydralazine is a medication prescribed to manage high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. A common concern with hydralazine is whether it might cause sleepiness. This article addresses that question and explores other common side effects.
Hydralazine and Sleepiness
While direct sleepiness is not a listed side effect of hydralazine, related sensations such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness are commonly reported. These feelings can be perceived as sleepiness, particularly during the initial phase of treatment. Hydralazine functions as a direct-acting vasodilator, relaxing the smooth muscles in the walls of arterioles and causing blood vessels to widen.
This widening of blood vessels decreases peripheral resistance, reducing the heart’s workload and lowering overall blood pressure. A sudden drop in blood pressure can result in lightheadedness or a temporary feeling of being tired, especially when changing positions, such as standing up quickly. The body may also respond to this blood pressure reduction by increasing the heart rate, known as reflex tachycardia.
Other Common Side Effects
Hydralazine can cause other common side effects. Many individuals experience headaches. Digestive disturbances are also possible, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people may notice a decreased appetite.
A fast heart rate or heart palpitations are common due to the body’s reflex response to lowered blood pressure. These effects usually improve as the body adjusts to the medication over time. Not everyone experiences these effects, and their severity can vary.
What to Do and When to Seek Medical Advice
When experiencing side effects from hydralazine, there are general approaches that can help manage mild symptoms. Taking the medication consistently, either always with food or always without, can help maintain stable blood levels and potentially reduce stomach upset. To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when starting the medication, it can be helpful to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
It is important to contact a healthcare provider if any side effects are bothersome, persistent, or worsen over time. Immediate medical attention is necessary for more serious signs, such as chest pain, especially if it occurs with a fast heartbeat or difficulty breathing. Symptoms resembling lupus, including joint pain, skin rash, fever, or unusual weakness, also warrant prompt medical evaluation. Additionally, severe numbness or tingling sensations in the hands or feet, indicative of nerve issues, should be reported to a doctor without delay.