What is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications?

A common side effect of antihypertensive medications is dizziness. This occurs because these medications work by lowering blood pressure to manage hypertension. When blood pressure decreases, some patients may experience a brief drop in blood flow to the brain, especially when standing up quickly, leading to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.

Dizziness can vary in its intensity from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the individual's response to the medication. It is essential for healthcare providers to monitor patients for this side effect, as it can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults who may already have an increased risk of instability.

The other options, while they may be associated with certain medications or medical conditions, are not typically common effects directly linked to antihypertensive medications like dizziness is. Therefore, understanding that dizziness is a frequent side effect helps frame the patient's management and education about their treatment plan, ensuring they are cautious about activities that may exacerbate this condition, such as driving or operating heavy machinery after starting a new medication for hypertension.