According to the Johns Hopkins medical team, the following medications can increase one’s blood pressure: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil); corticosteroids like prednisone; cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune; used to suppress the immune system); epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit; used to treat anemia in cancer patients); estrogens such as those in hormone replacement therapy; migraine drugs such as sumatriptan (Imitrex); the weight loss drug sibutramine (Meridia); and nasal decongestants. Over-the-counter cough, cold, and asthma medications also may raise blood pressure, so always check with your doctor before using one.
Habits and lifestyle can also contribute to hypertension including: weight, ethnicity, activity level, tobacco use, sodium intake, potassium intake, stress, anger, alcohol consumption, age, and family history. Cutting back on salt, eating more vegetables, avoiding sugar, caffeine, and food allergens and reducing your exposure to lead and other heavy metals can all help to reduce your blood pressure. Other complementary approaches that may help: acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, yoga and auricular (ear) acupressure.
Learn more about natural hypertension reduction.
