Circulatory System Side Effects

Medication may slow down or speed up the heartbeat. If a drug slows the heartbeat, you may feel drowsy and tired or even dizzy. If a drug accelerates the heartbeat, you probably will experience palpitations (thumping in the chest). You may feel as though your heart is skipping a beat occasionally. For most people, these symptoms do not indicate a serious problem. If they occur frequently, however, consult your doctor, who may prescribe other medication or adjust your dosage.

Some drugs can cause edema (fluid retention), in which fluid from the blood collects outside the blood vessels. Ordinarily, edema is not a serious condition. But if you are steadily gaining weight or have gained more than three pounds within a week, be sure to consult your doctor.

Drugs may decrease or increase blood pressure. When blood pressure decreases, you may feel drowsy or tired; you may become dizzy, or may even faint, especially when you rise suddenly from a sitting or reclining position.

If a drug makes you dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while. To avoid light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so you are pumping your legs in a pedaling motion. Get up slowly, and be careful on stairs.

When blood pressure increases, you may feel dizzy, have a headache or blurred vision, hear a ringing or buzzing in your ears, or experience frequent nosebleeds. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor.

Blurred vision is a common medication side effect, while hearing loss is an uncommon one. Read on to discover more about these and other potential side effects to ears and eyes.