Drug-Induced Hypertension: Causes, Common Medications, and What to Do

When your blood pressure spikes not because of genetics or lifestyle, but because of a drug-induced hypertension, a rise in blood pressure triggered by medication. Also known as medication-related hypertension, it’s more common than most people realize—and often overlooked by both patients and doctors. You might be taking a pill for pain, depression, or even a cold, and not realize it’s quietly raising your systolic pressure by 10, 20, even 30 points.

Some of the most frequent culprits include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, common pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, which can reduce kidney function and cause fluid retention. Decongestants, like pseudoephedrine found in cold meds, tighten blood vessels to clear your nose—but they also force your heart to pump harder. Even hormonal birth control, especially those with estrogen, can trigger this in women who are sensitive. And don’t forget steroids, used for inflammation or autoimmune conditions, which can cause sodium and water buildup, leading to sudden pressure spikes.

It’s not just about the drug itself—it’s about how it interacts with your body. Someone with pre-existing high blood pressure might see a dangerous jump after starting a new medication. Others might never know their pressure is up until they feel dizzy, get a headache, or have a routine checkup. The key is awareness: if you’ve started a new pill and your blood pressure has climbed, it’s not always just aging or stress. It could be the medicine.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical breakdowns of medications that can cause this issue—like hydrochlorothiazide, which is meant to lower blood pressure but can sometimes backfire in certain people, or how drugs like vardenafil and aripiprazole, while not direct causes, can influence pressure through side effects or interactions. You’ll also see comparisons between alternatives that are safer for your heart, and what to ask your doctor if you’re worried your meds are working against you.