Blood Pressure Control with Fewer Side Effects

Q. I have just been diagnosed with high blood pressure (145/95). My doctor and I are trying to find a medicine that agrees with me.
I’m currently trying the third one. The first was an ACE inhibitor that made me cough. Then he prescribed Norvasc (amlodipine) and now Cardizem (diltiazem). They made me drowsy during the day even when I took them at night.
Isn’t there a new drug that’s better than the old standards?
A. You may want to ask your doctor about a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone. Although such drugs have been around for more than 50 years, they are still considered a first line treatment for high blood pressure (New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 26, 2009). We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment with non-drug suggestions and more details on the pros and cons of various medications.