High Blood Pressure & Medications: A List of Drugs to Avoid

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and celecoxib (Celebrex), can raise blood pressure in some people.

Cold medicines, especially those that contain decongestants, can raise blood pressure.

Nasal decongestants, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin, Dristan) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, Sudafed), can raise blood pressure.

Appetite suppressants, such as phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin) and diethylpropion (Tenuate Dospan), can raise blood pressure.

Antidepressants, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and bupropion (Wellbutrin), can raise blood pressure.

Antipsychotics, such as risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa), can raise blood pressure.

Oral steroids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol), can raise blood pressure.

Herbal supplements, such as ephedra, ginseng, and licorice root, can raise blood pressure.

It's important to note that this list is not comprehensive, and other medications can also raise blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it's always best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.