Painkillers and blood pressure

[Turnedlight]

I recently read that regular use of both paracetamol and ibuprofen can raise your blood pressure.

I had no idea of this before now and it’s not something the doc told me, different sources vary as to the extent - some say a slight rise and others that it can be significant - so it’s something to bear in mind.

I am on a bio but although my skin is doing well it’s hard to tell how well it’s working for my psa. I use painkillers on the advice of my rheumy for when I get stiff neck and shoulders and I can feel it bringing on a headache, or for my Achilles when it’s playing up.

I was wondering if anyone else knew more?

[Fred]

I have noticed here that my new GP doesn't throw paracetamol at you as much as my old one did, though my rheumatologist did also say to use them as needed.

But personally I have always tried to avoid them unless the pain is bad enough with the psoriatic arthritis to stop me doing something, so as for blood pressure I don't know but would be interested to hear others opinions.

[Wooley]

As far as I understand TL Ibuprofen can cause can cause high blood pressure - likewise so can paracetomol though.

[Caroline]

I did not know that from paracetamol and ibuprofen.

I do hardly use them and indeed my bloodpressure is mostly 85-125 or somewhere in that area.

[Forest Walker]

Do you have a blood pressure monitor for your home?  I wouldn't be surprised to learn that these pain relievers would have a blood pressure raising side effect, as well as stomach or liver problems.  Do you have high blood pressure, TL?  I take medicine to lower mine.

[Turnedlight]

I was just interested in hearing it, I had never thought there were any side effects with paracetamol..

[Kat]

Definitely can cause liver problems!

Not why I have liver issues as I've always been funny about taking any pain meds, even over the counter. (I do take them but sparingly) However due to now having liver issues I've been warned to ONLY take them if I have to. But for me that is still the same thing so no difference.

I hadn't heard of either causing high blood pressure but Ibuprofen can cause issues for people on high blood pressure medications. I believe acetaminophen (paracetamol or Tylenol in the US) isn't as much of an issue if you have high blood pressure. Of course everyone should always check with their doctor to know what is or isn't right for them and even more so if you're taking other medications.

[Caroline]

Concerning this issue I observe some interesing  things with my mum.

I have always thought, and said to her, the she took too much paracetamol. She did that for her headaches, she told me, sometimes if the paracetamol did not work also special medication for migraine.

Recently they found that she has a high bloodpressure…so again other pills against that.
And now what happens is, that her bloodpressure is slowly going down, but also her headaches become less, so also less paracetamol. 

Would be great if that is a self enhancing spiral.

[mataribot]

NSAID can cause HP and it's normal. My BP goes up 10 points across the board after about a month of taking them.