 [ Symptoms ] what are the side effects of medication for high blood pressure [ Disease ] as is true with any medication high blood pressure drugs have side effects among the most common are the following diuretics headache weakness joint or muscle pain and low potassium blood levels angiotensin converting enzyme ace inhibitors dry and persistent cough headache diarrhea and high potassium blood levels angiotensin receptor blockers fatigue dizziness or fainting muscle pain and diarrhea calcium channel blockers dizziness trouble breathing heart rhythm problems and ankle swelling beta blockers dizziness or lightheadedness decreased sexual ability drowsiness and low heart rate