HCTZ has been a life saver for me. Diagnosed at 16 years old with high blood pressure, I have been on HCTZ for almost 20 years and it is still effective for me. It keeps the water off of me so therefore, I urinate frequently.  I take it first thing in the morning to ensure it doesn't interefer with my nightly rest.  I feel so much lighter when I take it.  I usually swell in the hands and legs and feet if I do not take HCTZ.  Part of having high blood pressure is water retention. The only side effect I have is dizziness at times.  When my pressure is low and I suddenly change positions such as from sitting to standing, I feel light headed.  I have been dieting and recently lost 50 lbs so I have a Dr. appointment to have my dosage lowered.  I am told, that will take that side effect away.  I am currently on 25mg.  I recommend HCTZ to anyone that has high blood pressure.  It has relieved all of my high blodd pressure symptoms.  And with weight loss being a major goal of mine, it helps when I eat salty foods!

vanlyn7

Virginia Beach, VA

The water pill or hydroclorothiazide is very effective in reducing swelling of legs and ankles.  Plus it helps to reduce the effect of of hypertension (which promotes high blood pressure).  Have to watch for potassium levels and any kidney effects.  Reasonable med for the results and can start with half a pill and work up to whole pill if need more effect.  Don't overdose as a quick drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness and lack of sex drive.

gato7scooby

Wichita, KS

I am a 46 year old woman, who is also a working full time nurse.   I have been using HCTZ for about two years now, and it has kept my blood pressure under control quite nicely.  It does work like a diuretic, though, which in laymans terms means you will urinate frequently daily.  I suggest taking the medication as early as possible in the day so as not to interrupt your nightly sleep.   ( If working the night shift, I found that supper time was the best time to take it).  HCTZ does have  another side effect besides the frequent urination:  dizziness.  I have found that sometimes moving too quickly will cause a quick burst of dizziness's or even a light-headed feeling.  Also what is known as orthostatic hypotension can become a problem.  This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when going from laying to sitting to standing, causing light-headedness. I have taken 25mg of this medication in the past, but through diet and exercise am now taking 12.5mg once a day.  I would recommend this medication for blood pressure control.

nurseynow2000

Troy, NY