If your blood pressure is still high even though you’re taking your medicine, your doctor may recommend increasing the dose, taking an additional medicine, or stopping other medicines.

Not all medicines work the same in all people. It might take some time to find the medicines that work best for you.

For many patients, experts recommend a goal blood pressure of less than 130/80. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a higher or lower goal than this.

Reaching this goal is like trying to lift a heavy couch. One medicine by itself might only get half of the job done – someone needs to help lift the other side of the couch!

That’s why, if your blood pressure is still high while you’re taking your medicine, your doctor may try a number of changes. These include:

  • Increasing the dose. For many high blood pressure medicines, larger doses have larger effects.
  • Adding another medicine. Many people need two or even more medicines to control their blood pressure.
  • Stopping other medicines. Some prescription or over the counter medicines may affect how well your blood pressure medicine works.

If your blood pressure remains high while taking your medicine, this does not mean the medicine is not working. It just means lowering blood pressure is not always a one-pill job! It’s a team effort.  Remember, no medicine is perfect, and there is no “cure” for high blood pressure. Many people need two or even more medicines to control their blood pressure.

Control is the goal, so don't give up, get a checkup!