Guanethidine is a medication commonly prescribed in the past to treat difficult cases of high blood pressure. Though no longer used as a long term treatment because of it side effects, it is still used as a quick acting antihypertensive. It works by reducing the levels of certain chemicals in your body. Specifically it lowers the levels of norepinephrine.
One of the functions of norepinephrine is to increase the tone or muscular pressure on blood vessels by stimulating the nerves, which increases blood pressure. Working in much the same way as certain drugs that help end addiction guanethidine targets the norepinephrine receptors. By replacing norepinephrine in the nerve the blood vessels relax. It is very important to note that guanethidine does not prevent the emergency, or fight or flight, release of norepinephrine.
As mentioned earlier guanethidine has many side effects. Most of the side effect of gaunethidine are mild, but newer medications available have smaller rates of side effects. General weakness, diarrhea, sexual disfunction, and slow heartbeat are all common side effects. The most common side effect is dizziness or fainting. This side effect will occur more frequently in hot weather or with the consumption of alcohol. Some of the other side effects include blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain or tremors.
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