The Puzzle of Diuretics?

August 4, 2022 6:55 AM

My doctor has put me on a low-dose diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) to treat hypertension. According to my doctor, one of the drawbacks is that you will pee more. But google says that you should not drink more liquids than normal. So, how exactly could that work over time? I noticed the first day or two taking it that I did, in fact, pee more, but now I seem to be back to normal. What am I missing?
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

The purpose of a diuretic is to reduce the amount of water retained in your body. So the idea is you drink the same amount, but you pee more, and therefore your body has less water in it.

After some time the two will equal out, because you cannot produce water in your body. But your equilibrium point will be lower. And initially, to get there, your outflow will be more than your inflow.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 7:23 AM on August 4, 2022 [5 favorites]

Peeing more is not a drawback, it's a feature, and why your blood pressure will be reduced. Your blood volume will be slightly reduced because the kidneys will allow more water to be eliminated. It's only a drawback in situations where you might not want to pee more - overnight or going places where finding a bathroom might be problematic. You will find the rhythm and learn the best way to schedule your HCTZ doses.

Your question about possibly being "back to normal" is interesting. Have you taken your blood pressure to see if it's lower?
posted by citygirl at 11:25 AM on August 4, 2022