Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, or 'water pill,' and it is used to treat high blood pressure, which may reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

It is usually well-tolerated, but some side effects could occur.  At first, or if your doctor increases your dose, it could make you dizzy.  To reduce this, stand up slowly after you've been sitting or lying down.  

Hydrochlorothiazide can cause mild headaches or muscle cramps, and, if upset stomach occurs, taking it with food or milk may help.  Also, you'll probably need to urinate more often.  This is normal and should go away.  If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medication, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to know that some patients will require extra potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide, so ask your doctor about your potassium needs.

For best results, continue taking hydrochlorothiazide, and follow your doctor's advice about diet, exercise and checking your own blood pressure.