Hydrochlorothiazide and Frequent Urination: What Users Say

• jay...
• December 15, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "I'm 21, 5'4, 125 pounds, very active. Hypertension runs in my family sadly, and there is no escaping from it. It ran in the 140s/mid to high 90s range. I was put on hydrochlorothiazide two months ago. At first, I didn't like it because obviously it makes you urinate like crazy, and I hated waking up in the middle of the night to go because I would have trouble falling back to sleep. I started taking it early in the morning instead of 3 pm, and my problem was easily solved. Other side effects I have noticed, I've lost around 10 pounds of water weight within the last two months. My blood pressure is now in the low 130s, mid 80s range, and I feel great. I probably will end up on a higher dose in the future."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2019

For Edema "I actually started off taking Lasix, which increased urination, but I didn't see much improvement with the swelling in my ankles and feet. Then I tried this medication, and the swelling improved greatly within the first 24 hours! I can see the bones in my ankles again. I'd forgotten what they looked like! Not sure why this worked when Lasix didn't, but I'm thrilled with the results."

• Eli...
• February 10, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I am hypertensive and have been on hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg for 2 years, and at 12.5 mg for 1 year before that. For the last year, I have had severe leg cramps, urinating every half hour with extreme pressure, my hair is thinning, and a rash developed along my hairline above my forehead. My body temperature would drop significantly to 95, so my husband would make hot drinks and wrap me in a blanket. On top of that, my blood pressure went up. A doctor where I'm vacationing cut the medication back to 12.5 mg and from the first day, my pressure is normal, my body temperature has stabilized with no drops. The doctor here said too much of this medication wipes out potassium, and since reducing to 12.5 mg, in 4 days I feel much better."

• mod...
• May 2, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I just started taking this medicine about a week ago. I'm 34 years old, healthy, active, and we believe my high blood pressure is attributed to genetics. I was adopted, so I am unsure whether or not I have a biological history of HBP. After a year of monitoring my BP, I finally decided that I needed to see the doc about it. He originally prescribed me Lisinopril, in which I became lightheaded and dizzy, so he switched me to HCTZ, starting off at 6.25 mg (dividing the 12.5 mg dosage). The day after I took my first dose, my BP had already gone down to normal levels. I was amazed. I really didn't experience anything else other than going to the bathroom more often, which isn't too inconvenient for me. But now I'm beginning to feel lazy."

• d21...
• April 15, 2014

For High Blood Pressure "I'm in my 60s - 5'6 - 128 lbs - have been taking HCTZ for a few years. It worked fairly well, but the last few times I've had my blood pressure checked, it has been high - 158/106. Taking 25 mg. No problems with excessive urination or other side effects (thinning hair??). Might need another medication."

• Yak...
• March 19, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I am a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with high blood pressure. My overall health is good, however, I do need to lose 50 lbs to be at my healthiest weight. I am on only one other medication (citalopram) for anxiety and have been under much stress lately. I was prescribed this blood pressure medication by my doctor at 12.5 mg. Last evening I took one pill. I was unable to sleep, which is very unusual for me. Tossing and turning all night long. It was the longest evening of my life. I also experienced more urination during the evening. When I was able to fall asleep early in the morning, I experienced vivid, bizarre dreams. One after another. I will keep taking the pill but will take it in the morning instead."

• Mat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 7, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on this medication since my mid-twenties. After I had a hernia operation and started a new job, my primary care doctor noticed my blood pressure was getting high, so she put me on this medication. I've tolerated it fairly well, but used to get dizzy upon standing when I first started taking it. I called her, and she told me to just eat bananas since this medication can drain your electrolyte balance. Other than that and noticing that I sunburn a little easier at the beach, I just have to be careful to reapply sunblock and stay in the shade a little more, and I need to drink beverages with electrolytes when it's hot out. Also, this medication will make you have to urinate an hour or so after taking it. Other than those minor inconveniences, it has not caused any major problems. I am now 32, going on 33, and have been on it for years."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "I've been taking HCTZ in combination with blood pressure medication. So far, it has worked well for water and salt retention. My blood pressure has come down from its highest point of 220/120, which is insanely high, it's now at 140/80. Only complaint, like the other users, is constant urination at night. During the day, it's not noticeable, but right before sleep, I'll go about 2 to 3 times."

• Luc...
• August 12, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on 25 mg once daily of this medication for over 20 years now. I take it with Losartan (beta blocker). I have never experienced any of the side effects (e.g., dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, etc.) that others have reported here. Of course, it's a diuretic, so frequent urination (another side effect others report) is going to occur. But for myself, I've not noticed it, as the only time I experienced frequent urination was due to either a UTI or the massive fibroids that formerly pressed on my bladder; the HZT never contributed to this. So really, I've never had one side effect that I could attribute to this drug at all since I began taking it. In fact, the only warning from the pharmacy is to avoid sunlight or artificial sunlight."

• Hls...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 10, 2025

For Edema "In addition to having high blood pressure, I would have extreme swelling in my feet. So, my doctor gave me hydrochlorothiazide, and I swear within 24 to 48 hours, the extreme swelling in my feet was gone. But it makes you pee so much. It will drive you crazy, so I only take it when I don’t have to work or run any errands."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2021

For Edema "I have high blood pressure and edema. I’ve been on the medication for two days now and haven’t seen any changes except that it sends me to the bathroom a lot more. I’m not sure that it’s the right medication for me."

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2008

For High Blood Pressure "The most helpful side effect is that prior to the use of this drug, I was having the urge to urinate up to 3 times a night. As of one week on HCZT, the frequent urination is no longer a problem."