What is a common side effect of anti-hypertensive medications?

Orthostatic hypotension is a well-documented side effect of many anti-hypertensive medications. This condition occurs when a person experiences a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing up from a sitting or lying position, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Anti-hypertensive medications work to lower blood pressure, and their mechanism can sometimes overshoot the desired effect when a person changes position, resulting in orthostatic hypotension.

The other options are less commonly associated with anti-hypertensive medications. For instance, while weight gain may occur with certain medications, it is not a hallmark side effect of this drug class. Insomnia can be a side effect of some medications, but it is not universally linked to anti-hypertensives. Skin rashes can occur with some medications, but they are not typical of the anti-hypertensive category. Thus, orthostatic hypotension stands out as a common and potentially significant side effect that patients on these medications should be aware of.