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These medicines lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Central-acting agents are medicines that slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure. They block the signals from the brain to the nervous system that narrow blood vessels and make the heart beat faster. As a result, the heart does not pump as hard. Blood flows more easily through the body's veins and arteries. This makes blood pressure go down.
Central-acting agents also are called:
Several central-acting agents are available. The best one for you depends on your health and the condition being treated.
Examples of central-acting agents include:
Central-acting agents are often used with other medicines if the other medicines have not helped lower blood pressure.
Central-acting agents also may be used to prevent, treat or improve symptoms of other health conditions, such as:
Central-acting agents can have strong side effects. Some possible side effects are:
Do not suddenly stop taking a central-acting agent. Doing so can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Do not stop taking these medicines without talking with your healthcare professional.
Talk with your healthcare team if you have any questions about the medicines you take.
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