Unexpected Side Effects of Common Medications You Should Discuss With Your Doctor

19. ACE Inhibitors and a Lingering Cough

ACE inhibitors, a common class of blood pressure meds, are well-known for a curious, dry, nagging cough that can last for weeks or months. It’s not dangerous—but it can be deeply annoying and often misattributed to allergies or a virus. The cough results from increased bradykinin levels in the lungs, a side effect of how the drug works. If you’ve developed a tickle in your throat that won’t quit after starting an ACE inhibitor, ask your doctor about switching to an ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker), which controls blood pressure without the chronic cough.

20. Metformin and the Metallic Mouth

Metformin, the go-to drug for type 2 diabetes, can sometimes bring an unexpected sensory side effect: a persistent metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. This change in taste perception—known as dysgeusia—may affect appetite and make eating less enjoyable. Though it’s usually harmless, it can be frustrating, especially when paired with nausea or stomach upset. If you’re experiencing this, don’t suffer in silence. Adjusting dosage, switching to extended-release versions, or timing the medication differently with meals can make a big difference—your doctor will know how to help smooth it out.