Hydrochlorothiazide and joints

I have been gaining weight rapidly. My hands are swollen and my joints and shoulders ache (pinch). I thought this was a fluid pill. Am I wrong? It's doing the opposite of what I expected. Can I stop taking it without side effects?

Since I have been on the medication I have exsperienced red puffy hands that are VERY swollen. I have a lot of pain in my joints, including my shoulders. I hurt everywhere. I've also exsperienced extreme fatigue, dry mouth, sores on my tongue, a dry cough, and hair loss. Just yesterday I developed a rash the size and what looks like a misquitoe bite.