Amlodipine

[JoyceMary]

I have been prescribed Amlodipine 5mg for Level 1 hypertension (140/85). I'm 66 and have also started taking Atorvastatin 40mg a year ago. I am terrified of all the negative information about Amlodipine - looks to be a bit concerning. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Fanfab1]

hello

I have taken amlodipine (10mg for hypertension) for over three years now. I take atorvastatin 20mg had high cholesterol but gone down, now I think it’s insurance as I have no meds to deal with my condition and the angina it causes.

What negative information have you heard about amlodipine and what was the source of that information?

👍

[JoyceMary in reply to Fanfab1]

The side effects are quite daunting. Swelling, itching, chest pain, etc.

[Fanfab1 in reply to JoyceMary]

not all side effects stated happen to everyone or to the same degree.

This might help

bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/amlod...

As per link Some side effects apply to all calcium channel blockers. Unfortunately we don’t know the extent until we give them a go.

As you are clearly concerned it’s best to talk to your cardiologist or GP or a pharmacist.

👍

[Maxwall47 in reply to JoyceMary]

Never had anything like that don't believe everything you read just give it a try some people get muscle wastage but that doesn't mean you will get that my cholesterol is 2.5 my blood pressure is around 126/66

[Mentdent]

I’ve been taking amlodopine for several years now and it’s reduced my blood pressure. The negative effects of high blood pressure far outweigh any minimal side effects from the amlodopine.

[JoyceMary in reply to Mentdent]

Yes, I agree. If those side effects remain minimal.

[Mentdent in reply to JoyceMary]

The only thing I’ve noticed is a slightly swollen left ankle

[MountainGoat52]

As with any medication, some will suit you and some won't. You will not know until you try it. Amlodipine does not suit me, but I got it changed to another medication which I have been happy with for over a decade. Do not be afraid to let your GP know of any side effects you get and if you do get side effects, then request an alternative medication.

[GreenGarden19]

Hi there, I was prescribed Amlodioine and had no side effects, I too was worried after reading but so far so good. My mum also takes it with no issues whatsoever. Just see how you get on and always read the notes that come with the medication. (Despite this my cardiologist is recommending a change from Amlodipine to Diltiazem for arrhythmia, will see how I get on once started!)

[JoyceMary in reply to GreenGarden19]

Thank you! Good luck with your new med.

[Buddi12]

I have been in exactly the same dosage of both medications you are on for the last year and no issues if that helps at all

[Uplandsandfells]

I have been taking both for some years, and my cholesterol and blood pressure are both back to normal

[sandandkev]

There are lots of hypertension medicines out there,I would chat to the pharmacist,there should be 1 attached to your local surgery

[JoyceMary in reply to sandandkev]

Good idea. Thank you.

[Herestous]

Hello, I've taken same dose as you, which I take at night, and no problem. You need to try before you worry. Be positive that you'll be fine. Take care.

[theolo]

Hi. I was on the same dose as you, but I felt the side effects were too much and I was advised to stop using them. Everyone is different though and they may be fine for you. There are many different types of channel blockers, trial and error is the only way, good luck.

[Izz18]

Hello, I’ve been on Amlodopine 5mg for 16 months. The first few weeks I felt strange, but as my body adjusted to the medication the side effects dispersed. I have none at all now. We are all different and what suits one person perhaps doesn’t another. See how it goes, give it a few weeks, you may be fine. Best wishes.

[JoyceMary in reply to Izz18]

Thank you.

[Ron0325]

Joyce , I don't think you need to worry , I've been on it for years and it works , I take it in conjunction with Candesartan , no side effects and keeps my pressure under control

[GCWhits]

I get no side effects at all from Amlodipine. But I couldn't tolerate even the lowest dose of Bisoprolol, whilst other people are fine on it. Every one is different and it is a matter of trial and error. The key thing is that if you suffer side effects, don't just put up with them, ask to switch to something else.

[readyabout]

Interesting that no one has mentioned herbs for high bp, best to see a good herbalist, but currently I take tincture of Yarrow (Baldwins) and cayenne capsules and garlic last reading 127/81, but has been a bit better

[Jedi14]

Hello, we seem to be the same age, recently started on Amlodipine 5mg. Seems to be working well, one of the side effects mentioned is fluid retention. So I notice my feet are swollen, somedays more swollen than others, but that's the trade off for better heart control!

[Maxwall47]

Hi joyce I've been on both for years I've never had any problems so don't believe everything you read