Amlodipine side effects

[Rubes786]

I have been taking amlodipine 5mg for around 6 months with no major side effects. Doctor increased to 10mg last week as BP had crept up. Side effects have been unbearable with a constant headache and extreme sleepiness! I’m like a walking zombie! So for the last 3 days have reverted back to my 5mg dose and BP is fine but am still getting the unbearable side effects. Is my body now not able to cope with amlodipine or is the higher dose still in my system? Should I speak to the doctor?

[Hidden]

Hi. Sorry you are having problems. I would mention it to the doctor. Perhaps they could suggest something that suits you better?

[Rubes786 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, will do 👍🏼

[CDreamer]

My husband has high BP and has found that a mix of 3 BP drugs are much more affective at much lower doses without causing any side effects. Prescribed by the EP though, not the GP. Include Amlopodine, Perindapril and Bisoprolol.

[Rubes786 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks, will look into that too

[cuore]

Recent literature says it is better to take lower doses of two drugs rather than higher doses of one drug. Since you said "no major " side effects, I interpret that you were getting some side effects.

Yes, definitely talk to your doctor. Amlodipine is in the class calcium channel blocker. There are other classes of drugs that may suit you better.

[Rubes786 in reply to cuore]

Thank you 😊

[cuore in reply to Rubes786]

I did not give you my personal experience when 5 mg. Amlodipine I was taking was increased to 10mg by my GP because my blood pressure had increased right after my second ablation. Thinking that doubling the dose was too much, I took 7.5mg. I had a very adverse reaction plus immediately converting to six days of continuous arrhythmia. Without even consulting my GP, like you, I went back to 5mg.

I subsequently had a third ablation. I found my GP was old school and not up-to-date(he retired November last year), so after my third ablation, when my blood pressure spiked again, I did my own research. I was afraid of going back into arrhythmia due to drugs. Because I have atrial fibrillation, I read that the class angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) was better for AF patients than the class angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitor). There are other classes such as diuretics and calcium channel blockers ( the one you're taking).

My GP ceded to my research and prescribed 20 mg. Olmesartan - an ARB and 5mg. Amlodipine, the calcium channel blocker.

I am not an MD, and I am not trying to prescribe anything for you. I am just trying to express that we all have different genetic make-up, so from a certain drug, one patient may get side effects and another not. You don't have to put up with side effects of an unsuitable drug for you especially if it's doubled. Again, recent literature exposes that lower dosages have lower side effects, advancing combo therapy. So, challenge your GP.

[Bob56]

Hi I would definitely speak to your doctor. I doubt your BP will remain ok for long if you and your doctor had reached the conclusion that you needed to increase your medication.

Also, your doctor may say that you need to give the higher dose longer to settle down and some of the side effects might dissipate.

Having said that it may well be the case that 10mg of Amlodipine doesn’t agree with you, and it is a well known that small increases in this drug can result in more side effects. It happened to me when I increased from 2.5 mg to 5mg, so an increase from 5mg to 10mg which is quite a hike might well not suit you.

As others have said ask your doctor if a combination therapy with another “complementary” BP drug would suit you better. There are a few options available.

Good luck

[Rubes786 in reply to Bob56]

Thanks Bob!

[Lizziedoodle89]

Definitely contact GP ,I personally can't take amlodapine at all ,side effects are awful, have ramipril Which is alot better for me , good luck