Prescribed Amlodipine

[sugaredalmonds]

I have recently been prescribed Amlodipine for high blood pressure , I was told to take it for a month & then make another appointment to see the doctor. I haven’t started taking it yet, I am to be honest, afraid, after reading the leaflet side effects section, example, 1 in 10 have reported palpitations .

I already take 15mg lansoprazole one a day, 80mg sotalol twice a day, & 5mg Apixaban twice a day.

I am due a cardiology appointment at the end of this month, ( it’s not decided yet if it’s face to face or telephone, should find out today).

I know you good people can’t advise me what to do, but I would appreciate any thoughts or feedback on experiences with this particular medication.

Thanking you all in advance.

[BobD Volunteer]

Amlodopine is a calcium channel blocker to reduce blood pressure. I took it for a while some years ago with zero issues alongside my party bag of other drugs but it made my ankles swell badly so I stopped. Weight loss removed the need for it anyway.

[sugaredalmonds in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, thank for your reply, I did read some previous posts about this particular brand, but thought I would still ask & get more up to date replies. The ankle swelling does seem to be an issue. Thanks again.

[riffjack846]

I've been taking amlodipine for over 5 years now with no side effects at all. A couple of years ago a GP switched me to Losartan but even at the max dose it didn't work as well as the Amlodipine. Anyways, good luck.

[sugaredalmonds in reply to riffjack846]

Hi, thank you for your reply, it’s most appreciated.

[BlueINR]

The side effects listed in drug package inserts are events that have happened to some people, but that doesn't mean any will happen to you. If you do experience palpations, let your doctor know ASAP, and most likely another med can be Rx'ed that you will tolerate better.

[sugaredalmonds in reply to BlueINR]

Hi, thank you too for taking the time to reply, again, much appreciated. I know I can overthink things at times, cause myself more worry than warranted.

[browng]

I have been on Amlodipine for the last 4 years with no side effects. There may be issues with statins if you are on them but regular blood tests and blood pressure measurement should see if there are any issues.

Overall I am happy with Amlodipine

[sugaredalmonds in reply to browng]

Hi, thank you for you reply, it’s most appreciated.

[john-boy-92]

AS Bob writes, Amlodipine can cause your ankles to swell. That happened to me after a new GP doubled my daily dose. My usual GP immediately changed the medication to Ramipril.

[sugaredalmonds in reply to john-boy-92]

Hi, thank you.

[Pindarus in reply to sugaredalmonds]

I took amlodipine and ramipril for a few years with no ill effects. Then suddenly my ankles started swelling up quite uncomfortably. The doctor advised me to stop the amlodipine immediately and put me on to spironalactone (water tablets). Now fine. I think amlodipine is effective unless you get the ankle problem.

[Stu13]

About a year ago my blood pressure suddenly shot up, still not sure why. Was already on a low dose of Ramipril. After much trial and error with GP, I'm now on max dose of Ramipril and Amlodipine. Thankfully with no major side effects and BP has been fine for the past 10 months. I'm also on Sotalol and Apixiban as well as a statin. Apart from occasional bouts of PVCs which my EP is currently investigating, I feel ok with this cocktail of narcotics!

[sugaredalmonds in reply to Stu13]

Hi , thank you for replying, sorry I didn’t respond sooner, somehow missed it. Anyway, thanks again.

[Whitechinchilla]

Hi sugaredalmonds

I am new to this forum having been on the COPD one for years.

Briefly, I have learned that the best approach when taking a new drug is to ask myself

‘ Do the risks outweigh the benefits.’

I take 9 different meds daily and have been on Amlodopine for 6 years without any side effects. Swollen ankles are something that I dread, I’m not sure why, but if you did get that side effect then I am sure your GP would change it for you.

If that happened to me I would not wait a month but would make an appointment asap. There are always alternatives when a drug doesn’t suit,

Good wishes

[sugaredalmonds in reply to Whitechinchilla]

Hi, thank you for your reply, I understand your ‘ Do the risks outweigh the benefits', and yes, every morning I tell myself this. It does appear so far the main issue if any, is that of swollen ankles, but yes of course, any sign of any issue I wouldn't wait the month.

[Lizziedoodle89]

I've been prescribed this drug and only taken one dose and had bad palpitations and racing heart, headache , felt really rough, will be contacting gp today, some people can tolerate it tho, good luck

[sugaredalmonds in reply to Lizziedoodle89]

Hi , thank you for your reply, I am sorry to hear it was problematic for you,

I am pretty sure I am going to wait now until I have spoken with cardiology at the end of the month, one reason being, my last consultation it was mentioned that the next time we would discuss & perhaps change my other meds anyway.

[Lizziedoodle89]

Sounds like a good plan 😊