BP Meds

[Lindadoodie]

Been taking Amlpodine 5mg now for 3 wks, been going dizzy, lightheaded, ankles ache, tired. My BP is all over the place, took it this morning it was 158/86, I took it an hour later after drying my hair as I felt lightheaded it was 96/65. Omg!! Not sure I want to carry on with them, I've read that Thiazides have less side effects? Just to point out I have fibromyalgia so I can't tolerate a lot of meds, same with statins. I have hereditery high cholesterol, so what can I do? Take meds & feel crap or risk heart attack or stroke?

Any help be appreciated!!

[CDPO16]

Hi, I really think that you need to contact your GP about the problems you are having with the medication.

[Oshgosh]

Perhaps could ntact GP You could keep a record of readings so you can tell him .

[panthor]

Hi Lindadoodie, You need to go back to your doctors and tell them. My ankles also swelled and I too felt dizzy and lightheaded with Amlopodine. The doctor took me off it and put it on my allergies list. He prescribed me Lisinopril instead which has been a lot better.

[Lindadoodie in reply to panthor]

OK thanks I will do.

[leo60]

Hello! I take Amlodipine also, but with no side effects. I think with BP meds (as with many meds) you have to chop and change until you find one that suits you Speak to your GP, I'm sure they will be able to find you an alternative. Good luck xx

[Carnival567]

Amlodipine is known to cause swollen ankles, but the side effects could settle down. However, you need to talk to your prescriber as there are many different drugs. I think I must have been on most of them at one time or another! I hope you get the problem sorted out and feel better soon. All the best x

[Ingkong]

Take your bp medecine as prescribed. You can only stop taking your maintence if advised by your physician. Am taking losartan and deltiazem with no side effect/s.

[Jansybelle]

Think you should definitely see your GP. I was prescribed amlopodine a few years ago, it made me feel very unwell and my legs were very swollen, the skin was so tight I felt they would burst! Dr put me on Ramipril but I think there are several others you could try.

[Lindadoodie in reply to Jansybelle]

HiThanks, yes I feel even worse today, headache feel sick, pounding in my ears, I've just rung the doctor, can't see anyone with covid situation!!! Telephone call sometime today 😷

[Ergendl]

See your GP. I had side effects with amlodipine, even though my husband doesn't. GP changed my meds. In the end, I only tolerated one and lost weight to control my blood pressure.

[Lindadoodie in reply to Ergendl]

Yes I'm thinking this maybe the way to go lose weight, I'm going to see a naturopath.

[Bkin]

Bp should be taken while resting, to get consistent accurate reading this is what I was advised;

Sit quietly 5+ mins before

Use arm bp monitor

Sit with feet on floor spine upright

Arm relaxed and supported with upper arm at level of heart (arm with bp band wrap on)

Take 2 measurements with 5 mins in between

Take measurements morning Around breakfast time, at mid day and another b4 9pm

Do this for 7 days

Present to your doctor

If you are getting hyper about the med or taking bp measurements erratically it defeats the purpose.

Chat with your doctor if you still have concerns.

No point in taking your own bp if you are not being consistent. Check also. The user information that came with your bp monitor.

Do this on meds or off meds. You will see the difference

With or without meds healthy food intake and regular exercise is helpful. Reduce salt intake , basically read about thing s you can do to help your health situation in addition to the help you are advised from your doctor.

[Lindadoodie in reply to Bkin]

Yes I did take for 7 days myself advised by doctor, but not many of my readings where that high, its mostly the top reading that's high, I have high cholesterol but can't tolerate statins, I'm waiting for doctor to ring but not sure they will be of any help. 😢

[Bkin in reply to Lindadoodie]

Then it's all between you and your doc. It's your choice and your doctors recommendations

[Alberta56]

Good luck. I hope this soon gets sorted.

[Tugela]

I took amlodipine . Ended up with awful cellulitis .. itching .. was terrible time . I'm still struggling one year later with itchy skin. Was awful! I was in agony and could hardly walk. X

[Lindadoodie in reply to Tugela]

Omg!! Horrendous, Ive stopped taking it, starting to feel a bit better, my head didn't feel my own, aching ankles & legs, I don't really want to take any drugs but that's all doctors offer. They don't help any other way with suggestions of losing weight etc.

[Kristicats]

Talk to your doctor Re side effects?