Feel unwell on Amlodipine

[Costablanca]

6 days on Amlodipine.

I feel unwell with tight chest 4/5 hours after taking. Have GP appointment tomorrow but do I take tablet today ?

[Blackcatsooty]

I think i would take it today. Firstly it shows your co operation with the doctor, secondly you might be asked to persevere thirdly, you really dont want BP to go over the top. I think you need to give medication a chance, whilst it titrates into your system.

I had a terrible time with amlodipine, but it was many many months down the line.

Best wishes

Colin

[Costablanca in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Thanks for your reply. Do you still take it and did you get the tight chest feeling?

[Serendipidy3 in reply to Blackcatsooty]

Did you change the drug or continue with amlodipine?

[Serendipidy3]

I’ve just started amlodipine and don’t feel great, but I know you have to persevere at the start, until your body gets used to it

[Mirador19]

Hi, I've been on Amlodipine 5mg for about 18mths and have been fine with it. I think it's important that you see your Dr tomorrow and he will look into the source of your pain and hopefully put your mind at ease and advise on the Amlodipine.

Joan

[Costablanca in reply to Mirador19]

Yes, this is the second BP tablet I have tried. Both have given me a tight chest and discomfort. Hope he will advise.

[Motorman]

I have tried amlodipine and had some side effects that didn't go away, I am now on Felodipine which is very similar and am still having side effects after 3 months, headaches, fluid retention ( ankles and feet) and stomach discomfort. I have been told by my GP to "stick with it" and the side effects will go. It had better be soon because I have had enough!

[Costablanca in reply to Motorman]

Hi, yes I have too. I know how you feel. My life has become totally miserable and more anxious now than ever. Hope yours subside soon ☹️

[Celtic in reply to Motorman]

Well the side effects for me from both those pills didn’t resolve after 3 months. In my view that’s plenty long enough to see if the side effects will disappear. As it turned out, for me I have been left with permanent red inflamed-looking lower legs/ankles from trying to persevere for too long. Ask to be switched - there is a multitude of choices. Good luck!

[Motorman in reply to Celtic]

Thanks for that, interesting that I too have reddish looking legs with what appear a bit like chilblains i.e. sort of blotches on my lower legs. I use coconut cream and 1% Hydrocortisone ( not together!) to control the itching. I will have to try again with the GP, not easy with a different GP each time and a phone call only. 15 - 20 callers waiting seems to be the new norm!

[Cushie]

I sympathize with you, you could ring 101 to get a professional opinion pending a discussion with your own doctor. I did receive such advice from my doctor on the phone. I was given an alternative pending a complete reassessment.

[Costablanca in reply to Cushie]

Hi there. Saw my Gp this morning. Said to stop them and gave me a different one to try. I am praying it has less side effects . Hopefully I can tolerate them. Thanks for your comments 🙂

[Cushie]

Well done, there is plenty of choice until you find one that suits you. Best wishes, stay safe.

[Confusion-In-Motion]

Hi Costablanca,

I would never suggest stopping until GP says, even in my case with this drug I lost 3 months and still have no idea what happened only bits my wife has told me,

I hope you get the advice you need from your GP and maybe a new medication to try?

Steve 👍

[Costablanca in reply to Confusion-In-Motion]

Wow how terrible for you. Have seen Dr today and a new prescription. After only a few days I cut them down as I knew they weren't right for me. Hope next ones are better suited.

[Confusion-In-Motion in reply to Costablanca]

Hope things are going ok with new medication?

I have had nothing but problems with medications, still do now but ‘hope’ will improve as GP back involved now as other nurse and doctor took no notice 🤯

Steve.

[Costablanca in reply to Confusion-In-Motion]

I do hope so, its totally miserable feeling rubbish from tablets.

[Palpman]

Amlodipine is known for water retention and a de watering tablet such as moduretic (amiloride) could be added.

If the tight chest is during the night and early morning then the water in the legs drain into your lungs when lying down. This can cause shortness of breath, coughing and tightness in the chest.

This is why people with swollen ankles wake up happy with normal ankles not knowing that all the water is now in the upper body and will eventually go back down.

[Costablanca in reply to Palpman]

Thats interesting to know. Have seen my GP today and am going to try different tablets. Heres hoping for better tolerance.

[Serendipidy3]

What’s the best time to take amlodipine? I take it in the morning and it makes me dizzy in the morning, I have a full time job and don’t want it to affect my work, I wonder if it’s best to take at night?

[Costablanca in reply to Serendipidy3]

I used to take in the morning and had same as you, dizzy spells. I believe some take their medication at night not to feel side effects. They didn't suit me so my Gp stopped mine and put me on different tablets which seem better for me , so far so good.