Side effects with Amlodipine?

[Astronomyrules]

I've been on 5mg Amlodipine since I had my aortic valve replaced, by transapical TAVI, 6 weeks ago. The tablets contol my blood pressure perfectly, alongside candesartin (which I've been taking for aound 19 years), and although my general recovery from the op seems fine, I seem to be suffering from muscle tiredness in my legs and, to a lesser degree, arms and get intermittent aches in both my collar bones which are sometimes shortlived and sometimes around for several hours. I'm wondering if the Amlodipine could be the culprit and if others have suffered similar symptoms. I'm loathed just to stop them as they control my BP without the dizziness/nausea of others I've been prescribed over the years.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

This is an unusual one. Are you on any other medication besides those mentioned? Amlodipine is a CCI (calcium channel inhibitor). The most common side effect of these is oedema (fluid retention). I suffered this whilst on Amlodipine. It is most common in the lower leg/ankle area and depending on the severity cause heaviness and tiredness. Occasionally it can also occur in the arms. Frequently this is countered by a diuretic such of Furosemide. Could this be your issue?

Do others have any thoughts?

[Astronomyrules in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for the reply. My other medications have remained unchanged for around 19 years so it seems unlikely to be them, unless of course it is some interaction occuring, which I hadn't thought of previously. They are lanzoprazol, ezetimide, candesartin, rosuvostatin, clopidogrel, Repatha and since May, asprin. I haven't noticed any swelling which I assume would be present if oedema. I do pass copious amounts of water since my op/ starting the tablets which possibly gives some level of protection against oedema. Not sure how sound my logic is on this issue. The collar bone pains are the most puzzling.

[MountainGoat52]

Like Michael says, Amlodipine is often responsible for oedema. I had difficulty exercising when I was on it. It also trashed my mental processes and I effectively lost a month of my life - not good for the self-employed!

I would refer the problem you are experiencing to your cardiac team. There are alternative drugs in the same class as Amlodipine that you could possibly be prescribed. I am personally not a fan of taking another drug to overcome the side effects you are experiencing. In my case, I happen to be allergic to loop and thiazide diuretics as they strip out my potassium and I become very unwell, very quickly!

I hope you get this issue sorted. All the best,

Gerald

[james223]

I have found they do affect my legs but mainly by swelling as the day goes on. They go down overnight. I get tiredness but doc says thats more from other meds. Best wishes

[Astronomyrules in reply to james223]

Thank you for your reply. My legs don't appear to be swollen, but I will observe them more carefully, especially to observe whethr they get worse during the day, as a few people have made comments about oedema.

[Bingo88]

Have a word with your doctor I was on Amlodipine for only 2 weeks and had leg ulcers which have scarred my ankles for life

[Astronomyrules in reply to Bingo88]

Thanks for your reply. So sorry to hear about your leg ulcers. I have very dry skin on my legs and a nurse told me years ago that I would be prone to ulcers. It has become something of a fear.

[Bingo88 in reply to Astronomyrules]

Mine are mainly red rashes now. But the skin covering the area is very thin and you only have to knock your shin on the heel of your slipper. And its an open wound again. Take care of yourself too. Brian