Amlodipine side effects and fitness

[D1ver]

After a three month spike in blood pressure readings I’ve been prescribed 5mg Amlodipine as a supplement to 15mg candesarten.

The spike returned readings of around 155/90 whilst for the four months prior had been well within 130/80.

There was no questioning what happened in my life at time of the spike… just ‘you’re now adding this new tablet’.

In four weeks of taking amlodipine I have not had a day where I have felt ‘good’.

I take a lot of exercise, I cycle, I dive, I walk. All of these seem to have been impacted by breathlessness on ascending steps or general increased CV. Bear in mind I physically passed the UKs HSE Diving medical just days prior to the new prescription… and that involves an intense CV routine called the step test.

Yesterday I felt nauseous on a boat. I’ve never been seasick before.

Now it could be that I’m also recovering from a chest infection and the prescription was just bad timing… either way the medical professionals are strapped for time and fighting the effects of COVID-hit waiting lists.

So at best I’m guessing.

Any similar experiences out there please?

[MountainGoat52]

Yes, I had serious side effects with Amlodipine. My physical exercise regime was impacted in a similar manner to the way that you are being affected and I had swollen ankles. More worryingly I lost the ability to concentrate and being self employed that was a major problem for me. I spent a little over a month in what could be described as a haze until my GP changed my medication to Losartan which I've now been on for over a decade with no issues.

There are other medications that are an alternative to Amlodipine, so I would ask your GP to change your prescription. In my experience, adding medication to solve what may be a short term problem is the general remit of many a GP.... and that was well before covid appeared on the scene. Maybe a review of whether you actually need a second medication is in order.

I hope that you get sorted soon.

Gerald

[D1ver in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thank you Gerald, I have indeed booked a review with GP who historically I have confidence in. Your advice is reassuring and thank you for taking the time to reply.

[Hockeymomma]

Was prescribed 5mg Amlodipine to reduce BP Numbers that were very similar to yours. The Amlodipine brought my BP down wonderfully but the side effects were awful for me...dizziness, headaches, vision changes, ear/hearing issues and a general feeling of yuckiness. I stopped the Amlodipine but have been afraid to try something else. Have you found anything new?

[D1ver in reply to Hockeymomma]

Thank you Hockeymomma.Four weeks into taking amlodipine I could stand it no longer, and took myself off the medication. Four weeks further still, and my BP readings have so far remained stable and returned to an average 130/80… unless I take on board alcohol! And that’s exactly where I was (summer relaxation) when my BP went skyward in August.

So lifestyle change seems to be the key for me, and I’d rather cut down on the weekend tipple than ever take that medication again.

[Hockeymomma]

Thank you D1ver for the response....so glad that your situation is under control!