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Amlodipine side effects

19 Replies

Hi Guys

I have recently been prescribed Amlodipine for high blood pressure and the first prescription was for 5mg per day, that made no difference to my BP readings, I was then prescribed the same meds at 10mg per day, since taking 10mg per day my calves and lower legs become swollen in the afternoon and evenings. I also take statins at 10mg per day.

Can anyone tell me if they experience similar side effects whilst taking Amlodipine or statins ?

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19 Replies
arTistapple profile image
arTistapple

Swelling of calves and lower legs is definitely a side effect of Amlodipine. My doc says if it was there all the time it would be the drug. If not, it’s not the drug. It’s clear from the blurb with it, it’s a side effect. Mine comes and goes but I do have thyroid issues too which may also be a cause. If it’s a problem contact the doc BUT if you have only been on it a short while, I suggest you give it a chance to settle down.

in reply to arTistapple

Hi thanks for the reply,

Yes I have only been on the meds two months and swelling started when the Amlodipine was in creased from 5mg to 10mg two weeks ago

OB73 profile image
OB73

Yes i take 5mg of amilodipine and i was on statin and statin cause muscle weakness and high glucose issues and elevated A1C they may save lives from heart attack and stroke but the side effects are bothersome i took myself off statins im just changed my diet eating more oatmeal for breakfast not saying you should do the same but my cholesterol is down now thank God but i still must be careful i lost weight also just talk it over with your doctor

OK will do thanks

Breesha profile image
Breesha

You need to report any swelling to the doc, you will be prescribed another type of meds I think , I certainly was , no problem , do not leave it as suggested . You must report any swelling of legs to doc, my husband takes Amilopodine no problem , I had the swelling reaction and take another drug.

Carercmb profile image
Carercmb

I was the same but before my three month consultation I had settled down. I have decided for now not to increase the dose but there are other statins I was offered.

Lots of people I know tried a couple before settling down Talk to your support team they are well used to these problems.

Lupaal profile image
Lupaal

I asked to be taken off it and now take ramipril instead.

Eastham1 profile image
Eastham1 in reply to Lupaal

Me to, do you find it better ?.

Lupaal profile image
Lupaal in reply to Eastham1

Yes.

Eastham1 profile image
Eastham1 in reply to Lupaal

Me too.

Buddy00 profile image
Buddy00

I also had swollen lower legs while on amlodipline, I even had to change the type of socks I was wearing. Fortunately the cardiologist took me off amlodipline and increased the dose of candesartan.

MountainGoat52 profile image
MountainGoat52

Me too... my legs swelled so much they were painful when I was out walking, so my GP changed my medication. I had already tried Ramipril and had the cough it can cause, so he put me on Losartan and I've been on that for over a decade without any issues. There are other medications in the same class as Amlodipine, so you may be prescribed one of those.

The_Voice profile image
The_Voice

Yes, I’ve unfortunately had the same side effects. I didn’t notice much difference on one per day, either - only been on them for about a month mind you - but my BP has definitely started going down (160/100 when I first started the meds, now around 12x/8x) since I had my 2nd stent last week. So I’m guessing the blocked artery is what was pushing it up in the first place.

Partner20 profile image
Partner20

The most commonly-reported side-effect from amlodipine is swelling in the lower limbs, and one which should be reported to your GP without delay. When prescribed amlodipine my partner experienced severe leg and foot swelling almost immediately, and was prescribed an alternative medication. Don't ignore any swelling, get it checked out by your GP.

No swelling but since I have been taking 10mg recently I feel like I have been hit with a bag of hammers. Fatigue, dizzyness and waves of nausea. Was hoping the effects may dissipate after getting used to the meds but am calling the gp this week to try and be put on something else.

winabago profile image
winabago

I use to take amlodipien but my Dr. switched me to another drug because of swollen ankles .

CatsHaveStaff profile image
CatsHaveStaff

I used to take 5mg amlodipine for my bp, but it had no effect and as other people have experienced, when moving to 10mg my ankles and lower legs became swollen in the evening. I was then prescribed lisinopril, which for me has reduced my bp and doesn’t cause swollen lower limbs

Sewing19 profile image
Sewing19

My normally slim calves and ankles became very swollen once I changed from Amlodipine 5mg to 10mg. They’ve gone back to normal now I’m back on 5mg. My Ranitidine has been increased to 10mg to try and compensate. I’m finding it’s a balancing act to get and keep my BP within the normal range.

I had painful legs when on 80mg statin but ok now they’ve been reduced to 40mg.

Hope you get your medication balanced.

PecanSandie profile image
PecanSandie

I have the same side effect. When I watch TV in the evening I rest my feet on the coffee table and that seems to help reduce the swelling.

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