Amilodipine

[Maltise]

I started Amilodipine 1/4 2,5 mg pill 5 days ago . It was prescribed for?vasospastic angina . I was wondering if anyone else has experienced chest pain with this med . About 45 min to 1 hour after taking it , I developed severe spasms that lasted 30 to 45 minutes on and off . Very disturbing and don't know what to do. The pharmacist don't think it's the medication . I also feel oouzy and "out of it " most of the day .

[1234_6]

Hi Maltise

'ooziness & out of it' might just be the sleepiness from starting on the new med, but

your phrase 'severe spasms' is less descriptive so suggest you play it safe & speak to your GP for your own piece of mind (despite what the pharmasist says).

I dont have angina, but I'm on Amlodipine 10mg along with3 other meds for High BP & I don't recall having any issues when it was introduced, but i note that the Patient information does say if you have "chest tightness" to go back to your GP.

Good luck & hope that you feel better soon.

[Tos92]

Hi Maltise

I’m sorry to hear you’re having side effects to your new medication.

I also have vasospastic angina however, Amlodipine is not part of my medications. What is of concern is when you say you are experiencing “severe spasms” lasting 30-45 minutes. If a spasm lasts long enough, it can cause a heart attack. I have personal lived experience of this where my myocardial bridge spasmed and caused an NSTEMI last year.

I suggest you seek medical attention straight away, whether that’s going to the emergency room or speaking to your GP as soon as possible.

I will also tag another member on here who has vasospastic angina and may be able to assist you with more information Milkfairy .

Please do not delay getting medical help.

All the best.

Tos

[Maltise in reply to Tos92]

Thanks . What symptoms did you have with NSTEMI? I am so confused . I had so many er visits and they always say my troponins are negative and send me home . I will let my go know on Monday about my chest spasms and I will stop the med for now . Thanks again .

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Maltise,

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing such side effects with amolodipine.

I know in the past you have been offered an angiogram with acetylcholine to see whether you have vasospastic angina.

Did you decide to take up this offer ?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers are often prescribed to treat vasospastic angina.

It's unusual to have increasing chest pain when taking calcium channel blockers.

I agree with the advice of Tos92 that you should seek a medical review sooner rather than later.

[Maltise in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks . I am still afraid to have the angio , but probably I will have it in July. I can't take it anymore ! I have absolutely no life . I thought I was doing better . The cardiologists are so happy about my going to cardiac rehab ,but I don't really find any improvement. I will have the angio and hopefully survive, but the treatment with nitro and calcium channel blockers are not an option for me as I did not tolerate them. Thanks for your input . Can I watch any of your talks at the conference ? . Here microvascular disorder is still not treated.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Maltise]

I am sorry to hear that you are unable to tolerate nitrates and calcium channel blockers.

Have you considered using a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS machine? I use a TENS machine to help manage my severe episodes of chest pain.

Check with your Cardiologist if it's okay fir you to use a TENS machine

Canada has some very good Cardiologists who are knowledgeable and researching into microvascular dysfunction and coronary vasospasms.

Canadian Women's Heart Summit

cwhhc.ottawaheart.ca/summit

[Maltise in reply to Milkfairy]

Thanks . I use a heat pad for the pain and it helps . I will ask about the TENS . I listened to the Ottawa cardio summit and I belong to a support group at women's heart institute. It is difficult to get a cardiologist there . I have been referred and waiting .Thanks again for answering me so fast . I did not take the med last evening and I was very happy that I had no spasm !! Few happy hours !!😗

[Cairnview]

have been on amlodipine now for a number of years only side effect I get are swollen legs and feet and a redness in my lower legs and feet

[Maltise in reply to Cairnview]

Yes I hear most people tolerate it well . I don't seem to tolerate any meds !!