Amlodipine Fatigue

[IndieDot]

I was diagnosed with high BP in December 2023 when I had to go to A&E with sudden onset of a racing heart rate and increasing BP, 210/101 at its highest!! Enalapril finally brought it under control but after about a week I developed the side effect of a really bad, persistent cough. My GP decided to switch me over to Amlodipine instead and that too is controlling my BP well, all my home BP readings are normal. However I seem to be very tired most of the time and whilst I know this can be a side effect I did wonder if anyone else has experienced this and if it gets better over time as you adjust to the meds? I've had a whole raft of blood tests so I know it's not caused by anaemia or anything. I don't really want to spend the rest of my days feeling like I could sleep most of the day but I'm prepared to put up with it for now if there's a chance it may pass. Grateful for any input.

[Okash]

I’ve been on Amlodipine since 2012 prescribed to me after Aortic valve replacement. I haven’t experienced any fatigue or other side effects.

Maybe your body needs more time to get used to it, or maybe you need to adjust the dose, that with a light sporting activity.

You’ll be fine …Best

[IndieDot in reply to Okash]

Thanks for your reply.

[Astronomyrules]

Hi Indiedot,I've been on amlodipine for 2 years. I remember that it did make me feel sleepy at first and sometimes a bit light headed, but that soon passed. I would suggest that if the fatigue You're feeling doesn't settle down after a few weeks it might be a good idea to get in touch with your doctor to see if another alternative is available.l hope you get over your symptoms soon.

[IndieDot in reply to Astronomyrules]

Thanks for your reply. That's reassuring to know that the tiredness may pass after time. I'll wait a while and see.

[beach1336]

It has a few side effects to slow you down, not goid if your an energetic outdoor type.What else are you on, abd did they do an ablation?

[IndieDot in reply to beach1336]

No I didn't have any procedures, just medication. I'm only on Amlodipine. Just going to give it time to see if I adjust to it. I have to say it helps me sleep well 😂

[fishonabike]

i was prescribed amlodipine for blood pressure control a few years ago - it was in addition to the losartan i was already taking, but which was not enough - i was told to start taking it on alternate days and build up

i also have ME/CFS and had been stable and doing well with that at the time

two doses of amlodipine triggered extreme fatigue and a relapse of ME/CFS, i was housebound for a fortnight and it took me over a month to regain some stamina

i was switched to Indapamide with good effect and no fatigue

[IndieDot in reply to fishonabike]

Thanks for your reply. I'll bear that in mind should my fatigue show no signs of improving after a while.

[Yoga2011]

I was given ampolodine In December and felt very tired for the first 3 weeks then it wore off. I was told it could take up to 8 weeks for side effects to stop.

[IndieDot in reply to Yoga2011]

Thanks for your reply. This is very reassuring so I'll persevere for now!

[jan7]

Can I ask what strength of Amlodopine you’re taking? I’m wondering if this is more likely if your dose is higher?. I’m on Amlodopine 5 mg but think it’s making if my ankles well. I have struggled with fatigue too but can’t put it down entirely to Amlodopine. I feel it’s hard to be sure as other things can cause fatigue too. In my case I think stress is a contributor

[IndieDot in reply to jan7]

Hi thanks for your reply, I'm on 5mg. Luckily I'm not experiencing any ankle swelling, I know that's a common side effect. I'm almost 100% sure the fatigue is caused by the Amlodipine as I was never tired like this before It was prescribed. I'll give it time and see if my body adjusts and I start to feel more energised again. All my BP readings are now normal so if the fatigue continued maybe I'd get away with half the dose. Not sure if that's a done thing but I'd speak to my GP about it obviously. How long have you been taking Amlodipine?

[jan7]

Can I ask what strength of Amlodopine you’re taking?

The fatigue does get less over time but Amlodopine causes puffy ankles for me, especially after a day of standing -

[IndieDot in reply to jan7]

Hi I'm on 5mg a day. So far no puffy ankles. How long did it take for your fatigue to reduce?