Amlodipine withdrawal

[IndieDot]

The Clinical Pharmacist at my GP Surgery has suggested I stop taking Amlodipine 5mg, which I have been on since a one off episode last December of high blood pressure and BPM which saw me in A&E for a day while they tried different drugs to lower the pressure. Amlodipine did the job and my GP has prescribed it ever since. My BP readings are consistently low now, 110 / 65 being an example, so the Pharmacist questioned whether I really need to be on any medication. I'd love to come off them but am feeling a bit anxious and assumed I would have to be weaned off. The Pharmacist said that was not the case. Anyway I was wondering if anyone on here has come off Amlodipine or anything similar without weaning and how that went for you.

[Happyrosie]

I came off a similar drug when my BP got to your low level. I had no symptoms and no side effects.

[IndieDot in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for your reply, this is reassuring to know.

[Murderfan58]

The AF clinic took me off Amlodipine as it caused swelling in my ankles and legs. And wished GPs didn't prescribe it as they always take their patients off it. I have been on Ramipril for years with no problems. No withdrawal symptoms stopping the Amlodipine.

[Hidden]

The important thing is that your GP is aware of you coming off the medication and you have an accurate means of monitoring your blood pressure as you (possibly first reduce to 2.5 mg for a week or two and then) come off it. It is possible your BP and heart rate may shoot up quickly, and you don't want to risk a stroke or heart attack.

[Leonardo1]

hi

I came off amlopadine because it made my ankles swell and gave me dreadful upset stomach . Once I stopped the ankles were fine and the stomach problems stopped !! But my Bp rose !! Now on new cocktail and things seem to be good - low bp and no side effects !

One size does not fit all what works for you might not work for anyone else ! But it’s always wise to discuss changes and any side effects with your pharmacist or GP

[Jedi14]

This is quite suprising as my amlodipine situation was the same! During my last visit to the A&E, I was given similar advice but I felt I could not stop the amlodipine and ended up with half a dose instead.

This may however change as I have a delayed cardiology appointment in November.

[befreed437]

Hi IndieDot, I was taken off Amlodipine due to my swelling of my ankles,feet and legs, but I was on 10mg. Also it coincided with my other medication Diltiazem which they said was similar to the Amlodipine. So I wasn't weened off of it and it worked out well as all my swelling had gone. Hope you get yourself sorted. Take care.

[JezzaJezza]

Please check with your GP first - the reason your BP is so well controlled is because you are on Amlodipine.

To counteract the swelling in the ankles I take CoQ10 100mg every day which I get from Holland and Barrett. My mum, aged 77, takes 200mg per day and has also found it very beneficial. It also counteracts any side effects from statins.

[Friendliarthur]

I would be referring the Pharmacist’s opinion to my Doc. He may be 100% correct but I assume your Doc knows your whole medical background a bit better. Cheers.

[IndieDot in reply to Friendliarthur]

Thanks for your reply. The Clinical Pharmacist works in conjunction with the GPs at my surgery and has access to all patient records. Thankfully it's a system that works very well and he went through my history with me before advising me to stop taking Amlodipine.

[Sixtychick]

I’m coming off Amlodipine. It makes me feel very lightheaded.Horrible stuff. I was only on 2.5 mg, it was reduced from 5 mg because of side effects and my BP went too low. I have cut the 2.5 mg tablet in half, still feeling light headed. It usually wears off in the afternoon. I didn’t want to just stop without reducing the dose first for a few days, even though I was told it didn’t matter.