Amlodipine Side Effects, short and long term

[Cats8019]

I am on 10mg amlodipine (this dosage was prescribed right off the bat) several years ago, to be taken with 100mg labetalol twice a day. I felt terrible at first but better now, though frequently tired. I'm wondering if these meds are too much and the cause of my fatigue (I am 69 y.o.) I am also being recently treated for long-standing anxiety with 10mg Lexapro daily. My last BP reading a few days ago was 126/86 at the doctor's ( I am VERY MUCH a white coat syndrome sufferer, so that reading is pretty good for me) and it is usually lower at home, though not always.

I am a kidney transplant patient (U.S.) of many years and all my labs are consistently very good. I understand that my anti-rejection meds also contribute to my high BP. Maybe all these meds taken together (9, in all) are getting to me.

Wondering what side effects people endured on 10mg amlodipine (taken with labetalol or other beta blocker.) Is amlodipine safe to take long term? The pharmacy says the two do not interact.

Thanks for letting me vent.

[Happyrosie]

hello Cats.

No-ones responded as yet and I think that your circumstances are quite specialised and we, on this forum, are non-medics who can’t give advice. The only people who’d know would be your own medical advisers and their pharmacist colleagues in my opinion.

[Ukscorpio]

I took Amlodipine for a year. Initially 10mg then 5. I don’t remember feeling fatigued though I appreciate this can be a side effect. I switched to Ramipril due to leg ache side effects. Ramipril seems to suit me, down to 2.5 mg and no side effects ( not even the infamous cough). I can’t advise on the mix you have I’m afraid, but you know these are all similar. You have choices and one may suit you better.

[peter999999999 in reply to Ukscorpio]

Worst Drug # 3: Amlodipine, sold as "Norvasc"

Amlodipine is notorious for causing side effects like headache, hair loss, and diarrhea. It can also infect your peace of mind by triggering depression, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts.

By far the most common side effect is painful swelling in the ankles and wrists, bad enough to leave you bed-ridden. (Amlodipine can cause blood to leak into healthy tissue, causing it to swell up.) One sufferer said it was like "walking on balloons" which made it "unbearable to walk. just found this article, its what caused my suicidal thoughts when i took it and i did not realise doctors new about it and still prescribed it to me, it should be banned and people think docs are helping them to get better another reaso tonot take them,read,read all about what pills you take

[Madlegs1 in reply to peter999999999]

Peter-- please be very careful to not scaremonger. I am presuming you are not medically qualified. It seems to me, in the short time I've been here, that you have a particular agenda. And it is not a helpful one for people looking for help.

Those side effects only apply to some people . If anyone experiences such effects, then contact the prescribing doctor immediately, and you will be changed to another medication.

Everyone is different, and experiences medications differently.

[xxSummerladyxx in reply to peter999999999]

Hi I have been taking Amlodipine10mg for around 4 years ....I am a 57 year old woman and My hair has been thining...it is difficult to tell if it is just My age ...I had My bloods checked abd GP said My results were satisfactory although this was on My on line notes but no direct feedback.I am going to Make another appointment but what BP tablet could I ask for ?

Thank you

[peter999999999 in reply to xxSummerladyxx]

ive no idea sorry i wont take them, i like aspirin a baby one or half with vit c to protect minimise the unlickly chance of bleeding which is very rare

[peter999999999]

now you do not no that you are just presuming lol, its not scaremonging its fact you can read up, not everyone will get them but if it only helps one who feels suicidal its worth it to save them,in my dark days it took some working out what the cause was,wish someone had informed me, now if im not wrong you are the one who does not even no if he is on a study or not lol ,you can check up on the 5 worst drugs for bp,amlodipine was no 3 , do you think you will live longer/healthy taking it than getting your self healthy the natural way,most wont though to much hard work, till they feel ill then go docs for another one, will you feel better in your 70s with bp 120/80 than say 150/90 i no i dont

[Dovedale4 in reply to peter999999999]

Peter, I respect your views and defend your right to post about your experiences with BP meds. However, I do agree with Madlegs and am concerned that you seem to be frightening people. I know from your previous posts that you had a difficult time with BP meds, but I think we should be encouraging people rather than discouraging.

You obviously choose not to take meds but that is your choice and yours alone. Others must make their decisions in consultation with their GP and not by coming on a forum and being swayed by the experiences of others.

[peter999999999 in reply to Dovedale4]

i dont think engouraging people to take drugs that are bad for them is very helpful,i just post the facts its up to you what you take,if you happy with them take them, it seems a lot are ignorant of what they can do to you ,there are lots of alternatives but amlodipine is the cheapest of the lot.

[Madlegs1 in reply to peter999999999]

Amlodipine is also very effective.

I have lowered my BP by 40 pts in less than a month. And without any of the sife effects you dramatically emphasise.

I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone to try out.

If they experience bad effects, then there are alternatives.

But ,as you say, it is the cheapest.

[Dovedale4 in reply to peter999999999]

But it's your view that the meds are bad and unhelpful - many thousands of people take them without issue!

When someone is diagnosed with hypertension, it often leaves them shocked and fearful so the last thing they need is to see lots of posts about the negative side effects - many of which may not present themselves (see response above from Madlegs).

My concern is that when I was diagnosed two years ago, I felt very vulnerable and could so easily have been swayed by comments such as yours. Fortunately, I didn't come across any such comments and found someone on this forum who encouraged me and was incredibly positive and helpful. I am so glad that I did and we are still in contact.

The initial side effects that I experienced did dissipate and I now feel very well indeed and I am very grateful to that person for encouraging me and that is why I am still on this forum - hopefully to encourage others to persevere.

[peter999999999 in reply to Dovedale4]

you take what you like,just giving the facts,so you think you are well and healthy on them, they dont cure you just bring the numbers down,would not it be better if there was a healthy way, but people wont put the effort in, pop a pill then another if you like living like that its ok for you,but not for some of us who want to live a long and healthy,happy life.

[Madlegs1 in reply to peter999999999]

Are you really happy, Peter??

You don't come across as that.!

[peter999999999 in reply to Madlegs1]

lol of course i am,after suffering on amlodipine its a relief to live again, so can u be if you follow my tips lol

[Dovedale4 in reply to peter999999999]

Peter, your views are well documented on this forum. However, we are in danger of sabotaging the original post so I think we will have to agree to disagree on this one.

Best wishes and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

[peter999999999 in reply to Dovedale4]

yes good idea, i go off topic a bit lol

[tapfoot]

Hi Cats, I have been taking Amlodipine 10mg and Bisoprolol 3.75 for just over 2 years since having open heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement. Prior to this my BP was controlled with Irbesartan ( I think 300mg). I have had high BP since my early 20s. I am 62 now. It is hard to say which symptoms I now have are attributable to the combination of Amlodipine and Bisoprolol as it has taken some time after the op to find my new normal. However, by BP is stable and at a safe level. Although I have other meds, the tiredness I felt initially is beginning to dissipate. I hope this helps balance the debate above. We are each our own unique ecosystem!

[Boberto101]

I take 5mg Amlodipine with 2.5 Ramipril. And no side effects whatsoever. If you had any side effects speak to your GP about alternatives however looking at the dosage’s you are taking you probably need to review ‘more’ the 200mg of labetatol you take daily with your Dr. That’s a far higher dose than the Amlodipine so the devil is normally in the dosage. And higher the dose greater the risk of sides. As always speak to your Dr to get a combo that suits you.

[onadiet]

I get severe neck pain resulting in complete neck lock.Unable to move neck at all.Whole neck up to ears stiffens up.Severe anxiety(I spose because of pain).Body pain esp.in knees etc.I think all CCBs cause this because they deplete calcium.I suffer from Osteoarthritis so I think CCB are bad for anyone with Arthritis. Dr.does not agree so who am I to argue! Funny that about 2 days after stopping 10mg.Amlodipine no neck pain.Now on 2.50mg Felidipine and neck pain starting again ,just not so severe.Prob.because lower dose.Also on 50mg.Losartan. ARBs with me cause more GI issues as well as body and limb pain. Already have GERD and Hernia.Every time my GERD is bad my BP shoots up.Dr.again says no! One Dr.even asked what GERD is ? Lol.Help us all!!