Amlodipine

[Gizmo6]

Hi all, I'm new to this particular group. I've had high BP for over 30 years. Tried alsorts of combinations. I'm currently on ramipril and amlodipine. I've been taking this combination for a few years which worked well. I also have ibs which I've had for as many years and acid reflux for about 3 years. The last 6 months or more my digestion has been over sensitive. I had a little google search found amlodipine can cause digestive issues. Like I said been on these a few years now so was a bit puzzled why all of a sudden I've got side effects. So I weaned myself off amlodipine whilst keeping an eye on my bp. To my surprise my bp is the best its been in years. I'm wondering if anyone has found amlodipine to cause these side effects. Thanks for reading my long post. 😊

[PecanSandie]

I just saw your post and it's interesting because I swear that of the four blood pressure medications, Amlodipine is the one that works best. I didn't know that one of the side effects is digestive issues and, in fact, over the past ten years I seem to have developed GERD which sort of corresponds with the amount of time I have been taking Amlodipine. I wonder if there is a connection.

[Gizmo6 in reply to PecanSandie]

Hi I suppose its possible. Maybe have a word with your gp. Can't harm to speak to your doctor.

[Daybreak1]

I’ve been taking Amlodopine for about 4 years and haven’t experienced any obvious side effects. Like you I also have IBS, but it predates my Amlodopine prescription by 3 years so although it’s not the initial cause I wonder if it’s exacerbating the condition. It’s interesting that you have achieved better bp readings by reducing your Amlodopine dose. I tried this about a year ago (reducing from 10 mg to 5 mg) at the same time increasing the amount of exercise I was doing and found that my bp remained at about the same typically 130/85. Unfortunately after a few months it increased again and I was back on 10 mg, Following on from your remarks about it’s negative effects on the digestive system I am going to start taking 5 mg again for a couple of months to see if it brings any improvement. I’ve also been taking probiotics in various forms (tablet’s, kefir, sauerkraut) to improve my gut health. Although there’s been some improvement, and I’ve had advice from a dietitian it’s not an easy process to identify the foods that suit you best and then stick to a restricted diet.

[Gizmo6 in reply to Daybreak1]

I'm keeping an eye on my bp if it stays well over the next few weeks I will speak to my gp. My diet and exercise plus I retired in 2022 so all this may of helped. Yes your right ibs is a nightmare. I was diagnosed with this about 30 yrs ago. I feel I've figured it out then all changes again. As I've got older my digestion is more sensitive. I'm intolerant to milk but not overly I started with acid reflux in 2020. My gp said unfortunately a lot of people with ibs tend to be sensitive to acid and lactose. Fortunately I managed to help myself with these 2. I'm fortunate I'm not as bad as some people I know. I will see how I go with amlodipine for now. I hope you fair well with your BP and amlodipine.

[kenster1]

I`m taking both of them as well still a bit high but she thinks it`s going in the right direction.

[Ruthwuth]

I’m also on Amlodipine and developed acid reflux after about 18 months. The consultant who did my endoscopy said that a weakened lower oesophageal sphincter is a well known side effect of Amlodipine and causes acid reflux. I halved my dose to 5mg and it seems to keep both problems under control.

[Gizmo6 in reply to Ruthwuth]

I haven't spoken my doctor yet buy my gut sensitivity and acid reflux has improved.