Additional meds

[tgca]

Hello,

I have just been given Amlodipine to reduce blood pressure but I am now feeling tenderness in my temples. Will call my GP tomorrow but, in the meantime, has anyone else had reactions to this drug? I do not want to increase prednisolone as it has taken a while to reduce itvtob10 mgs. Advice please.

[Charlie1boy]

I have been taking amlodopine for about 5 years, and prednisolone for nearly 2. I have experienced no reaction at all, but, if you are in any doubt I would consult with your GP.

Good luck.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You may not WANT to increase the pred - but it is generally far preferable to not if that is what you NEED. It is silly to resist that - but you may not need to, it may just be a case of patience.

[tgca in reply to PMRpro]

Only 4 days into the Amlodipine but hoping the GP will get back to me. Bit of a nuisance as no other symptoms but definitely temporal tenderness. Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Like Charlie1boy I have taken Amlodipine for a number of years, pre GCA and also with the Pred with no ill effects.

One of the side effects is dizziness, plus your tenderness may be connected to it. It may just be a case of your body getting used to a new drug. Speak to your GP, but he may well give you the same advice. As PMRpro says, don't increase Pred unless you need to.

[tgca in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your advice. I've been on the Amlodipine for a week and it seems that my body/brain/other Meds have adjusted to it. So far, touch wood, so good.

[tgca in reply to DorsetLady]

I forgot to reply.. sorry.. thanks for your advice. The Amlodipine seems to have settled down but not so the blood pressure unfortunately so will probably have to have dose increased.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tgca]

Yes sometimes it takes a bit of juggling to get the correct dose to control the BP, not helped of course by the Pred. Hopefully things will soon settle for you.

[Doralouise77]

I just started on it less than a week ago, 2.5 mg. Then it was increased to 5 mg yesterday and I took the first dose this morning. Felt very weak and shaky, quite awful actually. I'm wondering if anyone splits the dose to avoid these symptoms.

Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doralouise77]

Hi,

Now you've been on higher dose for a week have things settled down?

[Hidden]

I have been on amlodipine for the entire time of my prednisone it was started just prior to my diagnosis. This is the one blood pressure med that I don't have a reaction of some kind. I am super sensitive to meds.

We really can't tell sometimes with the soup of meds we take which one is doing what. Do call GP.

[tgca]

Thanks, will let you know what GP has to say.

[nuigini]

I had moderately high blood pressure pre-PMR and took 50 mg of Losartan. BP sky-rocketed after starting at 40 mg of prednisone. Losartan was increased and 5 mg of amlodipine was subsequently added, which brought things back to normal. Amlopioine was reduced to 2.5 when I reached about 15 mg and I'm holding at that combination for now. I've had no noticeable reaction to either medications.