Amlodipine

[Mrsd12f]

Hello everyone,

I realise this may not be relevant on this site, but I’ve been struggling with palpitations and anxiety for a few months. I had put this down (see previous posts) to the adrenals not wanting to play ball after their nice long holiday, due to Pred, but it suddenly dawned on me that this anxiety etc. seems to have coincided with starting Amlodipine for raised BP.

Anxiety is listed as a potential, fairly rare side effect, but I’m just wondering if anyone is on this medication and what their experiences might be.

I may be putting two and two together and coming up with twenty-four, 🙄but I thought I’d ask.

Hope everyone is as well as they can be.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It is relevant - you have PMR.. and many on here are prescribed blood pressure meds as well.

I was on Amlodipine for many years pre and during GCA with no issues.. No longer on it, as on different regime for hypertension.

Now you have asked the question you can see related posts...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have the palpitations been checked out at all? They are listed as a side effect of amlodipine.

[Charlie1boy]

Hi,

I’ve been on amlodopine for about 15 years without any problems.

[Mrsd12f]

Thank you, everyone. I’ll follow it up with the GP.

[Koalajane]

no problems for me

[Mrsd12f in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks very much

[Bcol]

Been on 5mg for many years with no problems.

[autumnlass]

Didnt suit me at all - neither did lercanidipine! Very swollen ankles, and GP switched to Atenolol and Losartin. Been fine on these.

[PMRnewbie2017]

Swollen ankles is a very common side effect of calcium channel blockers and Amlodipine is the most commonly prescribed in this class. As for the anxiety and palpitations you should see your GP. This side effect may be classed as very rare but if you are the one person in 10,000 who is affected it's not rare for you!

[Mrsd12f in reply to PMRnewbie2017]

Thank you. It may not be connected to the Amlodipine, but it’s worth asking the GP.

[Karenjaninaz in reply to Mrsd12f]

Even though a person has been in a drug for a long time doesn’t mean it can’t suddenly cause trouble as we get older.In the past I got palpitations from long term allergy meds, and some asthma inhalers. A few months ago I developed palpitations and a very rapid pulse. It took awhile to figure it out. It’s paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. I don’t have it all the time but I take diltiazem, flecainide, Eliquis and magnesium. I am stabilized now.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Karenjaninaz]

I assume you mean CAN'T in the first line? Glad you too use an anticoagulant AND magnesium - did you see the post about it?

[Karenjaninaz in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, corrected.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Fingers ahead of the brain - happens to me a lot!!!

[Mrsd12f in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Thank you, Karenjaninaz, and thank you to everyone who has taken the trouble to respond. Food for thought!

[SusanEleven]

Getting it checked out can be both informative and reassuring. I’ve been on Amlodipine for about 5 years. I have loads of palpitations but I’ve had them going back awhile even before the drug. I’ve worn monitors in the past (picking up premature atrial and ventricular contractions).

I saw a cardiologist after an urgent care nurse grew wide-eyed listening to the carnival in my chest when I visited for a sinus infection. I wore a 2-week heart monitor. Long story short: I have atrial tachycardia plus lots of extra beats. My cardiologist says my heart gets excited by … everything. From body position to eating to minimal caffeine to … life. But it’s healthy. And he can adjust my meds if feeling all these runs and beats causes me stress/anxiety. And if I get very dizzy and/or ever faint, head to emergency.

[Mrsd12f in reply to SusanEleven]

Thank you. I have already had an ECG and bloods done, and the GP has referred me for a 24 hour monitor as a precaution, but didn’t seem unduly worried. Perhaps my heart is excited, too. 🤣

[AshPen9]

No probs for me on 5mg for 4 years.