Amlodipine

[lorrinet]

I have recently had my hysterectomy cancelled because of high blood pressure, and I've been prescribed Amlodipine to bring it down so I can have the surgery, which I desperately need because of severe prolapse.

My full-body RLS has been controlled for many years by Dihydrocodiene, but since taking Amlodipine (two weeks) I cannot settle, my whole body feels 'frantic', not in the full throes of RLS, but it's like it's just below the surface, trying to burst through despite the Dihydrocodeine and here I am, writing this at 4.31am.

Does anyone know anything about Amlodipine affecting RLS, and if there is an alternative drug I can ask my GP for?

Thanks,

Lorrinet

[Hidden]

What a terrible dilemma! I've never heard of Amlodopine! However logically if your RLS started getting worse when you started taking it and nothing else has changed then it's the Amlodopine that's exacerbating your symptoms.

There are quite a lot of medications that are known to exacerbate RLS and particularly any that affect the nervous system are more likely to affect RLS.

Good news is that there are different types of anti-hypertensive medications so you may be able to change to a different type which doesn't exacerbate RLS.

Amlodopine, I read is a "calcium channel blocker". Other types include ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. They vary in their effectiveness and suitability.

I have taken a beta blocker before, not for blood pressure but for tremors due to an acute anxiety state. the tremors felt like RLS. The beta blocker relieved the tremors so I guess it wouldn't exacerbate RLS. It didn't for me. Not the most effective for blood pressure though.

Hopefully you will get replies from other RLS sufferers on here who are also taking anti-hypertensive medication who can tell you what they've found is safe for RLS.

You can see your doctor and ask for a change

[Joolsg]

I have heard one other person say Amlodipine made their RLS worse. As MADlegs has advised, it’s a calcium channel blocker and that may be the problem.

Ask your GP for an alternative med because these side effects will make your blood pressure higher through stress.

Also investigate other methods of reducing your blood pressure if possible.

Gentle exercises, yoga, meditation and/or diet. I realise these may not help if the hypertension is genetic but if it allows you to have the operation it will be worth it.

[Annieapple]

I have been prescribed Amlopidine too. It not only made my RLS worse but my ankles & lower legs swell up too. The GP was reluctant to change it as it controlled my BP so well. However she halved the dose to 5mg and added another Amias 4mg so now things are so much better. The swelling is gone and the RLS back to usual levels.

[kylieah]

I take amlodepine and it has not caused my rls to get worse. Your GP would be the best person to ask. I'm finding amlodepine is useless as my BP is still too high. I find when my rls is acting up it causes my BP to get higher than it already is. I'm just waiting for the heart attack to happen lol

[lorrinet]

Oh dear, don't say that! I've cut the Amlodipine to half a dose and will speak to the GP when I get my phone appointment on 12th. Thanks, all.

[nightdancer]

Hmmmm, I HAVE heard of some BP meds that will do that. Amlodipine is not one that I have ever seen on the list. I take Atenelol and Amlodipine and have had no problems. That does not mean there are not exceptions to everything. In the groups I have been managing for 30 yrs, I have never heard of this. The one BP med that they have listed is Amiodarone. If you do think it is the BP med, maybe Atenelol would be something else to try. There are so many BP meds. Good luck and let us know. I had to have a total hysterectomy at the age of 29 because of cancer, so I hope you are able to get yours done soon. Lisinopril can cause a lot of swelling. Atenelol actually helps slow your heart rate and can work faster than others. So that is my suggestion. They can be stopped and started on a dime, so let us know.