Amlodipine?

[DreamerTED]

We've read here that Amlodipine could worsen RLS symptoms. I can't find references to trusted sources, i.e. Mayo Clinic, Dr. Buchfuhrer, etc. Will someone post a link for me? I am hoping to convince my husband's doctor to change his prescription away from calcium channel blockers. Thanks so much!

[SueJohnson]

It is a calcium channel blocker and they increase RLS symptoms. One source is ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... and another royalpapworth.nhs.uk/our-se... but there are many others.

[DreamerTED in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks so much, Sue. We have nurtured our relationship with our G.P. to the point where he trusts our research. I want to maintain that trust.

[Madlegs1 in reply to DreamerTED]

I've been on Amlopidine 5mg for a few months now, with no rls. But then, I'm on low dose of opioids as well, so that may mask any effects.It has been quite effective in lowering BP to 140s.

On Olmersatin 10mg added, which has me down to 120s.

Again, no side effects.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Madlegs1]

Hi Madlegs, I read that Amlopidine doesn’t cross the blood brain barrier. It would seem unlikely then to bother RLS. Other types of CCBs do cross and I think scientists believe the kind that DOES cross may help to prevent Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

[Madlegs1 in reply to Hidden]

That's very interesting , and certainly explains my experience.

Thanks.👍

[Eryl]

I can testify that the claim that Amlodipine could worsen RLS symptoms is a load of rubbish. I've eliminated my RLS without meds by avidiong refined carbs and refined seed oils. I've taken Amlodipine for the last two months and it has made no difference. Historic consumption of refined carbs is the reason why Amlodipine is necesarry.

[DreamerTED in reply to Eryl]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Jumpey]

I have taken calcium channel blockers for 15 years with no adverse effect on my RLS.

[DreamerTED in reply to Jumpey]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[ChrisColumbus]

Looking back over the years there are people who definitely link Amlodipine to their RLS and others who definitely do NOT link it to RLS. Similar story on calcium channel blockers in general.

The point is that "we are all different" and that we suffer - and thankfully sometimes stop suffering - in different ways. Another example, many - me included - suffer(ed) terribly from statins, but some will report that they've been on statins for years without problems...

I can see that you've had a lot of advice for your husband from forum members on iron, Gabapentin etc. All things being equal, if you've taken that advice and hubby is still having problems, he *could* be one of those who can't tolerate amlodipine/CCBs.

I'd therefore take material from SueJohnson 's links about CCBs and see if your doc will prescribe an alternative. Hopefully, they prescribe something that doesn't exacerbate RLS, and he gets relief - assuming that he's not triggering RLS by something in his other meds or his diet (e.g. too much sugar, carbs, caffeine, alcohol, sweeteners in diet food/ drinks etc.)

Good luck!

[DreamerTED in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thank you. Yes, we have taken all of this group's advice and made changes.

[Redders01]

My advice is stay well clear of this, i was on it for a week and woke up one can and could not move, all my joints were so stiff i was in severe pain, i could not even walk,, i stopped that day and it still took over a week to get anything like back to normanl,

[WideBody]

I have been taking Amlodipine for about a year. It doesn't affect my RLS.

My RLS is under control with Dipyridamole, iron and Vitamin

I started on Amlodipine as I was withdrawing from Pregabalin.

Just my experience.

[Jerry57]

Hi TED. I've been taking 5 mg amlodipine for several years for high blood pressure. It does not affect my RLS at all. Before amlodipine, I was taking lisinopril. I like amlodipine much better. Wish you well.