Amlodipine for Raynaud's?

[shedridc]

I was diagnosed with Raynaud's (cold hands) about 5 years ago, and my doctor put me on Nifedipine ER which has helped significantly. I just got a notice from my drug insurance provider that for next year they will no longer covers the cost of Nifedipine, and suggest Amlodipine Besylate instead. The insurance company does not know specifically why I take Nifedipine, and probably just assumes it is for high blood pressure.

My question is does anyone have any experience with Amlodipine for treatment of Raynaud's? Is it effective? Side effects?

[Hidden]

Hi, I've had amlodipine as one of my first treatments for Raynaud's. It was years ago, and I experienced hypotension and dizziness with it. But this is just my experience, on many others it works perfectly fine!

Now I take diltiazem (only in the cold season, as soon as I experience numb fingers) and I'm fine with it. I must have used it for 15 years now...

Hope you find something that works for you!

All the best.

[TJme]

Hi shedridc Yes I have been taking Amlodipine for the last 4 years , I haven't had any side effects at all I take it along with Lorsatan .For me it works wonders I haven't been hospitalised for Illoprost infusions since I started taking it .

[Seaside88]

I have been taking Amlodipine for ten years for high blood pressure. When I saw the Rheumatologist with my Raynaud's she asked the Dr to increase the dose to help it. I tried a bigger dose for a week and had to drop it down again as my ankles and feet were very swollen and I couldn't get my shoes on. After dropping it down again they were back to normal.

[Dargomom]

I took Amlodipine for about 6 months. It caused a cough and swollen feet. It didn’t seem to help much with the Raynaud’s. My Cardiologist took me off the Amlodipine because of the cough and swelling. I am now on Nifedipine- it keeps my blood pressure down (I was going into Scleroderma Renal Crisis) but nothing (except keeping my hands very warm) really keeps the Raynaud’s under control. Good luck to you.

[amd21]

This might reassuring or of use - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

From a UK journal for GP's - family doctors - on how to manage rx for Ray's.

Amlodipine 5-10 Mg daily is recomended in UK.

[shedridc in reply to amd21]

Thanks for this helpful article.

[gindy]

Well tbh neither really worked for me but I still do take nifedipine (Adelat 30mg) as it does have a slight effect on my Raynauds which is now secondary to SSc.