Nifedipine - Just been prescribed it and a little anxious.

[JPhlps]

If anyone has been on this medication, can you let me know what to expect with it. My doctor talked me through all the possible side effects etc, but wanted to hear from some real life experiences with this particular med. Started on 5mg once a day for a week, then twice a day for a week and then up to three a day the week after that.

[uknlv]

I got very dizzy and nauseous (spelling?) when I took it and they switched me to Amlodopine, which I have had no trouble with. I was told it takes time to adjust to the Nifedipine, but I was so dizzy I could hardly stand up. So I asked to go off of it. But that is me 8)

[JPhlps in reply to uknlv]

I guess that Amlodopine is a similar drug to Nifedipine then? If I don't get on well with this then I know there is an alternative available. Thanks

[Hidden]

I tried this medication and could not tolerate it. Whenever i took it, my face went bright purple and boiling hot. People kept asking me if i was feeling ok as i was so red looking. Everyone reacts differently to certain medications so it might be fine for you.

[froggyjc]

I've been on it for 5 years and never had any problems with it. I started getting migraines and my docotor took me off it, cause one of the side effects is headaches. That was a big mistake, my hands were always cold and white. I demanded to get put back on it and she actually double the dose, made the headaches better and the hands almost normal. Now they only get wihit if I forget towear gloves in the freezer or when weather is cold. But everyone is different you will just have to try and see how your body reacts

[GatsbyGirl]

Was just prescribed it a few months ago and at first made me a little dizzy so I started taking it eves rather than in the morning. First couple of months had hot flashes but haven't seemed to have them this past month.

[JPhlps in reply to GatsbyGirl]

I haven't noticed any dizziness, but I sometimes get dizzy from not eating regularly (something I can adjust easily). The hot flushes are quite interesting, only had 2/3 so far. Do you still get the benefit taking it in the evening rather than the morning?

[GatsbyGirl in reply to JPhlps]

Hard to say. I think it's probably more effective if I were to take it in the morning. I know that at the end of the day, if it's cold, my fingers will tend to turn purple/blue more easily--wondering if the meds are wearing off b/c I take my Rx at night? Totally anecdotal. Nifedipine doesn't completely "cure" my reynauds. I still have to keep my fingers warm, gloved and heated during these cold months. Best thing ever: My car's heated steering wheel!

[JPhlps in reply to GatsbyGirl]

My dosage increases each week for the next two weeks so i will see how it get on with it. I know what you mean though, I still have to wear gloves etc to stop with the attacks. Great little gift I got given was a zippo hand warmer

firebox.com/product/2618/Zi...

It works a treat to have in your pocket through the day and just cup it in your hands for a bit of extra warmth!

[GatsbyGirl]

One more thing: nifedipine exacerbates edema and so I am also prescribed Lasix to help with water retention.

[tom-kenny]

i tried it and amlodopladine to many headaches.I was prescribed fluxotine for depression 60 mg and its the best thing i have took for raynauds.so different things work for different people

[pcokfarm]

I take it only when I know I will have cold exposure. Usually in the winter months, I'll take is a couple hours before I go out. I don't notice any side effects when I take it this way. It's a blood pressure med, and my pressure usually runs about 140/90. I don't take anything else for my blood pressure. If I take it all the time, it makes me dizzy if I'm warm. I've been doing this for about 10 years now.

[Rp321]

I tried it and various types of it (adalt etc) for a year or so and every time it made me dizzy (when i stood up quickly or tilted my head back)/ red faced and mild head aches etc. i have low bp though. Looking back it must have been helping with the raynauds (not that i noticed a huge difference), but when i stopped it i got into difficulties with chilbalnes etc. Its definatly worth a try though as it could work for you.

[peachteach]

I was prescribed it in the fall of 2010. I had about a month of symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and extreme swelling in my legs and feet. But, then I adusted. I also take it in the pm just before bedtime to avoid these symptoms during the day. Because when warm weather started, my raynauds was as not as severe, but the side effects worsened. So, my doc put m on it just every other day and added a baby aspirin on the days I take it. It has significantly helped my raynauds which is severe for me. I not only have the hands and feet issues. I am effected over my entire body in response to temperature extremes, especially cold. Without the medication, my face, arms, legs, and chest burn and tingle like I have a really bad, blistering sunburn, a burn so bad that it also causes chills. But, the nifedipine has almost completely stopped those symptoms. It had completely stopped them when I took it every day, but the compromise of every other day, gives me a tiny bit of tingling on my face in response to temp changes. But, I don't have the side effects. I am happy with the results of the drug at the current dosage.

[zenabb]

I have been on Nifedepine for many years and have no side effects. Sometimes when the weather is very hot I have to diminish it. It is the drug of choice for Raynaud's if you can take it. Some people can't and that is why your doctor is starting you on small doses to see if you are all right with it. I was on 60 mg daily for years and now I have 90 mg because of high blood pressure.

[Roamer]

I've been on 20mg twice a day for the last year. Not had a problem so far - no side effects that I've noted at all.

[BevMyers]

This is usually the first medication doctors prescribe for Raynaud's. Ask your doctor to prescribe you the slow release capsules as they seem to have fewer side effects. I have been taking this drug for years and it controls my attacks adequately (I just take extra precautions when I need to). Can I suggest you start it slowly and take your first dose at night. Please presevere with the drug, the symptoms for many go away after a little while as your body gets used to it, some I know simply cannot tolerate it. It's worth it.

[JPhlps in reply to BevMyers]

I have definitely noticed a difference so I am keen to persevere with it. I would have thought that taking it at night would be useless as I'm nice and warm in bed. See how things go I guess!

[beaglab in reply to BevMyers]

Does anyone take Nifedical xl every other day? I have taken it for 4 days and feel so tired out. I gave so much that I want to do and ended up taking a nap this afternoon.

[pipergirl]

Took it for five days and feet started to swell. I stopped it cause the Raynaud's is still fairly mild. After 15 years with it, I will try to go without the meds for as long as possible.

[hhardwick]

I feel bloated but have onlybeen on meds for a week. However, fingers and toes don't hurt nearly as much. Ankles feel swollen. I'm going to persevere for the month then see. Love to all fellow sufferers x

[cpns]

I have had Raynaud's for about 28 years. A number of years ago I was prescribed Nifedipine. Like many others it made me hugely hot & as my difficulties were manageable I let it drop, just drawing on the tablet to go to the fireworks, or garden in the winter! - so much less ridiculous than lining my 1 size too big trainers with tin foil (long before the days of silver socks & sheepskin insoles!!)

Dr replaced tablets with Nitro Dur (I think) patches which were slow release - heat no longer a problem. But, in truth I haven't used either in years, was never too sure if either was very effective for me. We all seem to find our own way, but, it has been very handy to read up about everyone elses journey. I've learnt loads & gained some good advice.

[dorothy_higgin]

I have been taking 1 tablet of Nifedipin(e) XL 30 mg ER for almost 2 years. I stop in the summer and start again when it gets cold and that works well for me. I haven't had any of the side effects such as rashes or headaches but I have been very tired and now that I think of it, it's probably because I've been taking it during the day instead of at night like I used to. Some of the drugs may interact with Nifedipine here is a list internationaldrugmart.com/n....

[Kingfisherblue]

Hi

I have just started to take Nifedipine for my Raynauds and what I have noticed is that it has given me bad headaches all the time and the worst thing. Has anyone else had more joint pain?

Since I have been taking the tablet I have started to get terrible carpal pain in both wrists, That I never had before and the pain is in all my joints up to my elbows. Feels like tennis elbow in both my elbows. My arms just feel in that much pain I do not know where to put them for comfort.

I am going to try and stop taking the tablet for a bit and see if the extra pain goes away. It is really hurting at the moment.

I know with scleroderma we get these pains everywhere , but this is new extra symptoms on top of what I am getting.

Oh the joys of this illness.

Liz

[Shirley7144 in reply to Kingfisherblue]

Oh Liz, I was so happy to read your post. I thought it was all in my mind. I have been taking nifedipine for a little over a month for high blood pressure. I have had headaches ever since I started taking it, along with a little eye vision problem, 3 weeks ago I developed a muscle spasm in my left arm , it could not straighten the arm out, off to therapy , which did help,, then the following week I developed carpel tunnel in the right wrist, it is a little better this week but not great. In the back of my mind I was thinking could it be the pills. I also have swelling in my left foot and both knees. After reading your post I am now convinced it is the pills. Did you just stop or wean yourself off? Thanks again for your post. So happy to know I'm not losing my mind, little I gave left.

[Billyboy240863]

Try viagra that's best I been on it for 2 months

[MFC911]

Hi,

I have been on 60mg a day for ten years plus. No side effects, No discomfort. Absolutely nothing for you to worry about at all so relax.

If my memory serves I think when I first started my face felt a little warm for twenty minutes after I had taken the pill. Nothing to worry about.

Good luck , you will be fine.

Regards. Mark.