Amlodipine Side Effects

[Ebiker1]

Hi. I've had tinnitus for 18 months. Started in the middle of the night during a stressful period in my life - redundancy from long term job (21 years). Originally only in right ear then gradually left too. I experience regular spikes which maybe stress related or reactive to sound. I've recently started taking 5mg Amlodipine for high blood pressure and it seems to be aggravating the tinnitus in both ears. Has anyone else had similar experience with taking Amlodipine? My doctors are keeping an open mind and will try a different medication if I report side effect. I'm not 100% sure it is the Amlodipine although the tinnitus has definitely increased in intensity. Thanks - Simon

[Happyrosie]

it is possible that your new medication could cause tinnitus, or it’s equally possible that your tinnitus would have happened anyway, with no cause. Or caused by stress. And there’s no saying whether any other medication would do the same. As with any medication, your body needs a bit of time to settle.

You might find some help from the website of the charity Blood Pressure UK.

[Ebiker1 in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi Rosie. Yes it’s tricky to unravel what’s really going on. My tinnitus is always worse when I’m experiencing stress but just to confuse me it also spikes just after a quiet period. So far this week has been very intrusive loud tinnitus in both ears.

[romford5]

Morning EBikerI'm on the same medication for high blood pressure I also have Tinnitus I don't think there is a connection between Tinnitus and the medication ive had Tinnitus for about 14 years Tinnitus is a problem because it has no boundaries mine goes quiet then just explodes i do believe stress is a main factor Tinnitus feeds on your own fear's and anxiety which makes it worse.

[Ebiker1 in reply to romford5]

Hi Romford. Exactly the same here. Very quiet and then very loud. It seems to go louder each time and gradually fades again. The confusing part is I can’t work out if I’m doing anything different which might contribute to it.

[romford5 in reply to Ebiker1]

Yes Tinnitus is a beast that clings to your back there's no set way to control it just carry on enjoying what you do remember a quiet room just encourages it always best to have some noise at Night when it's normally worse play relaxation app that you like your Brain Will eventually Push the tinnitus noise into the background there's lots of good day's than bad.

[Ebiker1 in reply to romford5]

It started last year. Pulsing in one ear middle of the night. I got used to that and could barely here it. Then louder hissing started in same ear and months later left ear joined in. Left ear only has it when right ear is loud. If right ear quiet nothing in left ear. Crazy.

[Happyrosie]

I’m picking something up from you Ebiker - and this is that you are concentrating on the sounds of the tinnitus when the objective eventually is to ignore it. Trying to find out what causes these spikes - well, the fact that you are trying to find the cause will, in itself, cause a spike.

The primitive part of your brain is hearing these sounds and (because we are cavemen at heart) suggesting that there could be danger around the corner. And we have to overcome these primitive feelings somehow.

My personal way of dealing with T is to go for a walk,,listen to the rain outside and not the noises inside. Breathing exercises. Mindfulness. Lots of stuff on Tinnitus UK

[Ebiker1 in reply to Happyrosie]

Yes your totally correct. I just don’t understand why each spike keeps getting louder. I seem to get adjusted to the last spike and then it really goes louder than ever like it’s building up in stages.

[ModelMetalworker]

Yes I had a bad T. reaction to Amlodipine, try a week off and see how it is.

[Ebiker1 in reply to ModelMetalworker]

Hi. Yes I’ve been prescribed an alternative yesterday. Did you try another blood pressure medication? I had hypertension to start with.

[ModelMetalworker]

Yes tried Melodipine was a waste of time as just a very similar drug, I'd rather do without and tackle high blood pressure other ways than have any T increase.

[Ebiker1 in reply to ModelMetalworker]

I had no side effects for 3 weeks but tinnitus louder on 4th week. A lot louder too which made me suspect side effect of Amlodipine.

[Bellyboo]

I took myself off this drug for a week with no difference to my T