Hi, this is my first post. A routine check 4 years ago showed that my blood pressure was high. I was prescribed Amlodipine and Ramipril but began getting side effects almost immediately which, as my GP predicted, settled down after a while. About 6 months in, I began to suffer from extreme fatigue and swollen, painful joints. I took the decision to stop taking them for a year before returning to my GP for further advice. My GP changed the dose, switched to just Ramipril only but the symptoms continued. I'm a very active 68 year old and to cut a long story short, I took the decision again to stop taking them. My numbers have risen recently so I reluctantly returned to my GP who prescribed Lercanidipine. I swallowed my first 10mg tablet last Tuesday morning, felt a little shaky in the afternoon but nothing to concern me. Took the second one Wednesday morning but within an hour my heart was beating out of my chest, it was frightening ! I felt as though I was having a heart attack. I was shaking uncontrollably. I took my blood pressure 165/90 but more worryingly, my resting pulse rate was 111. Usually it's around 65 to 70. Thursday (yesterday) I felt washed out, just rested all day, couldn't even be bothered to phone my GP. Certainly didn't intend taking another pill. I googled for a forum and found this one. I feel better this morning and will call my GP to report the problem. Having read how Lercanidipine has affected others here, I will certainly not be swallowing any more of these pills. I'll keep you updated with my search for new meds which suit me.
Sorry for such a long post.
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HBPsteve
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Although you’re in the wrong forum I’ll respond as I take lercanidipine and have no side effects. However, it hasn’t really lowered my BP that much but it was never that high anyway.
Hi Steve I was first put on Amlodipine. And reacted to it by way of getting headaches, but then was put on Lercanidipine and it has lowered my blood pressure. The only side effect I have is annoyingly I’ve now got tinnitus.
I have borderline or 1st phase Hypertension and bought a blood pressure monitor I can use at home. I find my BP can change by up to 30points in a day, but realised it is important to sit for 10 mins and breathe slowly before I take a reading. Same before I'm seen at the surgery. The 'normal' BP is 120/80 but that is for those under 40. I have looked into it and 160/90 is OK when you get older. Drs often give you stronger tablets than you need and then you get side effects. I am on Amlodipine 5mg daily and that keeps my BP in check. there are so many different tablets for BP, but if you need it, I hope you find the right one. I checked my BP night and morning for 1 week before I saw my GP and took a copy of the readings with me to give to the GP. That helps them to give you the right treatment. One size does not fit all!!Good Luck
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Thought I was having a heart attack 💔
