Amlodipine - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Englander · 09-20-2007, 12:57 PM

Hi everone I've been back to the Doctor today BP 150/72.....he has given me Amlodipine 5mg to take.... I am already taking Ramipril.....just wondering what results and side effects I might expect with the new med anyone any idea.

bethsheba · 09-20-2007, 03:48 PM

Hi Englander,

I was on 2.5 mg of amlodipine, then 5.00 mg, back down to 2.5, and am now off.

This med had the least severe side effects of the 5 I have taken (hydrochlorothiaze, lisinopril, benicar/hct, atenolol, and finally norvasc/amlodipine).

It is known for causing headaches but I've never had a headache, nor did I experience one on this med. I did have multiple sleep problems...sleepiness in the afternoon but despite this couldn't sleep for a nap, and multiple awakenings during the night. I tried taking the pill in the am, and then I tried taking the pill in the pm...finally gave up due to sleep disruption. Someone who doesn't have structured schedule might be able to work around the sleep problems...but someone who has a 9-5 may have problems if they experience the side effects that I did.

Bethsheba

flowergirl2day · 09-20-2007, 05:49 PM

Hi,

Ramipril is excellent. One of my favorites. Hopefully, you won't have problems with the Amlodipine. I was on 10mg CCB for almost 9 months until a couple of weeks ago. The very worst side-effect of this one is the horrible swelling. It will be just the feet and ankles, if you are lucky. Though unpleasant, that is not that bad. However, the edema is by no means limited to those. Many people have this problem with calcium channel blockers. Some of the posters here complained of the same in earlier posts. They swell up like baloons. I do too. Perhaps 5mg is not a strong enough dose to cause the swelling in most. That's what I hope for, anyway. I am on 5mg now due to the problems I have on 10mg.
I would suggest for you to never ever go on 10 mg. If there's ever need for a dosage adjustment or another antihypertensive, opt for an ARB or a higher dose of Ramipril. I am fine on a max dose of that one.

flowergirl

Guy1_USA · 09-21-2007, 10:50 AM

I hated Amlodipine. Totoal water bloating/swelling of my legs, feet, and ankles. Won't ever use that medication again.

I should also add that I started to gain a lot of weight while on Amlodipine.

I would up your dose of Ramipril before ever considering Amlodipine. Has your Doctor ever prestribed a low dose HCTZ along with your Ramipril...? Mine did and it seems to be ok.

MarinaO · 09-21-2007, 05:13 PM

Hiya Englander, I too have had problems with Amlodipine, my legs and ankles swelled like balloons, I couldn't keep awake either. They have just changed me over to Ramipril and also on Cardicor, so far I've been OK.