Amlodipine and joint/muscle pain
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi Everyone. New to the forum. Been hypertensive for a few years now (I'm 58). I've been taking Ramipril and Amlodipine for four months and I stopped taking Amlodipine today. I've been monitoring my BP (currently around 150/85) and plan to phone the GP tomorrow to speak to the nurse practitioner whom I see for my BP and asthma.
The reason I stopped taking them is that I've had constant and worsening pain in my left elbow and right knee for the past couple of months. It's got to the stage that I can barely lift a coffee mug with my right hand it is so weak, shaky and painful. I also hobble like an old man when I stand up and walk. My feet are swollen and painful. I am extremely fatigued - to the extent that I've fallen asleep at work several times a day for the last week.
I've had enough. I can't live like this. The last time this was discussed the NP said their was no alternative to Amlodipine except diuretics. There must be something???
My questions are:
A) has anyone else experienced joint pain/stiffness and/or weakness in the limbs?
B) is there an alternative to Amlodipine I can take with Ramipril?
Many thanks in anticipation.
0 likes, 3 replies
jx41870 WickedGit
Posted
There are many alternatives to amlodipine, there are a couple of dozen common BP meds in four major classes: diuretics, ACE/ARB, calcium channel, and beta blockers.
While amlodipine is used happily by millions of people, it is also one of those with the highest incidence of side-effects. I don't know about the specifics of your symptoms, but I've seen everything blamed on it! I've decided I dislike the entire category of calcium channel blockers, as the others in the category tend to be worse than amlodipine regarding side-effects!
I'm guessing a small dose of beta blocker would be the next thing for you to try.
Amlodipine takes a couple of weeks to clear from your system, btw.
If you want to try beta blocker sooner, go get some dark chocolate, 72% or darker, and have about an ounce, or 35 grams, it has a natural beta blocker which works just about as well as any prescription. It is also tastier, and has more calories!
jx41870
Posted
ps - there are even more categories of BP drugs, most get nastier, but there's also the nitric oxide (NO) category that is rare in drugs these days but is available in foods like beets and arugula. Again, a serving of beets has been notably effective for me, but they also have many carbs, one doesn't want to eat them all the time, and frankly I don't like them much in any case.
adrian32374 WickedGit
Posted
Morning, I have just read your information about Amplodipine. I had to start taking these a few years ago. A few weeks after I could not walk properly. I seen my Dr about this and stated about coming off them. He stated to stay on them and put me on Ramporil as well. Please get your blood checked out if you B12 Dificiency. This can make your joints ache if left. If you have it do not get scared just make sure you eat meat ,fresh milk etc. Good Luck (ADRIAN) EX Carer