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Amlodipine Side Effects

Posted , 7 users are following.

judith33567
judith33567

After 4 months use 5mg per day, av BP is down but sometimes back to 158/90. Initially noticedmore predominate swelling under the eyes. I assumed sinusitis, then I developed, what seemed like a throat infection I.e. wrenching cough. This has now returned and this morning felt like I was choking.   For the past two nights have had swollen legs and after checking symptoms I will not be taking anymore !  Does anyone know if its ok to stop taking them suddenly.  Have to admit to having several drinks this week but instructions didnt prohibit alcohol.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • MrsO-UK_Surrey
    MrsO-UK_Surrey judith33567

    Posted

    Judith, yes it's perfectly safe to just stop Amlodipine - no need for slow tapering off.  However, you shouldn't just stop any BP medication without first speaking to your GP, who will be able to prescribe an alternative medication which hopefully won't cause any side effects. It seems that leg/ankle swelling is one of the most common complaints we read about with Amlodipine on this forum - I was on it for 2-3 months and the swelling eventually led to a diagnosis of varicose eczema on my lower legs.  Wish I'd stopped it sooner .  Good luck with the replacement drug.
    • judith33567
      judith33567 MrsO-UK_Surrey

      Posted

      Thank you. Funnily enough had a lower leg sore before starting medication.  GP rang and said sort of eczema result on biopsy.  Going away in UK for a week, so will stop tabs and make a appt.  the choking sensation was worse, seem to be producing mucus. 
  • mike92384
    mike92384 judith33567

    Posted

    Judith33567.....

    If you have an illness, such as what you've described...swelling under the eyes,

    throat infection, wretching cough, it may not be the Amlodipine. You've been taking this medication for 4 months....so when did these symptoms start happening?

    Suddenly, your legs are swelling. In most cases, the swellng would have occurred

    wel before the 4month stage. As for stopping the medication, I couldn't agree more with MrsO. Im a strong advocate of consulting with the doctor before stopping any medication. If you don't have a replacement for the medication, you run the risk of rebound blood pressure increase. Amlodpine can be suddenly stopped..no need to wean. Drinking alcohol WITHIN REASON is ok...but beyond that, it shouldn't be done. Alcohol CAN increase bp. When you're ill, it's not a good idea to take your bp readings. This can give you a false reading. 158/90 could be because you're not well at that time. It would be best to take the readings when you're feeling better.

    • judith33567
      judith33567 mike92384

      Posted

      started with dry throat and cough at Easter. GP (not my usual) said it was nasal drip irritating back of the throat, no infection and chest clear. Started again this week and feels like throat is swollen and voice gone. Haven't taken tab today and clearing up. Will ring GP monday. Wish me luck, took two weeks last time for telephone conversation appointment.

      Will be sensible, away for a few days so little stress. Many thanks

  • robert25274
    robert25274 judith33567

    Posted

    You should not terminate blood pressure medication without first talking to a medical professional who will usually prescribe an alternative to maintain control of your blood pressure.

    The side effects of amlodiipine usually present when a patient first starts taking it, or when the dose has been increased, that you are suddenly suffering symptoms after 4 months of use suggests something else may be causing your symptoms.

    I had problems with oedema when my prescription of amlodipine was increased, with excessive swelling in my feet, ankles, hands, and face. It was so bad I could not even get shoes or trainers on, but as soon as the dose was reduced the symptoms disappeared within a day or two.

     

    • andrew49240
      andrew49240 robert25274

      Posted

      Hi Robert. I have to slightly dissagree about the time involved regarding leg swelling. I was on amlodipine for many years before my left leg swelled up and split open causing an ulcer which had to be seen by a tissue specialist and then had to have it dressed twice a week by the nurse for 3 months before it healed !
    • robert25274
      robert25274 andrew49240

      Posted

      I am aware symptoms can start at any time, perhaps I did not word my post correctly, and thank you, it wasnt my intention to provide information that could be missleading.

      Typically, side effects such as sudden odema present when treatment is started or increased. Other factors may exacerbate or cause onset such as declining kidney health, fatigue, fighting off infections, additional medication etc.

    • judith33567
      judith33567 robert25274

      Posted

      Thank you Robert and others for advice.  I realise now that there has been a gradual onset of symptoms. Fatigue, Insomnia, loss of interest in social activities, not been to gym or classes since starting...feel ten years older sad weight gain, now realise slight double vision, odd headache (never suffered before)

      pluses are, mysterious fissure on leg cleared up, (could be co incidence.)

      no facial sweats, feeling calmer (or become indifferent) and of course lower average bp.  

      Done without for one day.....slept 8 hrs, less fluid retention in face and throat clearing, normal voice returned.

      conclusion:  my bp is more often than not level,  but in times of stress, has reached exceptionally high levels, but normal during sleep.  Until extraneous factors can be resolved I shall seek an alternative tablet but will continue to research effects, and aim to be aware of life choices.

       

  • charlieshore
    charlieshore judith33567

    Posted

    Dear Judith,

                          In the first instance, I have no medical training.

    My wife is seventy years old and was taking Amlodipine. After some while she was becoming quite sick. Swollen ankles, fatigue, insomnia, headaches , she was a changed person, I was very concerned that I would loose her.  We talked the situation over and she decided to quit taking them. I agreed subject to her telling her doctor, which she did not do. However, within a few days she was so much better and all the side effects dissapeared with a couple of weeks. I was not happy that she did not consult her doctor  but am aware that her mother had "suffered' high blood pressure all of her quite ative life and is now 93 years old.  I wish you well and God bless.

    Clive

  • ohmmmm
    ohmmmm judith33567

    Posted

    After a few months on this drug, I developed a severe cough.  It is some sort of mucus near my lung passageway that is hard to get rid of.  The coughs are severe to the point that my air passage closes up and I start to choke.  Within a few seconds it starts to open up slowly.  Scary situation.  

    Today I will stop using the drug with the hopes my body can regain resistance to whatever has developed in my throat.  I have been living with this for four weeks and though i have tried all sorts of remedys from the pharmacy I cannot shake it.  The drug has also given me head acheds and a bit of fatigue.  The drug has been great for the Blood Pressure, but somehow it has made me a breeding ground for some sort of bacterial infection???  

    Anyways, the posters having trouble with this drug are not alone.  Great for BP but side effects have developed...

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