Norvasc and Swelling: What Users Say

• Mig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 11, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking amlodipine in 2006 for moderate blood pressure. Most of my BP readings are 145/85. I told my primary physician that my ankles swell now, I have a chronic headache after I take it, and an earache. I went to an ENT and took a battery of tests, the ENT then referred me for a brain scan. I am debating on that referral. I stopped taking amlodipine on 9/6 and went to my rheumatologist on 9/11, without taking BP, my reading was 143/84. I have come to the conclusion that I want something other than amlodipine. The reward is not worth the risk."

• aml...
• November 16, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "This medicine and I did not mix. I was really sick the whole time I took the medicine. I swelled up on my hands, feet, and ankles. I was nauseous, extremely weak, my extremities were either numb, burning, or painful. I heard my heartbeat constantly in my ears and had this awful crawling pain up the back of my neck. Itched, sweated, and froze constantly. Stuffy nose and so much more that I actually could not sleep. No, this is not a medication for all people. Dose changes did not help since the low dose promoted the majority of my ill effects. This medicine does well for some but, do speak up if you do not feel well on the medication."

• pat...
• November 29, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on Norvasc 5mg for about 4 months. It doesn't control my blood pressure for the 24 hours, and my pulse constantly stays elevated. I have swelling in my feet and ankles, and I'm tired all the time. I get flushing sensations and ringing in my ears sometimes. I also feel dizzy at times and have dry mouth. All these medications are horrible. We have no choice but to suffer if we take them or not take them."

• All...
• March 14, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I recently went up to 10mg once a day of Norvasc. Still does NOT help BP. I have other medical conditions, so I am not sure what side effects are from what conditions and other meds. What I do know is, now I have crazy swelling in my hands, legs, and feet. It got so bad in my feet that I could barely walk anymore. Even though it's not listed as a side effect, it feels like my whole body is swollen. I am done with Norvasc forever."

• Mcn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Norvasc caused extreme leg and ankle edema and did not improve hypertension much. After 6 weeks of use, I was put on lisinopril, and within 2 days had no more leg swelling and blood pressure lowered greatly. So far so good on new medication."

• Anonymous
• October 2, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "My blood pressure went up to 220/150, and I was placed on Norvasc 10mg and Diovan 80mg. Been on this for over a year now, and my blood pressure is currently 120/80, and I have had no side effects other than swelling on the lower leg, which steady brisk walking has handled. The combination worked very well for me."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2020

For Raynaud's Syndrome "I was taking amlodipine 5 mg/day for high blood pressure when I was diagnosed with Raynaud's. My Dr. increased the dose to 10 mg/day, and I had great results...for a few months. My feet and ankles started to swell badly. This is a known side effect of this type of drug, so be aware that it may happen. I had to discontinue using it."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "After taking Norvasc 10mg for 3 months, I found my feet, ankles, and hands were swelling up. I also gained weight even though I walk every day. My doctor has put me on Avapro, and I will monitor it for the next 3 months."

• Hom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I have been off and on blood pressure meds for years now. My blood pressure is borderline high from anxiety, 135/86 usually, but when I get really anxious, it goes way up to about 150/110. I have tried lisinopril in the past with the best results. This time around, my doctor tried me on Norvasc 5 mg. As soon as I started taking it, my blood pressure went up, my feet and ankles swelled, and I got headaches. I also had a bad panic attack, and my blood pressure went sky high. It didn’t control it whatsoever. I haven’t taken it today or yesterday, so I went to the grocery to take my BP to see what it was. My kids were fighting, so I assumed it was going to be high, and it was actually better than it's been in a few weeks. Don’t recommend this medication. I also get migraines, and this is supposed to prevent them as well, and it made my head hurt."

• Shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I started Norvasc 10mg in the hospital for severe hypertension. Five days after starting it, it slayed my butt! Stayed on for another week until follow-up Dr. appointment. During that time, I was so exhausted I didn’t move, I stayed in my recliner! Constant headache, my ankles swelled twice their size and only brought my blood pressure down very little! How horrible because I’m usually pretty active! Dr. put me on another class of drug and it's working great!"

• Stu...
• March 14, 2008

For High Blood Pressure "Ankles may swell if no exercise, and possible nasal stuffiness and swelling. Very effective in reducing blood pressure."

• Fem...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 15, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Taken for 9 months. 1 pill didn't lower BP, so taking two - 10 mg total. Side effects: swelling ankles, fatigue, muscle pain - difficult to work with the side effects. Going to try a different drug."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "Taking 10mg daily. Controls blood pressure to normal level. Only side effect experienced is swelling in ankles. Brisk walk for 1/2 hour daily reduces the swelling."

• Ron...
• December 13, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "I took Norvasc for approximately 7 years. It works fine in lowering my blood pressure, however, it began to swell my gums, and I was taken off it."