Amlodipine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Jim...
• March 17, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "In my opinion, Amlodipine is a poison drug with a very long half-life. I was given it for hypertension. On day 11 of taking this drug, I got brain fog, lightheadedness, a dull headache, and became nonfunctional. My wife had to do all the driving, shopping, and paid the bills, etc. This condition lasted for about 3 weeks. Stay away from this drug."

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

Amlodipine 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."

• Dot...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 9, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 2.5 mg amlodipine for probably five years. I've recently had spikes in my morning blood pressure, so my doctor prescribed me 5 mg. I've done it for two nights in a row. I'm not doing it a third night. I am having the most vivid dreams, I am incredibly lightheaded, I've got a pounding headache, and I'm very off balance. I literally have to hold on to the walls to get from one room to the next. I've laid in bed all day. I have zero energy, and doubling my dose is definitely not working for me."

• Coc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 10, 2020

Amlodipine for Migraine Prevention "Have been taking Norvasc 5 mg (started with 2.5 mg but had to go to 5 mg) since 1997/98 to prevent migraines. My internist at the time had read about it being used to prevent migraines, so he had me try it! WHAT a relief! I don’t get migraines any longer and rarely have even mild headaches! I tried to stop it once to see if I still needed it... not a good idea! Got back on it! Also, discovered generic isn’t effective on me, so I have to use brand Norvasc."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 23, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "There is something very different with the lupin amlodipine, and it's not just the shape. I have headaches all the time, nausea, and feel lightheaded. I have contacted the company and filed a complaint."

• Win...
• August 25, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Having had normal BP all my life, only recently spiked to rocket high 180/ that scared the hell out of me. I asked my doctor to put me on amlodipine, initially 5 mg, now I reduced it to 2.5 mg. Have been on it for 8 months now, having a headache for the first two days after starting the medicine, then the headache gone, no particular side effects, only occasionally constipated, BP spikes, heart fluttering. BP now usually normal in the daytime 120/80, higher at nighttime. I don't dare to measure BP at nighttime as it is normally higher, sometimes around 140/. I have a phobia in measuring BP at nighttime."

• vkj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Started a little over a week ago taking amlodipine for high blood pressure (5 mg). It has gone down so far from a steady 150/110 to 137/95, so it is working already. I had only mild headaches my first couple of days, but no other symptoms, and headaches now are gone. I think it is going to be great for me."

• Mal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Started amlodipine after stopping lisinopril due to throat swelling after taking for one year. Amlodipine took 5 days to begin working on lowering my blood pressure after introduction. My dosage was 5 mg once daily. It didn't lower my blood pressure very much. Went from 165/111 to 145/100 in 5 days. Side effects included: very sore arms and legs, lower legs felt sore and full of blood (heavy), facial flushing, profuse sweating from feet and hands, headaches, notable lack of energy and sleepiness, nervousness. I recommend using this drug ONLY if it's your last resort and you don't need an immediate drop in blood pressure. Remember everyone is different, this may work well for you. Long walks seemed to help with the sore legs."

• sca...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 26, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "About a year ago, I started having some high blood pressure issues. My cardiologist put me on a 2.5 dose. After about 8 months, my blood pressure was actually not going down, so my doctor added another 2.5 to be taken 2 times a day. I did notice my ankles were a little swollen, I knew that was one effect. I started my second pill in February, and soon after, I noticed more side effects. My feet for a couple of nights were so fat that you couldn't see my toes! Soon after, I noticed flushing in my arms and chest, tingling in my arms, inner body tremors, ringing in my ears, going to the bathroom 3-4 times at night, red eyelids, chills, sweating, dry mouth, right leg burning, weird dreams, sick to my stomach, discharge, sharp icepick headaches, dizziness, and HR was up and down! I was back and forth to the doctor 5 times for about 2 months trying to find out if I had some sort of infection going on. I took myself off 90 days ago, only inner body tremors are left! All were caused by amlodipine! WALK AWAY!"

• JSm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed amlodipine after lisinopril HCTZ and losartan both caused severe hair loss and insomnia. After taking a dose, I would experience a severe headache for 20 hours, plus stomach upset. However, my hair was not falling out, nor did I have insomnia. It took about 2-3 weeks for the headaches and upset stomach to stop completely. It took about 6 weeks for my blood pressure to be in the normal range. No side effects currently. The only thing I'm not happy about is I haven't been able to lose weight while on amlodipine, even though I'm strictly dieting. Prior to starting this drug, I had been losing nicely. But I suppose I'd rather be fatter with a full head of hair than thin and bald. :)"

• Bet...
• January 31, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "My doctor prescribed Atenolol 50 mg for my high blood pressure. I then had a new doctor who thought my blood pressure was still too high and prescribed Amlodipine. As soon as I started taking it, I had side effects: swelling of the ankles and feet. I woke up each morning with a massive headache at my brain stem (I've had headaches, but never there). I took the medication 6 hours before; my blood pressure was rising fast (188/92). I called my doctor immediately. I got a different doctor in the office who told me to stop taking Amlodipine and to take 50 mg of my former medicine, Atenolol. My blood pressure went down, and the other doctor gave me a new prescription for Atenolol, and I have been fine ever since with no side effects. I wrote this so if you are having problems with Amlodipine, be your own advocate. It is not the only blood pressure medication for high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to find one that doesn't give you so many side effects. I will never take Amlodipine again."

• Hoo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Took one 5 mg pill at 11 am, became immediately tired. Fell asleep. Had a VERY VIVID dream. Feel pain in kidneys. Getting a tension headache now just 2 hours later. Reading other reviews, I can't believe this medicine is legal. Diet and exercise are the better choice."

• SBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Following a massive BP spike and a history of high blood pressure, I started on 5 mg three weeks ago. From day one, I had a blinding, debilitating headache, but on a positive note, my BP was dropping. In the second week, the headache eased, but chest and stomach pain, leg cramps, left leg swelling, fatigue, and dizziness became increasingly worse. After three blackout falls (two very bad), the doctor advised me to stop immediately. Three days off it and now no pains and steadier, but I have worrying arrhythmia. To its credit, it has dropped my BP. I was happy to take it and ride out any side effects, but the impact was too great for me. Clearly, this medicine does work for some, though. Lifestyle, diet, and careful consideration to any meds."

• Bp...
• November 3, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed 5 mg amlodipine for BP, and it seems to be absolutely fine. One amazing side effect, which is a godsend to me, is that I had suffered migraine or cluster headaches for over 20 years, and they miraculously all but disappeared. Wonderful!"

• HCa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I started on Amlodipine about 5 years ago at 5 mg. I suffered mild leg pain and migraine. I took ibuprofen to control my pain. Then, 2 years ago, my doctor increased the dosage to 10 mg. After 1 year, I suffered severe leg pain and headache. I persevered as my doctor threatened I would suffer a stroke if I didn't take it. 1.5 years later, my leg pain was so severe that I could not walk. I stopped it immediately, and it's been 3 months now, my leg pain is left with approximately 40%. My doctor then tried 3 other drugs on me, and all had very undesirable side effects on me. Prior to Amlodipine, I had tried 4 other drugs which all had very severe side effects. Now, I have changed my diet drastically to mainly raw vegetables and fruits, and my BP is 140/90."

• Pre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "'I am in my late 40s and ended up in the ER with dangerously high blood pressure (225/121). I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, which causes high blood pressure, and I was overweight and had just lost my dad. I prefer holistic remedies, but I was told I needed something that would help me immediately. They put me on amlodipine (10 mg) to start. For the first two weeks, I experienced severe headaches, swollen limbs so badly that I couldn't bend down or close my hands, blurred vision, memory loss, body aches, fatigue, leg cramps, stomach issues, IBS, an out-of-body feeling (not in a good way), nightmares, flushing, depression, and just an overall terrible feeling. The worst part was that it gave me all these issues, but it didn't really do much to lower my blood pressure. I weaned myself off of it and was then prescribed ramipril, which is better, I suppose. I'm working toward getting off prescriptions. I hated feeling this way, and I've been off amlodipine for approximately 7 months, but I haven't been the same since."

• Ser...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Primary physician prescribed amlodipine 2.5 MG (and said I could start out at 1/2 dose to begin) for moderate high blood pressure. After taking amlodipine for 5 days, I stopped. The reaction to the drug was similar to a reaction I had to lithium (called serotonin sensitivity). On amlodipine, my vision was distorted (not blurry). I lost my balance. At night, my sleep was filled with bizarre/frightening dreams. My hands and feet swelled, tingled, and itched. I had cramps in my calf muscles. The worst part was the blistering headache that never stopped. I woke up feeling anxious, angry, and scared...went to bed feeling the same. The doctor wanted to lower my blood pressure. Instead, it had gone up rather high over what it was when I started taking amlodipine. After the 5th day, I stopped amlodipine and took an anti-anxiety drug I've used for anxiety attacks. I used my inhaler daily. I researched/bo alternative remedies for high BP. In just two weeks, I brought my BP down to normal and even below on most days."

• dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed 10 mg Amlodipine for high blood pressure. Relieves the blood pressure, but I get terrible headaches since taking Amlodipine, no matter if I take it in the morning or in the evening. Still the excruciating headaches and cannot sleep. What to do?"

• Eli...
• April 4, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 5 mg Norvasc for about a year. Then my doctor said to me to increase to 7.5 mg, and that's when I started getting heart palpitations, headaches, and my blood pressure still was high, around 147/88, heart rate 69 bpm. Then my doctor said to take 5 mg Norvasc like before but add 2 mg Coversyl - that made me have palpitations, very tired, fatigued, and out of breath, headaches, and felt like someone was strangling me and felt anxious. Basically couldn't function, so I went back to just 5 mg and I'm going to see a cardiologist. I feel like a guinea pig trying different medicine with no results. I'm still tired, out of breath sometimes, labored breathing, BP is still high, get cramps in my stomach, I must have gone to the hospital and my doctor so many times."

• Gly...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "Taking 5 mg daily plus 2 mg Candesartan. After taking Amlodipine every evening, I can hardly breathe. Tightness in chest, rib area, throat, and neck. Ears hurting. Ache all over. Starting to feel anxious. Headache. Stomach pain. Been on Amlodipine 6 months. Side effects built up over that time. It does lower BP."

• Tin...
• December 28, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking 10 mg of Amlodipine in Feb 2016. I stopped taking it 3 weeks ago. In the last 2 months, I have had extreme muscle spasms in my thighs, lower legs, and my feet. They were so extreme that I was on the floor crying and praying. I also was having frequent urination throughout the day (almost bought Depends), massive headaches in the morning, hot flashes, chills, and joint pain, and the list goes on and on! This poison was killing me. Do not take!! I was having shortness of breath and almost fainted at work because of it. Fast heartbeat and extreme lethargy. BP was 120 over 80 one morning. Didn't take my pill that morning. Explain that? Feel 100 percent better. Have had a stomach bug off and on for 2 weeks now. Don't take!!"

• Fla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "63-year-old female with hypertension. I have been on Atacand 8-16 mg for about 8 years. A doctor I have never seen before put me on this to start 2.5 mg each day and take it with the Atacand. I have been taking it for about 6 weeks, and after reading about all the side effects, which I have some of: extreme tiredness, flushes, sweating, dizziness, tingling in the soles of my feet, arms, and fingers, weakness, headaches, and irritability. I feel spaced out and terrible, and I am not taking it anymore. I am going to go back and see my normal doctor. I am annoyed that the doctor who put me on this did not warn me about the side effects!"

• can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I have been using an ACE inhibitor drug for many years, but now it is no longer enough to lower my elevated diastolic blood pressure. My doctor prescribed the addition of a 2.5 mg Amlodipine pill daily. With Amlodipine, I experience heart pounding in the chest, tummy and ears, face flushing, mild headache, dizziness. What is worse is increasing diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. So this drug is useless because it worsens my condition. It is the second time that I tried this drug in the last three years."

• Sco...
• October 27, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I started on 5 mg of amlodipine 3 weeks ago following a visit to an out-of-hours doctor. At first, it did drop my BP, but after the first week, I noticed that when I took my BP reading at 9:00 a.m., it was down to 130/78 (ish), but after taking the medication and checking my BP at 2:00 p.m., it was up to 150/100. The same occurred at 8:00 p.m. as well. Then, 4 days ago, it shot back up to 185/125, which caused me to end up at the doctor's again. The doctor said that he thought my BP had risen further because I was anxious about my BP and advised me to stop taking readings for a few days, at least until the weekend. I have, and surprise, surprise my BP today has dropped to a sensible 125/78. The other thing I’ve noticed is they give me a full headache and they caused my resting heartbeat to rise from 67 to 78, which is very strange as well. I think I’ll be asking my GP to reassess my treatment as I don’t think this drug works for me."

• Tlc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Prescribed amlodipine about a little over a week ago for high blood pressure. First night had a headache, which I awakened with each night. In addition, my ankles swelled, which gave me trouble walking, a racing heartbeat upon waking, frequent night visits to the bathroom, anxiety, and deep dreams. To me, this is abhorrent that this would be on the market to help someone. Last night was the worst, where I literally would wake up with odd stomach discomfort, pain in hips and buttocks, anxiety very badly, and an overall nervousness about going to sleep, nausea too. Almost went to the ER!!! Did not take it this morning and already feel better. Shared this with the doctor, who said, well, maybe I can add a beta-blocker!!!! NO WAY! ***and the drug is super cheap! I paid like $1.50 with my insurance. That’s very strange."