Amlodipine and Swelling: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Mee...
• April 25, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "FYI - I tried various high blood pressure meds, most with some serious side effects. Amlodipine was helping better than any previous, but had some nausea, swelling, dizziness, etc. Decided to try taking 2.5 pill 4 times daily instead of one 10mg pill. Made a huge difference. Seems my body can handle everything with only slight side effects by doing this. My doctor said he'd never had a patient do it this way, but due to my good effect, has now put several patients on Amlodipine in this manner. By breaking it up, the body seems to be able to tolerate it well. May not work for everyone, but for me it was such a blessing."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Dose of amlodipine 2.5 mg once at night. 69 female. Caused my blood pressure to go up, not down. Stopped taking it when the first morning BP went above 180/100. Also caused insomnia, making me hyper-alert for hours after the nighttime dose. Feet swelled, making it painful to walk."

• Add...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I have had a terrible time with blood pressure medicine. I received 25 mg of Hydrochlorothiazide, but after lab work, my doctor said I was losing too much potassium, so he took me off it. He then had me take Triamterene, 37.5-5.25 mg tablet. This medicine gave me potassium but also had two diuretics. I experienced increased bruising and weakness in my legs, and cramping in my lower legs that made it very difficult to get out of the pool after exercising. I am now taking Amlodipine 5 mg tablet. My ankles and feet swell up something awful, my legs feel very swollen as well, and I have developed a terrible rash across my breasts. I am a 63-year-old female."

• bet...
• August 25, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I began taking this amlodipine for high blood pressure about a year ago. It worked fine for several months until I started having swelling and pain in my feet and legs. I was having some attacks of gout and thought that was what was causing the problem, but the pain and swelling went on long after the gout. I got to where I could hardly walk. My wife noticed that swelling was a side effect. I quit the medicine immediately and noticed a huge difference within a week. I have been off the medicine for 3-4 months, but still have some problems with swelling and pain, although not nearly as severe. I have also developed knots in my calves while on this medicine that have not gone away since stopping the medicine. I fear I have irreversible damage."

• LMc...
• January 9, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "I started Amlodipine/Besylate in August of 2011. I switched from lisinopril as I was having severe allergic reactions. Now I'm on this new medication and I have been feeling unusual at times. I feel very dizzy, swelling in my hands, feet, and throat area. I've had a throat infection, and sometimes I feel like I'm limited in my speech. I'm experiencing tingling in my hands and feet at times. It's annoying. My blood pressure is lowering now because I've increased my exercise, but sometimes I'm not able to drive home because of the dizziness. I've had one crazy episode when I took a multivitamin. I felt my heart beating so fast, and I could literally hear it through my ears. I was unable to pay attention and was jittery and cold."

• LMc...
• January 9, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "I started Amlodipine/Besylate in August of 2011. I switched from lisinopril as I was having severe allergic reactions. Now I'm on this new medication and I have been feeling unusual at times. I feel very dizzy, swelling in my hands, feet, and throat area. I've had a throat infection, and sometimes I feel like I'm limited in my speech. I'm experiencing tingling in my hands and feet at times. It's annoying. My blood pressure is lowering now because I've increased my exercise, but sometimes I'm not able to drive home because of the dizziness. I've had one crazy episode when I took a multivitamin. I felt my heart beating so fast, and I could literally hear it through my ears. I was unable to pay attention and was jittery and cold."

• Bek...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 18, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Took 2.5 mg for a year with not recognizing any side effects. At the annual checkup, blood pressure was over 200-but I had just taken a bad fall and had big-time bruises and a hematoma (excuse bad spelling) on my hip. Dr. bumped up amlodipine to 10 mg. Within 10 days, noticed significant swelling of ankles and feet and experienced pain on the inside of my legs (the entire length of the leg). Cut dose to 5 mg and pain gone next day, swelling reduced. Two weeks on 5 mg and blood pressure 135/70. Another week on 5 mg and 130/69. Feet and ankles still somewhat swollen, frequent leg cramps every night. Considering going back to 2.5 mg."

• 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."

• Lul...
• June 16, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "30-year-old female with high blood pressure. After trying Zestril and then Lopressor (doctor discontinued both due to side effects), I was prescribed Norvasc. I had been taking it for about 2 weeks with no noticeable side effects. I thought finally I found the right medicine. Then I started to notice my left knee would really bother me after walking (such as grocery shopping). Over the next couple of days, my feet, legs, and knees were extremely swollen, tight, and warm to the touch. I was not in any severe discomfort, but since I knew edema was a possible side effect of this medicine, I showed my doctor. He discontinued the Norvasc. Now on to another new one, maybe I will find the right one for me soon!"

• Lul...
• June 16, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "30-year-old female with high blood pressure. After trying Zestril and then Lopressor (doctor discontinued both due to side effects), I was prescribed Norvasc. I had been taking it for about 2 weeks with no noticeable side effects. I thought finally I found the right medicine. Then I started to notice my left knee would really bother me after walking (such as grocery shopping). Over the next couple of days, my feet, legs, and knees were extremely swollen, tight, and warm to the touch. I was not in any severe discomfort, but since I knew edema was a possible side effect of this medicine, I showed my doctor. He discontinued the Norvasc. Now on to another new one, maybe I will find the right one for me soon!"

• chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I am going through a living nightmare on this drug. My old doctor prescribed 10 mg Amlodipine and 10 mg Lotensin for my blood pressure. That was in September 2021, and I have suffered this whole time. Severe anxiety and panic attacks. Can't even walk to the bathroom now without my heart feeling like it's gonna bust out of my chest. My legs get so weak I can't walk. Terrible nightmare, night sweats, swollen face, and neck. The doctor would not listen to me. And it's been 5 months of nightmarish living. I made an appointment tomorrow with a different doctor because now I can't even walk. I had to go buy a wheelchair just so I can get to the new doctor tomorrow. This is so horrible, I have been to the ER 5 times because of blood pressure and the chest pains. And they just want to say it's anxiety. It's the freaking side effects of this medication. God, I pray I'm alive tomorrow and make it to the other doctor. I need help and something to change. Plus, I've lost 37 lbs since then."

• smi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Had to come off of lisinopril as it gave me a cough. I tried this amlodipine, and yes, blood pressure has stabilized, but have felt so tired and lightheaded to the point that I felt I’d faint. Then, my feet, ankles, and calves have gone red, swollen, and painful. Doctor has taken me off them. Been a few days now, so it’s probably still not out of my system, legs are still painful..."

• 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."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Horrible medication. Don't take it. There were so many side effects - and when the best side effect is swollen, achy extremities, you know it's bad. It was fine for about 3 weeks, and then all of a sudden, I got the swelling. That was followed by extreme brain fog and lack of motivation. I couldn't think, couldn't talk to my clients, and generally did not care about anything. I asked my physician for something else and was given hydralazine. I've been taking that for about a month, and it's been effective and nearly free of side effects. The only one so far is getting really tired if I drink any alcohol. I'll live with that."

• fat...
• April 25, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Been on amlodipine for 3 years. Initially basileate, but got pain and itching in hands and arms like RSI. Allergic to basileate. Now on amlodipine maleate and no problems. Slight swelling in ankles, but remedied with additional candesartan 16 mg. Feel a lot better. Worth checking out the maleate if there are problems with itching, tingling, and pain in upper limbs."

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

Amlodipine 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on this 6 months ago. At first, I had mild side effects, but 2 weeks ago I noticed swelling. I had terrible nightmares, would wake up in cold sweats, and very bad dizziness, feeling like I was going to fall. I stopped taking them, but I'm still feeling side effects. I hope these effects don't last too long."

• LA ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 2, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "I'm a 65-year-old male who has had moderately high BP until about a year ago. Then it started spiking with a high of 198/100. My Dr. put me on Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg about 10 months ago. BP today 119/71. Like all meds, this will affect everyone differently, but from what the Dr.'s tell me, it's the one with the least number of side effects. The following are things I have noticed since taking this drug. 1. My legs seem a little weaker than before but have not noticed significant swelling, which is one of the main side effects. 2. At night, I have discomfort in my legs, generally the thigh muscles. Not pain, but discomfort like I ran on a treadmill for an hour. Nothing that keeps me awake. Overall, it works for me."

• Msp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have had hormonal migraines since I was 17. I would have horrible migraines through my menstrual cycle each month. I developed high blood pressure, and my doctor prescribed Lisinopril, and when that didn't lower it enough, he added Amlodipine. I took it for about 9 months and never had a migraine, which was wonderful. BUT, I developed waves of severe fatigue and was feeling crappy all over much of the time. I developed swelling in my feet and ankles, and my diastolic blood pressure was almost 100 all the time. I researched the medicines I've been taking and decided to monitor my blood pressure and stop the Amlodipine. I instantly felt better, and my blood pressure actually went down. Don't know if the migraine will return. Not worth the side effects!"

• Mar...
• July 20, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "I am a 62-year-old male who just entered the VA medical system. I have been taking amlodipine for about 40 days and am now having intermittent swelling of my ankles and feet. This is new in my life. I have had ringing in the ears for over 30 years, and I am able to ignore it. But I have noticed it getting louder also. This is a symptom in 1% of new patients. I will see my doctor and the pharmacy tech in the next 3 days. Sleeping with my feet elevated over my heart worked well last night. I will ask to get off this calcium channel blocker and check for side effects on the new one. This product is also for angina, I don't have that. Just elevated blood pressure."

• JEA...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 28, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on Amlodipine for over 10 years, and I have never experienced any of the side effects that I am reading. Everyone cannot tolerate the same drugs. The only side effect that I am experiencing now is Edema. When I started Amlodipine, I did not have a problem with fluid buildup. After about 7 years, I started getting Edema, and my doctor put me on Hydrochlorothiazide. And this has helped. You just have to keep trying different BP meds until you find one that works and with minimal side effects."

• Wcr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Started taking 2.5 mg about two weeks ago for high blood pressure. The first week didn’t seem to have any effect, but this week my numbers are significantly lower, however, today I have slight chest pain and cannot climb to the top of the staircase. In addition, my right leg is significantly swollen. I know this is a low dose, but I have never had these symptoms, so I am blaming this drug. I have a new doctor (millennial) at the practice, and she spends more time looking at the computer than at me. Have to find a better doctor, possibly a specialist."

• CAL...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 14, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "This prescription helped with my blood pressure immensely, but had my legs and ankles really swollen all the time. I asked my doctor to take me off, and he did. He prescribed me another medication, and it's working fine. Thank God I don't have the swelling of my legs and ankles, and I can actually walk or exercise with no discomfort."

• Ced...
• October 14, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I'm a 59-year-old male. I've been taking 10 mg of amlodipine for more than 10 years. It is the only drug that will take my HBP down to normal levels. I've tried other drugs, and they don't work for me. The only problem I have with amlodipine is that if I drink a glass of wine later at night, my feet swell a little bit. I've learned how to deal with it. I have never felt other side effects other than the swelling."

• Ste...
• October 4, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Awful swelling in feet and ankles to the point that some of my shoes no longer fit. Itchiness in that area as well. Flushed face. Medication did not lower my blood pressure very much at all, so it wasn't worth the suffering of the side effects."