Amlodipine and Swelling: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "High BP. On 40 mg of lisinopril/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide. Still high BP (in MD office), so added 5 mg amlodipine. Ok, but still had BP spikes at MD. Prescribed me to 10 mg amlodipine and my feet/ankles are like balloons! Horrible water retention! Painful! They asked me to reduce back to 5 mg and still swelling. I’m going to 1/2 to 2.5 tomorrow."

• Ken...
• January 27, 2020

For Raynaud's Syndrome "I have drug-induced Raynaud’s from my ADD medication, Adderall. At the start of this winter, it got worse than it had ever been before. My fingers and toes used to just go numb and pale, but now there was significant pain associated with it. I started amlodipine 2.5 mg and quickly noticed a difference, as the pain was gone, but my toes were still going numb. I increased to a dose of 5 mg after 2 weeks and am happy. Rarely I have numbness in the cold (2 times per month), and I am in the cold frequently walking to classes. When I was flying over winter break, I did experience swelling in my feet, but that was it. When flying, I suggest standing and walking a little to help prevent this."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 5 mg amlodipine for approximately 6 to 8 months now, as my blood pressure had increased, and after a few checks on it, the doctor decided to give me the amlodipine to take, as well as my other blood pressure tablet. Since taking amlodipine until the last 4 weeks, I had not experienced any side effects, as far as I was aware, then my legs started to itch. I had lots of marks on my legs, like bites, then, 2 weeks later, my legs, ankles, and feet swelled up badly. I could hardly walk. After about 2 days of being like this, I went to see the doctor. He said he thought it may be the amlodipine, but first wanted to try me on diuretics. No change, back to the doctors."

• Ton...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 6, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking 5 mg of amlodipine since 2022, and initially, I felt great and alive. However, I have been to the hospital numerous times now due to palpitations, high blood pressure, stomach cramps, lightheadedness, leg fluctuations, and foot swelling. Moreover, some doctors at the hospital seem unhygienic, but the nurses are very commendable. Despite drinking lots of water, changing my diet, switching to decaf coffee and caffeine-free Coke, and exercising regularly, I am beginning to have another opinion on the tablet. I want to ask my doctor if I can reduce the dose to 2.5 milligrams or come off the medication slowly with a sensible diet. As of 2023, my heart health is always very good."

• Cli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "I had taken it for about 20 days. I have the most painful headache I have ever had, and I quit taking it 3 days ago. I had other side effect responses as well: swelling, blue toes, and dizziness, but this headache is unbearable! I don't know what to do."

• KCC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I am a caretaker of a patient who took amlodipine - his legs were always heavy for him to carry himself, his doctor wasn't listening to him because he had a stroke, they all just jumped to the conclusion that it's because of the stroke he couldn't walk. Mind you, he regained active movement and lived with this stroke for more than 5 years, but immediately after taking amlodipine, he couldn't walk actively the way everyone knew him to after recovery from the stroke. BP suddenly shot up one day, even upon taking the drug, which caused pulmonary edema that led to his death."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Well, I've been on amlodipine 10 mg for over a year and a half. I take 5 mg in the a.m. and 5 mg in the p.m. I will give it a 3-star rating because it does have many side effects: dizziness, muscle pain, muscle twitching, edema, lightheadedness, stomach pain, flushing, dry skin, increased urination at night, increased appetite, etc. I'm lost, I don't know what else to do. Now, there's this constant ringing in my ears."

• cab...
• April 29, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg tablets for about 5 months. Side effects are swelling on both feet, ankles, and lower legs. Am on CPAP + oxygen (one year + 4 months). My blood pressure was 180/85, ... now 124/78 - 113/75. Hmm, ... I am a heavy sleeper and always dream, usually struggling with issues in the dreams. Now, usually sleep 9 to 11 hours ... and don't know why so danged long! I am female (well I was the last time I looked down!) and in my late 70s. I am obese and don't exercise like I should, have not experienced what others are going through. I don't know what to make of all this, and yes, I am thankful for my blessing. I feel bad that some of you went through awful experiences, and I'm glad you got off that med! I noticed many reviewers mention they are fit and exercise, but with this med, having horrific side effects-fit? obese??? What gives?"

• Nem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I am a normally healthy 67-year-old female and a retired nurse. In mid-April, I was diagnosed with hypertension. 180/103. I saw the doctor due to an extreme headache, and after I took my blood pressure at home, I was shocked. He started me on Amlodipine 5 mg. It worked well, but last Wednesday, I noticed slight swelling in my ankles. I knew it could be a side effect, so I wasn't too concerned. Then, by the next day, the swelling had increased, and I could barely shuffle. By Friday morning, the pain had spread to my knees, and I saw the PA at my doctor's office. He diagnosed me with acute poly-inflammatory arthritis. I had chills and a slight temperature. I went home thinking, what the heck and why? By Saturday morning, I was in so much pain I could not walk. The swelling had spread to my knees and the pain to my wrist and finger joints. I called the on-call MD. He told me to stop the Amlodipine and started me on Prednisone and wanted me to start Metroprolol."

• Joy...
• August 24, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Started taking this drug about one year ago. In the past months, my legs started hurting, then I found out I have so much edema halfway up my legs. Also, lots of left side eye pain and twitching. Does not seem to be helping my blood pressure much, so I am cutting it back myself to 5 mg and will monitor my blood pressure at home to see if this helps. If not, I'm going off of it with swelling in both legs that hurts."

• Joy...
• August 24, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Started taking this drug about one year ago. In the past months, my legs started hurting, then I found out I have so much edema halfway up my legs. Also, lots of left side eye pain and twitching. Does not seem to be helping my blood pressure much, so I am cutting it back myself to 5 mg and will monitor my blood pressure at home to see if this helps. If not, I'm going off of it with swelling in both legs that hurts."

• Lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 16, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Had consistent migraines about 8-10 days a month since childhood. Started this drug for high blood pressure, for which it worked well. But after a few months, I realized my headaches had almost completely vanished. Maybe 1-2 a year. Went off of it due to edema in lower legs, headaches came right back. So I am back on it. If it wasn't for the edema, I would call this a miracle cure (hence the rating of 9)."

• SLP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I started in amlodipine about a year ago at 10 mg, my blood pressure dropped down to 115/70, which made me feel ill. 170/100 was my usual. I do have high anxiety, and since starting amlodipine, I’ve put on weight, constantly swelling in my feet, hands, and my eyes. On 5 mg, my blood pressure was usually at 130/90, which are good numbers for me where I feel perfect. I cut back the dosage to 5 mg because of the severe swelling, but lately, my blood pressure is somewhere about 145/95 and have found I need to take 5 mg twice a day now. I’m going to try to eliminate amlodipine and go with the other one, hoping there will be fewer side effects. Amlodipine makes me feel like I have a 90-year-old body with all aches and pains and swelling everywhere. It’s even to the point now where my right foot swells so bad that it makes my foot feel broken and I can’t walk. I was told by the pharmacist that this medication cannot be effective on its own. I’ll see how losartan works out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking amlodipine 5 mg alongside ramipril 10 mg. I have been getting pains and swelling in my legs, ankles, and feet. Until now, I thought it was because of an accident I had in 2014, but I'm thinking it may be the meds I'm on for high bp."

• cud...
• July 28, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking this medicine for about a month. It was prescribed to me a week prior to surgery for high blood pressure. I have noticed significant swelling in my legs and ankles, along with stuffiness in my nose. It has controlled my blood pressure but has now started to cause pain and spider veins in my legs, behind my knees in particular. I am going to try to increase my activity level and hope that it helps with the swelling. I also have severe anemia, so it is hard to tell if the anemia is contributing to these symptoms or not."

• Spe...
• November 2, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "I was switched to 10 mg amlodipine after suffering side effects with a dose increase of Lisinopril. I tried the medication for about two weeks and developed severe, painful edema in my feet and ankles. Moreover, my blood pressure remained greater than 135/85, even though I was taking the maximum dosage."

• bos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "10 mg amlodipine at night does wonders for my migraines and headaches. Gave it 9 instead of 10 because of ankle swelling. Had migraines all my life (now 62 yo), went through a complete list of migraine preventives at least 4 times before I gave up. Tried verapamil (also CCB), but it did not do the trick. I had daily headaches. Was on high doses of daily tryptans. A year ago, my BP started to rise (150/90 vs. 110/60), and I got worried because tryptans are generally contraindicated in patients with high BP. Ran into several case report publications suggesting almost miracle results after migraine patients were given amlodipine. My PCP cooperated. I started very slowly with 2.5 mg a day and felt positive results right away."

• Lis...
• April 23, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I was on lisinopril for about 15 years, when suddenly around my lips got red, burning, and a little swollen. Doc took me off lisinopril, and lips got better. Pressure shot up. After 1 week, I started 2.5 Novasc. My lips are bad again. I'm hating all meds."

• Tim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed this drug three weeks ago by my cardiologist. 5 mg. I am already on losartan and atenolol as well. Pressure was still a little high around 130/90. Amlodipine does bring the pressure down but not for the whole day. I take it in the morning, and in the afternoon, my pressure is better, but when I take my pressure in the morning, it's still around 130/90. The biggest positive was migraine prevention. I haven't had one in three weeks, and I don't think I ever would again if I stayed on this drug, but I will not take this drug going forward. The side effects are too severe. My feet and ankles swell. I have a bad taste in my mouth. My insomnia is worse. The biggest problem is fatigue. In the afternoon, I feel like a zombie. Very hard to get my job done. I find I just sit still and zone out. Not good for productivity. No drug I have ever taken produced side effects so severe that I have discontinued its use, but this one did."

• Kur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Every time I take amlodipine at any dose, 5 mg or 10 mg, even with a diuretic, my feet, ankles, and calves swell within 2-3 days. I have tried it 3 different times. It did lower my blood pressure, but I could not fit my swollen feet into sneakers or regular shoes. I also did not want to think I had kidney failure from the swollen feet. I will never use amlodipine again."

• 67t...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 23, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I was moved from Zestril due to severe uvula choking and swelling about 10 years ago to amlodipine for BP. I have ignored side effects, thinking they are BP issues. Swelling ankles, sleep apnea Bi-PAP, blood pressure spikes, and even low BP. But after my triglycerides started to climb 8 months ago and my diet had not changed. (My manufacturer of amlodipine did change to generic with these added side effects.) I exercise 14-20 hours a week and gaining 50 pounds. I started to do research after the doctor said I don’t know what is causing this. I discovered there is a drug interaction with Losartan, amlodipine, hydrochloride. Pharma geniuses tried to combine these drugs with the FDA recalling them. I tried to get my original drug manufacturer, but all the pharmacies are single-sourcing the purchasing and buying the cheapest drugs available. I think my only option is getting another ACE inhibitor not related to Zestril. I will have to contact my cardiologist for an option. I leave this up to my family practitioner."

• KCa...
• February 25, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on amlodipine (10 mg) for almost 2 decades with no problems until recently. All of a sudden, I started experiencing many of its side effects - gastric reflux and, most frequently, swelling of my hands, feet, and lips. My doctor reduced the dosage in half and coupled it with triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide 37.5-25 mg, but it still resulted in the same experiences, including one occurrence in which swelling in my hand had become so intense that I could no longer make a fist. A nurse suggested that maybe cutting the dosage in half again might address things, but I'm pretty skeptical. Currently, I'm just on the triamterene-hctz, but it's now causing migraines regardless of how hydrated I am, and I'm at a point where I'm going to 'self-diagnose' and take myself off of it as well, and possibly consult another doctor if need be. As I've read in other reviews on this site, please make it a point to advocate for yourselves concerning your experiences with the meds being provided to you."

• KCa...
• February 25, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on amlodipine (10 mg) for almost 2 decades with no problems until recently. All of a sudden, I started experiencing many of its side effects - gastric reflux and, most frequently, swelling of my hands, feet, and lips. My doctor reduced the dosage in half and coupled it with triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide 37.5-25 mg, but it still resulted in the same experiences, including one occurrence in which swelling in my hand had become so intense that I could no longer make a fist. A nurse suggested that maybe cutting the dosage in half again might address things, but I'm pretty skeptical. Currently, I'm just on the triamterene-hctz, but it's now causing migraines regardless of how hydrated I am, and I'm at a point where I'm going to 'self-diagnose' and take myself off of it as well, and possibly consult another doctor if need be. As I've read in other reviews on this site, please make it a point to advocate for yourselves concerning your experiences with the meds being provided to you."

• KCa...
• February 25, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on amlodipine (10 mg) for almost 2 decades with no problems until recently. All of a sudden, I started experiencing many of its side effects - gastric reflux and, most frequently, swelling of my hands, feet, and lips. My doctor reduced the dosage in half and coupled it with triamterene-hydrochlorothiazide 37.5-25 mg, but it still resulted in the same experiences, including one occurrence in which swelling in my hand had become so intense that I could no longer make a fist. A nurse suggested that maybe cutting the dosage in half again might address things, but I'm pretty skeptical. Currently, I'm just on the triamterene-hctz, but it's now causing migraines regardless of how hydrated I am, and I'm at a point where I'm going to 'self-diagnose' and take myself off of it as well, and possibly consult another doctor if need be. As I've read in other reviews on this site, please make it a point to advocate for yourselves concerning your experiences with the meds being provided to you."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "Started taking amlodipine 5 mg with indapamide once a day. I had terrible side effects with both medications. Amlodipine caused hives, heart palpitations, swelling, and weight gain. However, I have to admit that the combination of both pills was effective in bringing my blood pressure down in 2 weeks. I just couldn't tolerate the side effects. Doctor changed the script to 180 mg Diltiazem CD. Hopefully, this will work."