Amlodipine and Swelling: What Users Say

• Cas...
• August 23, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Female age 77. I started on Amlodipine 5mg 6 weeks ago. My BP when checked by GP had improved, so I was delighted. 4 weeks on, the side effects increased with tinnitus (ringing ears), intense stomach cramps, and the trots (especially during the night), tiredness, dizzy spells, weight gain, and fluid retention in legs and feet. My skin was tightly stretched and shiny, and became bright red with blotches and swelling spreading from both feet and ankles, extending up to calves. I rang the pharmacist who advised I should contact GP. Two phone calls later, my GP advised I should stop taking the tablets, and an appointment was given for a review. The huge swelling and severe inflammation have subsided but not completely gone. I've read that it will take 11.5 days for the drug to be eliminated from my system, so I'm hoping I will be back to feeling more normal without these horrid side effects. My quality of life was badly affected by this drug, and I feel I'd rather have no treatment than suffer the last few weeks of a living nightmare."

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

Amlodipine 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."

• Ccr...
• February 29, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have never posted on a message board before but feel the need to share. I have high blood pressure and take lisinopril in the morning and amlodipine at night before bed. I have gained so much weight and couldn't figure it out, my legs and ankles are swelling, and it is adversely affecting my sleep apnea in my opinion. I also have noticed tingling throughout my body and memory issues. I am not going to take this rubbish anymore, if I gain all this weight and have all these new issues, what's the point as I think it is worst for me. I stopped taking it and just take the lisinopril, and now and after only two days am sleeping better and water retention is going down. Take it for what it's worth, but I have no use for this poison."

• Red...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 14, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "On amlodipine 8 years, 1st 4 years no problems, started having pain that got worse over time, 2 months ago my mom was hospitalized with swollen legs, they took her off her BP med, the swelling was a side effect. Yep amlodipine, I never knew we were on the same med. Did my research, I had 15 side effects. I took myself off after ordering holistic alternatives. I had chronic pain every day for 2 to 3 years some days worse than others, but always pain. I could no longer work out, I could barely move, hip pain, muscle pain, joint pain, no mobility/flexibility were so unbearable on some days all I could do was cry, gained 50 lbs, lost my libido, anxiety, brain fog & more. I've been off the amlodipine 6 weeks & 98% pain-free, mobility/flexibility coming back, I'm working out & maintaining BP. I'm aging backwards now, I felt like an old woman, but getting younger every day. I will do all I can through nutrition, holistic medicine, and working out to be healthy. My mom had a lot of the same side effects, she is no longer using her cane. Be your own advocate."

• aml...
• November 16, 2009

Amlodipine 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."

• Ric...
• May 21, 2014

For High Blood Pressure "The first few days I took Amlodipine 5 mg, I felt like I was going to have an anxiety attack, and was a little light-headed. As I got used to the med, the feelings decreased but I still have that panic feeling once in a while. After a week, my right leg and ankle became swollen, but not my left leg. I also experience nausea with this medicine and a loss of appetite, which, in part, is good as I'm overweight. However, I could do without the nausea. I always take this medication with food and my other meds in the morning. It has dropped my high blood pressure from 200/97 to 140/83. This is the only good thing about this medicine. I can't put my finger on it, but I just don't feel right since I've been taking Amlodipine 5 mg."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I hate this drug. I was put on amlodipine after developing a severe lisinopril cough. I'm 47 years old and I started exercising and carefully watching my diet. Within the first week of being on 10mg of amlodipine, my feet and ankles swelled so bad I could not fit in my shoes. I was always exhausted. Dropping to 5mg helped with the swelling and fatigue, but the physical side effects were not the worst part of it. Since starting amlodipine, I have become anxious to almost the point of being agoraphobic. I'm irritable. Some days I want to crawl out of my own skin. It has been less than a month and I'm already getting off amlodipine! It and lisinopril have destroyed my faith in modern medicine. I would rather have high blood pressure than feel this way. God help me during the withdrawal process."

• TOa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on amlodipine besylate for hypertension about 2 years ago. I immediately felt lethargic, dizzy, tired, and anxious. I used to walk and hike, but could not anymore as my legs and feet got severely swollen, and I had pains in my legs. I also got bouts of vertigo and was very short of breath when walking up a mild incline. It felt like I was having a heart attack with chest pain. I gained about 20 lbs and struggled to get a good night's sleep. I went off it about a month ago, and my blood pressure is normal, my symptoms are gone, I have more energy, and can now hike as before. I cannot believe this is allowed to be prescribed."

• Arl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Amlodipine lowered my blood pressure fine. I didn’t know I was having a problem with it until I had taken it for about a year. My ankles and feet started to swell and hurt, and a diuretic didn’t even help the edema. I was told never to take it again, and my doctor said the edema would probably not get better."

• Arl...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 3, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Amlodipine lowered my blood pressure fine. I didn’t know I was having a problem with it until I had taken it for about a year. My ankles and feet started to swell and hurt, and a diuretic didn’t even help the edema. I was told never to take it again, and my doctor said the edema would probably not get better."

• pat...
• November 29, 2011

Amlodipine 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."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I’ve been taking Amlodipine for a few weeks and last week my dose was upped to 10mg because my BP was still high. I’ve since been experiencing burning hot and very red lower limbs. My whole body is prickly and itchy and tops of my arms and chest are hot. I’ve been suffering with Edema too to the point I thought the skin on my legs would split, I’m so uncomfortable"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on amlodipine, and I despise it! I also take losartan and have diabetes. I was started at 2.5 mg of amlodipine and gradually moved up to 5 mg. Now, I have been on 10 mg for roughly 2 weeks. I have experienced every side effect possible during the transition, starting with chest and back pain, exhaustion but can't sleep. Now, I'm experiencing the worst! My blood pressure isn't much different, I'm lightheaded, I have horrible swelling in legs and feet, I have tingling throughout my body. I have cold sweats and cannot stay warm, even shaking and shivering. I am calling my doctor tomorrow to get off of it. It's too much!"

• HBP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 16, 2013

For High Blood Pressure "This medication definitely controls high blood pressure. However, talk about swelling - both feet and ankles. It's a no-win situation but what does help and helps substantially is weight loss and walking. Walking is the best thing since sliced bread - highly recommended. With this medication a little exercise goes a long way. Great reason to walk the dog."

• All...
• March 14, 2016

Amlodipine 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

Amlodipine 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."

• sus...
• May 11, 2014

For High Blood Pressure "After a 24-hour blood pressure test, it turns out I have mild hypertension. I was afraid to take it, but started taking 2.5mg before bed. I can't get over how amazing I feel now! I had no idea a small rise in blood pressure can make a person feel so bad. I practically leap out of bed in the morning. I have so much energy now. I did have some swelling in my ankles before, but it is completely gone! I read this was good for migraines. I don't get them that often and hope this medicine prevents them too."

• pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "I have used this medicine for 3 months. I started with 5mg. It did nothing for me. Doctor put me on 10mg and I am having side effects. I can't concentrate, severe backache, depressed all the time. They say it is not the medicine doing this to me but 2-3 hours after taking this, my back is hurting very bad. I also have swelling in my feet and ankles. I don't want to keep trying different medicine for high blood pressure."

• KMG...
• December 9, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "I had been taking 10 mg of Amlodipine for close to 3 years. I had a lot of familial issues going on so the side effects I was initially experiencing I chalked them up to my body being overly stressed. Fast forward to October 2018 after several ER visits for chest pain and left arm weakness, I realized it was the medicine. I have been having horrible nightmares for the past 3 years as well where I am woken up out of my sleep and usually my teen comes running in my room to check on me because I wake them up as well. I have experienced severe anxiety which I never had anxiety issues before, heart palpitations (that had me thinking maybe I had A-Fib), leg swelling and left leg weakness/discomfort especially when I try to lay on my left side at night. I stopped taking Amlodipine at the end of October and switched back to HCTZ. Some side effects have lessened and I'm hoping they eventually completely go away. This drug was HORRIBLE for me!"

• mms...
• December 9, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I was only on Amlodipine (lowest dose) for a couple of weeks and began fighting severe constipation. Stool softeners and enemas could not keep me from finally getting a blocked bowel after a week without any of the above helping. I also had swelling in my ankles, feet, legs, and stomach from water retention, something I had controlled with a low salt diet, but could not control it on this medicine. Also, I started having foot and leg cramps after 3 weeks on it. At the 6-week mark, I had such terrible foot and leg cramps that I was yelling with pain for probably 20 minutes and my feet were curled to one side so I could not stand to walk it out. I am off it now, and all the symptoms above are gone. I will never take it again for any reason. I have never been more miserable than on this medication."

• Wat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "53-year-old female taking 5mg amlodipine at bedtime. Experienced many side effects which were increasing and getting worse. Tiredness, Lethargy, Weakness, Edema, bad swelling of right leg, Muscle aches especially back and calf. Legs felt squished like in a vice. Joint pain especially Hips, had to use heat packs at night. Left heel pain, hard to walk. Upset stomach, constipation, and gas. Heartburn after taking the drug. Blurred vision, itchy eyes, Itchy skin, Headache, Bruised easily, Insomnia. Drug made me feel terrible so I quit using it and going to see my GP Monday. Been off it only 48 hours, almost all symptoms gone but still very achy. It was like poison to my body and would not recommend this drug."

• dal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 30, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on Amlodipine for several years in addition to a diuretic and ARB for high blood pressure. Although it does lower blood pressure slightly, its main effect to me was to cause swelling of my ankles and feet. That became entirely unacceptable to me a couple of months ago. The edema was so bad that bending my ankles was uncomfortable. Upon stopping the drug, I can once again see my ankles and the veins of my feet. I cannot believe that a drug that produces one of the side effects of congestive heart failure can be a good drug. I am never taking it again."

• Dea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Took this garbage at 5 mg for months, and I had chest pain, heart racing, BP was all over the map. Now this “doctor” of mine said I need this stuff because 130/90 was too high for me at 41 years old. Problem is my BP is not high when I’m not in the doctor's office. I know because I check my BP at home: 125/85. That isn't high. I made a big mistake ever listening to this fool doctor and should have never started taking this junk. My pressure is now usually 109/62. I say that’s too low. I now have swollen legs and ankles, my legs hurt from the swelling so bad I can barely walk. Thanks, doc! I told her and she cut it down to 2.5 mg. Now the pressure is a little better: 127/70 something. My legs are still swollen, still hurt, still can’t walk. Chest still hurts. Heart hurts, and I’m being slowly poisoned."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "Wanted to post my experience. I started on amlodipine, 10mg, in January 2011. Everything was fine and my bp was 115/78. Sometime late 2012, I started experiencing lightheadedness, foot and ankle swelling, my asthma worsened, and I had severe pelvic pain. Spent three months and quite a bit of my deductible trying to figure out why. A friend suggested it may be time to change my bp medication. I went to the doctor, and she told me the formula had been changed for generic amlodipine late last year, and many of her patients had experienced problems with it, had to discontinue the medication. I've been on Metoprolol and I haven't had any issues so far."

• Bev...
• March 3, 2025

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from migraines for 30 years, they have ruled my life. I’ve had every treatment going and am usually first to try the new ones. Thanks to my neurologist, I started on amlodipine 5 mg on 1st Nov 2024 and have not had a migraine or even a headache since. My ankles swell, and I seem to get very tired, probably because I now get up to wee approximately 4 times a night, but I don’t care. These side effects are nowhere near the effects of a migraine, it’s like I have a new life."