Amlodipine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Met...
• March 15, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Many won't read this far into the comments, but I found Amlodipine to work well by taking it in a different way. I, too, had some strong side effects on (1) 10 mg or (2) 5 mg daily. Swollen ankles were worst, but nausea, tiredness, etc. were culprits too. I asked my doctor what the smallest pill (mg) was. It is 2.5. I started using 4 in a day, but spreading them out. In other words, a 2.5 pill at 7 am, 12 pm, 5 pm and 10 pm (or approximate times spread out). I now actually only take 3 pills (7.5 total), but still spread them out. For me, it still has the right effect of bringing down the BP, but the side effects are dispersed out so they are MUCH more manageable. I sit in a soft chair or use the recliner to reduce ankle swelling."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2017

Amlodipine for High Blood Pressure "I took exactly one pill and woke up the next day with the worst headache: the top of my head hurt, temples were squeezing, had pressure in my eyes, and couldn't tolerate sounds. How ironic that people take this to prevent migraines! I was done after one day. This came after four days on metoprolol, which had left me exhausted and short of breath, so I wasn't exactly 100%. Blood pressure went up somewhat the day I was on this. Headache left as soon as I went off it. (Was put on valsartan right after, and had terrible back/spine pain from that.) I think I am done with meds. Maybe I'll do yoga."

• Wed...
• May 31, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking amlodipine for about 3 years now, I also have MS, so some of the side effects I have been having I put down to MS. I have been under the hospital for really bad tongue and mouth ulcers for the last 2.5 years and also under the hospital for a badly bloated stomach. I look like I am 7 or 8 months pregnant (both side effects). All tests have come back okay. My balance is terrible, and I recently had two bad falls in a week! I have constant ringing in my ears, cramping in my feet at night, feel tired, and have to have a sleep most afternoons, swollen feet and ankles. Researching the side effects of amlodipine has made me realize all these symptoms are probably due to this awful drug. I will be seeing the doctor next week to get it changed."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Dru...
• June 21, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on this drug 6 months ago as my existing dose of Ramapril (10 mg) was not working as well as when prescribed 8 years ago. Initially, I started on a (5 mg) dose and began to notice muscle cramps when walking more than about half a mile, meanwhile, my blood pressure did not improve much, so the doctor increased this to 10 mg. At this point, I had made no connection between the drug and the muscle cramps, but after this increase, the muscle pain kicked in earlier and earlier, and within a few weeks, I could barely walk any distance at all. I then realized that this seemed to coincide with when I started and then increased this drug! I have seen my doctor, and we have agreed that I come off this drug. I have also suffered blotchy red skin patches on my left foot and an ulcer, but not sure if this is also connected or not? I also constantly feel very tired, often going to sleep minutes after I sit down!"

• mpt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I am 62 years of age, Black male, 6-1, 215 lbs, athletic. Was put on Amlodipine 5 mgs 3 years ago, just increased to 10 mgs one week ago. I have been having to get up in the night several times to pee, which is something new since increasing to 10 mgs. I noticed someone’s comments below having the same issue and said two cardiologists looked at him weird as if that couldn’t happen... well, it does! Have also had side effects of dizziness and feeling in my chest as if I have indigestion. Told doctor about the feeling of lethargy, he had me take a blood test for vitamin D levels, and mine were low so now I take Vitamin D, it helps."

• dtl...
• March 10, 2017

Amlodipine for Heart Failure "I recently started this medication at the 5 mg level and have now gone up to 10 mg. I feel better and don't feel like I am not so distressed when doing small chores like before. Only issue I have had is I am so tired."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Amlodipine side effects are that my legs are hurting, ankles are swelling, and I feel tired. It is helping BP, but I don't like feeling this way all the time. Ask my doctor to change it, if she doesn't, I'll go elsewhere to get help."

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

For High Blood Pressure "I was put on Amlodipine 5 mg twice a day and Losartan 50 mg once a day three days ago after going to the ER with high BP 200/114. I have already experienced side effects: tiredness, vivid dreams. I’m afraid what else is coming with this drug. It has kept my BP in the normal range. Previously, I was put on Clonidine by my doctor, I was since told it’s number 6 in the line of starter drugs for BP. Then I was given Lisinopril, which caused me an awful cough. Another two drugs prescribed, one on back order, another one not available. Now Amlodipine and Losartan. I am so afraid now to take this drug twice a day, as I read it’s usually given once a day. Before I even take the meds, I’m stressed out, what BP medication is next to be recalled?"

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

For High Blood Pressure "I started the medicine, and within 3 weeks of increasing to 5 mg, I started having really bad irritability. This is not something I ever get. Then, after a week, the depression set in, and it was extremely bad. I was exhausted all the time, and I'm usually very active. I lost motivation to do most things. After being on this for 45 days, I stopped cold turkey. There was absolutely no way I was going to put any more of this into my body as my mood grew worse and worse. I would rather have high blood pressure than deal with torturous depression. I see many reviews stated that they got anxiety, and this was not the case for me, it was severe depression. I do want to say that the medication was very effective at lowering my blood pressure. My blood pressure ran 180 over 100, and it has been really hard for me to find an effective medication. This one brought it down to 120 over 85. So it definitely works, but the side effects far outweigh the benefits."

• 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!"

• 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..."

• Sjd...
• December 21, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I’ve been on this drug after I was allergic to a different high BP medicine. I got put on BP medicine postpartum because I had postpartum preeclampsia. I didn’t want to get on medicine, but they said I had to stay out of the hospital. Anyway, fast forward 7 months. I stopped taking this medicine just because my script wasn’t ready at the pharmacy yet, but I’ve noticed my anxiety has been truly the worst it’s ever been in my life and has my mind racing constantly. JUST THE TWO DAYS that I’ve been off of this medicine, I swear I feel like I’m coming out of a 7-month coma of brain fog. I have been so exhausted. Yes, I’m a new mom with two children, so it’s to be expected, but so tired that I’ve been sleeping every nap my baby has and babies sleep almost 16+ hours a day. And then wake up exhausted. Don’t get on this medicine. Horrible anxiety, brain fog, exhaustion, and eczema flare-ups. It’s not a good one, folks. Rated 3 because my BP has been okay, but not worth it."

• 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!"

• Zil...
• January 6, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on 5 mg of Lisinopril for many years with no issues until blood work revealed some kidney issues (which Lisinopril can cause). My MD took me off Lisinopril. BP was okay for a while but started creeping up. I was prescribed 5 mg of Amlodipine a week ago. This medication is making me feel awful; I am tired and unmotivated. I actually feel depressed (well, that makes sense if it slows the heart rate). I have also experienced constipation, which is not something I’m willing to deal with. I called the MD’s office today, and the nurse advised me to discontinue, which I will gladly do! I am very sensitive to medication, so this is probably not typical. I hope they can find something else or just put me back on Lisinopril and monitor me closely."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on amlodipine for 7 days for high blood pressure. I happened to have had a panic attack just before seeing the doctor, so it was quite high and the doctor put me on this medication. Four days in, I was feeling a bit foggy and dull. Then he upped the dose to 10 mg. I lasted 2 days at that level. Just could not function. Very foggy, thick head, like I didn't want to get out of bed. So lethargic. Felt like I wanted to end it all. Went back to 5 mg. Felt so much better, but still foggy and achy. Hasn't done much for my anxiety. BP is all over the place. Don't feel like me. I need to get off this ASAP, but not sure how. My advice is don't take it."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Been on and off BP meds for many years (I'm 49). Been taking this for approximately 2 years. Strangely developed arrhythmia, and then last fall started having episodes of Afib. I guess I've been blindly taking this as well as Olmesartan for even longer. I underwent an ablation on my heart at the first of May this year. Haven't had one issue with the arrhythmia or Afib until I stopped taking my Amlodipine 2 days ago. This morning I woke up, and the arrhythmia was there. Of course, I took my Amlodipine and have been exhausted all day. The reason I am trying to get off of this medication is 1: Terrible heartburn. 2: This may be the cause of my arrhythmia in the first place. And did I just have an ablation done to mask it?!?! And now if I stop, am I screwed? Find something else to take!"

• Pol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Been taking amlodipine for 5 weeks. My ankles are so swollen, but it’s the horrendous leg pain and tiredness, plus nightmares, that made me go back to the doctor. He’s now put me on a diuretic, which I’ve been taking for 5 days now. The pain has eased off a little, but I’m still struggling to walk very far. Anyone know how long these side effects will last?"

• Nel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on amlodipine for at least 5 years. For about 3 years, I took 5mg, and I was seriously tired all the time. My ankles were swollen and ugly too. Eventually, 5mg wasn't working so well, so the GP increased it to 10mg. I realize now that things worsened at this point. I couldn't be touched, pushed my partner away as it felt bad. Sex went off the table; I was itchy, irritable, my tongue felt swollen, my memory terrible. Pain everywhere: back, shoulders, knees, weird pins and needles in my left thigh, pancreatitis when taking painkillers! I'm now on day 5 of halving my dose because my hair loss is so extreme. My tinnitus already seems to have decreased. My ankles are no better. I'm in a lot of pain. Is it withdrawal? In the last 6 weeks, I've gained 16 lb, and it feels out of control. Plus, I've had a headache for 4 days and feel sick and exhausted. BP is 140/82. Can't wait to kick this drug."

• Nel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on amlodipine for at least 5 years. For about 3 years, I took 5mg, and I was seriously tired all the time. My ankles were swollen and ugly too. Eventually, 5mg wasn't working so well, so the GP increased it to 10mg. I realize now that things worsened at this point. I couldn't be touched, pushed my partner away as it felt bad. Sex went off the table; I was itchy, irritable, my tongue felt swollen, my memory terrible. Pain everywhere: back, shoulders, knees, weird pins and needles in my left thigh, pancreatitis when taking painkillers! I'm now on day 5 of halving my dose because my hair loss is so extreme. My tinnitus already seems to have decreased. My ankles are no better. I'm in a lot of pain. Is it withdrawal? In the last 6 weeks, I've gained 16 lb, and it feels out of control. Plus, I've had a headache for 4 days and feel sick and exhausted. BP is 140/82. Can't wait to kick this drug."

• nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 19, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Amlodipine has been hard work for me since Sept 20’, with a hard time breathing and muscle spasms. I kept taking it because my BP was 175/110 at the ER. I was 260 lbs, now 215 lbs, BP 120/70 laying down, but if I sit or stand up, my blood pressure gets high 169/100 and my heart beats out of my chest hard. To stand or walk, my body feels heavy, can’t do much. I suffer, I just lay in bed, my body feels weak & worse anxiety, sharp pain feeling in my head, painful feet, chest pressure, breast pain, neck pain, body pressure, extreme tiredness, bones hurt, muscle spasms, blurred vision, numbness in hands & arms, brain fog, always hungry, pressure in my gums, pressure in my head, constipation, horrible nightmares every night, high blood sugars, palpitations, ringing ears, flushing in my face, chest & arms. Daily, I feel flu-like, daily lightheaded, no energy, numb face, tongue & arms, tingling face, arms feel like cobwebs on me. Checked 3 times for stroke & was okay, cold hands & feet, depression, severe panic attacks, sexual dysfunction, women + more. Ruined my life asking my NP for a new one."

• BFL...
• July 29, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "47 yo male tried Ramipril first, which was great at reducing blood pressure but also turned me into a zombie, foggy head and constantly tired, and I believe bad interaction with Lipitor. Have been taking Amlodipine for 2 months, and the side effects are way less but not totally gone. Have had trouble sleeping, some tiredness, constant numbness/tingling in left hand, and weight gain (assuming water gain?). Trying to tough it out but may end up not taking BP meds at all. (Was in the 140/90ish range when starting the drugs). The side effects do not make me feel right."

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 3, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Taken 5 mg of generic Amlodipine twice a day. Zydus 5 mg, imprint 'Z3', a small pill and perhaps the best of the calcium channel blockers. I used it for 2 years, no problems or reactions. Then it was recalled/unavailable. I was switched to the Epic brand, some initial side effects, like sweating in not hot weather, tiredness, dizziness. When that was unavailable, the pharmacy switched me to pills with the imprint 'IG'/'238' and again initial sweats, but fine for 4 months, then not available. Was switched to imprint '210' pills, made my BP go higher, when stopped, it went higher still. On (3/3/18) got Cipla, imprint 'C'/'127'. I hate pharmacies switching brands every month to save 3 cents, or brands that discontinue a pill to merge/buy out another firm, and we lose a good pill when lines merged. No two pills have the same bio-activity, bio-absorption, added fillers, or negative side effects. Yet doctors and pharmacists consider them all 'equivalent' - Phooey and Double Phooey!!!"