Side Effects of Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker drug which is used as an anti-hypertensive and in the treatment of angina. The drug acts by relaxing the muscle in the arterial wall, decreasing peripheral resistance, and thus reducing blood pressure. It is advisable to avoid the consumption of alcohol, while one is under medication of amlodipine, as alcohol can lower blood pressure, thus increasing some of the side effects of amlodipine.

Common Side Effects of Amlodipine

Swelling and Drowsiness: Swelling is the most common side effect and has been observed in approximately 10.8% of people on amlodipine. In medical terms, swelling means the enlargement of organs caused by accumulation of excess fluid in tissues, called edema. It may occur throughout the body or only a specific part or organ can be affected. Drowsiness is observed in approximately 1.4% of the patients under this medication.

Increased Heart Beats: Heart Rate is a measure of the number of times the heart beats in one minute. It is measured in beats per minute (bpm) and the average human heart rate is about 70 bpm. The heart beat and blood pressure may show an increase while a patient is undergoing treatment with amlodipine. Almost 4.5% of patients taking the drug face this problem.

Fatigue: Treatment with amlodipine may make the patient feel knackered, even without doing any work. Almost 4.5% of people taking this drug feel tired and restless. It can vary from a general state of lethargy, to a severe state like work-induced burning sensation within the patient's muscles. Fatigue can be both mental and physical and reflects the inability to continue functioning at the level of one's normal abilities.

Dizziness: The patient may feel dizzy and nauseous. This side effect may also occur because of various other factors like equilibrioception, hypotension and cerebral hypoxia, so one should always confirm the exact cause of it. Dizziness affects up to 3.4% of patients on amlodipine, whereas, nausea affects almost 2.9% of them. The term vertigo is used to describe the sensation of spinning or having one's surroundings spin about them. It's very disturbing and patients often report associated nausea and vomiting.

Upset Stomach or Dyspepsia: Dyspepsia, which is also known as indigestion, is a medical condition characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen. It is a common problem that is often accompanied by various other symptoms, like, bloating, belching, nausea or heartburn. Pain is increased by exertion, and if associated with nausea and sweating, it may also indicate angina.

Headaches, Hot flushes and Swollen Ankles: Headache is another common side effect of amlodipine. People on medication often complain about severe and chronic headaches. Sometimes the medication may also result in skin rashes or swollen ankles, which can be treated easily by consulting a doctor. Up to 2.6 percent of the population on amlodipine medication, shows the side effect of hot flushes or skin rashes.

Most medicines cause unwanted side effects, which usually decrease as the patient's body adjusts to the new medicine. In case the above mentioned side effects continue or become too troublesome, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a pharmacist,