Amlodipine – Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

Amlodipine – Humans have been using the medicine for a very long time. In ancient times we used hubs and other home remedies to treat common health problems such as cold, fever, Constipation, etc. That is a very old way and slow as well. 

Nowadays, we use modern medicine to treat hundreds of different diseases. Modern medicine is fast and provides better results. Yes, there are a few side effects associated with modern medical techniques, but not everyone gets these side effects. 

What Is Amlodipine?

Doctors use amlodipine alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause a number of heart-related problems, and amlodipine can lower hypertension.

As you know, high blood pressure can cause brain, heart, and kidney failure. Sometimes doctors also use amlodipine to relieve chronic stable angina, also known as chest pain in adults.

In technical terms, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. By affecting the movement of calcium into the heart and blood vessels, it can relax the blood vessels and lower their pressure.

Side Effects Of Amlodipine

Just like any other medicine, amlodipine may not be for everyone. There are a few people who might get side effects due to the drug, and it is very important for you to know about them. 

Kindly remember that not everyone will get these side effects. Side effects usually depend on a lot of things.

• Your age.
• Any other health condition.
• Any other medical condition.
• Dosage.

These are a few things that might trigger side effects, and it all depends on the person taking medicine.

Common Side Effects Of Amlodipine

Here is a list of common side effects of amlodipine. Kindly remember that it is common to get these side effects, but you should make sure that you are reporting these side effects back to your doctor or pharmacist.

Erectile Dysfunction

After taking amlodipine, many men have reported that they are getting erectile dysfunction. Doctors consider it under common side effects of amlodipine. Kindly report it back to your doctor if you get erectile dysfunction due to the drug.

Fatigue And Sleepiness

Many people have reported that after they start taking amlodipine, they start having a lack of energy Or extreme sleepiness. It is also possible that you might get both at the same time. Usually, these side effects go away within a few days, but if it is taking longer than a week, you should consult with your doctor first.

Anxiety And Depression

anxiety and depression are also very common after you start taking amlodipine. Many people have reported that their anxiety and depression got worse after they started taking the drug. Usually, anxiety and depression go away within a few days.

Constipation

After people start taking amlodipine, they complain about having Constipation. Doctors consider it under common side effects of the drug, but if it’s happening for more than 3-4 days, you should consult with your doctor first.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is another common side effect of amlodipine. As you already know, amlodipine can cause depression and anxiety, and as a result, people start gaining weight. 

Other than depression and anxiety, you might gain weight due to swelling, which is also a very common side effect of amlodipine. Kindly consult with your doctor regarding your weight gain. 

You can always maintain your healthy weight with a diet and regular exercise.

Muscle Problems

Muscle stiffness and tremor Are very common muscle problems once you start taking the drug. Many people have reported about it, and With regular exercise, you can also Lower these side effects.

Serious Side Effects Of Amlodipine

Now let’s talk about a few serious side effects of amlodipine. These side effects can be life-threatening, and you should never ignore any of them.

Kindly remember that if you have any serious side effects, you should immediately call your doctor or 911 and ask for medical assistance.

Lower Heart Rate

In some cases, people reported lowered heart rates. It is also as bad as having hypertension. Amlodipine itself might not cause a lower heart rate, but in combination with other medications, it might. You should be very careful while using any other medication and mixing it with amlodipine.

Worsening The Symptoms

As you already know, doctors suggest amlodipine to patients suffering from hypertension. But in some cases, it might worsen the symptoms that you are already having. It is considered one of the most serious side effects of amlodipine. If you get it, kindly stop taking the drug and talk to your doctor immediately.

Serious Chest Pain

It is also possible that after you start taking amlodipine, it might cause serious chest pain, which falls under serious side effects. You’re not supposed to have chest pain after taking the drug, but it is possible that you might have chest pain. Even though it’s very rare, if you get serious chest pain after you take amlodipine, you should directly call 911 and ask for medical assistance.

 Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions due to amlodipine are very rare, But it is possible that a few people might get a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms of serious allergic reactions are going to be the same such as swelling on the face, skin rash, itchiness, etc. Kindly don’t Neglect allergic reactions. You’re advised to call your doctor right away.

Warning on Amlodipine

There are few warnings associated with amlodipine, and the food and drugs administration advises everyone to be aware of these warnings.

You should let your doctor know about your previous heart or liver condition if you have any. 

If you are taking amlodipine for high blood pressure, kindly don’t stop it suddenly. Sometimes you might have to take medicine for high blood pressure for the rest of your life. 

As you already know, amlodipine is recommended for people with hypertension, and you should be aware that mixing it with alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and cause life-threatening problems.

If you are using marijuana, you should let your doctor know about it. Mixing it with amlodipine might have life-threatening problems.

You should also let your doctor know about your pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. Usually, amlodipine is not recommended to pregnant women. The drug can also pass into breast milk and later to your baby. 

Dosage of Amlodipine

Doses of any drug depend on the symptoms and your previous history related to the salt of that specific drug. 

People who have a drug or alcohol abuse history might not respond to the basic dose of any opioid class Medicine.

Similarly, if you already have a history related to the salt of amlodipine, a doctor might recommend a higher dosage. You should always follow the instructions of your doctor

Oral tablets of amlodipine are available in three different strengths.

• 2.5 milligram.
• 5 milligram.
• 10 milligram.

Usually, the frequency and strength of the doses depend on various things, such as your age, your symptoms, or any other health condition.

Takeout

Amlodipine is a very good medicine for patients suffering from hypertension. High blood pressure at any age can cause life-threatening conditions.

Even though it is a very good medicine, there are many common and major side effects associated with amlodipine. It is known to have temporarily erectile dysfunction in men.

Other than that, it can also cause joint pain, muscle stiffness, temporary weight gain, fatigue, and sleepiness. 

There are a few warnings associated with the drug, and you should be very careful after taking it. In some cases, it was also reported that amlodipine causes heart attacks. Kindly contact 911 and ask for medical assistance if you got any serious side effects due to amlodipine.