Amlodipine User Reviews & Ratings

• Bee
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Currently going through torture. 3 ER visits, 2 urgent care visits, and 1 PCP visit all in the month of June. My symptoms are getting worse and no one will listen to me. I’m having heart palpitations, muscle cramps, anxiety, upper left back ache/sharp pain. I’ve been on amlodipine for 4 months and my blood pressure has been lowered, but I can’t function like this. 3 EKGs and the last 2 are now showing PVCs, I’m being told the premature heartbeat is harmless but it feels like I’m going to have a heart attack. Each doctor I’ve seen and spoken with has said Amlodipine wouldn’t cause any of this. I don't think they know, my only reason for starting this medication was high blood pressure. Pray for me, I need a doctor who will listen."

• Done...
• March 1, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on amlodipine for 3 months after discovering I had high blood pressure. Before that, I was on lisinopril. Both medications were terrible. From vision changes to hearing a heartbeat sound in my ear, rapid heart rate, and feeling tired, both meds lowered my blood pressure, but it was ruining my life. So I bought a treadmill for about 300 bucks, walked a mile a day, lost 20 pounds, took 400mg of magnesium citrate a day, ate fruits and vegetables, and cut down on fatty and unhealthy foods. I weaned off the blood pressure meds myself over a month's time and I no longer take them. Exercising, losing weight, and changing your diet will do the trick."

• JRunner
• October 13, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "61-year-old male here. After years of marginally high BP (~130/90), my BP started to climb. My GP started me on diuretics, which made me feel like I was chewing cotton balls. He switched to Lisinopril. That gave me dizzy spells, often lasting several minutes and striking out of nowhere. I shifted to Losartan, first at 50mg then 100mg. That was a disaster - brain fog, slower reaction time, anger, and irritability, inability to concentrate. Now I'm on amlodipine, 10 mg once per day, and am experiencing listlessness, depression, more brain fog, and somnolence. My BP is lower when I'm on these meds. I understand that medical practices get better government ratings and better reimbursements when they keep their patients within certain guidelines, including controlling BP. I feel that there is little concern for the big picture of mental health and well-being. I'm of a mind that I'd rather let my BP issues take me out early rather than eking out a few more months or years feeling like rubbish."

• Garde...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 11, 2020

Norvasc (amlodipine) for High Blood Pressure "My BP was 150/85, so Dr. started me on 2.5mg Norvasc. Three months later, no improvement, so my Norvasc dose was doubled to 5 mg. Three months later and my BP is still 150/85. I have side effects; I am extremely tired, have stomach issues, and just not feeling like myself, so I have made the decision to stop taking it as it wasn't helping at all. Three weeks later, BP is 135/72. Another four weeks passed, BP is 115/58."

• Jen
• June 6, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I was on amlodipine for about 3 months, and it was the worst experience ever. I had anxiety, muscle twitching, tremors that have not gone away, and I’ve been off of it for a month and still having side effects from it. I had to go to a neurologist and cardiologist because of all the side effects and had 3 trips to the ER. It also gives you panic attacks and a really bad burning pain on my upper right thigh. It is the worst drug I have ever been on, and my doctor told me I was just going through something in life. Don’t take this drug; it is awful."

• Nikki
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on this drug amlodipine for a few weeks for high blood pressure. My side effects are I've experienced extremely bad headaches, my arms and legs feel very weak and heavy, I have pain in my chest, and I feel like I have nasal drip that I can't clear. Also, dry mouth, strange dreams. I am taking myself off of it. And let me not forget about the backache and anxiety."

• French...
• February 21, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "From day one, I experienced lightheadedness and once fainted. After one and a half years, the constant dizziness was crushing me; I couldn't concentrate, do anything physical, walk far, ride my bike. My work was suffering, and I was beginning to feel depressed and hopeless. My doctor finally (why so long?) took me off the amlodipine, and within 48 hours, my dizziness had gone. Also, I realized that the serious back pain that had been torturous for over a year faded away. Over the time I took this medicine, my gripes included painful urination, serious muscular pain in my leg and in my back. The worst thing was that my doctor was leaning more and more towards psychosomatic causes and trying to convince me I was provoking the symptoms due to depression. He wanted to put me on medication for this. It disgusts me that he didn't listen to me, that he didn't take me seriously, that he didn't take the amlodipine side effects into consideration until I argued with him for nearly an hour about it."

• Flo
• June 16, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I don’t usually write reviews but felt had to with this. Only took two 5mg tablets and awful side effects and experience. Day 1 severe dizziness, headache, and very bad chest pain, and a wired feeling. Day 2 anxiety through the roof, could not think straight, dizzy, breathless. And blood pressure going up not down. Stopped it and next two days still very high anxiety, breathless, and chest tightness. Really wanted this to work and bring down blood pressure and I’m happy to ride out side effects, but this drug is scary, thought I’d have to go to A&E but rode it out. Day 3 now since I took the tablets and all improved but now bad stomach pains, diarrhea, and back pains. Think it’s all the end of this drug coming out of the system. First time I’ve taken a blood pressure med and really scared me. Disappointed. I stopped it myself as the doctor would probably say try longer, nope! Maybe more exercise. Not in a hurry to try an alternative one."

• JGH
• August 7, 2019

Norvasc (amlodipine) for High Blood Pressure "I have been on this medication since Jan 17 over the past 2 years for high blood pressure. My blood pressure was extremely high for years. This was one of the first to bring it back to normal. HOWEVER, I started developing SEVERAL different symptoms, almost losing myself from what I believe to be this medication. Constant leg cramps, heavy legs, migraines, elevated liver enzymes (fatty liver disease), and worst of all, a dull isolated personality like I wasn’t myself anymore. I felt like I didn’t have any ambition or desire for anything. Not myself anymore. I kept telling my doctor something was wrong until I forgot to take my medicine. My mind felt better but my heart was beating out of my chest from not taking it; I could hear and feel it pound so hard. THIS MEDICATION CAN RUIN SOMEONE'S LIFE. I am going to try natural ways to lower my blood pressure or something else. If you are taking this and feel like you are not yourself anymore and can care less to do anything in life, talk to your Doc."

• Simmies
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I was prescribed Amlodipine a month ago, and let me say it's been the worst month of my life, and I have been through some hard things in my life. I've had every side effect you could think of, but the worst for me was the dizziness, lack of appetite, headaches, and rapid heartbeat. It causes severe anxiety; all I can do is lay and worry because I can't function normally from being so dizzy. I hate this drug with a passion. Please, if you're reading this and experiencing any side effects, it only gets worse. Tell your doctor to switch you. I'm back on Metoprolol as of 3 days ago, and very slowly feeling better, and hoping it continues."

• Mike...
• December 26, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking amlodipine on November 6, 2020. My normal blood pressure is around 140/84. Dr. Prescribed amlodipine. I had headaches, nightmares, and crazy anxiety from this medication. I stopped cold turkey, and my BP went up to 150/100. I have been off of it for 5 days, and I am having heart palpitations bad. I can feel my blood pumping in the back of my neck. I read it takes 11.5 days to get this medication out of the system. I saw an emergency Dr. on December 26, 2020, and he said he never heard of those side effects. Guess he should read this page and see what that medicine is doing to people."

• Nita
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on amlodipine besylate for 6 days. I have experienced the following: extreme anxiety; feels like my heart is trying to beat its way out of my chest; can’t think straight; weird vivid dreams; sleeping on my back and I wake up with a drowning feeling; dry mouth and dry skin. My blood pressure has been stable. I am not taking this drug again. Thank Goodness for this site. I will contact my doctor tomorrow."

• Betjo...
• October 2, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I’ve taken amlodipine for a little over a month and I find it very bad. Every side effect possible I have: light-headed, tightness around head and neck. Buzzing sounds, vivid dreams. Can’t sleep, dry mouth, infection in left eye, nervousness, and depression; been off for just five days and I feel so drained!! Who can help get this pill out of my system!!"

• Cassa...
• 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."

• Migrane
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 11, 2020

Norvasc (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."

• Fudloe
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "Amlodipine was foisted upon me by a doctor with no greater motivation than his pharmaceutical company incentives (read: kickbacks). Not one word of dietary or activity changes to treat my borderline high blood pressure. I have been useless since. Total lethargy, bringing my physical activity level from moderate to full stop. Constant acid indigestion, clay colored stool, stomach pain, absolutely unpredictable bowels, itchy, flaky skin and, wonder if wonders- increased blood pressure. Imagine that, prescribing a drug that then makes you dependent on yet more drugs. Currently weening myself off, changed my diet and forced myself to exercise daily. I'm 55 and once trusted doctors to uphold the Hippocratic oath. Now, I firmly believe they're nothing more than government sponsored drug pushers that I only visit if there's a bone showing. Amlodipine is nothing more than a disease creating poison."

• Sue
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2019

Norvasc (amlodipine) for High Blood Pressure "Horrible med. I started to have swollen tongue, lips, and face. Also, hands and feet were swollen. I stopped taking it and slept the night sitting up. I felt depressed, anxious, irritable, and had no energy. I almost died on lisinopril, having to rush to the hospital with a terribly swollen tongue, even uvula. They gave me every shot they had, which I thought I might die from. An adrenaline shot is the worst. After a few months on Norvasc, at night laying down each night, it got harder to breathe, especially through my nose. This is my second day off, and I bought four natural remedies, and I finally feel like myself. I had no desire to do anything. I think these medicines are like poison. I can’t take them, and I won’t, no matter what. I will do whatever I need to. I almost choked to death trying to swallow scrambled eggs. I am totally done with BP meds unless they are natural. My throat is still bothering me but getting better."

• Nic
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I was on coveram for 8 years, and then early during this year, I developed a cough. So I was asked to take amlodipine 10 mg. After a week, I started having chest pain, a high racing pulse, hot face, and extreme fatigue, like I had no life. On top of it, my right hand was hurting. So I stopped taking them. My symptoms stopped, but after 4 days, I woke up and both my knees are swollen and painful. Has anyone experienced that? My GP said it's probably gout, but my instinct says it's that awful medication. It stays in your system for at least 11.5 days."

• Vera
• January 19, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been reading quite a few of these reviews as I am in the same position as many of you. I have been on amlodipine for 5 years. Since the 3rd month, I have been to my doctor complaining about it: swollen hands and ankles, vivid dreams (very bad), muscle/joint pain, burning feet/legs, coughing/trouble swallowing, constipation, etc. As time went by, I added more side effects. I handed a typed list of 15 side effects and demanded it to be placed in my file! I hated this pill, called it chemical poison! After 5 years, I sit with the consequences - Drug-Induced Parkinsonism. A physician took it away after I had an MRI. A neurologist diagnosed Bradykinesia. It has been 3 months now. I am suffering from weakness (left arm/leg), tremors in the left arm, and muscles/joints hurting, stiffness! I have read many articles on DIP, CCB, Amlodipine, and Parkinsonism, Side Effects, etc. Why has NOTHING been done? Why is nobody taking on the pharmaceutical companies?"

• Over...
• April 13, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "My doctor put me on 5mg of Amlodipine for hypertension. I took 1 dose and was done !!! The insomnia, panic attack, anxiety and thirst was out of control. I already have severe panic , anxiety & PTSD. Why would they give me a medication that has the same side effects of what I already have . I was so scared also had back pain in my kidney area, and super thirsty ! I drink a lot of water and fluids anyway but I was really worried when I felt as if I just couldn’t drink enough water over the night. I was waking up every hour with not only the already anxious panic of insomnia and fear I would not ever get more than an hour of sleep at a time again but the feeling of needing water because of dry mouth and thirst really scared me. I think I may have gotten a total of 4 hours of rest the whole night. I definitely do not recommend this medication at all to anyone especially if you are chemically sensitive to medication like me."

• Sid
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "So I just started on Amlodipine 5 weeks ago because one of my meds metolprolol was giving me terrible sleep hallucinations. It took about one month to really start working. I will say my sleep was so much better and a felt calmer. However, the swollen ankles were terrible. Also 2 weeks in I woke up with a swollen lower lip..Just bizarre. It went away once I got up and iced it..They 2 weeks later it happened again. Plus serious dry mouth and lips...I can't take the dry mouth thing anymore..Just this morning I woke up and my gland under my tongue was swollen... Has anyone else had these mouth issues. I mean maybe it is not even related to Amlodipine IDK but I've never had these till the past 5 weeks.. Any help let me know... I want off."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking Amlodipine 4 days ago. The first 2 days I had a slight headache but I knew it was a side effect and was fine with it. But my symptoms gradually got worse. Day 3 chest pain and heart palpitations, extreme dry mouth, Flushing (feeling warm like a fever was coming), fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain/bloating/gas, yeast discharge, and this weird stinging sensation in my thigh like I was being stung by a bee over and over again. I also had insomnia even though i was exhausted! I stopped taking it today but I’m still feeling the chest pains and palpitations, although they aren’t as intense. I’m going to work out and eat healthy! I can’t deal with these side effects! It lowered my blood pressure i think. I’m not sure, it kinda jumped all over the place."

• Scaml...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Been on amlodipine for about 2 months. I haven’t been able to do anything this entire week because I was EXHAUSTED and had severe anxiety. Writing this review is taking ever bit of strength I have. I’ve spent so much money going to doctors appointments trying to figure out what’s wrong with me. I’m so glad I found this thread of reviews, as my symptoms mimic much of what has been said: earache, headache, fatigue, swollen glands, anxiety, ear ringing, finger pain, etc. Giving a two because it can bring down BP, SLIGHTLY"

• Anony...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2016

Norvasc (amlodipine) for High Blood Pressure "Awful drug run! Where do I begin? I was prescribed Amlodipine besylate 10mg to either take a 10mg pill a day I could break in half. Muscle weakness and muscle depletion, it's like acid that eats your muscles and makes the skin crawl literally... You can feel the pulses pound in your ankles. Fire in stomach, then chills all over the body. Labored breathing, wheezing, coughing, congestion caused me to get bronchitis, which I've never had in my life... Drowning feeling in chest and lungs. Weakness, tingling in head thought I was having a stroke. Tingling in toes and fingers, extreme coldness... Cramping, anxiety, fatigue makes you feel you're in another world or are just there... Thought I was dying, felt like organs were shutting down. Run folks."

• Jay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Ok, so original BP was about 158/98 roughly, went on this drug and it brought this down to 135/88 roughly... I taken the drug for about 3-4 months and the drug works (why I am giving this a score 2). There was 1 large issue for me, the anxiety I felt was off the scale and I almost thought I was going insane at times and I still think this now... I had a weird dream last night and it kept me awake and I have started to be always exhausted. I have stopped taking the drug today just because I could not bare the anxiety this gave me and I've never had these anxiety issues before... I did have other symptoms such as hot face, back ache, twitching finger and thumb and tingles in my right hand. I am going to stop taking this for some time to see if anxiety gets "less" and if it does I will not be using this again."