Amlodipine Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage Them

Amlodipine is effective for high blood pressure but not without side effects. You might experience dizziness, headaches, or swollen ankles, especially with higher doses. For some, symptoms like fatigue or flushing improve over time. However, certain effects, like palpitations or low blood pressure, may need more attention.

Rare side effects, such as muscle tremors, increased urination, or sexual issues, can interfere with your daily life. Severe problems like chest pain or allergic reactions are uncommon but require immediate action.

In this article, you will discover practical ways to manage common side effects, recognize serious ones, and know when to reach out to your doctor for support.

🔑 Key Takeaways

➤ Amlodipine can help lower your blood pressure, but you might feel dizzy or get headaches when you start taking it.

Swollen ankles are common, especially if you take a higher dose or if you’re a woman.

➤ Some side effects, like feeling tired or flushed, may go away as your body gets used to the medicine.

➤ Rare side effects include muscle tremors and increased urination, which can affect your daily life.

➤ If you experience severe symptoms like chest pain or trouble breathing, you should seek medical help right away.

Common Side Effects of Amlodipine

Amlodipine helps manage high blood pressure and related conditions. When you take it, you might notice some side effects. Most people find these side effects mild and often get better as your body gets used to the medicine.

The NHS says more than 1 in 100 people experience common side effects. These include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling flushed
  • A pounding heartbeat
  • Swollen ankles

You might also feel:

  • Tired
  • Nauseous
  • Have abdominal pain
  • Feel sleepy

Don’t worry too much—these side effects usually go away over time. Side effects often improve as your body adjusts. Similarly, staying active and eating well can help reduce feelings of fatigue.

However, the intensity of these side effects can change based on how much medicine you take and who you are. For example, swelling and flushing are more common with higher doses and happen more often in women than in men. 

If the side effects bother you or last longer than a few days, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Less Common but Notable Side Effects

Amlodipine has some side effects that don’t happen as often, but it’s essential to know about them. These side effects can affect your daily life, and you might need medical help.

Less common side effects of amlodipine are:

  • Weight gain
  • Increased urination
  • Sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction
  • Muscle tremors
  • Shortness of breath
  • Low blood pressure
  • Worsening chest pain and heart attack in certain people

Weight gain often happens because your body holds onto more fluid. You might notice swelling in your legs or ankles. If you have heart failure, gaining weight quickly can be a warning sign. Make sure to tell your healthcare team if your weight changes rapidly.

Increased urination can disrupt your daily routines and comfort. Amlodipine can affect how your bladder works, leading to more trips to the bathroom. Sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction, can also occur, but are uncommon. These issues can impact your personal life. If you experience ED, talk to your healthcare provider about possible solutions or treatments.

Muscle tremors and shortness of breath are other side effects to watch for. These might mean fluid buildup in your lungs or worsening heart conditions. Low blood pressure can cause blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, or fainting. These symptoms need immediate medical attention.

In rare cases, amlodipine might make chest pain worse or increase the risk of a heart attack, especially if you have severe coronary artery disease. If you experience new or worsening chest pain, call 911 right away. Despite these risks, amlodipine helps lower the overall risk of heart problems. It’s important to work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan and keep up with regular check-ups.

Serious and Rare Side Effects

Amlodipine has some serious side effects you should know about. They don’t happen often, but they need your attention.

Serious side effects occur in less than 1 in 10,000 people. These side effects include:

  1. Severe stomach problems
  2. Liver issues
  3. Persistent chest pain indicating a heart attack
  4. Serious allergic reactions

Severe Stomach Problems

Call a doctor or dial 911 if you have:

  • Severe stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Jaundice

While rare, pancreatitis and liver injury are two potential concerns with amlodipine use. Pancreatitis manifests by severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting and fever, while liver injury may present as yellowing of the skin or eyes. If any of these symptoms develop, it’s important to seek help immediately.

Serious Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. If you notice any of these signs, call an emergency hotline immediately:

  • Sudden swelling of your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing or a tight throat
  • Skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale
  • Sudden confusion, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting
  • In children, look for limpness, floppiness, or unresponsiveness
  • A rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling

Persistent Chest Pain

If you have chest pain that doesn’t go away after a few minutes or gets worse, especially if you already have angina, this could be a heart attack. Seek urgent medical help right away.

Other Rare Side Effects to Watch For

  • Black or tarry stools
  • Bleeding gums
  • Blistering or peeling skin
  • Blood in your urine or stools
  • Blurred vision
  • Chills and cold sweats
  • Confusion or dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Fever
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Swelling of your face, lips, or throat

Managing Common Side Effects

Here are some strategies in managing the most common side effects after taking Amlodipine:

Headaches

First, over-the-counter pain relievers can provide quick relief. You might find the following options helpful:

  • Ibuprofen – 400 mg
  • High-dose Acetaminophen – 1,000 mg
  • Naproxen
  • Aspirin

Use these wisely and speak to your provider before initiating any pain relievers. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may not be appropriate in some individuals with high blood pressure or kidney disease, whereas acetaminophen should be avoided if there is a history of liver problems. It’s also important to drink plenty of water when encountering headaches. The good news is, most headaches associated with amlodipine should resolve within a week. If headaches last beyond that time, it’s important to review with your provider.  

Non-medication approaches also play a vital role in managing headaches. Regular exercise, like walking or strength training, can lower how often you get headaches. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can reduce stress, a common trigger. Keeping a headache diary helps you identify and avoid triggers such as certain foods or high stress levels.

Sometimes, using too many pain relievers can lead to more headaches. These are called rebound headaches or medication overuse headaches. To address this, your doctor might suggest taking a break from pain relievers and encourage more non-medication treatments such as those described above.

Dizziness

Managing dizziness starts with simple adjustments to your daily routine. When standing up from a sitting or lying position, do so slowly to allow your body time to adjust. If you feel dizzy, lie down immediately to prevent fainting. After a few minutes of rest, try sitting up slowly to regain your balance.

Staying cool is essential, especially during exercise or on hot days, as heat can exacerbate dizziness. Additionally, maintaining proper hydration is vital since dehydration can lead to low blood pressure, causing dizziness. Carrying a water bottle and eating foods with high water content, such as watermelon and cucumbers, can help keep you hydrated and reduce the likelihood of dizziness.

Feeling Flushed

Flushing is a less common side effect of amlodipine, occurring in less than 1% of people at low doses (2.5 mg) and up to 3% at higher doses, particularly in women. To manage flushing, it is recommended to stay cool by wearing loose clothing, avoiding hot beverages and environments, and using fans or air conditioning.

If flushing becomes bothersome, it is important to consult your doctor. They may suggest lowering your dose or switching to a different medication to alleviate this side effect effectively.

Palpitations

If you experience palpitations while taking amlodipine, the first step is to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. They may consider lowering your dosage or switching to another medication as certain drugs can exacerbate palpitations.

Reducing stress through activities like deep breathing exercises or yoga can be beneficial, as stress hormones often trigger palpitations. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine and alcohol may help lower your heart rate and reduce the occurrence of palpitations. 

Regular exercise strengthens your heart, making palpitations less frequent over time. Some individuals find that magnesium supplements can help, but it is essential to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.

Swollen Ankles

Swollen ankles, or edema, occur in about 16% of people taking amlodipine. The risk increases with higher doses—at 10 mg, approximately 11 out of 100 individuals experience this side effect. Women are more prone to developing edema.

To reduce swelling, you can:

  • Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
  • Elevate your feet above heart level whenever possible to help return fluid.
  • Incorporate daily walks to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that are low-heeled, wide, and soft for better foot comfort.
  • Stay adequately hydrated by drinking enough water each day.
  • Massage your feet and legs to promote circulation.
  • Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to help draw out excess fluid.
  • Wear compression socks to prevent excessive fluid buildup in your ankles and feet.

Wrap Up

Amlodipine is a reliable medication for managing blood pressure. In some cases, side effects such as headaches, dizziness, flushing, palpitations, or edema can develop, but these generally fade as your body adapts to the medication. If not, additional interventions such as over-the-counter pain medications, staying hydrated, moving around regularly, and following your doctor’s advice can ease these issues.

If side effects persist or worsen, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They can adjust your dosage or recommend alternatives to ensure the treatment works well for you. Addressing side effects promptly helps you maintain better control of your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I take amlodipine?

Take it once daily, at the same time each day, with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. Don’t skip doses or stop suddenly without talking to your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses at the same time.

What should I do if I feel dizzy after taking amlodipine?

Sit or lie down until the dizziness passes. Avoid driving or using machinery until you feel better. Contact your doctor if it continues.

What should I avoid while on amlodipine?

Limit alcohol and avoid large meals, as they can worsen side effects. It’s important to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when using amlodipine. Follow any other additional dietary restrictions your doctor suggests.

Sources

  • Truong Van Dat, Vo Linh Tu, Le Nguyen Anh Thu, Nguyen Nhat Anh Quang, Van Binh, Nguyen Thi Quynh Nga, Duong Hoang Loc, Tran Thi Hong Nguyen, Dao Ngoc Hien Tam, Hong-Han Huynh, Tran Dinh Trung, Uyen Do, Nguyen Tuan Phat, Dang The Hung, Quang-Hien Nguyen, Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, & Le Huu Nhat Minh. (2024). Effectiveness of perindopril/amlodipine fixed-dose combination in the treatment of hypertension: A systematic review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, Article 1156655. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1156655
  • Khadka, S., Joshi, R., & Sthapit, S. (2018). Amlodipine-induced pedal edema and its relation to other variables in patients at a tertiary level hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Pharmacy Technology, 35(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/8755122518809005