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Amdolopine - side effects - headache

(16 Posts)
PinkCosmos Tue 18-Feb-25 08:44:24

Following a visit to A&E for malignant hypertension, I have been taking 10mg of Amlodopine for two and an half weeks. This has lowered my very high blood pressure to normal levels.

However, I have been suffering with headaches on and off since I started taking it. My ears are also buzzing quite a bit. I don't have any other side effects e.g. swelling feet and ankles. Headaches are listed as a common side effect.

I don't have any heart or other health issues. I have been trying to improve my health by walking more, not drinking alcohol and trying to lose weight. I have lost almost a stone in weight since the beginning of February.

I have been walking for about an hour a day. The weather has been very cold. I was wondering whether the headaches could be down to the cold weather. I have been wearing a hat though. I have always been a bit prone to headaches in cold weather. I also spend quite a bit of time during the day going in and out of the garden with the dog, going to the bin etc. I don't wear a hat then.

I have never taken ongoing medication before and have always had good health. I must admit I am nervous about medication but do appreciate it is better to take medication than having high blood pressure.

I don't really want to start chopping and changing my medication if the headache are likely to wear off in time.

Has anyone out there had headaches with Amdolopine? Do they wear off after a few weeks?

Any advice gratefully received smile

tanith Tue 18-Feb-25 08:47:48

I had very swollen ankles when took it am now on Indapamide
You should speak to your GP.

David49 Tue 18-Feb-25 09:27:36

All drugs have side affects the usual one with Amlodipine is swollen legs I had to halve the dose and it’s OK now, tell your GP he will try another treatment.

Mollygo Tue 18-Feb-25 09:38:36

PinkCosmos
I had to stop taking it for many of the side effects listed. Even worse, it had little impact on my BP.
It’s always worth asking for a different drug.

henetha Tue 18-Feb-25 09:41:52

Amlodipine doesn't affect me much, except for puffy ankles by the end of the day. I have wondered about changing, but it's been so effective in controlling my blood pressure that I'm reluctant to rock the boat.

PinkCosmos Tue 18-Feb-25 09:46:52

Amlodopine seems to be working well at lowering my BP.

I will persevere for a few more days, just in case it is a head cold and I am blaming the medication. I haven't had any ankle swelling at all. Just the buzzing and headache.

I had a new prescription four days ago. Same medication but a different manufacturer than my first lot. My headaches have been worse since then. I can't imagine there would be any difference between manufacturers though.

I also don't want to rock the boat and hope that this is going to subside.

Thanks everyone

rascal Tue 18-Feb-25 10:11:27

I've taken Amlodipine for over seven years for a serious heart condition. At the beginning I had a slight headache when I took it in the morning but it wore off by about mid day, this lasted for a few months. I had badly swollen legs and feet for a few months too but thankfully eventually they went back to normal. The main problem with taking this medication I found was, as it lowers my blood pressure, it makes me feel very tired and a bit light headed but eventually that feeling wears off. I do take a lot of other medication.
Wishing you all the best flowers

Chocolatelovinggran Tue 18-Feb-25 11:47:31

I take amlodipine with no problems.
If your headaches continue, then you should consult your GP for a change of medication. I'm sure there are alternatives.
I hope that you feel better soon.

PinkCosmos Tue 18-Feb-25 12:11:22

Thanks Rascal. Some information says that the headaches should subside after a week or so but some say a few weeks. I will see how I am in a week or so. Hopefully, they will have reduced at least.

I don't feel tired or lightheaded but I do feel a a bit weird and spaced out with the constant buzzing and head stuff.

I know quite a few people on the same medication and none of them seemed to have any issues. One friend said she did have headaches at first but couldn't remember how long before they phased out, as it was so long ago when she started on teh medication

Maybe it is just a head cold. I hope so

Grantanow Wed 19-Feb-25 09:18:48

I had excessive gum growth when taking amlodipine which I think is a known but rare side effect. My GP changed my prescription to losartin.

Crocus5 Thu 20-Feb-25 14:00:28

Has anyone experienced hair loss when taking amlodipine?

crazyH Fri 21-Feb-25 00:07:26

Years ago, I was started on Amlodipine 10mg - my feet started to swell so the Dr lowered it to 5mg. Fine since. I rarely check my BP. I must do it tomorrow with my home monitor

crazyH Fri 21-Feb-25 00:28:10

Crocus - yes. I used to have luscious thick dark hair. It’s thinning now but that could be due to the ageing process….

Whiff Fri 21-Feb-25 05:10:14

First thing the AF clinic did was take me off Amlodipine because of my swollen ankles and legs . Told they wished GPs wouldn't prescribe it as they always take it off patients and give them something else which don't cause the problems with Amlodipine.

mum2three Fri 21-Feb-25 06:16:05

I also had headaches when I first started taking it. I split the dose into two, taking it at different times of the day. This has solved the problem.

PinkCosmos Fri 21-Feb-25 08:31:16

Whiff - I read that Amlodopine is the cheapest BP medication. Which is why GP's prescribe it first.

After three weeks, I am still getting my headaches and buzzing in my ears. I am reluctant to change medication as I am hoping this will subside. Also, I am worried that I will be swapping one set of side effects for another