Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It works by relaxing the blood vessels making it easier for blood to flow through them. While it is generally a safe and effective medication, stopping it suddenly can lead to several side effects including:
- Rebound hypertension: This is a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure that can occur when you stop taking amlodipine. It can be dangerous and lead to complications such as stroke or heart attack.
- Chest pain: Some people may experience chest pain when they stop taking amlodipine. This is usually due to the increased workload on the heart as it tries to pump blood against the narrowed blood vessels.
- Irregular heartbeat: Amlodipine can slow down the heart rate, and stopping it suddenly can cause the heart rate to become irregular. This can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous.
- Headaches: Headaches are a common side effect of stopping amlodipine. They are usually mild and go away on their own, but they can be bothersome.
- Fatigue: Some people may feel tired or fatigued when they stop taking amlodipine. This is usually due to the changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is another common side effect of stopping amlodipine. It is usually mild and goes away on its own, but it can be a problem if you are driving or operating machinery.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the withdrawal symptoms listed above, it is important to see your doctor right away They will be able to assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, they may recommend that you start taking amlodipine again at a lower dose and then gradually taper off the medication In other cases, they may recommend other medications to help manage your symptoms.
Can You Stop Amlodipine Cold Turkey?
It is not recommended to stop taking amlodipine cold turkey. Doing so can lead to serious side effects, including rebound hypertension, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. If you are considering stopping amlodipine, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They will be able to help you develop a safe and effective plan for tapering off the medication.
Additional Resources
- Amlodipine (Norvasc): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & More
- Amlodipine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- High Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Amlodipine is a safe and effective medication for treating high blood pressure and angina. However it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of stopping it suddenly. If you are considering stopping amlodipine it is important to talk to your doctor first. They will be able to help you develop a safe and effective plan for tapering off the medication.
How it works
- Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions like angina.
- Amlodipine causes these muscles to relax and dilate (widen) by blocking the flow of calcium ions across cardiac (heart) and smooth muscle. Although the precise mechanism of action of amlodipine in angina is unknown, experts believe it helps prevent coronary artery spasms and lessens the effort required by the heart to pump blood throughout the body, hence lowering the heart’s oxygen requirement. Amlodipine has no effect on blood calcium levels.
- Amlodipine is a member of the calcium channel blocker (also known as calcium channel antagonist) drug class.
- may be used either by itself or in conjunction with other medications to treat hypertension, or excessive blood pressure.
- can be used as a continuous treatment to ease the symptoms of angina caused by coronary artery spasm or chronic stable angina, such as chest pain. won’t stop sudden attacks of angina (sublingual nitroglycerin is used for this purpose, among other medications).
- When treating hypertension in African Americans, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine may be suggested over other heart medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
- seems to interact minimally or not at all with grapefruit, grapefruit-related products, or antacids.
- can increase a person’s tolerance for exercise and maintain a healthy blood pressure during physical activity At maximal exercise, heart rate either stays the same or slightly drops.
- Has a long duration of action.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Generic amlodipine is available.
The following side effects are more likely to occur if you are between the ages of 18 and 60, do not take any other medications, and do not have any other medical conditions:
- Edema (swelling around the ankles) is the main side effect. There have also been reports of wheezing, flushing, fast or irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
- Lower doses may be needed in patients with liver disease. If a patient is already receiving antihypertensive medication, begin treatment with a lower starting dose of 2. 5 mg/day.
- Rarely, some people may experience extremely low blood pressure. The risk is higher for people with severe aortic stenosis. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
- On rare occasions, some patients who begin amlodipine may experience an increase in the frequency or severity of angina or an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). People with severe obstructive coronary artery disease are more at risk.
- may interfere with a number of other medications, such as those that block the hepatic enzyme CYP3A and those that also reduce blood pressure. See prescribing information for a full list of drug interactions.
Note: People who take other medications, are elderly or younger, have certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, liver or kidney problems), or are taking other medications are generally more likely to experience a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects.
- Amlodipine is a cardiac drug that can be used to treat angina or lower blood pressure, but it can result in foot or ankle edema.
- May be taken with or without food.
- According to the manufacturer, taking amlodipine with grapefruit juice is safe.
- When rising from a seated position, exercise caution as blood pressure may drop.
- Any symptoms of fatigue, flushing, nausea, indigestion, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, tremors or stiffness in your muscles, or edema should be reported to your doctor.
- If you suddenly experience wheezing, facial swelling, chest tightness, coughing, or seizures, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
- Do not stop taking amlodipine suddenly. Even though there haven’t been any reports of a “rebound” effect, it’s best to gradually reduce the dosage over time.
- If your angina pain worsens, your doctor might suggest taking sublingual nitroglycerin.
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