Are you thinking about taking Amlodipine? You see, this is a prescription medication for high blood pressure. However, many people take this medication without a prescription. In this case, they can face Amlodipine side effects. If you want to start using this medication, you have to know about the side effects.
Following guidelines is essential, especially when you are taking Amlodipine. We always suggest readers take prescription medication. Still, if you want to take it without medication, you have to be more careful.
In this guide, we will share the common and serious side effects of this medication. Moreover, we will also cover some essential factors, warnings, and precautions of Amlodipine. So, let’s get started.
What is Amlodipine?
As we noted before, Amlodipine is a medication for treating high blood pressure. It’s very effective to prevent high blood pressure related issues including heart attack, strokes, and kidney issues.
This medication belongs to calcium channel blockers which help by relaxing blood vessels. It improves blood flow as well. Many people use Amlodipine alongside other medications. However, there are some Amlodipine side effects as well.
How it Works
Before you know about the side effects, you have to understand how Amlodipine works. You see, Amlodipine belongs to calcium channel blockers, a class of drugs. Well, most people use these drugs to treat similar issues.
These drugs prevent calcium from entering arteries. As a result, it will relax the blood flow. That means it can reduce high blood pressure. In some cases, Amlodipine is good for treating chest pain.
How to Use
Before you start taking Amlodipine, make sure you read the patient information that your pharmacist provided. Moreover, you can also contact your doctor. Make sure you clear all questions before taking the medication.
You see, you have to take Amlodipine each time after taking the meal. If you want to take the liquid form of this medication, make sure you read all the information. You have to measure the dose carefully.
Common Amlodipine Side Effects
Even though Amlodipine is good for treating some health issues, it has some side effects as well. It’s important to know about these side effects before you start the medication. In the following, we will share the common and serious Amlodipine side effects. Let’s find out:
More Common Side Effects
As we noted before, many people can have side effects after taking Amlodipine. It’s very common among people. If you face a side effect after using this medication, you have to contact your doctor as soon as possible. Let’s find out the common side effects of Amlodipine:
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Extreme sleep and tiredness
- Flush feeling
- Fast heart rate
- Irregular heart rate
- Tremors
Most people face these issues after taking Amlodipine. If these side effects are mild, they will go away after some days. However, if these issues are still there after 3-5 days, you have to contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Besides these common side effects, many people face serious Amlodipine side effects as well. They are rare, but you still have to be careful. Call the doctor if you have a serious side effect after taking this drug. In some cases, you have to call emergency services.
- Upper body discomfort
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness and fainting
- Unusual tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
As there are some critical side effects, you have to be careful from the beginning. Don’t start the treatment without contacting your doctor. Plus, you have to do a health check-up before starting the medication.
Warnings and Precaution of Amlodipine
If you don’t have side effects, it’s a good thing. Still, you have to be careful about some warnings. Amlodipine isn’t good for everyone. You have to know everything before using this medication.
1. People With Liver Problems
You might know that Amlodipine will start processing by your liver. So, if your liver isn’t working well, you can face several issues. In this case, your liver will take time to continue the process. As a result, this drug will stay longer in your body. You can contact your doctor to lower the dose of this drug.
2. People With Heart Problems
Amlodipine is good for your heart. However, you have to be careful if you already have heart problems. For example, if you have narrow arteries, this drug can increase your heart issues. On the other hand, you can have chest pain or heart attack risk after starting the treatment. It’s better to avoid this medication if you have heart issues.
3. Pregnant Women
Even though they’re not many studies on this topic. However, you have to be careful while taking Amlodipine during your pregnancy. As there are some potential risks and Amlodipine side effects, avoid using this treatment if you are pregnant. However, if taking Amlodipine is essential for you, make sure you contact your doctor.
4. Women Who Are Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, you have to take this drug as a warning. According to some studies, Amlodipine might pass into breast milk. So, it can affect your child as well. In this case, you have to talk to your and your child’s doctors. Hence, you can also use an alternative to this drug.
5. Seniors
Many seniors can have issues with this drug. As your body grows old, it slows the process of Amlodipine. It’s a common thing among seniors. If you face issues after taking this drug, you have to stop the treatment. On the other hand, you can talk to your doctor to reduce the dose. It can be beneficial.
Conclusion
Using Amlodipine is good for treating some health issues, especially high blood pressure. Plus, it can prevent major issues such as heart attack or strokes. However, you have to be careful about Amlodipine side effects.
On the other hand, if you have some special health issues, you have to be careful. In this case, you can contact your doctor before starting the treatment. Your doctor will give your the proper guideline.
