3. Dizziness
Dizziness is another amlodipine side effect that’s more likely to happen with higher doses. You may also notice some dizziness as your body adjusts to the blood pressure changes from amlodipine, especially within the first few days of taking it. This should improve over time.
You may feel dizzy when you go from lying down or sitting to standing up. So be careful when changing positions. If you’re feeling dizzy, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. Be sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day, since dehydration can worsen dizziness.
Tell your prescriber right away if your dizziness becomes persistent or bothersome. This may be a sign that your amlodipine dose is too high, or that other medications you take need to be adjusted.
4. Weight gain
Amlodipine doesn’t typically cause weight gain. But you may notice changes in your body weight if your body is retaining more fluid. As mentioned above, this can show up as swelling in your legs or ankles.
If you have heart failure, weight gain — especially if it happens over a short period of time — can be concerning. This can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping well enough, causing fluid buildup in your body. Report any rapid or significant changes in your weight to your healthcare team while taking amlodipine.
5. Fast or irregular heartbeat
Fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations) are a possible side effect of amlodipine. When it happens, your chest may feel like it’s pounding or fluttering. During clinical trials, women were more than twice as likely to report palpitations compared to men. It’s also more likely to happen with higher doses.
Tell your prescriber right away if your palpitations are lasting longer than normal or start happening more often. Seek immediate medical attention if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.
6. Nausea or stomach pain
Many medications can cause nausea, and amlodipine is no exception. Stomach pain is also possible. But this is usually mild and rarely causes vomiting.
You can take amlodipine with or without food. If you’re feeling nauseated after you take a dose, try taking it with food next time.
7. Flushing (redness of neck, face, chest, or arms)
Flushing is possible while taking amlodipine. It can cause your skin to look red or feel warm to the touch. Some people experience it as a result of blood vessels widening.
Flushing is more likely to happen with higher doses of amlodipine. And women were also three times more likely to report flushing than men during clinical trials.
As with several other amlodipine side effects, flushing should improve over time.
8. Erectile dysfunction
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