The Side Effects of Norvasc
Norvasc (amlodipine) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat congestive heart failure, hypertension and angina pectoris.
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Pharmacology and dosing
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According to PharmacyOneSource.com, Norvasc is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and inhibits calcium from entering into vascular smooth muscle and myocardial cells, effectively lowering blood pressure. Norvasc is typically prescribed as a 5 mg daily dose at the start of therapy with a maintenance dose of 5-10 mg daily.
Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects reported by Norvasc users were headache and edema (water retention and swelling). Other possible side effects include flushing, fatigue and back pain.
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Cardiac Side Effects
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Patients have reported palpitations and peripheral edema, which may become a chronic problem (occurring in up to 10 percent of patients taking 10 mg). Heart arrhythmias, bradycardia, chest pain, hypotension, peripheral ischemia, postural dizziness, postural hypotension, syncope, tachycardia and vasculitis have been reported less frequently.
Other Potential Side Effects
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In addition to headaches, patients have also reported dizziness, tiredness, tingling of the hands and feet, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, vertigo, nausea, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence, gingival hyperplasia, pancreatitis, leukopenia (low white blood cells), vomiting, hyperglycemia and thirst, muscle pain, sexual dysfunction, abnormal dreams, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, bloody nose and shortness of breath.
Warnings
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In rare cases, increased frequency, length or severity of chest pain or acute myocardial infarction has been reported in patients who either just start therapy or increase their dosage. It is also suggested that patients with kidney problems should take Norvasc with caution.
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