How to Take Norvasc

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (0 Ratings)

Norvasc is the brand name version of the generic drug amlodipine. Norvasc is used to treat high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) and angina. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your body and causing them to widen. This makes it easier for the heart to move blood through the body so it doesn't have to work as hard. Lowering your blood pressure decreases your chance of heart attack and stroke while lowering the symptoms from angina will make it easier to perform strenuous activities.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

prescription

Step 1

Take Norvasc exactly as prescribed by your doctor to treat high blood pressure and angina. Read the information that comes with your prescription carefully and ask you pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions before beginning to take Norvasc.
Step 2

Take Norvasc with a full glass of water at the same time every day. Have a set time that you take Norvasc, like with your morning meal, to ensure you are taking the medication around the same time.
Step 3

Store Norvasc at room temperature. Keep the medication away from extreme heat and moisture.
Step 4

Keep taking Norvasc if you're being treated for high blood pressure, even if you are feeling well. Hypertension often has no symptoms. It may take up to a week to get the full benefits from Norvasc when you are taking it for high blood pressure.
Step 5

Take Norvasc regularly to treat angina if you want the medication to be effective. Norvasc is not used to treat acute attacks from angina. Other medications should be used for acute angina attacks.

Tips & Warnings

Norvasc can also be used for other conditions than are discussed here. If your doctor prescribes Norvasc for other conditions than hypertension or angina you should follow their instructions.
If you miss a dose of Norvasc you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose you should skip the missed dose and continue Norvasc as prescribed. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Inform your doctor before taking Norvasc if you have liver disease, sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. You may not be able to take Norvasc or your dosage may need to be changed.
Watch for any of the less serious side effects from using Norvasc that may include fatigue, headache, insomnia, vivid dreams, abnormal dreams, flushing, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and increased or difficult urination. If any of these side effects persist or worsen you should contact your doctor.
Look for the signs of an allergic reaction to Norvasc and seek medical attention immediately if you think you are having an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, breathing trouble, and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face.
Use caution when standing from a lying or sitting position while taking Norvasc. Norvasc may cause dizziness when you are changing positions, especially right when you wake up.
Seek medical attention immediately if you feel you have overdosed from taking Norvasc. Symptoms of an overdose include weakness, dizziness, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, irregular heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, and coma.
Using alcohol while taking Norvasc could further lower your blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Norvasc.
Severe side effects from taking Norvasc include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, psychosis, jaundice, and swelling in the feet and ankles. If you suffer from any serious side effects you should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Norvasc may interact with other drugs, especially medications that include calcium. Inform your doctor of any prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking.