Physicians may prescribe amlodipine, categorized as an anti-hypertensive medication and marketed within the United States under the brand name Norvasc, to help lower blood pressure. It also can help in the treatment of the chest pain called angina. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries related to the heart, thereby increasing the oxygenated blood flow within the body.
Swelling
MayoClinic.com reports the most common serious side effect of Norvasc as swelling of the feet and ankles. This may indicate a severe medical condition, so consult a physician immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Headaches
Norvasc can induce headache when a person begins taking it, Drugs.com reports. Headaches may occur because the medication changes the rate at which the heart beats, causing a different flow of blood throughout the body, including the head. Drugs.com classifies headaches as a common non-serious side effect of the drug, meaning the person should report it to a doctor only if it becomes severe or does not end without help.
Weakness and Fatigue
Weakness, a common side effect of this anti-hypertensive medication, can cause fatigue. This can result from the fact that the heart has relaxed somewhat because the medication allows it to work less strenuously. The sudden change from high blood pressure to normal blood pressure can make a person feel temporarily weaker than normal. Fatigue and weakness classify as non-serious and common side effects of Norvasc.
Flushing
When the person initiates treatment with Norvasc, he may experience sudden flashes of warmth and redness in his face. This facial flushing classifies as a common and non-serious side effect of the drug. The person's face will become pink and/or warm to the touch.
Nausea
Nausea, a sensation of stomach upset, occurs with Norvasc because of the newness of the medication in the person's body. The person may complain she feels sick to the stomach. She may also complain of a butterfly-like feeling and uneasiness when attempting to eat food. Drugs.com recommends asking a doctor about if these symptoms feel severe.
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