Norvasc is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Most side effects of Norvasc have been mild to moderate in severity, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The manufacturer's Norvasc Patient Information brochure recommends that any unusual or bothersome effects when taking this medicine should be reported to the doctor.
Common Side Effects
The most commonly occurring side effects of Norvasc are headache and swelling due to buildup of fluids, usually in the legs or ankles, says the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Other side effects reported by the FDA that have occurred in more than 1 percent of people taking this medicine are tiredness, nausea, stomach pain, and drowsiness.
Less Common Side Effects
According to the FDA, the side effects of Norvasc that have been reported in less than 1 percent but more than 0.1 percent of people taking this medicine have been related to various systems of the body.
Heart related problems include irregular rhythm, chest pain, low blood pressure, and dizziness.
Nervous system effects have been numbness, tingling, tremors, and dizziness.
Digestive problems include loss of appetite, constipation, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, flatulence, pancreatitis, vomiting, and overgrowth of the gums.
Other reported side effects are allergic reactions, weakness, back pain, hot flushes, malaise, rigors, weight gain or loss, joint pain, muscle cramps or pain, sexual problems, sleeplessness, nervousness, depression, abnormal dreams, anxiety, difficult breathing, nosebleed, rash, itching, abnormal vision, urination problems, dry mouth, sweating, decreased white blood cells and platelets, thirst, and increased blood sugar.
Infrequent Side Effects
The FDA reports that the infrequent side effects that have occurred in less than 0.1 percent of people taking Norvasc are heart failure, heart attack, chest pain, irregular pulse, skin discoloration, hives, skin dryness, hair loss, eczema, muscle weakness, twitching, staggering gait, migraine, cold and clammy skin, apathy, agitation, amnesia, stomach upset, increased appetite, loose stools, coughing, runny nose, problems with urination, distorted smell or taste, and vision problems.
Dose-Related Side Effects
Norvasc side effects related to the amount of medicine taken are swelling, dizziness, flushing and rapid and irregular heartbeat, says the FDA. The number of people experiencing these side effects increases as the amount of medicine taken increases. According to the manufacturer's Norvasc Patient Information brochure, heart attack or worsening angina, although rare, may occur when Norvasc is first started or when the dose is increased.
Serious Side Effects
Norvasc has been reported to cause serious side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration, people who experience the following side effects form Norvasc should get emergency medical help: allergic reactions such as hives or trouble breathing, feeling faint, swelling in the hands or feet, chest pain, irregular or pounding heartbeats, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness or tingly feeling, and yellowing of the eyes.
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