Amlodipine is the generic name for the drug Norvasc. It's used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure and pain in the chest called angina. Amlodipine is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. It helps to lessen the constriction of blood vessels, raises the level of the oxygen and blood supply in the body and decreases the amount of work the heart has to do to pump blood. It's available as a pill and may be prescribed with other medications.
Common Serious Side Effects
Amlodipine also may cause some limited but serious side effects. Check with your physician as soon as you can if any of these occur when you are taking it. Most people who experienced serious side effects from amlodipine had swelling in the feet or ankles. Others experienced less common serious side effects such as a pounding heartbeat or dizziness.
Rare Serious Side Effects
Some people who are prescribed Norvasc have reported other serious side effects rarely. These include jaundice, chest pain and discoloration of urine, usually a dark yellow. Other rare side effects may include bradycardia (reduced heartbeat), or lightheadedness or dizziness when standing from a sitting or prone position. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these because while rare, they still are serious and may require a change in medication or some other treatment.
Temporary Side Effects
When you first start taking any medication, your body needs to adjust to it. Amlodipine is no exception. It may induce some side effects that will go away as you continue to use it. If any of these occur and don't disappear shortly or if they annoy you, tell your doctor. These may include abnormal tiredness, pain in the abdomen, abnormal bodily weakness, facial or bodily flushing also known as hot flashes, nausea, unusual drowsiness and headaches.
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