1. It's the Most Popular Calcium Channel Blocker
Norvasc is a calcium channel blocker. This medication widens blood vessels to allow for easier passage of blood through these vessels. The process reduces the strain on the heart as it pumps blood throughout the body and lowers blood pressure. A Norvasc dose lasts for 24 hours in patients with high blood pressure that ranges from mild to severe. Doctors prescribe Norvasc to treat hypertension more than any other name-brand drug.
2. Watch for Some Side Effects
Possible side effects of Norvasc include pain in the abdominal area, fatigue, inability to sleep, nausea, headache, odd dreams or flushing. Other, more serious side effects can include rapid or slowed heart rate, fainting or dizziness, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) or swelling in the ankles or legs. If any of these serious side effects occur, the patient should stop taking the medication and contact a physician immediately.
3. Norvasc May Not Be Right for You
Your health care professional may make dosage adjustments or prescribe medication other than Norvasc if you suffer from low blood pressure, sick sinus syndrome (disorders of the heart rhythms), heart failure or aortic stenosis, a condition in which the aortic valve narrows. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor to see if Norvasc is right for you. People over age 65 may be more susceptible to the side effects of the medication.
4. Other Factors That Affect Your Blood Pressure
When you're taking Norvasc, physicians may prescribe a diet and exercise routine to help lower high blood pressure. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage of Norvasc and any diet and exercise recommendations your doctor makes. Rising from a prone position can cause dizziness in a patient taking Norvasc, especially at night. Use caution when sitting or standing after lying down. When taken with Norvasc, alcohol can also cause dizziness by lowering blood pressure even further. Patients who take Norvasc should limit alcohol consumption.
5. Consider the Combination Drug Called Caduet
Caduet is a medication that combines Norvasc with Lipitor. Lipitor, when used with diet and exercise, also lowers high blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with risk factors, such as diabetes, a family history of heart disease and a smoking habit. Patients with liver problems shouldn't take Caduet to control high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if a prescription of Norvasc alone is better for you.
