Side Effects and alternatives

1. iwasthere 28 May 2012 at 14:08PM
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   Hi, as a result of starting to develop swollen ankles (oedema / liquid retention) I turned to the web for some information on possible side effects of amplopidine as I started to have this medication (10mg) a couple of months ago.

   This could be coincidence in that the on-set of the swollen ankles also coincided with the warm weather but it is the first time that it is so noticeable to the point that many friends commented on seeing it. I am going to book with GP to discuss but I want to ask the audience:

   Given that the medication itself has worked (167 / 98 down to 133 / 79) since start of April, should I ask for lower dosage? same dosage but something to alleviate the fluid retention (and in doing get on the never ending merry go round)? alternative to amlopedine? Anything else?

   For those of you that did stop taking amlopedine, what then happened to the hypertension - the reason for which it was presumably prescribed originally?

   Many thanks

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2. baktha 4 November 2012 at 13:04PM

   My BP shop up due to some food allergy and when it went to 205/105, i was advised to increase the dosage of my existing medication, Atenolol 50mg to 100 mg and Acinopril 5 mg to 10mg. and the BP stabilised around 150/95 and then my doctor advised me to switch over to Atenolol 50mg+Amlodipine5mg in the morning and Telmistan 40mg + Amlodipine 5mg at night. . This could bring down my BP to normal 125/80 within few days. But both my feet and ankles got swollen badly and i was feeling very weak. I immediately stopped amlodipine frrom both the doses and substituted with Licinopril 10 mg in the morning and nothing else for the night, just Telmistan. Now my BP is around 140/90, but my feet and ankles are normal and i am happy and energetic now, though, BP is slightly high. I have to monitor situation for a while. But definitely i wont take Amlodipine again.

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3. Fanny Jane 4 November 2012 at 16:03PM

   Hi I took this blood pressure medication for a few months and had the same problem of very swollen ankles and also breathlessness.

   Rather than give me another medication to reduce the fluid retention my gp gave me Candersarten as an alternative and so far no problems with swollen ankles. I did have to wait a week or so while they went down though. Also I started on 6mg dose and after a few months my bp was so good it was reduced to 4mg. I have been on it for about 6 years now.

   My husband had also to start taking a bp medication and asked for the Candersarten as he saw how well I have been on it. He started on 8mg and is also now down to 4mg. We find it suits us well and our bp is totally under control.

   I'm sure your gp will evaulate how you are and your medical history and decide what course of action to take that's best for you.

   Good luck, hope you get sorted out soon.

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4. baktha 4 November 2012 at 16:39PM

   Hi,

   Grateful Thanks for your response. I am seeing my Doctor tomorrow, i would discuss with him. and i would update here, my situation after a few weeks.

   God Bless

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5. Fanny Jane 4 November 2012 at 17:09PM

   Hi Baktha, you are welcome. I'm sure your doctor will help you find something better suited to you. There are lots of options out there, you do not need to put up with unwanted side effects. Sometimes it takes a few trys to find the right medication for you.

   I'm sending you lots of good wishes and hope that your blood pressure is sorted out and you feel much better soon.Take care, Fanny Jane.

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6. baktha 7 November 2012 at 09:01AM

   Hi Jane,

   Thanks for your mail. I met the cardiologist, who replaced Amlodipine with Emalapril 5mg along with Atenolol 50mg in the morning and Emalapril 5mg plus Atovastatin 10mg for the night. Now my BP has come to near normal already 135/87 and he says in a weeks time, it should stabilise around 120s/80s.

   Thanks once again for your good wishes. God Bless.

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7. Fanny Jane 7 November 2012 at 09:44AM

   Hi baktha,

   Thank you for the update. I'm so pleased that you have had a positive result from your cardiologist visit.

   I'm praying that this combination will suit you and you can get on with your life without the worry and side effects of the Amlodipine.

   Best wishes for a good result, Fanny Jane.

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