Amlodipine is a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain. Many people take it without significant problems, but side effects can occur.
Common side effects
These are usually mild and may improve as your body adjusts:
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs (one of the most common side effects)
- Headache
- Flushing (feeling warm or redness of the face)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or sleepiness
- Heart palpitations (awareness of your heartbeat)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
Less common side effects
- Low blood pressure
- Rash or itching
- Muscle cramps
- Increased urination
- Mild gum overgrowth (with long-term use in some people)
Serious side effects (seek medical attention promptly)
- Chest pain that is new or significantly worse
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (possible allergic reaction)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (possible liver problem)
Swelling of the feet and legs
Because you previously asked about swelling, it’s worth noting that ankle and leg swelling is a well-known side effect of amlodipine. It happens because the medication widens small arteries, which can allow fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. This type of swelling:
- Is usually in both legs.
- Often worsens later in the day or after standing for long periods.
- Is not usually caused by eating too much salt, although reducing sodium can still help overall.
If the swelling is bothersome, don’t stop amlodipine on your own. Your healthcare professional may:
- Lower the dose.
- Switch you to another blood pressure medication.
- Add or adjust another medication if appropriate. Diuretics often do not work well for amlodipine-related swelling because it’s caused by changes in blood vessel pressure rather than excess body fluid.
If you develop one-sided swelling, severe pain, redness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek urgent medical evaluation, as those symptoms may have causes other than a medication side effect.
If you’re taking amlodipine, could you tell me:
- What dose are you taking (for example, 5 mg or 10 mg)?
- Are both feet and legs swollen, or just one?
- How long have you been taking it, and when did the swelling start?