There are 428 ratings for the drug: NORVASC in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for norvasc: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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3	HBP	Severe dizziness, fatigue. I seem to have one good day followed by one day when I can't do much of anything. I have a hard time concentrating and can't read for any length of time. My blood pressure has dropped to within normal range (av. 127/76 the last 4 days) but it had only recently gone high (still undergoing tests to find out why) My last check up May 4th my b.p. was 118/72 and somewhere between that date and July 4th it went up to 188/103 and I don't know why. I do not like this medicine and refuse to accept that I am going to be on medication for the rest of my life so I am following the DASH diet, exercising when I am not dizzy and trying to relax. The days when I am dizzy make me HATE this drug but the fact that my pressure is normal makes it OK. Hopefully I will be able to stop taking it soon. This SUCKS!		F	48	12 days 10MG 1X D		7/23/2010
3	HBP	Slight Chest pain	No significant reduction in BP as yet...but the chest pains were a bit worrying....I will keep all updated as I progress. A site I visited earlier says that initial chest pains is experienced in some cases.	M	35	2 days 10 1X D		7/22/2010 Email
1	Hypertension	Fatigue, lower back pain.	This medication lowers blood pressure, and also makes you feel miserable.	M	54	180 days 2.5mG 1X D		7/22/2010
1	hypertension	Noticed nothing initially. Began experiencing what I thought was heat rash only at night. This lasted for several weeks and just seemed to disappear. Have never had anything like that before. Two weeks ago I awoke with terrible joint and muscle pain in my shoulders, neck and arms. I also experienced numbing and tingling in my left hand and arm. I see my dentist regularly, and noticed my gum was slightly swollen around one tooth; have never had anything like that before. I also have noticed a strange taste in my mouth, also something I have never experienced. After reading comments posted, my symptoms seem to match many others. I have taken myself off this medication. Have been off for only two days, haven't noticed too much of a change. I am taking the generic amlodipine besylate sub. for Norvasc. Do not know if this makes a difference.		F	60	4 months 5mg 2X D		7/22/2010
1	high blood pressure	EXTREME fatigue,excessive thirst, frequent urination,dry mouth, white patchy/sore/painful tongue, almost total loss of appetite		M	41	20 days 5mg 1X D		7/18/2010
1	hypertension	dizziness, blurriness, headache upon awakening (rarely have headaches) 2 days ago palpitations began	I actually broke the pill in half and had these reactions on 1.25mg - imagine if I'd actually taken whole 5 pills!	F	55	5 days 2.5 1X D		7/11/2010 Email
4	high blood pressure	Never really noticed it until this past year but now I have moderate ankle, foot and leg pitting edema and pain in both knees. but I'm on a few meds so not sure if this is caused just by the amlodipine.		F	49	4 years 5 mg 1X D		7/9/2010 Email
2	to lower my high blood pressure	Drug is not really helping me with lowering my blood pressure at all..but have noticed many side effects.. I'm always lightheaded and experience dizziness all the time. Panic attacks start usually after I experience the dizziness. Feelings of doom frequently falls upon me. My leg does swell however, after having the big vein removed for a carotid artery graft, I'm not sure this drug is the cause or not. But I can say when I was in the hospital for a stent procedure, not once did they give me this medicine, amlodipine and I felt fantastic. When I got home, I resumed the pills and now feel horrible all over again. I think I will stop it and call both primary doctor who prescribed it for me as well as tell the Vascular Surgeon who is treating me for my carotid arteries. Perhaps it is the combination between the Plavix and the amlodipine which is causing the horrible symptoms. Heck, I can't even pick up a broom and sweep without nearly passing out. I have to grab onto things in ord		F	56	60 days 5 mg 1X D		7/5/2010 Email
1	Slightly elevated blood pressure	Severe ankle swelling, reddish-rash/bursted blood vessels in the ankles, extreme knee pain, weight gain, water retention.	Significant difference in side effects from 5 MG to 10 MG. On 5 MG, I had a little ankle swelling and no other noticable side effects. On 10 MG, I felt like a completely different person. The swelling of the skin in my legs was painful, slightly embarassing for other people to look at my deformed ankles and then it moved up to my knees, making even walking a painful and trying experience. Was on Benicar which was OUTSTANDING -- great results with zero side effects -- but had to switch off because of unrelated kidney issues. Never taking Norvasc again!	M	31	1 months 10 MG 1X D		7/5/2010
2	Blood Pressure	I thought it was just me. I have been taking Norvasc for about two weeks. The first two days I felt so tired I could not get out of bed. I called the pharmacist and he suggested that I give it a few more days as my body had to get used to it. Every single day I took it, I felt worse then I ever felt in my entire life. I was sleepy and drowsy all the time. I had trouble sleeping at night. I could not go too sleep at all as my mind was thinking about everything. I was not myself. I am calling the Doctor tomorrow to change the medicine.	It may work for some, but it DID NOT work for me.	F	48	14 days 10 mg 1X D		7/4/2010
3		Lower leg and foot pain.		M	64	2 months 10mg 1X D		6/25/2010
4	High Blood Pressure	None	Has lowered my BP considerably. No side effects to speak of. I actually feel better able to focus due to my lowered BP. Was talking to doctors about the possibility of ADD, however I do think the high BP was to blame.	M	28	1 weeks 10 MG 1X D		6/24/2010
4	BLOOD PRESSURE	I AM NOW AT 6O DAYS. USING 5 mg AMLO PLUS 25 mg HCTZ. BP NUMBERS ARE TEXTBOOK. STILL HAVE TINGLING DULL PAIN IN RIGHT SHOULDER, AND "MEDIUM" LOWERLEG/ANKLE SWELLING. OCCASIONALLY USE ACE BANDAGE OVERNIGHT TO CONTROL. IT MIGHT BE PSYCHOSOMATIC (WHO COULDN'T BE LED ON BY OTHER PATIENTS' COMMENTS?) BUT I MIGHT BE FEELING OCCASSIONAL FATIGUE; NOT SERIOUS YET. SO THIS MIGHT THE LONG TERM COMBO I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. OF COURSE, AT 69, WHO KNOWS WHAT LONG TERM TRANSLATES TO?	HANG TOUGH EVERYBODY. KEEP LOOKING WITH YOUR PC AND FIND SOMETHING THAT WORKS.	M	69	60 days 5 1X D		6/9/2010
3	High blood pressure	After about 3 months on Amlodipene (generic for Norvasc), started to take gelatin to address back pains. Next day ankles swelled up. Stopped gelatin. Back pain continued. About two weeks ago, hip started to hurt - took gelatin again. It immediately took care of pain in back and somewhat in hip, but on second day ankles swelled up. Tried the gelatin at lower dose and at longer intervals. Ankles still swelled up on 2nd day. Stopped gelatin. A week ago, started CoQ10 and now left ankle and foot is swollen continuously. I figure the problem is the Norvasc - and some interaction with these other products. I can't blame the Gelatin - as it is a food. Nor can I blame the CoQ10 - as it is an enzyme. I give Norvasc a rating of 3, considering that it did get my BP under control - when I was doing nothing else for myself.	In an effort to lose weight, I have been walking 2 miles a day for 2 months. BP is fine after walking, but I have lost no weight. Since taking CoQ10, BP is fine (120/70 - 130/80) even first thing in morning before walking. FYI: Don't take any CoQ10 - some brands are totally worthless. Check out Life Extension or do some research. To lose weight, check out 7 Principles of Fat Loss by Eric Berg. It's different; it's a challenge - but to me, it makes perfect sense. I've been studying his book this week and next week I start on the program. In the meantime, I am weaning myself off from the Norvasc. I am now taking 5 mg/day. If after a week my BP stays the same, then I am off it for good. I figure it will be because of the CoQ10 and probably improved diet. No need for another BP medication.	F	74	6 months 10 mg 1X D		6/9/2010
1	For high blood pressure.	Knee pain, fatigue, depression, weight gain and lack of energy and/or motivation. I feel like I have aged very quickly.	I am taking the generic form called Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg Tamyl...which was prescribed after I had severe reactions to another blood pressure "poison" called Lisinopril (which caused horrible coughing and lung issues). Now I am wondering if there is even a blood pressure medicine worth taking. Can anyone recommend one that has little or no terrible side effects? I am about to just deal with having high blood pressure rather than have a horrible quality of life.	F	50	90 days 5 mg 1X D		6/8/2010 Email
3	hypertension	Some heart palpitations, edema in the knees and feet after a long day of standing/walking	Norvasc seems to do better for people with kidney problems, if you think you bloodpressure is from too much salt or water in your diet, ask to try something else before resorting to norvasc- it seems like too strong a strong medication JUST to lower someones B.P by maybe 10-15 points	M	20	2 years 10 mg 1X D		6/4/2010 Email
3	Hypertension	Painful swelling in ankles, diffuse back ache, extreme fatigue, depression, very bad taste in mouth.	This drug lowered my blood pressure, but the side effects are horrible.	M	54	180 days 5mG 1X D		5/26/2010
2	High blood pressure	Have pitting edema in my ankles each evening.Constipation also. There are so many BP drugs available, it is not necessary to put up with these side effects. Stopping today.		F	60	7 days 5mg 1X D		5/14/2010
1	Blood Pressure	Extreme Fatigue, Drowsyness,Depression lack of motivation.	Started on 2.5 mg and right away felt negative effects, discontinued meds and was almost immidiately fine. Notified doctor at next appointment 6 weeks and she told me that there were no such side effects listed. She suggested that I try again this time 5 mg and document how I feel. Started again and right away I began feeling wierd. My daughter reccomended going on line and checking out other peoples reviews I am quite shocked to see so many people suffering the same and similar effects from this drug! Seems as though we are guina pigs!	M	55	60 days 5 mg 1X D		5/13/2010
1	high blood pressure	Extreme fatigue. I can't stay awake. Sleeping 12 hours a night and fight to keep my eyes open the rest of the day. I can't function, cancelling plans, nod off at work. I feel like someone drugged me. Feeling alittle depressed but I think thats because I'm so frustrated that I can't do anything.	It took about 12 days before I started getting this side effect. I told the DR I wanted to go off since it seemed a coincidence in timing. I've been off it a week and still feeling terrible fatigue. I am really hoping its just taking time to get out of my system. I'm at my wits end. With all the other posts, it seems likely the medicine is the reason. I'm just hoping I'll feel back to normal soon	F	42	14 days 2.5 1X D		5/6/2010 Email
5	HBP	TINGLING DULL ACHE IN MY RIGHT SHOULDER. MOTRIN HELPS WITH THAT. OCCASIONAL ANKLE SWELLING-USED MODERATE TIGHTNESS ACE BANDAGE OVERNIGHT TO SOLVE THAT. OTHERWISE, THE ONLY TIME I WORRY ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS IS WHEN I READ TOO MANY OF THESE EXTREME SIDE EFFECTS DESCRIPTIONS.	I HAVE TRIED AT LEAST ONE SPECIE OF EVERY KNOWN HBP MEDICATION DESIGNED PHARMACOLOGICALLY TO CONTROL BP. I DISCOVERED THROUGH THE LITERATURE AND HANDSON EXPERIENCE THAT ALL ACE INHIBITORS CAUSE COUGHING. DESPITE ITS REMARKABLE EFFICACY FOR HBP CONTROL, LISINOPRIL, FOR EXAMPLE, WAS ABOUT TO KILL ME, LITERALLY, WITH A VIOLENT, RAGING COUGH. HENCEFORTH, I HAVE TRIED THE GAMUT OF HBP DRUGS. THE COMBINATION OF 5 mg AMLODIPINE AND 25 mg HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (DIURETIC)HAS CONTROLLED MY BP TO TEXTBOOK READINGS, BUT..........ONLY FOR A MONTH. IF I ENCOUNTER A NEGATIVE CHANGE IN THE FUTURE, I WILL BE BACK ON HERE SHARING THE DATA. PS: TAKE THIS TO THE BANK. IF I FIND A LONG TERM SOLUTION TO HBP, I WILL SURELY TOLERATE SOME REASONABLE SIDE EFFECTS. AFTER ALL, A MAN MY AGE SHOULDN'T BE WORRYING ABOUT IMPOTENCE AND SUCH, SHOULD HE? IT'S LIKE I TELL MY FRIENDS AND PC PHYSICIAN-VIAGRA IS A CRUEL JOKE. IT WORKS ALL RIGHT BUT DUDES MY AGE CAN'T FIND ANYBODY THAT GIVES A DAMN. (IT'S MILLER TIME. GOOD LUCK ALL.)	M	69	21 days 5 mg 1X D		4/26/2010
1	High blood pressure	Severe migraine	First day of taking this drug I noticed a slight headache. The second day of taking this drug, I woke-up with a severe migraine. I didn't continue this drug and it took me three days to get over the migraine.	F	52	2 days 5 MG 1X D		4/26/2010 Email
1	na	na	If you search for essential fatty acid deficiency, you will find high blood pressure as an effect. Try a suppliment of EFA such as Newmans Own Salad Oil and see if that helps your BP Very inexpensive and no side effects.	M	64	0 days 1X D		4/24/2010 Email
2	high blood pressure	Dizziness, constantly tired, unmotivated, swelling of legs,itching legs.My blood pressure is down, but my quality of life is terrible	I feel terrible all day everyday. Before this I worked 30hrs a week and ran a household with two children. I am reduced to sitting at home, barely motivated enough to get the housework done. After reading these comments I feel very angry. It seems to me all the doctors care about is a number on a page with little regard to how it impacts on the rest of that persons life. I am struggling financially and feel depressed.	F	39	7 months 10 2X D		4/20/2010
1	hypertension	WEIGHT gain,insomnia,heartburn,dry mouth, lack of motivation, mood change wife says I'm angry all the time,feelings of needle type pricks in my lower legs mainly my calves.	I still try and walk as exercise, two years ago I walked six to seven miles a day with in months of starting to take this drug this started to fall off.As I started to ween my self off of this drug my motivation to exercise and do every day things is returning.	M	53	2 years 10 1X D		4/18/2010 Email
1	hypertension	swelling of feet	did not lower bp	M	67	90 days 10 1X D		4/17/2010
2	high blood pressure	within an hour of taking norvasc, I felt like there was a brick on my heart and it lasted all day. Also was dizzy and my brain was racing with a thousand thoughts, couldn't concentrate for a few hours.	Seemed to bring down bp but couldn't deal with the chest pain. DR has now switched me to Lopressor. This will be my 5th med try for high bp.	F	39	2 days 5 mg 1X D		3/30/2010
3	High Blood pressure	There are three side effects that I have experienced on Norvasc. First, and the most significant for me has been the much reduced ability to think clearly. It definitely has affected my mind, my memory, and my thinking and reasoning response-time. For instance, trying to respond with answers to the Jeopardy program questions is nearly futile. I feel like a confused kid trying to figure out a mystery that's way beyond me reach. The second side effect is some swelling of the ankles and hands. This is not very pronounced and I can live with it. At the end of the day the sock ring indentation is less than 1/8th of an inch. The third side effect is itchiness, mostly in the evenings. This was worse early on, and has not been as much of a problem after 5 months, but it is a noticeable nuisance. I agree with another poster about taking an exam while on Norvasc. I am faced with the same situation and will have to get off this stuff just for that reason. I will be like a deer caught in the		M	55	5 months 5 mg 1X D		3/22/2010
1	hypertension	SEVERE LE EDEMA	THIS DRUG IS HORRIBLE THE EDEMA WAS SO BAD IT HURT. I THOUGHT MY SKIN WOULD BURST. BAD, HORRIBLE UNACCEPTABLE DRUGAND ON TOP OF THAT DID NOT HELP MY BLOOD PRESSURE AT ALL.	M	29	14 days 5mg 1X D		3/20/2010
3	BP	After years of taking the drug, developed pretibial edema bilaterally, followed by tiny itch rash just recently. Wife said it was the Norvasc, but I did not think a drug would adversely affect you after so many years.	Off Rx now, and no longer impotent, no longer having memory problems, BP is even lower on other meds now.	M	64	3 years 10 mg 1X D		3/19/2010
1	High Blood Pressure	Body aches, sleep deprivation, red flat and slightly raised rash, itching, and acute anxiety.	I took the generic brand of Norvasc (blue pill) for high blood pressure. It reduced my HBP however within 4 weeks my hands and feet exploded with dyshidrotic eczema. My last eczema episode was in my early twenties. I was shocked it had returned. I thought it was just stress but 1 week later small to medium (1 in. diameter) red dots appeared all over my arms, legs, chest, back, and scalp with severe itching. My doctor said I was having an allergic reaction and should stop immediately. After 1 week my eczema was gone and 2 weeks later the red rash has seemed to stop spreading but hasn't gone away. Based on other research and posts the side-effects take 4 weeks to start appearing and an estimated 6 weeks to go away. Some believe the rash is caused by the blue dye in the pill.	M	37	1 months 5 MG 1X D		3/18/2010 Email
3	hypertension, two stints	Have had many of the mentioned side effects but the generic for Norvasc that I took worked well to lower my blood pressure. I decided to put up with the problems until my pharmacy changed generics and the strange dreams I'd been having became disturbing nightmares. I honestly thought I might have a heart attack in my sleep. The original medication is no longer available to anyone so I'm not sure what I'll do. I'm waiting for the doctor to call back. I know there are other manufacturers but will they be like the first or second one?	works well to lower blood pressure	F	65	1.5 years 5 1X D		3/17/2010
3	High Blood Pressure	Legs feeling heavy/tired. Legs bother me even when sitting. Very scatter brain feeling. Cant focus	Was on Avapro 6 yrs with no problems- Insurance wont pay anymore, so Dr. changed me to this. Dont feel like myself at all. Tired/not motivated. Reading on this site is reassuring me that I am not imagining the symptoms.	F	43	2 weeks 5 mg 1X D		3/11/2010
1	stopped taking it	severe edema and leg pain	I stopped taking the drug and feel as if I got my life back. I feel so much better after stopping the drug. I went through 6 months of pain.	F	56	6 months 1X D		3/11/2010
4	High Blood Pressure	At 5mg a day I don't have any problems with the medication, other then possible pain in feet (but I'm on them at work 40hrs a week so it's hard to say.) When I take 10mg a day though I get a deep depression feeling, and I hate everyone and everything. I was taking 10mg a day and having thoughts of suicide to "get away from everything". As soon as I went back to my 5mg a day(without the doctors approval) I've felt perfectly fine.. it's hard to say how this medication will work.	I like how I feel on 5 mg, but now my doctor wants to change it to something else because I run at 140/85-130/80. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it since I took procardia xl and became extremely violent to those around me.	M	19	1 years 5 1X D		3/10/2010 Email
1	hypertension	constant belching, anxiety, nausea	after 3 days of taking this pill i developed anxiety which is not listed as one of the side effects,after 2 weeks of taking this i stopped for 4 days and had no anxiety. Then after my doctor persisted and said that no way does this casue anxiety I started taking it again. after 2 trips to the er for panic attacks I fainally stop this pill and my anxiety went away... mmmm coincidence I think not. Oh my doctor was going to give me lexapro for anxiety i never took the lexapro but I stopped this instead and i have been fine ever since,, also on this pill I was extremly gasy and had nausea sometimes... I will never take this or recommend this to anyone	M	35	30 days 5mg 1X D		3/6/2010
1	High blood pressure	Heartburn at night, mild headache all day, face flushing, some palpitations all began after few days on drug. On 9th day, leg and ankle swelling. Stopped taking immediately. This drug made me feel terrible.		M	64	9 days 10mg 1X D		2/26/2010
4	For high blood pressure	In my case, the most bothersome side effect is feeling tired, followed by lightheadedness and a few tachycardic episodes.	Despite its side effects, I prefer this drug because it gives optimal control to my hypertension and it provides adequate perfusion to the coronary and renal circulation.	M	56	5 mg 2X D		2/25/2010 Email
1	high blood pressure	pain in jaw, swelling in fingers, pain in forearm, pain in neck, pain both knees, overall not feel well,felt like I was slowly deteriorating from the inside out, burning feeling in my gums and bad taste in mouth, loss of motivation, felt sad.	My doctor said he's never heard of some of the side effects I complained about. I don't understand that. So many people on this site have reported my symptoms. Why don't doctors know this drug has these horrible side effects. I told my doctor I am not taking this drug anymore. After going off drug, in 1 day my symptoms started to go away. Been 5 days now and am slowly returning back to normal.	F	54	2 years 10 mg 1X D		2/13/2010
1	hypertension	persistent nausea & vomiting, general unwell feeling	Will not take any more!	F	39	2 days		1/31/2010
1	high BP 160/100	swollen feet and ankles. deep depression.	I have variable BP 110/75 - 160/100. took Amlodipine for 2 months. after a gap of several months tried just 1 tablet again but it immediately gave me deep depression again which subsided after 1 day.	M	58	2 months		1/23/2010
1		Depression and anxiety	Two weeks after I started taking Novasc I began lying awake reliving my saddest moments. Soon it carried on through the day. Even after I quit, it took months of medication and cogntive therapy to pull me out. Over a year later, I'm still not 100 percent. I can't prove even to myself that Novasc was the trigger, but I advise anyone to be very careful taking this drug. It didn't lower my blood pressure.	M	46	21 days		1/21/2010
4	HBP	Have not had any side effects that I am aware of. I take 5 mg. in combination with Atacand 8 mg. Works well.		F	70	4 years		1/15/2010
1	high bp	this is a bad drug-very toxic-have been on only 5mg for 4 months and have most all side effects.swollen hands,feet and legs,itchy skin,pain in back under kidneys,this drug will lower your bp,but is a true poison.	am telling my heart doc i want off it..which will be a pain because they hate you when you complain about the drugs they feed you.	M	60	4 months		1/14/2010
1	BP	Extreme lethargy, heart palpitations, headache, I was exhausted. I cut the pill in two and took it at night. But then I developed chest pain, and anxeity. I quit taking it and I will see if I get over the side effects.	I used a generic form and found that different manufactures had different effects. Not all generic drugs are the same.	M	59	2 years		1/8/2010
1	BP	I HAVE PAIN CHEST,HADEACH,EXTREME FATIGUE, HICHANSON IN THE CHEST PAIN, ALLERGIES IN NECK,HANDS,THIGH PAIN IN THE LOW PART OF THE BACK, MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO BREATHE NEARLY FAINTING NAUSEA MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO THINK, DEPRESSION ETC I TAKE 20MG FOR 3 WEEKS, CHANGE TO 10MG FOR 2WEEKS AND NOW I TAKE 5MG FOR 3DAYS.I WAS IN AGONY WHILE TAKING THIS PILLS, NOW I EXERCISE AND DIET WITH HELP OF MY SON, NOW I AM BETTER WHIT OUT THE PILLS.	DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MEDICINE, DOCTORS SHOULD HAVE A BIT MORE OF KNOWLEDGE BEFORE PRESCRIBED THIS MEDICINE, FOR THAT THEY TAKE AN OATH UNCONDITIONALLY TO HELP THEIR PATIENTS.BUT I SEE THAT THEY NOT DOING IT	F	43	38 days		1/3/2010 Email
4	bp monitoring following cardiac arr	Been on 5 mg. following cardiac arrest 2 mos. ago. Have no side effects so far and pressure remains good.	I seem to have developed a very strong breath odor which reeks of a medicinal smell. Has anyone else noticed this with norvasc?	M	68	60 days		1/1/2010 Email
3	High Blood Pressure	Swollen legs, heart palpitations	Had to go off of this because of the side effects of swollen legs and heart palpitations	M	38	3 months		12/17/2009
1	Hypertension	Migraines, ear infections, thoughts of GOING CRAZY from EXTREME ANXIETY...thought i was dying...chest pains..i could go one forever...doctor and ER insisted i keep taking it until finally i refused...	Pfizer should be "class-action" sued by ALL OF US	M	25	3 months		12/8/2009
1	high blood pressure	I was first taking Norvasc 5mg for about 2 weeks with no noticeable side affects. i was also taking my regular lisinopril/hctz as well. my physician decided to try and up the norvasc to 10mg and take my off the lisinopril/hctz to see how i did. with in the first 2 days i had severe flushing of the face that was very noticeable, it felt like my face was on fire all the time, along with a headache as well. after about the 4th day the flushing subsided some where it wasn't so flush, but then my legs began to swell. every day they would get worse. it is mostly my left leg. it was so swollen that it even hurt to touch it or walk on it. and not to mention the red blotchy rash that i have on my legs from the swelling. I even had to have a doppler done on my leg to rule out a blood clot, which was negative. I went back to my phyiscian and she immediatly took me off the norvasc and put me back on lisinopril/hctz but uped my dosage. i am still having problems with my left leg, the pain has subsi	the drug did control my blood pressure very well. if only I didn't expierence all the side effects.	F	30	3 weeks		11/18/2009 Email
2	hypertension	extreme edema in feet, ankles, legs and fingers	this drug needs to be monitored carefully by your physician, and if he/she does not take your complaints seriously, you need to switch doctors. I started with 10 mgs and have cut back to 5 mgs (BP is fine) but I want to go to 2.5 mgs ASAP, after I lose some weight. Even with only mgs. I get edema in my feet, ankles and hands, and it is painful to walk.	F	64	4 months		11/13/2009 Email
1	BP	Depression, panic attacks, morbid thoughts.	My doctor was furious when I told him I'd stopped taking it, sneered at the possibility that it had caused my symptoms as he's prescribed it to so many people and they haven't had any problems with depression - it must be some other "social" circumstances. He claims there's no scientific proof that it has these adverse effects. I'm not stupid, I can read the official warnings and I don't care that it's only 1% supposedly affected - I'm one of the 1%. I also put on weight and he asked didn't I watch my diet. It's taken me a while to bounce back and I refuse to go back on it.	F	61	30 days		11/12/2009 Email
1	High blood pressure	I experience extreme muscle cramps to the point I could hardly walk. It has been getting progressivly worse. I finally stopped it after reading similar stories on this website. I saw my Dr. and he said to stay off it. I am feeling so much better after one week. I also had terrible flushing and redness.	This drug in my opinion is very dangerous.	M	73	2 days		11/11/2009
1	blood pressure control	Leg pain in calves right up to the thigh. This would cause me to have a hard time walking or going up stairs. Pain also in feet, arms and lower back. The pain is so intense at times I could cry. Extreme fatigue and flushed feelings quite often.	I have been on norvasc 5mg for about six months and told the doctor about the muscle and joint pain. He sent me to an rumetologist sho can find nothing wrong. After browsing this site I am going to suggest he try me on something else.	F	53	6 months		11/2/2009
3	High Blood Pressure	Taking Norvasc for at least 5 years. Developed severe skin rash (2 years ago). Many drs. and tests later, allergist takes me off Norvasc (just 2 days ago); not sure if it is due to Norvasc ....waiting to see if skin rash disappears.		F	45	5 years		10/30/2009 Email
1	high blood pressure	Edema, stomach discomfort, palpitations, headache, prespiring, dry mouth -- all began about 48 hours after beginning med. Stopped it after 4 days and symptoms disappeared within 48 hours. Began it again a week later, and lasted 3 weeks. Stopped it (5 mg) 4 days ago, but still have symptoms.	Interesting how, if you look at rxlist, symptoms are listed, but in such small numbers.	F	62	21 days		10/28/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	Swollen ankles, swollen fingers, heart palpatations, tired all the time, irritable and weight gain.	I took this drug for at least 7 years, constantly complaining about it's side effects to my physician, I moved to another city, my new doctor immediately listened to me and took me the off Norvasc, 10 mg, changed to a beta blocker, Atenolol, 50 mg, I feel like a new person; and my blood pressure is controlled much better.	F	48	7 years		10/21/2009
2	high blood pressure	heart palpatations, sweating,	I had an allergic reaction to cardisem a calcium channel blocker in the same family	F	55	25 days		10/18/2009
2	High Blood Pressure	So glad to read all the negative comments on that drug. I felt the same but I did not think to link my deteriorating mental and physical conditions to that drug. Since I stop taking it, I feel a lot better.		F		1 years		10/4/2009
1	High blood pressure	lethargy , impotence , ankles swelling , joint pain ,dizziness...	the worst product on the market. I took this product for 3 months and my life has become a nightmare.	M	40	90 days		10/4/2009
1	HBP	Dizzy, exhausted, heart thumping/skipping, anxiety, depression	I am sure this works for others, but I think this is the worst BP med and it scares me that it is on the market.I thought I was having some sort of breakdown, but as I have taken myself off on this drug, I know it was the Meds. I have reported it to https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/the-yellow-card-scheme/ in the UK	F	38	12 months		9/29/2009
3								9/24/2009
1	high blood pressure	I have been so tired since I started taking Norvasc that it's all I can do to get out of bed in the morning. Then I fall asleep on the couch and don't wake up until early evening. I'm depressed and I burst out crying over nothing. I'm waiting for the doctor to call me back so I can find out how to safely get off of this medication.		F	65	5 days		9/22/2009
1	high blood pressure	light headed, not lucid, numbness and tingling in extremities, right side of entire body felt strange	my reaction to this drug was within 48 hours. it was so bad that it was suspected that I was having a stroke. i went to the hospital and was told that there was no stroke, but that my reactions we most likely due to the medication. i then had an mri, etc. and again a stroke was ruled out and the medication was considered the likely cause of my discomfort.	F	47	2 days		9/16/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	Weight gain, swelling throughout body especially in ankles and feet. Blisters in mouth, and changes in skin texture due to swelling. I too have noticed cognitive issues.	I had tried a different BP med but coughed continuously. Dr. changed me to Norvasc about 5 weeks ago, going back to doctor to get off this med. I am afraid I will develop Congestive Heart Failure if I have not already. Too many side effects!!!	F	51	5 weeks		9/14/2009
4	hbp	Possible headaches after the first and second day. None since then.	My BP has dropped from around 160/100 to 128/77. After reading all these posts, I'll continue to monitor any other possible side effects I might experience in the near future.	F	35	2 weeks		9/9/2009
1	high blood pressure	severe elbow and knee joint pain, moderate swelling of feet, frequent night urination, gum swelling, front teeth felt kinda numb, extreme fatigue, back pain, bloated feeling, abdominal pain	36 hours after stopping norvasc all symptom began receeding and by the 48 hour mark most were completely gone	F	48	6 weeks		9/3/2009
1	HPB	I am now into extensive periodontal disease and trying to NOT have surgery for this. The new periodontist I went to immediately noticied I was on Norvasc and is calling my primary care physician to get an alternative. He showed me documentation that Norvasc does increase your chances of gum disease and also makes it more difficult to get it under control. Finally, after over 20+ yrs of this med and dental problems, someone took the time to look at what I was taking in hopes to get me through these next treatments without having to endure them over and over again.		F	60	20 years		9/1/2009
1	HBP	After about 6 months overnight had severe neuropathy all over including numbness, tingling, pain. These symptoms kept getting progressively worse. Two different Neurologists did not relate the neuropathy to the Norvasc until I stopped taking it and within a week felt better. Had night mares, insomnia, and depression too.	I see a cardiologist now. The medical doctors that I have seen are inadequately trained for these types of medicines. I am having trouble finding any other medicine that will work longer than two weeks now. I am currently trying to lose weight the cardiologist suggested some fasting.	F	44	2 years		9/1/2009
1	high blood pressure	swelling of feet and ankles, flushing of face, feeling of irregular heart beat, insomnia	Took drug for about 4 weeks but will never do so again	M	64	28 days		8/25/2009
1	hp	After about five months have severe flushing - cold sweats and fatigue. I have also gained weight and feel depressed and lack of motivation. Stopped taking it tonight because my bp went down (saw doctor today because of flue symptoms he said to stop taking it for a few days) woke up several times during the night and felt like I was going to climb the walls. Finally took an aspirin, afraid of a heart attacks, and feel a bit better. There's got to be a better way. going to try chiropractic and acupuncture.	I will not take it again. I think my husband is having leg pains because of Norvask. He is also having sexual problems.	F	65	5 days		8/19/2009 Email
2	High Blood Pressure	dizziness, swollen feet, ankles, legs, blisters, water weight gain/ water rentention and fatigue	I did not like this medication at all. The medication did keep my BP at a normal rate. But from the start I had trouble focusing and noticed increased fatigue and shortness of breath. The next month I started itching and small blisters started to appear. By the third month my feet, legs and ankles were so swollen and blistered my doctor took me off of this medication. Two days later I started Bystolic (nebivolol) Hours after I started Bystolic I got my rock back (engery), the swelling in my feet and ankles started to get better and I had no trouble staying on task at work.	F	31	3 months		8/18/2009
1	high blood pressure	No problems before taking drug. Off and on severe pain in toes and heels of feet which cause difficulty in walking, Itchy skin all the time, rash on back and calves, numbness in hands off and on. Pain knees and ankle joints, facial tick and flushing.	Blood pressure now normal or a bit below normal but I want to stop taking this drug. ASAP and try something else. Any recommendations?	M	67	45 days		8/15/2009 Email
3	hypertension	leg swelling, lack of energy, constipation numbness in lower left leg.	I would avoid it if possible but with high blood pressure that's not possible.	M	77	7 years		8/9/2009
3	mild high blood pressure	Only took 4 days. On the evening of the 3rd day and all day of the 4th day, I had severe stomach pain that could not be alleviated with eating or any OTC gastro drugs (such as Tums, Pepcid)and it came and went throughout the day for no obvious reason. I also developed some very mild edema which I felt in my feet, ankles and hands.	While many people remark of bad emotional side effects, my mood actually elevated and I felt very energetic. I was also sleeping better. I'm actually disappointed that the drug is not going to work out for me. Since I am very sensitive to drugs, although I had a 5mg tab of the generic Amlodipine, I only took 1.25mg the first 2 nights and 2.5mg the second 2 nights. I can only assume that my symptoms would have been far more severe had I not done this. I took the pills at night just before bed. Even at this low dose, it did bring down my bp slightly but it fluctuated between being down and back up throughout the day.	F	56	4 days		8/3/2009
1	high blood pressure	I was on this medication for 1 1/2 months,I gained 14lbs. I have chest pains and I have this feeling in my head that is not normal. Its like lightheadedness or spacey or fuzzy feeling.	I have been off norvasc for a about two weeks now but still have these terrible feelings. Does anyone know how long these side effects will last. How soon will I feel normal again. Now taking half of a water pill every day.	F	52	45 days		7/29/2009
1	high blood pressure	gained almost 20 pounds of water, resulted in congested heart failure and lung problems. Was hospitalized for 5 weeks. All this while taking 80mg of Lasix daily. Stay away from this medicine!		F	60	5 months		7/26/2009
3	hypertension	fatigue, insomnia, swollen feet with soles of feet red and burning so sometimes I can hardly walk, cannot walk for exercise, cannot do water aerobics because feet hurt even when I wear swim shoes. Excessive nightime urination. I am becoming an invalid. Has lowered BP during day but if I take it when waking during the night it is quite high.		F	76	3 years		7/18/2009 Email
3	moderate hypertesion 140/93	none at first, then 1 month in, itchy skin, kind of like needle pricks all over about 5 hours after taking medicine.	not sure if this is the drug for me, I haven't experienced anything else yet. the itchy skin I am speaking of feels more like something under your skin poking you with a tiny briar or something. it's annoying as hell. I do feel a little week of the evening, but I attributed that to starting a daily workout regimen, maybe it isn't that, maybe it is the Norvasc. I take the generic brand	M	35	30 days		7/16/2009
1	high blood pressure	I am on metoprolol and it is working well but my doctor wanted to add the generic form of norvasc. I took a low dosage for two weeks and noticed some swelling, weight gain, flushing and general fatigue. I experienced very vivid dreams and the fourth week hallucinations. I have never experienced a reaction like this with any medicine. I stopped the medicine today.		F	66	30 days		7/15/2009
4	HBP	Very hard to believe all the ratings I read . The only side effect that I have experienced in 5 months of Norvasc has been a slight swelling of the ankles. No sexual problems,no dizziness,no headache,no anxiety,no fatigue at all. I do a lot of sport , lift weight and running.	I take Norvasc 5mg. together with Blopress 8mg. I feel good and my BP is now 120/130 - 80/85...Before I had always 160-95	M	42	5 months		7/11/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	I had very painful and swollen ankles, feet and once or twice, up to my thigh. I had the rash on my lower legs that would get really ugly if I walked around the block. I couldn't wear socks that came to my ankle because of the severe edema. Water retention everywhere, including my face, weight gain and heaviness in my legs that made it hard to walk up the stairs or even on a level track at the gym. I also experienced tiredness and had trouble concentrating at work or while reading. I had flushing on my face and neck that was noticable and caught people's attention. After reading this site, I realize that the palpitations that I had gotten used to several years ago, are gone in the last few weeks! I have been off of Norvasc for almost a month now and have lost about 10 pounds. Other side effects are starting to go away, also.	After about 6 years the swelling had finally gotten better. Then I skipped 4 days of Norvasc because I had run out of refills over a weekend. When I went back on it, all of the side effects came back immediately. I asked to change medicines while at the dr. When she saw my ankles, she agreed. I'm now completely on Diovan and my blood pressure is better than it has been in years.	F	53	7 years		7/10/2009
3	High Blood pressure	Swelling of ankles, feet and calves. It increased gradually over the years. GFR decreased drastically but not sure if it is related. Dr. discontinued Norvasc and is doing lots of blood work now.	I think it is a good drug but I was given too large a dose...10 mg twice a day.	M	72	5 years		7/6/2009
1	slightly high blood pressure	EXTREMELY swollen extremities; extreme fatigue. Horrible itching, redness and tenderness in hands and feet Fatigue and insomnia...quite a combination! Doctor ignored me when I suggested that it could be a severe allergic reaction to Amlodipine. Tested me for liver/heart disease, autoimmune disorders, kidney malfunction, etc. all of which turned out negative; but never admitted that his prescribed medication was responsible. I am now on temporary disability trying to recover from this medication.	THIS DRUG NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY MONITORED OR TAKEN OFF OF THE MARKET! IT IS VERY DANGEROUS!	F	70	2 weeks		7/5/2009
1	high blood pressure	swollen legs, ankles, feet. slowness of thought process, weight gain, tiredness to point i couldnt function. hair loss	blood pressure never went down from 140/90. stayed the same	F	39	3 months		7/4/2009 Email
1	High Blood Pressure	the first two weeks (trial )on NORVASC there were NONE! (did my caregiver suspect there might be?)hmmm! I told my caregiver I felt no side effects...so she wrote a full script for me..... she wanted me back in two weeks to do a b/p check....it did not produce 'perfect' b/p, but acceptable results so I ordered my 'first' bottle from my Meds by Mail supplemental insurance Co. the symptoms (side effects) began during the 3-4th week...! (looking at the various side effects on this list, I know now that there were more than I thought! but the one that got my attention (as well as my husbands!) was the swelling of my ankles and feet at the end of each day! my complaint was serious enough to call my Dr. to report it! (I had NEVER had this symptom before!) the Dr. lost no time in telling me to STOP this med. a.s.a.p. and to come in for b/p checkup and in the meantime to diligently watch my salt intake, and to drink LOTS of water. I stopped the med on a Thursday, the very next DA	I read some of the comments from patients on your webpage who had similar or WORSE syptoms after taking NORVASC, but have been 'tolerating' these symptoms for years because their caregiver said "don't stop the drug, it's going to lower your b/p so it's worth it to withstand a 'few' side effects!" not good a good drug! there are too many OTHER GOOD meds available that are safe, so my suggestion if your reading this and it sounds familiar, is to 'take yourself off the med' and if your Dr. won't co-operate assume that he/she doesn't care about YOU, just the 'kick back'they are getting from the drug mfg'er don't kid yourself it happens daily in your Dr.s office! free lunches,dinners, free samples (and more I think!)	F	64	21 days		6/28/2009 Email
3	hypertension	Headaches, fuzzy vision, dizzyness, apathy.	OK. it does what it says on the box ( blood pressure went down several points )but you might consider whether it is worth it.	M	69	8 years		6/27/2009
1	HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AFTER PINCHED N	2-4 hours after taking norvasc,I had HIGHER blood pressure,pounding heart, throbbing headache,burning knot in my stomach, anxiety.Weak, extremely light-headed all day, until I took myself off this stuff.	I was placed on Norvasc upon entering the hospital for what looked like symptoms of a TIA (MINI STROKE) Turns out , I have 2 vertebrae pinching a main nerve that caused the symptoms, but they never took me off Norvasc.After being home for several days, I began to log my symptoms and realized they showed up strong, 2-4 hours after taking this drug.I told my dr. and she let me go off of it, with the promise of noting my blood pressure readings. Result? Slept all night and readings returned to normal!She changed my inderal from a 10 mg. (pink)to a 20 mg.(blue) pill and guess what? The first night I took it, I got the same adverse symptoms as when I took Norvasc! Common denominator? BOTH BLUE PILLS! Then , I started checking the internet to read of reactions to dyes in drugs...oh, my! Iwent to the dr. and got put back on the 10 mg. (pink) inderal(propanolol), and I am taking 2 at a time to give me the 20 mg. that I need. I really believe that it is the blue dyesin those two meds that triggered those horrible responses.The drs. don't want to admit it, but I wonder how many people are suffering for nothing.I am just starting this journey with my meds, but I know that blue dye had something to do with it! Worth investigating, for sure!	F	61	8 days		6/21/2009
1	high blood pressure	immediate dizziness, sick to my stomach, just felt sick all day	going back to metoprolol	F	65	1 days		6/19/2009
2	High Blood Pressure	Blistering,itching,muscle cramps,flushing,ringing in ears,extreme anxiety,mild depression	I took generic made by Mylan Labs. When I finally convinced my doctor that it was these pills he took me off them. I checked with him 2 weeks after and then another month after that and my pressure was normal. He's letting me stay off meds until we do some more checking. In the meantime, I was in touch with one of the gals at Mylan who is apparently a chemist or something degreed like that and she went down the list of ingredients with me. She thought that of all the ingredients they use, the blue dye might be the offender. But, as one lady my age commented here, it has taken 6 weeks plus for the itching to stop and the scabbing from the blistering to be healed. I am wondering if there are any people who might be suggesting law suits about this.	F	62	25 days		6/1/2009 Email
2	high blood pressure	Swelling of feet, ankles and legs		F	61	5 years		5/28/2009
1	moderate high blood pressure	I have problems with nerve pain and muscle cramps which the doctors don't understand. My blood pressure rises when I have acute pain attacks. My doctor insisted I take this pill as my pressure was high when I went to his office (it has been normal whenever the pain was contained as in hospital stays of weeks). After taking it for a week my legs and arms were in such terrible pain - my ankles swollen and I was in agony. I ended up taking my codeine and sleeping on and off for about 2 days pretty much in bed unable to even walk from my bedroom to the living room. I forgot to take my pills and suddenly realized I had been through this before and that's why my former primary doctor didn't prescribe calcium blockers. Without the drug I am back to normal - some pain but not crippling. I am so glad I read this Internet site. I was not warned about these side effects by my new primary doctor (who has replaced my old primary doctor of over 30 years.)		F	65	10 days		5/28/2009 Email
4		I experienced many of the same side effects of those who have commented on this site. The leg and feet aches, and the ankle swellings were constant and the worst I've ever felt, even when I was prenant.	Getting my blood pressure under control was important to me. I went to the doc told him of my symptoms and he titrated me off of the Norvasc and put me on a combo pill, which is Norvasc and another medicine to help with the aches/swelling. This pill is called Lotril. It works. My blood pressure is where it needs to be 122/70, and no more feet swellings, or aches. I also started drinking alot of spring water, which helps with BP and meds side effects. The bottom line is my blood pressure is under control.	F	49	8 months		5/23/2009 Email
1	High Blood Pressure	Severe drowsiness, can't stay awake, exhausted 24 hrs a day, flushing(hot flashes), mental confusion, lethargic, headaches	First day had severe headache and medication hangover, couldn't seem to wake up. Second day flushing started every couple hours. Third day all I wanted to do was sleep, literally could not keep my eyes open and flushing whenever I exerted my self, even if just talking on the phone. Seventh day saw Doc, took myself off med, today first day I felt alert, clear headed and only mild tiredness, still flushing put much less. Hopefully all side affects will be gone withing few days. I will reccomend to everyone I know not to take this Posion!!!! How can they make meds with such debilitating side affects??????	F	40	7 days		5/20/2009
2	hypertension	Depression, lack of motivation, slowness, fogginess, mild headache	OK--I have been taking less than a week, but I am normally a highly motivated person, "A" type, and I don't want to do anything now but sit in bed. Not me. Tried Lisinopril and felt dissociated. Tried this and feel depressed. But the BP went down with both, markedly. Not worth feeling like life is not worth living, or that my brain is in pieces, and I'm certainly not crazy. I know enough to understand when it's the drug. Thanks to everyone for their feedback, too.	F	49	6 days		5/13/2009
2	blood pressure	depression and anxiety like I have never had in my life! abdominal pain and muscle aches. This all started shortly after being on norvasc. Doctor says that side effects will go away, well its been almost a year and I'm a mess, so at my next appointment I am telling my doctor to switch my medication. I would rather go a natural or herbal way to try and reduce blood pressure with hawthorn or something else then keep taking this crap!		F	42	1 years		5/12/2009
1	High Blood Pressure	I took Norvasc for six years. During the last 2 years, I was off work due to what I was told was burnout, anxiety, depression. Insurance company sent me to a psychiatrist for an independent medical assessment. She told me that she often sees patients with my symptoms who coincidentally are taking Norvasc and that she believes it pushes people over the edge into depression and is also not responsive to antidepressants !!! I stopped taking Norvasc 4 weeks ago and am feeling once again like myself. I also had very swollen ankles during that 6 years, which were horrible. I would never, ever take this medicine again.	Don't take it. Doctor also said that the Norvasc connection to depression often goes undiagnosed because the depression can start up at any time - even years after you starting taking the Norvasc...when a normal life challenge comes up and one might be a bit down, that's when the Norvasc hits you hard.	F	54	6 years		5/4/2009
3	High Blood Pressure	I'm so glad I found this site. My legs hurt so bad with Norvasc. Legs and knees, I thought i had arthritis or a blood clot. I also have had headaches and insomnia, and been feelin dizzy or lightheaded sometimes, plus so tired and over all not feeling well all the time. I stopped the medicine and called my doctor she said keep taking it. so when I started again same symptoms. I calling my dr today and getting off this medicine.	But I must admit it did work well with controlling my blood pressure.	F	32	3 months		4/30/2009 Email
4	mild high blood pressure	I'd take Norvasc in the morning with my vitamins and Hydrochlorithiamizine(sp) after breakfast. Would feel "off" anziety, foggy, lightheaded all day. My doctor said he never heard the drug producing these symptoms. He said try taking it in the evenings. Well its been a few weeks now and those symptoms are gone. The drug has controlled my pressure well and now by simply taking the med in the evening I feel more myself. Try it		M	58	4 years		4/28/2009
1	high blood pressure & heart	Unexplained rash all over my body. Miserable for over a year. Found this website and saw other similar adverse symptoms and took myself off Amlodipine 10mg (generic equivalent for Norvasc)about 9 days ago and am slowly seeing a vast improvement in my overall well being. Went to several dermatologists and allergists for my skin condition but to no avail. Had to take matters of my health into my own hands.	Will not take this drug again. I can't believe doctors do not know the awful side effects of this drug.	M	70	3 years		4/16/2009 Email

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Average rating for drug: 2.4. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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