| 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. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
| | F M | | | | ||||
| Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading. | ||||||||
| 1 | Extremely high high blood pressure | Bloating, tired, very dizzy, sick to my stomach,hot flashes,stomach pain, my body itches, horrible headaches, difficulty swallowing | These side effects last 8 to 10 hours and her blood pressure is still too high 180+/100. This is all happening to my elderly 5' tall 100 lb mother. It is aging her greatly. I'm angry because she has been complaining about these problems and the doctors must have know it was this medicine. I didn't trust my mother over the doctors, I'm ashamed of myself. I called her before I started writng this to tell her to schedule an appt, "I'M GOING WITH HER". Now let them try to bully me around. How dare they do this to the elderly. | F | 89 | 2 years | 6/28/2008 | 1 | hypertension | I've been on Norvasc about 6 weeks and I have been experiencing headaches, nausea, fatigue and dizziness. These side effects have gotten worse the longer I stay on this medication. | I am going to see my doctor about taking me off Norvasc and replacing it with something else. | F | 81 | 6 weeks | 5/9/2005 | 1 | HBP | terrible swelling of feet, toes, and legs. bad rash on legs with red splotches and some blistering. very painful. legs very tighly swollen. | will never take it again. | F | 80 | 18 days | 4/6/2008 | 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 | 4 | heart condition | don't know of any,but my fatigued feeling may come from this | M | 76 | 5 years | 12/6/2003 | 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 | 2 | high blood pressure | blood pressure did not go down much, gained weight in spite of all my efforts as I am always hungry, some ankle swelling, tired too much of the time | F | 75 | 6 months | 5/22/2008 | 4 | Beyond 2.5 milligram I get swelling in the feet | M | 74 | 5 years | 2/8/2006 | 3 | Blood Pressure | I did not get any serious side effects | I wanted to control my blood pressure with eating properly, but doctor insisted I take Norvasc and aspirin. It did lower my blood pressure. Then I went on the DASH diet (recommeded by The American Heart Association)--eating lots of fruits, vegtables, whole grains, less sweets and red meat. This lowered my blood pressure without taking pills. | M | 73 | 3 months | 7/12/2004 | 1 | high BP | Swelling of ankles with 10 mg. Weight gain. | Has had little to no effect in reducing BP even when going from 5 mg to 10 mg and back to 5. I will try to eliminate it altogether. I am taking it with Diovan HCT. | M | 73 | 1 years | 6/25/2006 | 1 | to lower blood pressure | to many to subscribe, dry mouth,no energy,loss of sex drive,ichirash,aching joints, very shallow sleep, nausea, excessive thirst, | M | 73 | 2 years | 6/7/2005 | 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 | 5 | Hypertension | None | Does a great job | M | 72 | 7 years | 8/10/2004 | 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 | 2 | high blood pressure and angina | red rash all over lower legs - it would come and go. It did not itch and was not raised, but looked more like little hemorrhages under the skin; a dramatic increase in hot flashes; ankles swollen; developed what first appeared as a bruise, and was later diagnosed as erythema nodosum; doctor who biopsied it said it was from the | I felt better while taking it and was able to be active witout chest pain. | F | 72 | 135 days | 10/12/2004 | 3 | HBP | Not on long enough to know at this point. | F | 71 | 4 months | 5/27/2007 | 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 | 3 | hypertension | muscle soreness to point of cramps in legs; extreme fatigue which interferes with exercise -- have reduced my time and exertion at gym in half.. no dizziness or headache. | I take 2 other meds for HBP which I have been on for a long time without problems. MD recently added Norvasc 5 mg. in AM--as BP was creeping up..Cardio MD added Zetia-new statin med or better controll of cholesterol..It does have side effect of muscle sorenessbut blood test do not show any muscle "damage" So now I am wondering if Norvasc is the culprit | F | 70 | 6 months | 8/30/2005 | 2 | besilato de anilodipino | swollen ankles and feet, fatigue, low libido, depression | this is the second time a calcium channel blocker is prescribed for my HBP. It didnīt work before either. | M | 70 | 2 months | 1/31/2006 | 2 | high blood pressure | excruciating headache, like a migraine. I experienced the visual aura, followed by a very bad headache. I took one 2.5 mg. pill for the first time. I also take tenormin and diovan hct. I don't think one should take a beta blocker and a calcium channel blocker | F | 70 | 1 days | 1/9/2007 | 2 | high blood pressure | excruciating headache, like a migraine. I experienced the visual aura, followed by a very bad headache. I took one 2.5 mg. pill for the first time. I also take tenormin and diovan hct. I don't think one should take a beta blocker and a calcium channel blocker | F | 70 | 1 days | 1/9/2007 | 1 | BP too high | abdominal pain (cramps), confusion, diarrhea and constipation, fatigue, psychosis, suicidal, some dizziness, swelling of the legs or ankles, occasional fast and slow heartbeat, vivid and abnormal dreaming. | There is too much to see and do in this exquisite, troubled world than to be forced to become preoccupied with one's bladder, kidneys, hormone levels, the regularity of bowel movements or to be darkly mesmerized by every fleeting moment of indigestion, weird dream, noisy flatulence or occasional belch. | M | 70 | 14 days | 10/14/2007 | 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 feet, ankles and lower legs. Eczema. Insomnia. Extreme fatigue. Cloudy thinking. | I am 70 years old and have never had eczema. In April, my doctor increased my norvasc dosage from 5 to 10. The druggist also switched me to the generic. That's when I developed the eczema although it took until 3 weeks ago for me to get a diagnosis. I've been to an allergist and a dermatologist. This web site has saved me from thinking I'm going crazy. It is such a relief to see that there are other people who are having the same problems as me from this medicine. I have an appointment this Monday and I am telling my internist doctor I do not want to take this drug. In the meantime, I'm going back to the 5 dosage until Monday. I had asked him to switch me before due to the swelling and his response was the swelling wasn't that bad and that the norvasc was doing such a good job controlling my high blood pressure. I'm not a doctor but does it make any sense that I'm also on a diuretic to reduce my water retention and yet I'm being kept on norvasc which is causing me to have ede | F | 70 | 2 years | 9/13/2008 | 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 | 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 | 3 | blood pressure | M | 69 | 8/6/2003 | 5 | high blood pressure | brown leopard spots on lower legs and feet and occasional swelling of calves and ankles. | The military pharmacy took Norvasc off the formulary and suggested I use Plendil in its place. Worse mistake I ever made. I've used Norvasc 10 years and had occasional swelling in my legs when I didn't drink enough water or sat in a chair that cut off circulation. The leopard spots are just annoying. I've been on Plendil for 4 months and have palpatations of my heart, tightness in my chest, vertigo, nausea, and a slight headache. Tomorrow I'm calling my doctor to put me back on Norvasc. | F | 68 | 10 years | 10/12/2006 | 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 | 3 | high blood pressure | Hair thinning; permanent spots on lower legs, make me look like a tiger; fainting upon getting out of bed after any lengthy colds or flu like symptoms; one incident anaphylixis shock threatened breathing; severed leg cramps in upper leg; most recent swollen ankles. | I took this medication for more than 10 years and it regulated my blood pressure to 130/75-80. I never attributed any of the side effects to Norvasc until I developed swollen ankles three months ago. When I visited doc to complain about ankle swelling he immediately told me that Norvasc was the cause. I have been taking Diovan with the Norvasc; doc discontinued Norvasc for me and changed to Hyd | F | 68 | 10 years | 6/13/2008 | 3 | hypertension | Tinnitus, calf pain/weaknes which, on occasion, would reduce my ability to stand or walk for more than 15 minutes. More recently, I've developed a persistent nighttime cough. I also void an excessive amount of urine between the time I retire for the evening and the time I arise in the morning. | I've been taking Norvasc (10mg) daily for 5+ years; however the syptoms I've described only started to occur in the last six months. Over a period of years a medication may not change but our bodies and our tolerances do, which makes me believe that years of no side effects with Norvasc is no guarantee of freedom from a future occurrence of some adverse side effect. | M | 68 | 5 years | 3/18/2009 | 3 | high blood pressure | swolen legs and ankles very dry skin from knees to toes some vertigo in the morning swolen face and hands and after taking 5 mg for 15 years there is no more powder in the gone for long long time... beleive me ! | taking 5 mg for 15 years help somehow but never realy control my blood pressure, when i'm made or stress out; exemple when i go to see my doctor for a check upmy b/p jump to 197/120 because of the white coat syndrom .i also take once a day 37.5 mg of triamsterin to control the water in my legs and ankles after moving my new doctor put me on 10 mg. now my legs an ankles are swolen even more , unless i'm very actif ; but at 68 with a broken back and a broken achilles tendon you fly low....so whath is the next move??? AND TRY TO REPAIR the unrepairable libido DAMAGED ! sure " VIAGRA " NO THANK ,S because what will i will have to take to repair the damage done by viagra ? | M | 68 | 15 years | 8/16/2006 | 2 | blood pressure | M | 68 | 12/27/2007 | 1 | high blood pressure | I experienced some of the most hoffific side effects of any medication i have taken. I had pain in my shoulders extending down into my hands. pain in my legs and lower extremities/ impaired memory/ insomnia and very ill feeling all over my body. This drug is terrible. | I do believe this drug should be taken off the market. It is a very deceptive drug because when you first start it seems to work very well until it becomes saturated in your body and then whamo it puts the screws to you. The pains in your body is horrible. | M | 68 | 3 days | 3/2/2006 | 1 | BP | Extreme swelling and water retention. Rapid heart rhythm, vomiting, fatigue... | I was on the 5mg generic tablets for less than a week. My BP was out of control, spent 3wks+ in the hospital with extreme swelling and water retention. Since my stay in the hosp. I have been on dialysis and at this point I do not know if my kidneys will improve enough to be able to get off dialysis. It has been a horrifying nightmare all thanks to Norvasc. | M | 68 | 6 days | 6/4/2008 | 2 | High Blood Pressure | Periodontist picked up gum imflammation during routine cleaning | M | 67 | 1 years | 4/23/2007 | 1 | High blood pressure | I experienced my heart racing and bad episodes of my heart skipping beats. I felt 'wired' due to what was going on with my heart. | I tried it twice and had to go off of it both times. A friend's daughter was put on it for hbp and within 24 hrs. was in the E.R. with arrythmia of her heart. | F | 67 | 2 weeks | 2/15/2005 | 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 | 4 | high blood pressure | none so far | Physician started dose at 5mg, but I discovered that 2.5 mg had same reduction effect, so he lowered the prescribed dosage. | M | 66 | 2 years | 8/11/2004 | 4 | high blood pressure | fatigue....stomach pain | F | 66 | 10 years | 5/4/2007 | 1 | BLOOD PRESSURE TOO HIGH | WEIGHT GAIN, EXTREME PAIN IN LOWER LEGS, NO ENERGY, WAKE UP WITH NIGHT SWEATS WHICH I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. ALSO FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS EVERY DAY. I HAVE FIBROMYALGIA AND SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON NORVASC MY MUSCLE PAIN HAS INCREASED 4 TIMES WORSE.I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING SEVERE DIZZINESS WHICH KEEPS ME FROM DOING JUST ORDINARY THINGS AT HOME AND AT WORK. | FROM THE THINGS I HAVE HEARD ABOUT I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT IS SAFE FOR ME TO CONTINUE TAKING IT, WILL BE SEEING MY DOCTOR TOMORROW | F | 66 | 3 months | 9/26/2007 | 1 | high BP 150-160/90 | nausia, fatigue,restless sleep, general feeling of unwellbeing | prescribed 5mg to lower systolic. Lowered about 20 points after 12 hours but climbed back up over 24 hours. Started taking a half pill every 12 hours which seemed to level out BP but side effects are uncomfortable | M | 66 | 20 days | 8/19/2004 | 1 | HIGH BP | I'VE BEEN TAKING THIS SINCE 2003 FOR HIGH BP IN APRIL 2006 THEY SWITCHED FROM NORVASC TO GENERIC AMLODIPINE. SYMPTOMS STARTED SLOWLY, BUT GOT WORSE. I DEVELOPED SEVERE EDEMA OF THE ANKLES AND FEET. IT WAS SO PAINFUL I COULD BARELY WALK. I HAD INSOMNIA & THE LIST GOES ON. AFTER AN ONLINE SEARCH I TOLD MY DR I THOUGHT AMLODIPINE WAS CAUSING MY EDEMA, HE CUT IT FROM 10MG TO 5 MG.1 WEEK LATER WENT TO THE ER FOR NAUSEA, AND THEY DISCOVERED IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT.WHICH IS A KNOWN SYMPTOM OF NORVASC.30 DAYS LATER,STILL HAVE THE IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT, BUT EDEMA & INSOMNIA ARE GONE. I CAN WALK AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 YEARS. THEY ARE DOING TESTS ON ME TO TRY AND GET MY HEARTBEAT IN CHECK. SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT ADMITTED IT MIGHT BE DUE TO THE MEDICATION!! SINCE I NEVER HAD IT BEFORE, AND DIDN'T GET IT UNTIL I CUT THE DOSAGE, I AM CONVINCED IT IS FROM THIS DRUG. NOW I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT MY HEART, A POSSIBLE STROKE, OR HEART ATTACK. . I DON'T WANT TO DIE OF THESE HEART PROBLEMS. I | THIS IS A TERRIBLE DRUG. I REMEMBER THE DRUG REPS COMMING IN TO THE DR/S OFFICE PUSHING THIS DRUG. IT IS A SHAME MORE TESTING ISN'T DONE. THIS CAUSES SO MANY PROBLEMS, AS ALL OF THE FOLKS HERE HAVE MENTIONED. IS THERE NNOTHING US PATIENTS CAN DO ABOUT THIS SEEMINGLY LACK OF CARE BY THE BIG DRUG COMPANIES? PLEASE, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO DEVELOPED ARTERIAL FIBULATION (IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT) FROM THIS DRUG, AND WHAT HAPPENED AS A RESULT. | M | 66 | 6 years | 7/31/2008 | 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 | 5 | High BP | NONE, But I can not stand to stay in the sun on hot days very long. | I have been taking 5mg for about 4-5 years, it's been great so far | F | 65 | 5 years | 1/25/2007 | 5 | High BP | NONE, But Ica not stand to stay in the sun on hot days very long. | I have been taking it for about 4-5 years, it's been great so far | F | 65 | 5 years | 1/25/2007 | 5 | High BP | NONE, But I can not stand to stay in the sun on hot days very long. | I have been taking 5mg for about 4-5 years, it's been great so far | F | 65 | 5 years | 1/25/2007 | 4 | High Blood Pressure | None | I take it in combination with Benicar. | M | 65 | 1 years | 11/15/2005 | 3 | blood pressure | extreme swelling to feet, ankles, lower legs, weight gain, depression, lack of energy, tired all the time, bottoms of feet felt on fire. | The doctor that prescribed Norvasc doubled the dosage after a few months. I complained about the pain & swelling and she told me it was my age and I just needed to put my feet up whenever I could. I was not satisfied with that answer so I went to another doctor. He immediately told me to cut back on to 5 mg a day instead of 10. He said that many people have swelling when taking this Rx. I have stopped taking it completely because I couldn't put up with the pain and swelling, but I also take Atenolol for my high blood pressure, so I'm continuing to take that and to monitor my BP daily. I'm not going to take Norvasc (or the generic version) again and will ask my new doctor to prescibe another medication if Atenolol isn't keeping my pressure down. I stopped taking Norvasc Wednesday and tonight (3 days later) I have NO SWELLING. Now I'm hoping that the other symptoms will also vanish. | F | 65 | 2 years | 3/28/2009 | 2 | to control BP | After years on Norvasc, BP started to increase. Dr changed med to Dynacirc. On Dynacirc for 2 weeks without any improvement, but then developed sever sholder and hip joint, and lower back muscle, pain. Could not sleep without pain. Stopped Dynacirc and back to Norvasc. BP was high and eratic for a few days, but the joint and muscle pain seemed to go away within 6-8 hours of ceasing Dynacirc. However now 1 week later with my Norvasc, I now have the return of the joint and muscle pain. Strange that I never had this pain with Norvasc. Seems as though the Dynacirc sensitized my body to whatever the chemical is in these calcium channel blockers, and now even the old Norvasc is causing the pains. Another symptom that I have with Norvasc is periphereal obrbital edema - a horizontal sack of fluid about 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch long has developed under my left eye socket. Asked the Dr many times about this, but he never told me what it was. Never had this until I had started on Norv | On Norvasc for years. Dr prescribed Dynacirc in October 2006, and took about a month before pain began. Stopped Dynacirc about 1 1/2 weeks ago, and returned to Norvasc. Joint and muscle pain ceaased temporarily, but have returned. Stopped taking all meds about three days ago. BP is eratic and higher than I'd like it to be, but I don't want the pain. Hopefully the Dr can prescribe something that will work for me without this painful side effect. | M | 65 | 12/8/2006 | 1 | hypertension | Terrible nightmares or waking up 4 or 5 times each night - did not get one good night's sleep - nightmares so vivid, remembered intermittently throughout the following day tried varying the time of day I took it - made no difference | blood pressure reading was lower, overall feeling of wellbeing much impaired. The nightmares seemed more real than my daily life - how can this medicine possibly be good for you? | F | 65 | 7 days | 3/29/2009 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 5 | highbloodpressure | fluid retention in arms and legs constipation lightheadedness | taking it in caduet form | F | 64 | 28 days | 2/28/2007 | 4 | high blood pressure | swollen legs, very noticeable at times when touched but usually negligible. Among all the BP medication I tried for almost 20 years off and on, this seems to be both effective and of a few side effects. But still BP tends to register high when doc takes it - almost always I measure normal at home, 70-80/130-140 | M | 64 | 2 years | 10/26/2004 | 3 | hypertension | Headaches with slight dizziness and nausea. Some fatigue. this is my second week on 5MG of the drug. | I'll wait one more week. If side effects continure I'll call my doctor about either changing the drug or reducing the dosage. | M | 64 | 2 weeks | 4/8/2005 | 2 | high blood pressure | my blood pressure is now 170/80 so that part works but i am so tired all the time. just to be sure i didnt take it for a day & i had energy again. my doc. put me on caduet last summer. that stuff is bad news. i lost my memory my calves hurt so bad i could just touch them & pain. i could be talking to someone & forget what we were talking about.no im not senile yet but on caduet i think i could have been soon. | it did help my blood pressure but the lack of energy on it is terrible.it seems to me there should be a better way. i may try natural remedies. | M | 64 | 5 months | 5/1/2006 | 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 | 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 | 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 | H,B,P, | Heart palpations, edma,skin rash,weight gain,severe leg pain. | I would not recomend norvasc to anyone.I did not realize just how much it was hurting me until the Dr.took me off it.I would never take it again. | F | 64 | 4 years | 9/5/2008 | 1 | HBP | SERVERE LEG PAIN /EDEMA /HEART PALPATIONS AND SKIN RASH. | I WOULD NOT GIVE THIS MEDICINE TO MY WORST ENEMY. | F | 64 | 5 years | 5/27/2008 | 5 | Prescribed by my cardiologist | none | M | 63 | 2 days | 6/8/2007 | 4 | Very high blood pressure | Swelling of ankles and lower legs | Blood Pressure went from 220/120 to 122/67 in ten days. I experienced no other negative effects and I feel great. Part of the reason I am feeling better is that I'm not worried about those high blood pressure readings any more! | F | 63 | 10 days | 12/28/2007 | 4 | hbp | I am not sure if Norvasc or other meds cause this, but I have a lot of digestive problems. | It lowered my blood pressure. | F | 63 | 3 years | 8/22/2006 | 3 | hypertension | edema in legs and feet, tiredness, red rash on lower legs and feet, sudden shortness of breath (I play tennis twice weekly). I'm also on Toprol, Lazix and cozaar AND lipitor and lopid !My cardiologis put me on 5 mg. Norvasc 8 wks ago (I had been on procardia a few yrs ago and had the same side effects (my family dr. prescribed) I didn't realize Norvasc was the same. I quit taking it 6 days ago--will contact my dr.next week. Also, my legs from the knees down are darker than normal. I read about this here..so I'm not imagining this difference (besides I know my body better than anyone)I do wear sunscreen due to the meds I have to take. BTW, it did help my B/P come down, but not at this cost. | F | 63 | 8 weeks | 9/10/2005 | 3 | High Blood Pressure | After switching from 5 mg to 10 mg I developed severe swellin of the ankles. I returned to 5 mg. I take this drug with Atacand 25 mg. | M | 63 | 30 days | 5/3/2005 | 2 | high blood pressure | Fair, tired all the time, swelling ankles, results not good per doctor | F | 63 | 30 days | 6/24/2004 | 2 | Angina | I am taking Norvasc 5 mg at present for Angina. Just was increased because 2.5mg wasn't covering my break-thru angina. I hadn't realized that I was getting Nausea everyday, thought it was the flu. Now, I am taken 5mg, I have been getting leg cramps (had to take a pain pill), and I am so sick to my stomach, and feeling fatigue and slightly dizzy. Am going to call my cardiologist and have the Norvasc lowered to 2.5mg and see what happens. | F | 63 | 2 days | 5/24/2008 | 1 | Mild High Blood Pressure | Norvasc caused Right Channel Block as seen on EKG. | All Calcium Channel Blockers can cause Heart Blocks, in my case a Right Channel Block, which is the inability of that that portion of your heart to conduct electrical impulses. | M | 63 | 7 years | 5/21/2007 | 1 | High Blood Pressure | Diarrhea, flatulence, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, micturation frequency, dry mouth, Shambergs Purpura (brown skin discoloration), Dyshidrotic Eczema (hand skin blisters), Reynauds Syndrom like cold fingers/hands in Winter, alopecia (pattern hair loss. | I believe that had the Framingham Study not changed the six decades belief that Blood Pressure is your (Age plus 100), I could have been healthy, without all the side effects and expense. I find that the Framingham originated criteria turns well people into sick people. Guess that's why the Senate is finally proposing that the FDA start tracking Drug Side Effects. | M | 63 | 7 years | 5/11/2007 | 1 | high blood pressure | Eczema, primarily on hands and feet. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Dec 2007 has confirmed that Calcium Channel Blockers can cause Chronic Eczematous Eruptions, using a double blind study. | M | 63 | 7 years | 3/2/2008 | 5 | high blood pressure | No side effects | Worked well | M | 62 | 10 years | 2/13/2005 | 4 | Hypertension | Cured my migraines! | F | 62 | 8 years | 1/5/2005 | 3 | Aorta Dissection/HBP | Feet swelling when setting or on them to long. I have to keep them elevated when on the computer etc. | After 60 day I had my prescription moved to walmart where the generic was cheaper. The generic norvasc they gave me was larger and blue....and after about a week my blood pressure started going up it was not helping with the other meds to keep it down. I am having it refilled at the orig. pharmacy today....I will let you know what happens. Please feel free to email me if you have had simular experiences. | F | 62 | 90 days | 4/17/2008 | 3 | high BP, 164/80 | I have been a runner for the last 25 years. Ran one marathon in 2000, and have done a number of halfs and 10 milers and 10Ks. Over the past year I have had a little achilles injury and have put on weight (about 12 lbs, not incident to Norvasc). After bein on Norvasc for about a month my legs were very sore, to the extent that when I did a four miler, I had to stope and walk for about 200 M at the halfway point in order to get back. Seemed more winded than usual. I take it before bed and it is not until evening of the next day that feet (not ankles, interestly enough) swell up - to the extent that I'm afraid my shoes will pop off. I just quit Norvasc altogether about a week ago, and I feel better, but not completely normal. | It took the BP down from 164/80 to about the 130/78 range. I am thinking about making a concerted effort at diet, continued workouts and stay with the diuretic (HCTZ). May pure Norvasc and not the generic I am on is the answer. Would consider going back to it if non-generic. | M | 62 | 5 months | 4/22/2008 | 3 | high blood pressure | less energy,less good moods | M | 62 | 3 months | 12/23/2004 | 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 | 1 | high blood pressure | numbness in my legs if i sit too long. i was sitting in a chair, got up and fell to the floor.my legs were completely numb for about 60 secs. very very scary. headaches, sore muscles,in back ,legs,almost all my joints.exteam swelling of face legs and hands and anckles. | i feeike i am going crazy.. i told my doctor and it didn't seem to faze him.like its all in my head. i'm scared. | F | 62 | 60 days | 4/9/2009 | 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 | Blisters (both blood and fluid and varying size) on entire body, including inside mouth; extreme itching; hair loss; insomnia; anxiety | I took the generic Amlodipine. After spending hundreds of dollars with a dermatolgist and undergoing four biopsies, I was told that the rash was caused by the Amlodipine. I was also told it would take six weeks for the symptoms to subside after I stopped the medication. The hair loss, insomnia, and anxiety were not confirmed as side effects; however, they have gone away after I stopped taking the medication. Unfortunately, it seems it is going to take the full six weeks for the blistering and itching to stop, and it appears the blisters are going to leave scars. I think the physicians who prescribe the medication should be more educated about the side effects so that they can recognize an adverse reaction more quickly and possibly lessen the suffering of the poor confused patient. | F | 62 | 2 months | 2/19/2009 | 4 | Hypertension | Was borderline, doctor put me on Norvasc 5mg about a year ago, it is the only prescription medication I am taking. It seemed to lower my stats. Stopped taking it for a week than went back to it. Ever since been experiencing ringing in my ears and vivid dreams, little sleep. I didn't have this before. | M | 61 | 1.5 years | 12/12/2005 | 3 | hypertension | headache & nausea to begin with but settled after a couple of weeks. ONGOING SIDE EFFECTS - itchy scalp,debilitating tiredness, joint & muscle pains, very sore coccyx, tender gums (having ongoing dental problems for first time in my life), the usual swollen feet & ankles and frequent urination. My knees, hips,ankles,toes,fingers,neck ache all continually. | Certainly worked well lowering my BP to below normal but side effects too debilitating. Feel like I've done a marathon. Normally exercise every day but now an easy early morning walk is all I seem to be able to manage. | F | 61 | 3 months | 3/18/2009 | 2 | high blood pressure | Swelling of feet, ankles and legs | F | 61 | 5 years | 5/28/2009 | 2 | bp of 185/78 | severe palpitations, headache, fatigue, possible insomnia | palpitations decreased with reduced dosage but have not seen blood pressure reduced in 2 1/2 months. Also on diovan 320 mg. | F | 61 | 2 months | 2/7/2009 | 2 | angina s/p heart attack & HBP | dizziness,fatigue,tinnitus( ringing in the ears) ,leg and joint pain, water retention, migraines, the blahs... | after my heart attack in 2003 I got the whole "regime" of status post heart attack meds. I had to keep track of side effects because DR. wouldn't believe it was drug related. First to go after being on it for 3 years was Coreg ( chills,cyanotic extremities) then, after 4 years I eliminated Zetia ( gave gallbladder problems) and now the Norvasc generic amlodipine. I really wonder if the pharmaceutical companies are playing with our lives to increase their pocketbooks. scary thought! | F | 61 | 5 years | 11/21/2008 | 1 | high blood pressure | taking in combination with diovan hct and coreg experienced headaches/depression/impotence and a general feeling of being unwell | M | 61 | 2 months | 8/10/2004 | 1 | Blood Pressure | At first I had a migraine each morning for 2 weeks. Then I drank 4 oz. of wine and experienced irregular heartbeats for about 6 hours, was flushed and generally didn't feel well. The next day I had chest pains all day. Ended up in the ER. They told me my potassium was low, gave me pills and sent me home. My BP has lowered, but I have been waking up at 3AM with chest pains and/or irregular heart beat, almost daily. | The ER doctor said it was not the Norvasc. I have taken it for three weeks. My Doctor says my chest pains were not from the Norvasc either. I am taking 10mg. In the last 2 weeks I have had 7 days of chest pain. Last night my ankles iched like crazy. I also notice that I wake up in the night with both arms asleep. The Doctor says to keep taking it until I see him on Tuesday. Today is Saturday and I think this will be my last day, or at least I will cut it in half. | F | 61 | 22 days | 1/20/2007 | 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 | 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 | 4 | 160/100 | Some perspiring in bed. Ankles slightly swollen. | I am an ex-heavy smoker (quit 8 years back), which no doubt explains my hbp. I am located in the UK where amlodipine besylate is tradenamed 'Istin' - so same as Norvasc I presume. Dr tried 5mg first but little improvement, so I am on 10mg/day, which reduces my bp to average of 138/85. So it works for me. Actually I am not helping myself much - I still take a few alcoholic drinks most evenings, have not improved my diet, and exercise little. I'll have to get my self-help act together and then maybe soon I could reduce my dose to 5mg. | M | 60 | 2 years | 1/22/2005 | 3 | hypertension | Facial flushing, constipation, extreme and unpleasant sensitivity to acid tastes (e.g. orange juice, dry wine), and teeth sensitivity to acid food. | It brought down my blood pressure, but has reduced a lot of my pleasure in fine wine and some foods. | F | 60 | 12 weeks | 4/3/2005 | 2 | hypertension | gingival hyperplasia | M | 60 | 90 days | 8/8/2002 | 2 | Hypertension | I have experienced an alarming weight gain in the two months I have been taking Norvasc, as well as a rash on my hands and feet, and muscle pain accompanied by extreme fatigue. I have noticed vision changes and headaches as well as upset stomach and digestive cramping. All in all this med makes me feel TERRIBLE! | Ironically, Norvasc is the only drug that has significantly lowered my BP, which has reached as high as 230/124 at its worst. Although results are not consistent, Norvasc will sometimes lower my BP to the 125/80 range. 150/90 would be the more common average. Unfortunately, these benefits are countered by the most appalling side effects. I cannot continue taking this med, regardless of what my Internist may say. | M | 60 | 120 days | 5/25/2007 | 2 | High Blood Pressure | Within 30 minutes of taking the first pill, I started to experience joint pain. First a finger joint, soon spread to elbows, etc. Pain was excruciating. | Dr. said joint pain was not a side effect of this med. I said, no way could I live with this pain all the time. I can't take this stuff. | F | 60 | 1 days | 8/2/2008 | 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 | 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 | 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 |
| 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. |