Warnings
What are the risks of taking Norvasc (amlodipine)?
Norvasc (amlodipine) can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients.
| Norvasc can cause low blood pressure, especially in people with aortic stenosis (narrowing of a heart valve). Symptoms of lWhat are the risks of taking Norvasc (amlodipine)?ow blood pressure include feeling dizzy, particularly when you go from lying to sitting or sitting to standing postures. Many drugs used to treat high blood pressure, including Norvasc (amlodipine), commonly cause dizziness as an early side effect; however, this usually goes away once your body gets used to the medicine. If you continue to experience dizziness or it worsens over time, talk to your doctor about other treatment options for hypertension. Another potential risk of Norvasc use is an increased risk of heart attack, especially in people with a history of heart disease. The risk is highest when you first start taking Norvasc or increase the dose. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest tightness, crushing chest pain, radiating jaw pain, or a racing heartbeat that is persistent. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss other treatments for high blood pressure if you are at high risk of complications from Norvasc (amlodipine) use. |
What should I tell my doctor before starting Norvasc (amlodipine)?
Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions—Norvasc tablets may not be suitable for people with liver disease or aortic stenosis.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all your medications, including over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to amlodipine (Norvasc).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Norvasc is a pregnancy category C drug, meaning a risk to your unborn baby cannot be ruled out. Women of childbearing age should use a reliable method of birth control.
What precautions should I take while on Norvasc (amlodipine)?
- Keep all your appointments with your prescribing doctor. They will check the progress of your blood pressure control and the effects of the medicine. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checkups.
- Before starting Norvasc, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of liver disease, heart disease, or allergic reaction to amlodipine (Norvasc). Also, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly or use recreational substances.
- Taking Norvasc can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially when you first start taking it, when you change posture quickly, or when you are dehydrated. If you feel dizzy on Norvasc, try standing or sitting slowly.
- Do not stop taking Norvasc without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel well. Stopping Norvasc suddenly may cause your blood pressure to rise or your chest pain to return or worsen. If you want to discontinue Norvasc, your healthcare provider will help you gradually come off the medicine.
- Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as a persistent racing heartbeat or severe dizziness, fainting, or weakness on Norvasc.
What are Norvasc (amlodipine) interactions?
Taking Norvasc with some other medications can affect how well it works. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may choose a different prescription drug to lower blood pressure or treat chest pain to avoid drug interactions.
Caution is advised while using Norvasc with the following medications (the dose or frequency of one or both medications may need to be changed if they are prescribed together):
rifapentine
indinavir
There can also be interactions between Norvasc and medicines such as:
This list does not describe all possible Norvasc interactions. Give your healthcare provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious complications when used with Norvasc.
SOCIAL