Hypertension - Amlodipine

[sunny-dave]

A routine MOT last December picked up that I had hypertension (about 152/88 average) - this was not happy making.

Over the last three months, I've cleaned up my lifestyle (more green crap and more exercise etc etc) and my average BP over the last week is 142/81 - so quite a decent improvement - despite a fairly stressful week because of my house move.

However, in a long chat with my GP this morning to report back my current stats, although he is pleased with the improvments, he is still unhappy with my risk factor being above the normal point for intervention - and wants me to start taking Amlopidine 5mg.

I've had a look at all the usual suspects online and it seems a safe enough and effective drug - and usually well tolerated too.

I'm minded to agree to take the pills, but am interested in any feedback from ABers - either positive or negative.

Thanks Chaps

SDx

[sunny-dave]

jacpinetree17 - thanks for taking the time to reply - another useful answer

[sunny-dave]

jno - that does seem to be the most common side-effect - I just hope I'm lucky and miss it.

[jno]

happens to 2% - but more often to women, so you might want to come off the transition therapy for a while.

[sunny-dave]

I self identify as a Klingon - so I'm probably safe enough ...

[wolf63]

yIDo'

[dunnitall]

Hubby used to take them but gave him swollen ankles all the time.

[Patsy33]

Anything, to help the old ticker dave...
Hope they bring you good results, which I'm sure they will.

[sunny-dave]

Cheers Wolfie & Patsy :)

Thanks dunnitall - looks like it really is a common problem.

[andres]

Looks as though swollen ,hard legs are a common side effect. OH has just had to come off amlopidine because of this.

[marval]

I take Amlodipine for my blood pressure. After quite a few years, I have no side effects whatsoever.

I don't like Grapefruit, so not having that doesn't bother me.

[sunny-dave]

Thanks Marval - I've just collected the pills from the pharmacy & will start tomorrow morning - fingers crossed for no fat ankles ...

[andres]

^^^^ Forgot to say that it was only when the doctor increased the dosage from 5mg to 10 mg daily that the legs became swollen.

[marval]

My dose is 10mg, no swollen ankles though.