Norvasc (Amlodipine) – What You Need To Know

Brand Name: Norvasc

What is Norvasc (Amlodipine)?

The Information about Norvasc (Amlodipine) contained herein is a compilation of materials available from drugs.com and simplified for the average consumer.

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, resulting in lower blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers, also called calcium antagonists, relax and widen blood vessels by affecting the muscle cells in the arterial walls.

Amlodipine also known by the brand name Norvasc is an calcium channel blocker. Some calcium channel blockers have the added benefit of slowing your heart rate, which can further reduce blood pressure, relieve chest pain (angina) and control an irregular heartbeat.

There are drug free alternatives to lowering your blood pressure that may be effective for you. Read about them here.

How to use Norvasc (Amlodipine)

• Take Norvasc (Amlodipine) as prescribed on your medication bottle. Do not take more or less or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Take Norvasc (Amlodipine) at the same time every day by mouth with or without food.
• You will need to check your blood pressure frequently when on Norvasc (Amlodipine).
• Store Norvasc (Amlodipine) at room temperature away from heat, moisture and light.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If more than 12 hours has passed since your last dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Norvasc (Amlodipine).

What to know before using Norvasc (Amlodipine):

If you are using any of the medications below, discuss with your doctor before using Norvasc (Amlodipine):

• Nitroglycerin
• Simvastatin  ex: (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin)
• Any other heart or blood pressure related products.

This may not be a complete list. Tell your doctor about all medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, discuss with your doctor before taking or changing your dosage of Norvasc (Amlodipine):

• pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you have liver disease
• if you have a heart valve problem called aortic stenosis
• Do not drink alcohol with Norvasc (Amlodipine) as it can increase side effects.

Side effects of Norvasc (Amlodipine):

Stop using Norvasc (Amlodipine) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

Edema (Swelling of the ankles or feet) Fatigue Palpitations Flushing Difficult or labored breathing dizziness fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse feeling of warmth redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest shortness of breath tightness in the chest wheezing Black, tarry stools bleeding gums blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin blood in the urine or stools blurred vision burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles”, or tingling feelings chest pain or discomfort chills cold and clammy skin cold sweats confusion dark yellow urine cough diarrhea dilated neck veins dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position extra heartbeats extreme fatigue fainting fever itching of the skin joint or muscle pain large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

numbness and tingling of the face, fingers, or toes pain in the arms, legs, or lower back, especially pain in the calves or heels upon exertion painful or difficult urination pale, bluish-colored, or cold hands or feet pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin red, irritated eyes redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest redness, soreness or itching skin shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet slow or irregular heartbeat sore throat sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth sores, welting, or blisters sudden sweating sweating swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs swollen glands trembling or shaking of the hands or feet unsteadiness or awkwardness unusual bleeding or bruising unusual tiredness or weakness weak or absent pulses in the legs weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet weight gain yellow eyes or skin Abdominal or stomach pain clay-colored stools diarrhea headache loss of appetite nausea rash unpleasant breath odor vomiting of blood yellow eyes or skin

Less serious side effects may include:

Acid or sour stomach belching heartburn indigestion lack or loss of strength muscle cramps sleepiness or unusual drowsiness stomach discomfort, upset, or pain Abnormal dreams anxiety back pain bad unusual or unpleasant (after) taste bleeding gums blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin bloating bloody nose burning feeling in the chest or stomach burning while urinating burning, dry, or itching eyes change in color of the treated skin change in sense of smell change in taste changes in vision constipation continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears cracked, dry, or scaly skin decreased sexual performance or desire depression difficulty with moving difficulty with swallowing discharge, excessive tearing double vision dry mouth dryness of the skin excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines excessive muscle tone eye pain feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings feeling of unreality feeling unusually cold flushed, dry skin fruit-like breath odor full feeling general feeling of discomfort or illness hair loss or thinning of the hair headache, severe and throbbing hearing loss

hyperventilation increased appetite increased hunger increased sweating increased thirst increased urge to urinate during the night increased urination irritability irritation in the mouth lack of feeling or emotion loose stools loss of memory muscle pains or stiffness muscle tension or tightness muscle weakness nervousness pain pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back passing gas problems with memory redness and swelling of the gums redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid restlessness runny nose seeing double sensation of spinning sense of detachment from self or body shakiness and unsteady walk shivering sleeplessness sneezing stuffy nose sweating swollen joints tenderness in the stomach area thirst trouble in holding or releasing urine trouble sleeping twitching unable to sleep uncaring unexplained weight loss unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination waking to urinate at night weight loss Swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

The information about Norvasc (Amlodipine) comes from drugs.com

Norvasc (Amlodipine) Natural Alternatives:

If you are taking Norvasc (Amlodipine) or other Calcium Channel blockers, the various ingredients  in Tikva have been proven through either clinical trials or other research to lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating (widening) the arteries. Tikva has several natural ingredients that help to widen the arteries, so they do not become too narrow.

Several of the ingredients in Tikva can also increase circulation, dissolve plaque that is already in the arteries and reduce new plaque from forming. In addition, there are ingredients in Tikva to help reduce stress that often increases blood pressure without all of the side effects.

Read more about the natural ingredients in Tikva on our research and ingredients page, by clicking here.