Key takeaways
The most common amlodipine side effect is swelling of the ankles, feet, and lower legs, and the risk of it increases with higher doses.
Other side effects include dizziness, flushing, palpitations, fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and drowsiness.
Seek urgent care for worsening chest pain, fainting, breathing trouble, or swelling of the face or throat.
Amlodipine, also known by the brand name Norvasc, is a medication used to help treat high blood pressure and chronic chest pain. Although it’s an effective drug, it does come with potential side effects. Amlodipine side effects are usually mild, with the most common one being swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet (peripheral edema). Other side effects like dizziness, flushing, and palpitations are also possible. In rare cases, serious side effects can occur, and it’s important to seek medical help for any worsening chest pain, fainting, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Common side effects of amlodipine
Like other calcium channel blockers, amlodipine often causes peripheral edema. However, the chance of experiencing this side effect is higher as the dose increases. In placebo-controlled trials, the rates were higher in women (14.6%) versus men (5.6%).
How to manage common amlodipine side effects |
||
|---|---|---|
| Side effect | What the label says | What to do |
| Swelling of the feet, ankles, and lower legs | Dose related (1.8% to 10.8% vs. 0.6% with placebo) | Consult a healthcare provider since it rarely goes away on its own |
| Dizziness | Dose related (1.1% to 3.4% vs. 1.5% with placebo) | Get up slowly from a sitting or lying position and report any severe episodes |
| Palpitations | Dose related (0.7% to 4.5% vs. 0.6% with placebo) | Tell a healthcare provider if you experience a racing or irregular heartbeat |
| Flushing (warmth and redness of the skin) | Dose related (0.7% to 2.6% vs. 0% with placebo) | This usually gets better over time, but consult a healthcare provider if it becomes bothersome |
| Fatigue | Not dose related (4.5% vs. 2.8% with placebo) | Consult a healthcare provider if it affects daily activities |
| Nausea | Not dose related (2.9% vs. 1.9% with placebo) | Taking amlodipine with food may help with this side effect |
| Stomach pain | Not dose related (1.6% vs. 0.3% with placebo) | Consult a healthcare provider for severe pain |
| Drowsiness (somnolence) | Not dose related (1.4% vs. 0.6% with placebo) | Use caution with driving or operating machinery |
Rash, itching, and muscle cramps have also been reported, but they each occurred in fewer than 1% of people in placebo-controlled trials. Therefore, they’re not considered common side effects.
Serious side effects of amlodipine
Serious side effects can occur while taking amlodipine. These may include severely low blood pressure and worsening chest pain or heart attack, especially in people with coronary artery disease who have just started or increased their dose.
Get emergency help for:
- Chest pain that occurs suddenly, worsens, or does not go away
- Fainting or feeling close to fainting
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Severe rash, hives, or blisters
- Severe dizziness or weakness
Other rare but serious effects may include increased liver enzymes and yellowing of the skin or eyes, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and angioedema.
Other potential side effects
Weight gain
Amlodipine may be linked to weight gain. However, it’s not common, and it may be a direct effect of fluid retention rather than increased body fat. Both weight gain and weight loss have been reported in fewer than 1% of people, based on the label information. If weight does change unintentionally while taking amlodipine, talk to a healthcare provider, especially if it occurs alongside swelling in the ankles or shortness of breath.
Hair loss
Hair loss (alopecia) is not a side effect that’s described on the current manufacturer’s drug label. However, older labeling did include alopecia with a less than 0.1% incidence in patients on amlodipine, although it was not confirmed whether it was caused by the medication. Hair loss can have several different causes, including thyroid problems, iron deficiency, stress, and other medications.
Leg pain
Leg pain is not a common side effect associated with amlodipine. In fewer than 1% of people in clinical trials, muscle pain (myalgia) and cramps were reported. However, pain and cramps were not noted to be specific to the legs. Some people may report leg pain due to aching from swelling rather than true muscle pain. New or unexpected muscle pain should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially for anyone also taking a statin such as simvastatin.
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Can you stop amlodipine suddenly?
No, you should not stop taking amlodipine without guidance from a healthcare provider. Stopping it abruptly can cause blood pressure and chest pain to come back after the drug wears off. Since amlodipine has a half-life of around 30 to 50 hours, it can take several days before blood pressure starts to rebound. If amlodipine is causing problems, get medical advice from a healthcare professional before quitting the drug. Another blood pressure medication may be required to keep blood pressure at healthy levels.
How soon do amlodipine side effects start?
Amlodipine reaches maximum levels in the blood up to 12 hours after a dose, with steady levels reached after seven to eight days. Side effects like dizziness, flushing, palpitations, and fatigue can appear within the first days of treatment or after a dose increase. However, edema or swelling typically builds up over weeks to months. One meta-analysis showed that the rate of edema increased the longer patients stayed on a calcium channel blocker, occurring in around 24% of people at the six-month mark.
How long do amlodipine side effects last?
Some mild effects, like flushing and fatigue, get better as the body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may continue for as long as the drug is being taken. Since it has a long half-life, it could take several days before some side effects get better after stopping amlodipine. Edema typically doesn’t go away until the dose is adjusted or the medication is changed completely.
It’s important to contact a healthcare provider if a side effect has not improved or has gotten worse after a few weeks of treatment.
Are there long-term side effects of amlodipine?
Most people use amlodipine for years, as it’s not known to be linked to any long-term serious side effects. Peripheral edema is the side effect most likely to continue throughout treatment. The drug label for amlodipine does state that worsening chest pain and heart attack are possible after starting treatment or increasing the dose, especially in people with severe obstructive coronary artery disease. Anyone who experiences new chest pain while on amlodipine should seek medical attention.
Amlodipine contraindications
A contraindication is a condition that makes a drug too risky to take. For amlodipine, the FDA states that amlodipine is only contraindicated in people who are allergic to the drug.
Amlodipine warnings
Amlodipine needs to be used with caution in people with certain conditions. These conditions include:
- Narrowing of a heart valve (aortic stenosis), due to an increased risk of low blood pressure
- Severe coronary artery disease, which may lead to worsening chest pain or a heart attack
- Severe liver problems, which can cause amlodipine to be cleared more slowly, causing an increased risk of side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider before using amlodipine if you have a history of any of these conditions. You may be recommended a certain dose or another medication altogether.
Amlodipine interactions
Amlodipine may interact with other medications, which could lead to increased side effects of those medications or amlodipine itself. It’s recommended to use caution before taking amlodipine with the following:
- Simvastatin: Amlodipine can increase the levels of simvastatin in the blood by almost 80%. Therefore, simvastatin is limited to no more than 20 mg per day while taking amlodipine.
- Cyclosporine: Amlodipine may increase the levels of cyclosporine in the blood, so doses may need to be adjusted.
- Tacrolimus: Amlodipine may increase the levels of tacrolimus in the blood, so doses may need to be adjusted.
- CYP3A inhibitors: Drugs like clarithromycin, itraconazole, and diltiazem can increase blood levels of amlodipine, increasing its side effects.
- CYP3A inducers: Drugs like rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin can decrease levels of amlodipine, which can decrease its effectiveness.
- Sildenafil: Taking sildenafil with amlodipine could lead to severely low blood pressure.
Amlodipine may also amplify the effects of other blood pressure-lowering medications, sedatives, and alcohol. On the other hand, medications that increase blood pressure can counteract the effects of amlodipine. Decongestants, stimulants, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs can all increase blood pressure and make amlodipine less effective.
How to avoid amlodipine side effects
For many people, side effects of amlodipine are often mild and go away on their own. However, a few tips may help prevent problems or minimize side effects while taking amlodipine.
1. Tell the prescriber about all medical conditions
Make sure the prescribing healthcare provider has a complete medical history. Caution is needed for people with heart valve problems, coronary artery disease, liver problems, and pregnancy or plans to become pregnant.
2. Share a list of all drugs being taken with the prescriber
Other medications that are being taken are also important. Include everything: prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements. Notable ones to mention are simvastatin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and other blood pressure medications.
3. Take amlodipine as directed
Follow all the directions on the prescription label or given by the prescriber. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it’s remembered. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Never take larger doses than prescribed for any reason.
4. Move carefully
Dizziness and drowsiness are not often experienced by people taking amlodipine, but they can happen, and falls or accidents caused by them can be serious. Dizziness can be prevented by standing up slowly from a sitting or lying position. It’s also smart to remove obstacles around the house that can be tripped over or fallen into.
5. Drink plenty of fluids
To help prevent low blood pressure, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. It’s especially important to stay hydrated in hot weather or during a bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
6. Check before using NSAIDs regularly
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can increase blood pressure and reduce the effects of blood pressure medication. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t mean you should stop low-dose aspirin for preventing a heart attack or stroke, especially without talking to a healthcare provider. Acetaminophen can be substituted for NSAIDs, but ask for medical advice first.
How to treat side effects of amlodipine
There are ways to manage possible side effects of amlodipine if they happen.
Swelling
Swelling from calcium channel blockers doesn’t usually go away on its own. You can try raising the affected legs or using compression stockings to help make it more comfortable. However, a healthcare provider will typically need to lower the dose or switch to another medication if it persists.
Dizziness
If you feel dizzy, sit down to prevent falling. Let the dizziness pass before attempting to get up slowly. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience severe dizziness that doesn’t get better, and seek emergency care if fainting occurs.
Flushing
Amlodipine can widen blood vessels in the hands, feet, and face, causing skin redness and warmth. However, these effects may get better as treatment continues. If these side effects persist, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching the medication.
Low blood pressure
Stay alert for signs that blood pressure is too low, including lightheadedness, dizziness, unusual fatigue, and fainting. If an at-home blood pressure cuff is available, take a blood pressure reading. If not, contact a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Chest pain
When taking amlodipine for chest pain, it may take a couple of weeks to see substantial improvement. However, if chest pain gets worse or doesn’t go away after a few minutes, get immediate medical attention.
Allergic reactions
When using amlodipine, watch for signs of an allergic reaction, including shortness of breath, wheezing, facial swelling, severe rash, hives, or blisters. Immediate medical attention should be sought if these occur.
Frequently asked questions
Does amlodipine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of amlodipine, although weight changes like weight gain and weight loss are possible. Weight gain could be a secondary effect of fluid retention from amlodipine.
Can you take amlodipine while pregnant?
Amlodipine is not contraindicated at any stage of pregnancy, but there isn’t enough research to know whether it’s safe to take. Anyone pregnant or planning a pregnancy should talk with their prescriber and should not stop amlodipine on their own.
Can you take amlodipine while breastfeeding?
Amlodipine is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Amlodipine levels are undetectable in nursing babies, and no problems have been reported to date.
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- Drugs@FDA: Norvasc (amlodipine besylate), NDA 019787 approval and labeling history, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Amlodipine, StatPearls (2024)
- Orthostatic hypotension, StatPearls (2025)
- Amlodipine, Drugs and Lactation Database (2024)
- High blood pressure, medicine-related, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (2024)
- Peripheral edema associated with calcium channel blockers: incidence and withdrawal rate, a meta-analysis of randomized trials, Journal of Hypertension (2011)
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