Get Informed: Norvasc
Active Ingredient(s)
Amlodipine
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of high blood pressure, and is also used in the treatment of coronary artery disease / angina. It relaxes blood vessels by reducing calcium flow into smooth muscle cells.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-10 7:42 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-09 9:01 PM
Other Names
- Norvasc
- Amlodipine
- Amlodipine Besylate
- Istin
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 31 Jul 1992
- Est US Patients*
- 3,519,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Norvasc or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Norvasc
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Norvasc during the past year.
Norvasc Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Norvasc interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Norvasc used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 23,300 patients that use Norvasc (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | 98% | 
|
| Angina/Chest Pain | 5% |
|
| Other | 1% |
|
How well does Norvasc work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 23,300 users taking Norvasc (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 76%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Norvasc outweigh the bad things.
- 11%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Norvasc.
Common Side Effects of Norvasc
iGuard regularly polls our more than 23,300 users taking Norvasc (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
27% of patients experience side-effects on Norvasc
6% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Norvasc
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Swelling/Edema
-
Dizziness
-
Fatigue
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Breathlessness, Chest Pain/Tightness, Constipation, Drowsiness, Dryness, Erectile Problems, Heartburn/Reflux, Hot Flashes, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Numbness/Tingling, Restlessness, Urinary Frequency, Weight Gain
Global Patient Feedback for Norvasc (Amlodipine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Iam taking Norvasc 10mg one time daily and have choric pain in my left ankle what should I do about relieving the pain and not adding to the high blood pressure? I cannot take any narcotics and I'm alternating between IBU and mobic (3 days one 4 days the other). Any suggestions?
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-10 14:51:56
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The ibuprofen and the Mobic are both good choices, as they treat pain as well as inflammation. However, drugs in this catagory, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, do have the potential to increase blood pressure. You may want to try Tylenol for pain relief, and ice and resting always help. You would ice for about 20 minutes at a time. Make sure to keep follow-up appointments with your physician to make sure your blood pressure is not increasing and the underlying cause of your pain is not worsening. You should make sure your physician is aware of any and all medication you take, including over-the-counter medications.
Posted: 2010-02-14 13:10:16
Question/Comment:
I take amlodipine and feel that it causes weight gain. Is this true and is there another medication that I could take for high blood pressure? I heard beta blockers cause weight gain also. I exercise and eat well.
63 yr old female
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-06 22:36:21
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Approximately 1% of iGuard patients taking amlodipine reported weight gain as a side effect. Eating well and exercising are the best ways to avoid weight gain and can also improve your overall health. Discuss your concerns about your weight gain and your options with your physician. It may be time for a complete physical to make sure the weight gain does not have an underlying cause.
Posted: 2010-02-09 21:42:34
Question/Comment:
What causes burning all over arms hands back and top of head. Am on anti-depressant celexia and blood pressure meds diovan, amlodepine and nexium.
80 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-04 21:00:50
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There are many things that can cause burning sensations over your body - so it's best to see your doctor to evaluate what is causing this symptom. Reports of strange skin sensations such as burning, prickling, itching, or tingling are listed in the product labeling for all of these medicines. If your symptoms continue or become worse, you need to make an appointment with your physician to find the underlying cause of the burning sensation.
Posted: 2010-01-06 11:01:19
Question/Comment:
I have been taking amlodipine for 27 years now, whats the long term effects? i feel thats why my hert started beating irreguarly and i now have a pacemaker.
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-02 07:20:29
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Amlodipine can cause palpitations and reflex tachycardia, or rebound fast heart beat. This side effect is usually dose-related. The higher the dose, the more likely the patient is to have these effects. You should discuss your concerns about the amlodipine with your doctor. Knowing your complete medical history, your doctor would best be able to determine if your irregular heartbeat was a result of taking the amlodipine.
Posted: 2010-01-04 19:45:33
Question/Comment:
Wouldn't niacin do as much good as this medication? I am so very dizzy on 2.5mg. I have a dry cough as well as my heart is pounding out of my chest. Any thoughts? I may just take myself off of this.
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-12-29 14:19:01
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Niacin is not a blood pressure medication. It can be used to help lower cholesterol. Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium-channel blocker used to help control blood pressure. Dizziness can be a side effect of amlodipine. Palpitations, or feeling your heart pound, can also be a side effect of amlodipine. These side effects are usually dose-related. Cough is not a typical side effect of amlodipine. It is important to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms as soon as possible seeing as you are already on the lowest dose available. Your medication may need to be changed, but you should not stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor first.
Posted: 2010-01-01 10:01:08
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147
Patient Comments about
Norvasc