8 habits to stop—or rethink—if you take amlodipine
Amlodipine is commonly used to lower blood pressure and prevent angina. The headline “8 habits you should stop completely” is stronger than the medical evidence supports. The goal is to avoid behaviors that can increase side effects or interfere with treatment.
N
nhs.uk
Don’t stop amlodipine suddenly.
Keep taking it as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping can allow your blood pressure to rise again.
N
nhs.uk
Don’t double up after a missed dose.
If you forget a dose, follow the instructions provided with your medication; don’t take two doses together to compensate.
N
nhs.uk
Don’t ignore persistent ankle or leg swelling.
Swollen ankles and feet are a recognized side effect of amlodipine. If swelling is troublesome or persistent, tell your doctor or pharmacist rather than simply stopping the medicine yourself.
N
nhs.uk
+1
Don’t routinely drink large amounts of alcohol.
Alcohol can add to amlodipine’s blood-pressure-lowering effect and may increase dizziness or low blood pressure.
N
nhs.uk
Be cautious with grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Medication guidance commonly recommends avoiding grapefruit while taking amlodipine because it may increase side effects.
N
nhs.uk
+1
Don’t start supplements or herbal remedies without checking.
Some medicines and herbal products can interact with amlodipine. Tell your pharmacist or doctor about everything you take, including supplements.
N
nhs.uk
Don’t ignore dizziness.
If amlodipine makes you dizzy or sleepy, sit or lie down until it passes and avoid driving or operating machinery while affected.
N
nhs.uk
Don’t neglect your blood-pressure routine.
Amlodipine works best as part of an overall blood-pressure plan. Take it consistently, attend follow-ups, and monitor your blood pressure if your clinician has asked you to.
One important point
Don’t change your dose because of an online warning. Amlodipine doses are individualized, and the usual adult dose may be adjusted by a clinician depending on blood-pressure response and other factors.
M
Medicines.org.uk
If you experience fainting, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, or severe chest symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.
M
Medicines.org.uk
N
M
Sources
