high blood pressure-amlodipine

[piccadilly]

I've just been diagnosed with high b loodpressure, and i've been given amlodipine, and i've been reading horror stories about it's side effects. This might sound like a silly question but, if i stopped taking them could the consequences be disastrous?

[ruby27]

I don't know the side effects of that particular drug but all drugs have side effects and because all possible effects have to be listed it can seem daunting to take anything.

If you don't take BP medication the consequences will not be instantaneous but you increase your risk of heart problems and ultimately risk of heart failure.

Whether its this particular drug or the effects of any blood pressure medication and the pros and cons of taking or not taking, your GP/Surgery would be in a good position to advice you and enable you to make an informed decision

[cruella]

piccadilly
Never stop medication without seeing your GP.
The side effects on all medication can be bad but most people do not suffer from the side effects of a drug.
See your GP and discuss your fears.

[Jugglering]

Once you have started taking these particular tablets (which are calcium channel blockers) it is advised that you should not suddenly stop them - GP's generally seem to recommend you reduce the dosage gradually over a few days if you are having bad effects. Just about every medication has possible side effects which don't affect everyone ! I was on this particular drug but had trouble sleeping (I kept having nightmares) so my GP changed my meds to Perindopril (an ACE inhibitor) - no problems with them whatsoever ! Everyone is different so if you don't get on with the amlodipine, go back to your GP and tell them so, there are loads of different meds for hypertension out there (plus since you will probably have to take them for the rest of your life, it is important that they suit you!)

[pmorley]

Have'nt you read the papers today, there's a new injection with very little side effects

[foodluva]

The published side effects of any drug make scary reading so don't assume they will apply to you. Try the drug and if it doesn't suit, see your GP who can offer alternatives. Contrary to other posts, it IS possible to cause yourself almost instantaneous harm by stopping the drug. Heart failure or stroke! No one knows what damage (if any) your high blood pressure has caused to your vessels so it would be unwise to stop treatment without consulting your GP.

[piccadilly]

Thanks to all those who replied, i think the sensible thing to do is to go back to my GP, if i find the side effects too horrible, and no way stop taking them.