CNS Effects of Amlodipine

Amlodipine besylate, trade name Norvasc®, is used to treat high blood pressure and angina, intense chest pain or discomfort that occurs when an area of the heart is deprived of oxygen. Amlodipine can be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure and/or angina medications. As with all medications, amlodipine has side effects, some of which involve the central nervous system (CNS). Typical CNS effects include neuropathy, headache, paresthesia, tremor and vertigo. These side effects are infrequent but can be severe.

Neuropathy

• Neuropathy encompasses any and all nerve problems and can include muscle weakness, cramps, spasms, pain particularly in the hands and feet and an extreme sensitivity to touch.

Headache

• Headache pain can be centered in the head above the eyes or the ears, in the back of the head or in the back of the neck.

Paresthesia

• Paresthesia includes numbness, tingling, pricking, burning, or a feeling of crawling skin, usually in the hands, arms, legs and feet.

Tremor

• A tremor is a repetitive shaking movement of the body. Tremors can be difficult or impossible to control and can occur without warning.

Dizziness

• Dizziness can occur suddenly when you stand up, change direction by turning quickly or get up out of bed. Usually this type of dizziness is temporary.

Vertigo

• Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Unlike dizziness, vertigo gives you the illusion of movement. If you feel like you are moving, you are experiencing subjective vertigo. If you think your surroundings are moving, you have objective vertigo.

Tip

• Most side effects do not become bothersome enough to require medical attention and side effects may go away once your body adjusts to the drug. If you do experience side effects, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce them.