Description

What Is Norvasc?

Norvasc is a prescription drug that contains the active ingredient amlodipine. It is mainly prescribed by doctors to control hypertension or high blood pressure. It can also be used to prevent certain types of angina (a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood).

Norvasc works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels, unlike some blood pressure medicines. This opens the blood vessels up and stimulates circulation.

Norvasc Adverse Effects

Norvasc, as with all medicines, can cause side effects. But not all of them are like that.

Common side effects include

• Swelling of the feet or ankles
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Headache.
• Tiredness
• Flush (loos)
• Palpitations
• Nausea

Mild side effects may disappear as your body adjusts to treatment. If symptoms continue or are bothersome, patients should contact their healthcare professional.

Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions (rash; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat); fainting; or new or worsening chest pain. Serious reactions are rare but should be assessed rapidly.

Important Safety Information Before You Take Norvasc

Before taking Norvasc medicine, tell your healthcare professional about your medical history and all the medicines you are taking.

Following are some comments on the following:

Heart and liver problems: Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart failure or other serious heart problems. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor you more closely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to your health care professional.

Other medicines Some other medicines may influence how amlodipine works. Tell your doctor or pharmacist all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements you are taking.

Dizziness Norvasc may cause dizziness, especially when you begin taking it, or when you change your dose. Be cautious when getting up or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how the medicine affects you.

Your health care professional can monitor how well the treatment is working by checking your blood pressure regularly.

Lifestyle Tips to Better Manage Your Blood Pressure

Norvasc may help you control high blood pressure, but healthy lifestyle habits are also important.

Here are some concrete actions you can take:

• Have a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Reduce your salt intake.
• Follow an exercise plan your health care professional recommends.
• No smoking.
• Take alcohol in moderation.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• “Take your blood pressure under control as advised.
• Take the medicines as your doctor has told you.

Plus, see your doctor for follow-up appointments, so he or she can see how you’re doing and change your treatment if necessary.

Norvasc (Amlodipine) Questions & Answers

1. What is Norvasc for?

Norvasc is used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It causes dilation of blood vessels; blood flows easier.

2. How fast does Norvasc work?

Norvasc is effective after one dose, and the blood pressure lowering effect is slow. The full effect on blood pressure can take several days. Continue to take it as directed, even if you feel better.

3. How often is Norvasc taken?

Yes. Norvasc is usually prescribed by doctors once a day. Ensure you take your prescription as prescribed and speak to your healthcare professional before making any changes.

4. What are the most common side effects of Norvasc?

Side effects are often mild and may include ankle swelling, dizziness, headache, flushing, and tiredness. If any of the following occur, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

5. If my blood pressure is better, can I stop Norvasc?

Do not stop taking it without talking to your healthcare professional first. If you stop the treatment, your blood pressure can go up again.

Summary

Norvasc is a proven prescription drug that is used to control high blood pressure and certain types of angina. It opens up blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through them, which also helps ease the load on the heart.