The common side effects of amlodipine are somnolence, dizziness, headache, ankle swelling, oedema, flushing, fatigue, palpitations,
abdominal pain, nausea. Rarely, confusion, rash,
gingival hyperplasia,
muscle cramps, dyspnoea. These side effects are seen in early stage of treatment and usually resolves once you get accustomed to it. Weight gain is not a side effect of amlodipine.
Advice
1. Continue amlodipine as suggested by your doctor
2. Regular exercise at least 30 minutes for 5 days in a week. The best types of exercise include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing
3. Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on
saturated fat and cholesterol
4. Consume less salt
5. Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee and caffeinated beverages
6. Lose extra weight if you are overweight and keep your
body mass index between 19 and 25. BMI is calculated by formula BMI = Weight in Kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters)
7. Reduce your metal stress because stress activates sympathetic system and increases BP
8. Measure your BP regularly and be in touch with your doctor
9. Investigation – fasting lipid profile
Thanks