Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Norvasc
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Norvasc in cats [posted 1/11/99]
Question: I am a practicing veterinarian in the state of Washington. I am curious
of any known adverse effects of the drug Norvasc in cats being treated for hypertension.
Do you know of any deleterious effects of long-term usage in cats for regulation of blood
pressure? Any information you have available would be greatly appreciated.
Answer: Sorry, I’m not a cat doctor. You might check with the company.
Norvasc Problems [posted 1/8/99]
Question: Does Norvasc cause liver, heart, or kidney problems? What side effects
should I know about?
Answer: Can cause liver problems. I suppose rare heart, kidney problems have
been reported, but not a common problem. Most common side effects are constipation and
swollen feet.
Norvasc side effects [posted
1/7/99]
Question: Please tell me the side effects of the drug Norvasc.
Answer: Usually swollen feet, constipation.
Norvasc [posted 1/7/99]
Question: I have been given this medication to lower my blood pressure. My question
is regarding the side effects. What are the most likely side effects? I got a print out
from the drug store, which has me in fear of taking the medication now, since I have read
this information on the print out sheet. It said may cause dizziness, do not drive,
operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you
react to this medication. I have to drive to get myself to work and I also operate a
slicer, which could harm me if not used properly. I am wondering how long is enough time
to know the individual side effects?
Answer: Only causes dizziness if it lowers your bp too much; unlikely. Most
common side effects are swollen feet and constipation.
Norvasc Information [posted
11/6/98]
Question: My mother was just put on Hyzaar for high blood pressure. She was on
Norvasc but suffered from side effects which fatigue was the main one. Could you please
tell me what side effects, hoping there are very few, that Hyzaar has?
Answer: Hyzaar is a combination of a diuretic plus cozaar which is an
angiotensin blocker. Diuretics produce low potassium levels, muscle cramps and weakness.
Occasional patients have sun induced rashes or allergies. Cozaar is pretty low in side
effects. Occasional patients would have a change in renal function or low blood pressure.
Does Norvasc Treat or Cause Angina [posted
11/6/98]
Question: On the disclaimer for Norvasc it mentions angina quite a bit. Does that
mean Angina is a possible side effect? Is this a new drug? How long has it been out? My
mother in law has been prescribed this medication and is curious about it as her Doctor
didn’t say much about it. I hope to get as much information from you on it as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and get back with.
Answer: Norvasc is a treatment for angina;not a cause. Norvasc has been
available about 5 years here and about 14 in Europe. Generally, well tolerated -common
side effects would be constipation and swelling of the feet. One of the better calcium
channel blockers in clinical use.
Possible Norvasc Side Effects
[posted 10/23/98]
Question: The problem is that my right side (leg, arm and even my head) has been
shown weakness. I am suffering of dizziness and a partial lacking of equilibrium.
Answer: Unlikely the norvasc unless your blood pressure is too low, check with
your doctor.
Norvasc & Diabetes [posted
10/13/98]
Question: One of the side effects of Procardia is swelling of the gums. Other than
that, I have found it quite effective in relieving my high blood pressure. Is Norvasc also
a Calcium channel blocker? Is one of its side effects swelling of the gums? If not, I
would like to ask my Doctor to switch me on to it. Thank you.
Answer: I have had two patients who have developed gingival hyperplasia on these
medications and it is a class problem-so you should avoid all the CCI class.
Norvasc & Diabetes [posted
10/13/98]
Question: I am looking for some information regarding the use of Norvasc and
Diabetics. I read an article indicating that a diabetic should not be using Norvasc. Have
you any information regarding this? My father who is 80 has just been put on Norvasc
instead of Procardia because the doctor says it’s easier on the heart, but what about the
diabetes? Please e-mail me any info you may have or possibly any other web-site I could go
to to find the information.
Answer: Actually, the other way around. Newer research has shown diabetic kidney
disease to be decreased on calcium channel blockers. We use these drugs in diabetics all
the time. Beta blockers may be slightly better in terms of cardiac protection;but, are
used sparingly in diabetics since they can impair insulin release. This means that calcium
channel blockers are usually preferable in diabetics.
Norvasc: Any Effect on Calcium Uptake
to the Bones (Osteoporosis)? [posted 10/9/98]
Question:I am taking FOSOMAX for osteoporosis and NORVASC for high blood pressure.
Does NORVASC affect the calcium in my bones (calcium blockers?)
Answer: No. It affects the calcium channels in the muscles not the levels of
calcium in your blood.
Norvasc [posted 8/14/98]
Question: I take this mediation in the evening and sometimes get pain similar to
stomach cramps at night. I tried taking the medication in the morning only one time and
experienced nausea during the morning. Should this be taken with food? Are cramps, once in
a while, a problem? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.
Answer: This drug can affect the musculature of the stomach and GI tract. The
major side effect is constipation and a certain number will experience cramping. This will
probably not be affected by taking it with food, but it is worth a try. If this doesn’t
work, this drug is probably going to be too unpleasant to take long term.
Norvasc [posted 8/13/98]
Question: I’m taking 10 mg of norvasc for hypertension. I always have had a
swelling on the bottom of my feet and cold sore or like tenderness at the right side of my
back. Is this edema and what can I do to prevent or reduce these swelling?
Answer: Probably due at least in part by the Norvasc (all calcium channel
blockers have this potential). Other than reducing/stopping the drug I suspect it will
persist. Diuretics, etc., will have minimal effect.
Norvasc [posted 7/31/98]
Question: I am taking Norvasc 5 mg for high blood pressure. I’ve been having
problems the last two months with attaining an erection. I am forty-six years old and I
still have the desire. What can you recommend for this problem?
Answer: Any blood pressure pill can cause erectile dysfunction. Curiously, some
have this effect in some men, but not others. This probably relates to why your blood
pressure is elevated. I would stop the Norvasc and try other alternative medications.
There are probably 10 other drug classes to pick from. Usually, one can be found that is
effective without the trouble with erections. However, this will be somewhat trial and
error.
Norvasc
Question: Recently, I have started taking Norvasc (5 mg) to lower my blood
pressure. However, one of the side effects is that my skin complexion is red. I am a fair
skin person and the Norvasc makes me even redder.
Answer: All the calcium channel blockers vasodilate somewhat. Some, like
Procardia, have major effects on peripheral dilations, while others are less so. However,
they all dilate the skin. I suspect this is the effect that you are seeing.
Norvasc
Question: Does this drug cause a loss of sexual urge?
Answer: Norvasc can cause decreased erections, but rarely does it cause a
decrease in sexual drive. Some of the antidepressants like the SRI drugs will (prozac,
paxil, etc.) as will other antidepressants.
Back to Medication/Pharmaceutical
main page.
Â