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Do Ramipril And Amlodipine Cause Cramps?

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Posted on Sat, 31 May 2014
Question: Thank you for your reply, can the electrolyte issue be due to too much B.P,. pressure medication???
I takeAMOLODIPINE BESYLATE 5MG, 2X DAILY
CARVEDILOL 12.5 2X DAILY
RAMIPRIL 10MG. 2X DAAILY
IS OTASSIUM/PHOSOPHOROUS TOO LOW/TOO HIGH?
I', SWOLLEN & DO GET CRAMPS.
COULD IT BE DUE TO OTHER MEDS LIKE CRESTOR OR THYROID
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (48 hours later)
Brief Answer:
BP medication can cause 'lyte issues BUT!

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, sorry for keeping you waiting.

I have gone over the list of medications you are on and yes, the ramipril and amlodipine have been known to cause cramps in rare cases. But I DO NOT WANT YOU TO STOP THEM. It could be devastating to you to stop these meds and let you pressures spike with those aneurysms being the way they are.

I'm going to suggest that you go back to your doctor and make sure that your thyroid medications are doing their job (ie: that your thyroid levels are normal), after that, it might be a good idea to try switching out the ramipril for another BP medication. That choice is best left to your primary or whoever has been managing your BP medications. A drug interaction causing this issue could be the cause.

I do not beleive that Crestor is the cause, the only reason I ca say that is because I have switched people OFF of Lipitor TO Crestor for the express purpose of stopping Statin caused cramps and it has worked like a charm (Lipitor causes cramps in people with liver issues, so we tend to use Crestor as the alternative).

Another remote chance is the Venlafaxine. I have known the drug to cause jaw tightness and TMJ issues in patients because it increases serotonin levels (That's it job) and some of the facial nerves respond to high serotonin in pretty hinky ways.

So Yes, It's a distinct possibility, but we have to be careful about this and not put you at greater risk of an aneurysmal rupture as we try and switch out medications.

Make sense? Let me know what you are thinking. I might be a little late with the replys till monday as I am getting engaged this weekend. But I will make time for you, I promise.

Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (4 hours later)
So my current swelling & leg cramp could be due to my lab report with electrolyte issues or my medications or both???
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (2 days later)
Brief Answer:
Both

Detailed Answer:
I think what might be going on is that the medications are causing the electrolyte disturbance which would then cause the cramps. The Meds can possible cause that and the description you have given is textbook for electrolyte disturbances.

Does that make sense?

Vin
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 544 Questions

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Do Ramipril And Amlodipine Cause Cramps?

Brief Answer: BP medication can cause 'lyte issues BUT! Detailed Answer: Hi there, sorry for keeping you waiting. I have gone over the list of medications you are on and yes, the ramipril and amlodipine have been known to cause cramps in rare cases. But I DO NOT WANT YOU TO STOP THEM. It could be devastating to you to stop these meds and let you pressures spike with those aneurysms being the way they are. I'm going to suggest that you go back to your doctor and make sure that your thyroid medications are doing their job (ie: that your thyroid levels are normal), after that, it might be a good idea to try switching out the ramipril for another BP medication. That choice is best left to your primary or whoever has been managing your BP medications. A drug interaction causing this issue could be the cause. I do not beleive that Crestor is the cause, the only reason I ca say that is because I have switched people OFF of Lipitor TO Crestor for the express purpose of stopping Statin caused cramps and it has worked like a charm (Lipitor causes cramps in people with liver issues, so we tend to use Crestor as the alternative). Another remote chance is the Venlafaxine. I have known the drug to cause jaw tightness and TMJ issues in patients because it increases serotonin levels (That's it job) and some of the facial nerves respond to high serotonin in pretty hinky ways. So Yes, It's a distinct possibility, but we have to be careful about this and not put you at greater risk of an aneurysmal rupture as we try and switch out medications. Make sense? Let me know what you are thinking. I might be a little late with the replys till monday as I am getting engaged this weekend. But I will make time for you, I promise. Vin