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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Flushing And Fluctuations In The BP Level Despite Taking Amlodipine?

I m a 60 year old woman, and prescribed amlodipine 5 mg. I started taking it one and a half years ago for high BP. My readings were 130-145/85-95. Since I am otherwise very healthy, my dr recommended daily cardio exercise. I chose stationary bike and walk my dog twice a day (about 1.4 miles both walks). In March 2017 I got a Peloton bike, and love it. I bike hard and noticed my BP returning to normal (ten minutes after bike, 120/77 range). I monitor the BP periodically and highest reading now is 145/90 but that is getting rare. Mostly it is under 120, and lower number ranges 82 to 77 (lowest). I would like to get off the amlodipine and continue my exercise program. I am 5 5 , weigh 120, eat healthy, low salt, natural organic foods, very little alcohol (almost none except special occasions, and that is small), and I don t smoke or use drugs (including over the counter). But I am a little nervous to quit the amlodipine, being on it one and a half years now (Dec 2015-June 2017). The side affect which I get and don t like is flushing. It happens periodically through the day and night. Like I feel this hot flushing feeling and want to rip off my sweatshirt even though I was cold before. I never got the leg swelling, though I read a lot of people get that. I plan to see my dr this summer to discuss but curious for your feedback on discontinuing the amlodipine 5 mg. Thank you for any advice. Debbie
Tue, 20 Mar 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

Firstly I would appreciate your efforts to keep blood pressure in control and doing all the right things which you are currently following. Please continue the same things. 

Stopping amlodipine can increase your blood pressure since you are taking it for a long period. I would suggest you decrease the dose of amlodipine from 5 mg to 2.5 mg once a day. Monitor your blood pressure if blood pressure increases, then you need to continue the amlodipine 5 mg regularly. 

If on taking amlodipine 2.5 mg blood pressure remains below 120/80, then you can withhold blood pressure medicine for a few days and monitor blood pressure regularly. If blood pressure increases then can restart amlodipine 2.5 mg. 

Please do not stop blood pressure medicine suddenly as this is the common mistake done by the majority of patients after the blood pressure is in control. Currently, your blood pressure is normal range because of lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines. Kindly note blood pressure reading is not sufficient to make a decision about the dose of blood pressure medicines.


Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Aparna Amritsagar
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What Causes Flushing And Fluctuations In The BP Level Despite Taking Amlodipine?

Hello, Firstly I would appreciate your efforts to keep blood pressure in control and doing all the right things which you are currently following. Please continue the same things.  Stopping amlodipine can increase your blood pressure since you are taking it for a long period. I would suggest you decrease the dose of amlodipine from 5 mg to 2.5 mg once a day. Monitor your blood pressure if blood pressure increases, then you need to continue the amlodipine 5 mg regularly.  If on taking amlodipine 2.5 mg blood pressure remains below 120/80, then you can withhold blood pressure medicine for a few days and monitor blood pressure regularly. If blood pressure increases then can restart amlodipine 2.5 mg.  Please do not stop blood pressure medicine suddenly as this is the common mistake done by the majority of patients after the blood pressure is in control. Currently, your blood pressure is normal range because of lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines. Kindly note blood pressure reading is not sufficient to make a decision about the dose of blood pressure medicines. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Aparna Amritsagar