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Norvasc |
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What is Norvasc and why is it prescribed? Norvasc is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain that usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries. Norvasc is also prescribed for high blood pressure. It is a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker. These drugs dilate blood vessels and slow the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Norvasc regularly for it to be effective. Norvasc does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Norvasc? Follow your doctors directions for taking Norvasc. Norvasc may be taken with or without food. A once-a-day medication, Norvasc may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for high blood pressure or angina. You should take Norvasc exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. You will begin to see a drop in your blood pressure 24 hours after you start the medication. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Norvasc at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Are there any Norvasc side effects? Norvasc side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Norvasc side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, and palpitations. Less common Norvasc side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness. Rare Norvasc side effects may include abnormal dreams, agitation, allergic reactions, altered sense of smell or taste, anxiety, apathy, back pain, chest pain, cold and clammy skin, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficult or painful urination, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or light-headedness when standing, double vision, dry mouth, dry skin, excessive urination, eye pain, fainting, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, heart failure, hives, hot flashes, inability to sleep, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, inflamed blood vessels, inflamed pancreas, irregular heartbeat, irregular pulse, itching, joint pain or problems, lack of coordination, lack of sensation, loose stools, loss of appetite, loss of memory, loss of sense of identity, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle cramps or pain, muscle weakness, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, purple or red spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, sexual problems, skin discoloration, skin inflammation, slow heartbeat, stomach inflammation, thirst, tingling or "pins and needles," tremor, twitching, urinating at night, urinating problems, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Norvasc? If Norvasc is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. There are no known food or drug interactions with Norvasc. Are there any special warnings about Norvasc? Check with your doctor before you stop taking Norvasc, as a slow reduction in the dose may be needed. Your doctor will prescribe Norvasc with caution if you have certain heart conditions or liver disease. Make sure the doctor is aware of all your medical problems before you start therapy with Norvasc. Although very rare, if you have severe heart disease, you may experience an increase in frequency and duration of angina attacks, or even have a heart attack, when you are starting on Norvasc or your dosage is increased. The safety and effectiveness in children has not been established. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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