8 Habits You Should Stop This Year If You Take Amlodipine—And Why

If you’re taking amlodipine for high blood pressure or chest pain, avoiding these habits may help your medication work more effectively and reduce the risk of side effects:

1. Skipping your doses – Taking amlodipine inconsistently can make it harder to keep your blood pressure under control.
2. Eating large amounts of grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice – Grapefruit may affect how your body processes amlodipine, potentially increasing side effects in some people.
3. Drinking excessive alcohol – Alcohol can add to the blood pressure-lowering effect, increasing the risk of dizziness or fainting.
4. Stopping the medication without medical advice – Quitting suddenly can allow your blood pressure to rise again.
5. Using NSAID pain relievers frequently without checking first – Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can affect blood pressure control and may not be appropriate for everyone.
6. Eating a high-sodium diet – Too much salt can counteract the benefits of blood pressure medication.
7. Ignoring swelling in your feet or ankles – Ankle swelling is a common side effect of amlodipine and should be discussed with your healthcare provider if it becomes bothersome or severe.
8. Missing regular blood pressure checkups – Monitoring your blood pressure helps ensure the medication is working as intended and allows adjustments if needed.

Always take amlodipine exactly as prescribed, and talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before making changes to your medication, diet, or other medicines.