If you take amlodipine (a common medicine for high blood pressure and some heart conditions), there are certain habits worth avoiding because they can make side effects more likely or make blood pressure harder to control.
8 habits to reconsider while taking amlodipine
- Eating too much salt
- High sodium intake can raise blood pressure and make it harder for amlodipine to do its job.
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol
- Alcohol can lower blood pressure and may increase dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting risk.
- Ignoring ankle or leg swelling
- Amlodipine can commonly cause fluid buildup around the ankles. New or worsening swelling should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Stopping the medicine suddenly
- Blood pressure may rise again if you stop amlodipine without medical advice.
- Skipping blood pressure checks
- You may feel fine while blood pressure remains high, so monitoring is important.
- Taking interacting medicines or supplements without checking
- Some drugs can affect blood pressure or amlodipine levels. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about new medicines and supplements.
- Eating a poor-quality diet and avoiding exercise
- Amlodipine works best alongside heart-healthy habits such as regular activity, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Ignoring dizziness or fainting episodes
