Mar 03, 2022

Healthcare

Prescriptions

Discounts

A guide to Amlodipine Besylate (Norvasc)

Norvasc

Norvasc (Amlodipine Besylate) is a prescription medication typically used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina, a type of chest pain. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from high blood pressure or chest pain, Norvasc may be able to help. 

Use the below information as a guide to help you determine if it is the proper medication for you, but always consult with your physician before starting any new medicines.

What is hypertension? 

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It's normal for our blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day. 

Affecting over half of adults in the US, hypertension occurs when your blood pressure is higher than normal for an unusual amount of time. 

Symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension/high blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because it has no signs or symptoms. However, some people may experience:

  • Severe headaches or nosebleeds (usually only during a hypertensive crisis

  • Fatigue 

  • Confusion

  • Vision problems

  • Chest pain

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Blood in the urine

Because these symptoms are typical with many other health conditions, you should have your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional. Consult with your doctor on how often. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a hypertensive crisis, you should call 911 right away. 

Causes and complications of hypertension

Certain conditions and lifestyle choices put you at risk of developing high blood pressure. These risks include:

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Family history/genetics

  • Unhealthy diet, including too much salt and not enough potassium 

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Pregnancy

  • Sleep apnea

  • Tobacco use

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Age

  • Gender

  • Race/ethnicity

Without properly managing high blood pressure, the excessive force will cause damage to your blood vessels as well as lead to other severe health complications. 

These include: 

What is angina?

Angina(angina pectoris) is a type of chest pain. 

There are two types of angina:

  • Stable angina – Triggered by something like exercise or stress and stops with a few minutes of rest.  

  • Unstable angina- Unexpected pains even at rest and often not triggered by anything.

While stable angina is the most common, it's often confused with other chest pain types, like indigestion or a heart attack.

If you're experiencing chest pain, you should seek medical attention right away. 

Symptoms of angina

While the pain can feel different from person to person, chest pain is the most common sign of angina. 

Symptoms of angina include:

  • Aching, burning, squeezing, or discomfort feeling in the chest

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • A fullness feeling in your chest

  • Heaviness or pressure in the chest

  • Upset stomach 

  • Vomiting

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sweating

Complications and causes of angina

A sign of heart disease, angina, happens when blood flow to your heart is reduced due to the build-up of fatty substances. Blockage in the arteries can occur because of:

  • Unhealthy diet

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Smoking

  • Age

  • Family history of atherosclerosis or heart problems

Angina can lead to unstable angina, heart attack, or even death if left untreated. 

What is Norvasc, and how does it work? 

Norvasc is a tablet-form calcium channel blocker (CCB) approved to treat hypertension and angina in people ages six and up. It relaxes the blood vessels for those with hypertension, allowing the blood to flow more easily and lowering blood pressure. This drug can also help reduce chest pain caused by angina. 

How do you use Norvasc to treat hypertension and angina?

Norvasc is taken by the mouth with or without food. Dosing options for Norvasc are available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. Never take more or less than prescribed. 

There is a liquid form available of Norvasc for children and those who have trouble swallowing pills. 

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new prescription medication. Always follow the recommendations of your health care provider, and use Norvasc as instructed and as per the directions on the prescription label. 

What are the potential side effects of Norvasc?

It is possible to experience side effects when using Norvasc. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms don't go away or get worse. 

Common side effects include:

  • Swelling in the legs or ankles

  • Excessive tiredness/sleepiness

  • Pain in the stomach 

  • Nausea

  • Feeling flushed (warm feeling in your face)

  • Dizziness

  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or fast heartbeat (palpitations)

  • Abnormal muscle movement or tremors

Serious side effects can also occur. If you experience any allergic reactions, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately. You shouldn't take Norvasc if you are allergic to amlodipine or any of the inactive ingredients. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with a list of all ingredients. 

Seek emergency medical treatment right away if you experience:

Before starting Norvasc, you should disclose all medications you take, including supplements and your health history, to your healthcare provider. 

Final Thoughts

Norvasc may be the best treatment for you or someone you know who suffers from hypertension or angina. 

At CareCard, we are passionate about helping make your prescription payments more affordable, saving members up to 85% on prescription drugs and medications. You can search for a Norvasc (amlodipine besylate) coupon here and learn how CareCard can help make your medication payments more manageable.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

You will receive a free pharmacy discount card when you subscribe.

By subscribing to the newsletter you agree with our Privacy Policy
Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Prescription savings may vary by prescription and by pharmacy, and in some cases may be discounted up to 85% off cash price*. Please note, this is NOT insurance. CareCard offers you the opportunity to find prescription discount prices, which ultimately depend on the provider. You are fully responsible for paying for all health care services but will be entitled to receive a discount from those health care providers in accordance with the specific pre-negotiated discounted rates. CareCard Inc. is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the pharmacies identified in its price comparisons. This information is not mean to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. For additional information, please reach our customer support at 1-866-410-1217, Mon- Friday 9am – 5pm Est or email us at hello@carecard.com. By using the CareCard prescription discount card or service, you are agreeing to CareCard’s Terms of Service.

Get the CareCard Mobile App

App Store linkApp Store link
LegitScript approved