Norvasc and Headache

Some people who take Norvasc experience headaches as a side effect. However, when these headaches do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated with headache relief medication. Also, headaches in people taking Norvasc are usually more common during the first few weeks of treatment. If you are taking Norvasc and headache symptoms continue, talk to your healthcare provider.

 

Norvasc and Headache: An Overview

Norvasc® (amlodipine besylate) is a prescription medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of heart disease.
 
Just as with any other medicine, there are potential side effects with Norvasc. Although headaches are a common complaint in people taking Norvasc, they are also a common complaint in the general public.
 

Norvasc and Headache: How Common Is It?

The safety and effectiveness of Norvasc has been studied in more than 11,000 people. In these clinical trials, up to 7.3 percent of people taking Norvasc reported experiencing a headache. However, in the same study, 7.8 percent of people not taking Norvasc also reported having a headache.
 

Norvasc and Headache: Recommendations

Headaches in people taking Norvasc may be more common during the first couple weeks of treatment.
 In most cases, the headaches are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated. If you are taking Norvasc and develop a headache, try taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to relieve the headache symptoms.
 
If you continue to get a headache while taking Norvasc, visit your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. If your healthcare provider believes the headaches are being caused by Norvasc, he or she may recommend decreasing the Norvasc dose. He or she may also prescribe another medication to treat your condition.
 
If you are worried about Norvasc and headaches, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. Together you can decide on a treatment plan that works for your particular situation.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;