Can Amlodipine Cause Paresthesias?
No, paresthesias are not a recognized side effect of amlodipine based on current guideline evidence and clinical trial data.
Documented Side Effects of Amlodipine
The established adverse effects of amlodipine are well-characterized and do not include paresthesias or neurological sensory disturbances:
Common Vasodilatory Effects
- Peripheral edema is the most frequently reported side effect, occurring in approximately 16.6% of patients (versus 6.2% with placebo), with a placebo-adjusted rate of 63% 1
- Headache, flushing, and dizziness are confirmed as potential side effects by the American College of Cardiology 2, 3
- These vasodilatory effects are dose-dependent, with lower rates at 2.5-5 mg doses compared to 10 mg 1
Cardiovascular Considerations
- Hypotension, worsening heart failure, bradycardia, and AV block represent the major serious cardiovascular side effects per the American Heart Association 2
- The European Society of Cardiology warns that amlodipine may precipitate heart failure in predisposed patients 2, 3
Other Documented Effects
- Amlodipine is well-tolerated overall and does not cause adverse changes in serum lipid patterns, cardiac conduction disturbances, or postural hypotension 4
- The drug has a favorable safety profile with no evidence of hematologic or biochemical abnormalities 5
Clinical Implications
If a patient on amlodipine presents with paresthesias, alternative etiologies should be investigated rather than attributing the symptom to the medication. The extensive clinical trial database and guideline literature consistently document edema, headache, flushing, and dizziness as the primary adverse effects—neurological sensory symptoms are notably absent from these comprehensive safety profiles 1, 4, 5.
Important Monitoring Parameters
- Watch for signs of worsening heart failure including increased dyspnea, weight gain, or edema 2
- Avoid NSAIDs in combination with amlodipine as they worsen blood pressure control and may precipitate heart failure 2, 6
- Do not combine with non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil) in heart failure patients due to myocardial depression 2, 6