Norvasc belongs to a class of medications called calcium blockers. It is used to widen blood vessels, veins and arteries to reduce the pressure put on the heart while pumping blood. Norvasc is also used to treat high blood pressure and angina, which is accompanied by chest pains in a patient.

Before taking Norvasc it is important for a patient to discuss with a doctor any illnesses that they are suffering from, like liver disease, other diseases of the heart or blood vessels that are not related. Illnesses that are important to mention to the doctor are sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure or low blood pressure. Patients who suffer from these symptoms may still be able to take Norvasc with regular monitoring by their doctor.

Some of the possible severe side effects form taking Norvasc are difficulty in breathing, fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain or dizziness and fainting. Some other severe reactions may be psychosis, jaundice or swelling in the legs and feet. If a patient suffers from any of the above-mentioned symptoms they should seek immediate medical attention.

Some of the less harmful side effects include fatigue, headaches, insomnia and abdominal pain. A patient may also notice nausea or difficulty urinating. If a patient is suffering from any of the above-mentioned side effects, or is experiencing any uncomfortable symptoms they should discuss these with the doctor who prescribed the medication.

This medication is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Norvasc is known as a category C medication which means that the effects on an unborn baby are not yet known and neither are the risks of the medication being passed on through the milk to a breast-fed baby.

Elderly people, especially those who are over the age of 65, are more likely to suffer from the side effects when taking Norvasc. If this is the case, Norvasc will often be avoided or it may be prescribed at a lower dosage and monitored.

Norvasc should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed and taken with a glass of water, not swallowed dry. It is recommended that patients who are taking Norvasc should under no circumstances stop taking their medication without first consulting with their doctor, as their condition could become worse if the medication is stopped suddenly.

Patients who miss a dose of their medication should skip that dose and continue to their next dose as usual, they should not double the dose. Patients taking Norvasc can overdose. The symptoms of an over dose include dizziness, chest pain shortness of breath, coma or an unusually slow or fast heartbeat. If a patient suspects that they have overdosed on Norvasc they should immediately seek medical attention.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor for more information about Norvasc.

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