Amlodipine headache
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "amlodipine headache"
Amlodipine and Headache: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Amlodipine and Its Uses
Amlodipine is a widely used calcium channel blocker primarily prescribed for the treatment of arterial hypertension and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). While effective in managing these conditions, its use can sometimes be limited by side effects such as peripheral edema and headache1 2.
Incidence of Headache with Amlodipine Treatment
Meta-Analysis Findings
A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 7,226 patients revealed that the incidence of headache was actually lower in patients treated with amlodipine compared to those given a placebo. Specifically, the rate of headache was 7.9% in the amlodipine group versus 10.9% in the placebo group, indicating a risk ratio of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.65-0.90, P=0.002)1 2. This reduction in headache incidence was more pronounced at low to medium doses of amlodipine (2.5-5 mg)1 2.
Specific Patient Populations
In a study involving cocaine-dependent outpatients, amlodipine significantly reduced the frequency of headaches compared to placebo, suggesting its potential benefit in improving cerebrovascular tone in this specific population3. Additionally, a case report highlighted the effective use of amlodipine in managing headaches associated with high blood pressure during whole brain radiation therapy, further supporting its role in headache management under certain conditions5.
Comparative Studies with Other Antihypertensives
Amlodipine vs. Enalapril
Comparative studies between amlodipine and enalapril, another antihypertensive agent, showed that both drugs were effective in reducing blood pressure. However, the incidence of headache was similar between the two groups, with both medications being reasonably well-tolerated6 7. This suggests that while amlodipine may reduce headache incidence compared to placebo, its effect is comparable to other antihypertensive agents.
Amlodipine vs. Diltiazem
In a study comparing amlodipine with diltiazem, another calcium channel blocker, both drugs demonstrated similar efficacy in managing stable exertional angina pectoris. The incidence of headache was comparable between the two treatments, with both medications showing a similar safety profile10.
Self-Medication and Off-Label Use
A unique case report described a young adult with depression who self-medicated with amlodipine for headache relief. This case underscores the need for caution, as self-medication can lead to misuse and potential side effects, despite amlodipine's pharmacodynamic properties that might reduce headache4.
Conclusion
Amlodipine appears to have a complex relationship with headache. While it can reduce the incidence of headaches in certain populations and at specific doses, its effects are comparable to other antihypertensive agents. Careful consideration of dosage and patient-specific factors is essential to optimize its benefits and minimize side effects. Further research is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms by which amlodipine influences headache incidence and to identify the patient populations that may benefit the most from its use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Peripheral edema and headache associated with amlodipine treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
Amlodipine treatment increases the risk of peripheral edema, but up to one-third of edema cases may not be caused by the drug, and headaches are reduced when using low/medium doses.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous Journal1420Peripheral edema and headache associated with amlodipine treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials
Amlodipine treatment for arterial hypertension and stable angina pectoris can cause peripheral edema and headache, but low/medium doses can reduce these side effects.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalAmlodipine Reduces Blood Pressure and Hadache Fquency in Cocaine-Dependent Outpatients
Amlodipine significantly reduces blood pressure and headache frequency in cocaine-dependent patients without producing dizziness or faintness, potentially due to improved cerebrovascular tone.
RCTChronic self-medication with amlodipine for headache in a young adult with depression
Chronic self-medication with amlodipine for headache in a young adult with depression shows potential risks, and standard treatment for depression was beneficial.
Case ReportPS-R06-8: AMLODIPINE WELL RESPONDED TO HYPERTENSION ALONG WITH HEADACHE IN PATIENT UNDERGOING WHOLE BRAIN RADIATION THERAPY (CASE REPORT)
Amlodipine effectively reduces blood pressure and relieves headaches in patients undergoing whole brain radiotherapy for breast cancer.
Case ReportA comparison of amlodipine with enalapril in the treatment of isolated systolic hypertension.
Both amlodipine and enalapril effectively reduce blood pressure in patients with isolated systolic hypertension, with no significant difference in blood pressure reduction between the two drugs.
RCTA comparison of amlodipine with enalapril in the treatment of moderate/severe hypertension.
Both amlodipine and enalapril effectively reduce blood pressure in patients with moderate/severe hypertension, with amlodipine showing greater reduction but no statistically significant differences between treatments.
RCTComparison of effects of nisoldipine-extended release and amlodipine in patients with systemic hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris.
Nisoldipine-extended release and amlodipine both provide comparable antihypertensive and anti-ischemic efficacy in patients with systemic hypertension and chronic stable angina pectoris, and both are generally well-tolerated.
RCTAmlodipine combined with beta blockade for chronic angina: Results of a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized double‐blind study
Amlodipine significantly increased exercise capacity and was well-tolerated when added to a beta-blocking agent regimen for patients with chronic angina pectoris.
RCTAn 8-week double-blind study of amlodipine and diltiazem in patients with stable exertional angina pectoris.
Amlodipine and diltiazem both improve exercise time and reduce angina attacks in patients with stable exertional angina pectoris, but amlodipine offers once-daily dosing.
RCT