Medical illustration for Based on NIH | Is anxiety a known side effect of amlodipine, and how common is it? - Persly Health Information
Persly Medical TeamPersly Medical Team
February 19, 20265 min read

Based on NIH | Is anxiety a known side effect of amlodipine, and how common is it?

Key Takeaway:

Anxiety is a listed but uncommon side effect of amlodipine, noted on official labels alongside insomnia and nervousness. Clinical trial data and labeling suggest it occurs less often than common reactions like edema; consult a clinician if anxiety develops after starting the drug.

Yes anxiety is listed as a possible side effect of amlodipine (a calcium‑channel blocker), though it appears to be uncommon. Official product information includes “anxiety” among psychiatric adverse reactions reported with amlodipine. [1] Multiple amlodipine labels also list “anxiety” (often alongside insomnia, nervousness, abnormal dreams, and depersonalization). [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

How common is it?

  • Frequency category: The labels identify anxiety as an adverse event but generally do not provide a precise percentage, implying it is not among the most frequent events like swelling (edema), flushing, or dizziness. [1]
  • Context from clinical trials: Pooled clinical trial reviews of amlodipine show a favorable overall safety profile, with most excess side effects vs. placebo driven by edema rather than mood or anxiety symptoms, suggesting such psychiatric effects are relatively infrequent. [7] [8]

What official sources say

  • Psychiatric effects listed: Anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, depression, abnormal dreams, and depersonalization are documented on U.S. drug labels for amlodipine. [1] The same listings appear across multiple formulations (5 mg and 10 mg), reinforcing that anxiety has been observed post‑marketing or in trials. [5] [6]
  • Other body systems affected: Labels also detail effects like dry mouth and increased sweating (autonomic), vision changes and tinnitus (special senses), and skin reactions; this broad pattern underscores that while anxiety can occur, it’s part of a wider but generally infrequent adverse‑event profile. [2] [3] [4]

Practical takeaways

  • Relative rarity: While anxiety is recognized, available data and trial summaries suggest it is uncommon compared with typical amlodipine side effects such as ankle swelling. [7] Most people do not experience anxiety from amlodipine, but individual responses vary. [8]
  • When to seek help: If new or worsening anxiety appears after starting or increasing amlodipine, it may be reasonable to discuss timing, dose, and alternatives with a clinician; other causes (stress, caffeine, other medicines) should also be considered.

Quick reference table

TopicWhat the evidence shows
Is anxiety listed on labels?Yes “anxiety” is included among psychiatric adverse reactions. [1] [2] [3]
How often?Not precisely quantified on labels; considered less common than edema and flushing. [7] [8]
Related psychiatric effectsInsomnia, nervousness, abnormal dreams, depersonalization, and depression also appear. [1] [4]
Overall safety profileGenerally favorable; most side effects are mild to moderate and linked to vasodilation (e.g., edema). [7] [8]

Bottom line

Anxiety is a known but seemingly uncommon side effect of amlodipine according to official labeling and clinical experience. [1] Most users do not develop anxiety, and studies suggest the drug’s side‑effect burden is primarily edema rather than mood changes. [7] [8]

Related Questions

Related Articles

Sources

  1. 1.^abcdefAMLODIPINE BESYLATE(dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)
  2. 2.^abcAMLODIPINE BESYLATE(dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)
  3. 3.^abcDailyMed - AMLODIPINE BESYLATE tablet(dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. 4.^abcAmlodipine Besylate Tablets(dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)
  5. 5.^abAMLODIPINE BESYLATE 10 MG- amlodipine besylate tablet(dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)
  6. 6.^abAMLODIPINE BESYLATE 5 MG- amlodipine besylate tablet(dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)
  7. 7.^abcdeAmlodipine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic use in cardiovascular disease.(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  8. 8.^abcdeThe safety of amlodipine.(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.