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

Yes nausea can occur with amlodipine (a calcium‑channel blocker used for high blood pressure and angina), but it appears to be uncommon and usually mild. ^[1] In large, placebo‑controlled trials, nausea was reported in about 2.9% of people taking amlodipine compared with 1.9% on placebo, suggesting a small absolute increase attributable to the drug. ^{[2] [3]}

How often it happens

• In pooled, placebo‑controlled clinical trials, nausea occurred in ~2.9% with amlodipine vs ~1.9% with placebo. ^[2] This places nausea among the less common side effects (occurring in more than 1% but well below very common categories). ^[3]
• Official consumer and professional labeling lists stomach pain and nausea among side effects that are generally mild to moderate. ^{[1] [4]}

What to expect

• Most cases are mild and transient, especially when starting therapy or after a dose increase. ^[1]
• Nausea may appear with other common effects like ankle/leg swelling, dizziness, flushing, tiredness, or headache, but many users have no gastrointestinal symptoms at all. ^{[1] [4]}

When to seek help

• If nausea is persistent, severe, or accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, or other alarming symptoms, medical advice is advisable to consider dose adjustment, timing with food, or alternative therapies. ^[1]
• While rare serious reactions are described in product information, routine nausea without other warning signs is generally not dangerous but should be discussed if it affects quality of life. ^[4]

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Quick reference: Nausea frequency in trials

Adverse event	Amlodipine (N≈1730)	Placebo (N≈1250)
Nausea	2.9%	1.9%

These figures come from placebo‑controlled studies summarized in the amlodipine product information. ^{[2] [5]}

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Practical tips if you feel nauseated

• Taking amlodipine with food may reduce stomach upset. (General advice; not specific to a single label line.)
• If symptoms started after a dose increase, discussing a step back to the prior dose or slower titration can help. ^[1]
• Consider the timing: some people feel better taking the dose at night to sleep through early effects. (General advice; not specific to a single label line.)
• Keep hydrated and try small, bland meals until symptoms settle; seek care if symptoms do not improve. ^[1]

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Bottom line

• Yes, nausea is a recognized side effect of amlodipine, typically mild. ^[1]
• It occurs in about 3% of users, only slightly higher than with placebo (about 2%), indicating it is uncommon. ^{[2] [3]}