What is the most important information I should know about Norvasc?

Do not stop taking Norvasc without talking to your doctor first, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

What is Norvasc?

Norvasc is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Norvasc relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload.

Norvasc is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to treat angina (chest pain).

Norvasc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Norvasc?

Before taking Norvasc, tell your doctor if you have

liver disease; or

another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure or coronary artery disease.

If you have any of the conditions listed above,you may not be able to take Norvasc or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Do not take this medication without talking to your doctor first if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Norvasc is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Norvasc will be harmful to an unborn baby.

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether Norvasc passes into breast milk.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Norvasc. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take Norvasc?

Take Norvasc exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water.

Do not stop taking Norvasc without talking to your doctor first , even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Store Norvasc at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Norvasc overdose include dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech and confusion.

What should I avoid while taking Norvasc?

Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.

Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking Norvasc.

What are the possible side effects of Norvasc?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Norvasc and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

unusually fast or slow heartbeat;

chest pain;

psychosis;

severe dizziness or fainting;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Norvasc and talk to your doctor if you experience

fatigue or tiredness;

headache;

insomnia;

vivid or abnormal dreams;

flushing;

abdominal pain;

nausea, diarrhea or constipation; or

increased or difficult urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Norvasc?

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other heart medicines. Norvasc may compound the effects of other heart medications.

Other drugs may also interact with Norvasc or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.