Atacand 8mg daily vs. Norvasc 2.5mg?

Question

My doctor just switched me from Norvasc to Atacand. Anyone have any side effects they would like to share on either one? I am also on Levothyronxine 50 mcg and blood levels are coming back Hyper.. which I am kind of shocked because there is no way that I am losing weight... My doctor thinks it could be the Norvasc... and then switched me. I don't feel swollen but I feel a bit heavy [if that means anything; could be the weight :) ] I also hear Atacand is known to give you a cough. Let me know, I haven't taken the Atacand just yet ...

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Never ignore your doc's advice. If their reasoning seems unreasonable or unclear, talk to them before doing something on your own. It could mean life or death.
Atacand (ditto same opening statement with Norvasc): "Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Atacand."
Common Side Effects: back pain, dizziness, respiratory tract infection.
Less Common Side Effects: abdominal pain, broncitis, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, joint pain, nausea, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling,vomiting.
Rare Side Efects: anxiety, blood in urine, depression, difficulty breathing, drowsiness, fever, gastrointestinaldisorders, increased bllod sugar,indigestion, muscle aches, nosebleed, rapid heartbeat, rash, sweating, tingling, tiredness, weakness.
Special Warning: Atacand can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the drug. The problem is more likely to occur if your body's supply of water has been depleted by diurectics (water pills). Symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness. Call your doctor if they occur. You may need to have your dose adjusted. If you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure, Atacand must be used with caution.
Norvasc
Common Side Effects- dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, palpitations, (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat).
Less Common Side Effects: abdominal pain, nausea & sleepiness.
Rare Side Effects: abnormal dreams, agitation. allergic reactions, altered sense of smell or taste, anxiety, back pain, chest pain, cold & clammy skin, conjunctivitis (pink eye), constipation, coughing, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, difficult or painful urination, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or light-headedness when standing, double vision, dry mouth, dry skin, excessive urination, eye pain, fainting, frequent urination, gas, general feeling of illness, hair loss, heart failure. hives, hot flashes, inability to sleep, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, inflammed blood vessels, inflamed pancreas, irregular heartbeat, irregular pulse, itching, joint pain or problems, lack of coordination, lack of sensation, loose stools, loss of appetite, loss of memory, loss of sense of idenity, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle cramps or pain, muscle weakness, nasal inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, purple or red spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, sexual problems, skin sdiscoloration, skin inflammation, slow heartbeat, stomach inflammation, thirst, tingling or "pins and needles," tremor, twitching, urinating at night, urinating problems, vertigo, vision problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain.

Source(s):

"The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs"