What is Norvasc?
Norvasc is a medicine to help treat high blood pressure. It comes in three different doses – 2.5mg, 5mg, and 10mg – allowing for tailored treatment, and is taken daily.
It’s a type of medication called a calcium channel blocker, or CCB. These are sometimes used to treat other conditions too, like angina or Raynaud’s. You might be prescribed a CCB alongside another medication if you have high blood pressure and angina, and one treatment alone hasn’t helped to bring your blood pressure down or alleviate chest tightness.
How does Norvasc work?
Amlodipine, the active ingredient in Norvasc, works by blocking the release of calcium, which causes the muscles in your blood vessels to relax. This helps widen them so blood flows more easily, reducing blood pressure.[1]
Will I get side effects using Norvasc?
You might experience side effects when taking Norvasc, although not everyone will get them. Some common side effects include:
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle cramps
For the full list of side effects, check the package leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Is there a generic version of Norvasc?
Yes, Norvasc is the brand name for the blood pressure medication Amlodipine. According to the FDA, generic versions are as effective as branded drugs;[2] the main difference lies in the packaging and price, with the generic version being cheaper.
However, some patients do prefer branded drugs, and report having a better experience with a specific named brand. So let your clinician know if you’re thinking about switching, or if you have concerns that a different brand might not work as well for you.
What doses of Norvasc are there?
Norvasc comes in three doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The initial dose is 5 mg daily. Your doctor will adjust your dosage depending on how you react to the 5 mg dose.
Treated trusted source:
- Bulsara KG, et al. Amlodipine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
- Al-Jazairi, A. S., et al. (2008). Brand and generic medications: Are they interchangeable? Annals of Saudi Medicine, 28(1), 33.
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