Can Amlodipine Cause Vertigo? Exploring the Link and Managing Dizziness

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Amlodipine is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications, with reports of adverse reactions including dizziness and vertigo. For those on this medication, understanding why this occurs and how to manage the sensation is crucial, especially if they are concerned, "Can amlodipine cause vertigo?".

Quick Summary

Amlodipine can cause dizziness and lightheadedness by lowering blood pressure, potentially leading to a feeling of unsteadiness. While often different from true vertigo, patient reports link amlodipine to these balance issues. Causes can include postural hypotension, and risks may increase with higher doses or when starting treatment.

Key Points

Amlodipine can cause dizziness and lightheadedness: This is a common side effect, especially when starting the medication or increasing the dose.
The effect is often related to postural hypotension: The sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up can cause feelings of lightheadedness.
Distinguishing dizziness from vertigo is important: While patients may report a general feeling of imbalance (dizziness), true vertigo (a spinning sensation) is a less common but reported adverse effect.
Adjusting movement can help: Changing positions slowly, such as sitting on the edge of the bed before standing, can help manage lightheadedness.
Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen: Never stop taking amlodipine abruptly, but do speak to your healthcare provider if side effects are bothersome or don't improve.
Other side effects include swollen ankles, fatigue, and flushing: These symptoms are often more common with higher doses of amlodipine.

Understanding the Connection Between Amlodipine and Balance Issues

What Is Amlodipine and How Does It Work?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and reduces blood pressure. While effective for these conditions, this mechanism of action is also the primary reason for some of its side effects, including dizziness.

Distinguishing Dizziness, Lightheadedness, and Vertigo

When a person experiences balance issues while on amlodipine, they may use the terms dizziness and vertigo interchangeably, but there's an important clinical distinction. Dizziness is a general term encompassing feelings of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. This is a common side effect of amlodipine. Vertigo, in contrast, is a specific type of dizziness that involves a sensation of spinning or whirling, either of oneself or one's surroundings. While a less frequently reported side effect, some patient reports and studies have noted a link between amlodipine and vertigo. The balance issues are typically related to the medication's effect on blood pressure, but some evidence also suggests a link between calcium channel blockers and hearing issues that affect balance, potentially explaining some cases of true vertigo.

Mechanisms Behind Amlodipine-Induced Dizziness

Two primary mechanisms explain why amlodipine can lead to balance issues:

Postural Hypotension

One of the most common causes of dizziness is a sharp drop in blood pressure when changing positions, known as postural or orthostatic hypotension. Amlodipine lowers blood pressure, and when an individual stands up quickly from a sitting or lying position, their body may not adjust fast enough, causing a temporary dip in blood flow to the brain. This can result in feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, or even fainting. This is particularly common when first starting the medication or after a dose increase.

Potential Impact on the Inner Ear

While less understood, some research suggests a link between certain blood pressure medications and issues affecting the inner ear, which is vital for balance. The inner ear's balance system relies on proper blood flow and electrolyte balance. Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine may affect this system, leading to hearing loss or tinnitus, which can contribute to balance issues and, in some cases, trigger vertigo. While evidence is not conclusive for amlodipine as a direct ototoxic agent, the possibility exists and has been raised in studies.

Comparison of Amlodipine vs. Other Antihypertensives and Dizziness


Feature	Amlodipine (Calcium Channel Blocker)	Lisinopril (ACE Inhibitor)	Hydrochlorothiazide (Diuretic)
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits calcium influx, causing vasodilation.	Blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme, relaxing blood vessels.	Increases urination to remove excess fluid and sodium.
Dizziness/Lightheadedness	Common, especially when starting or increasing the dose.	Possible, often related to initial blood pressure drop.	Can cause lightheadedness due to dehydration or low potassium.
Vertigo (spinning sensation)	Less common, but reported in studies and patient experiences.	Reported, though likely less frequent and often categorized under general dizziness.	Potential, often related to fluid/electrolyte imbalance affecting the inner ear.
Other Common Side Effects	Edema (swollen ankles), flushing, headache.	Dry cough, fatigue, headache.	Increased urination, electrolyte imbalance.

Managing Amlodipine-Induced Dizziness and Vertigo

Lifestyle Adjustments and Practical Tips

Managing balance issues from amlodipine often involves simple, non-medical strategies:

Move slowly: Avoid sudden movements, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before standing.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Modify diet: Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they can sometimes aggravate symptoms like flushing or a pounding heartbeat, which may accompany dizziness.
Eat regular meals: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels by eating regularly can help prevent lightheadedness.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

While many side effects, including dizziness, can subside as your body adjusts to the medication, it's important to consult a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage, or you may need to switch to a different medication if the side effects are intolerable. Do not stop taking your medication abruptly without consulting your doctor first, as this can cause your blood pressure to spike dangerously.

Conclusion

Amlodipine can cause dizziness and lightheadedness as a common side effect, primarily due to its blood pressure-lowering effect leading to postural hypotension. While less common, some individuals on amlodipine and other calcium channel blockers report experiencing true vertigo. This may be due to the medication's effect on inner ear blood flow or its systemic effects. Fortunately, for most people, the balance issues are mild and temporary, resolving as the body adjusts to the medication. By incorporating practical management strategies and maintaining open communication with a healthcare provider, individuals can effectively address amlodipine-related balance issues while continuing to manage their blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dizziness is a common side effect of amlodipine. It is particularly likely to occur when you first start taking the medication or when your dosage is increased, but it often improves as your body adjusts.

Amlodipine can cause dizziness by lowering your blood pressure too much, especially when you change positions quickly. This effect, known as postural hypotension, reduces blood flow to your brain temporarily, causing lightheadedness.

Dizziness from amlodipine is usually a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Vertigo is a distinct spinning sensation. While amlodipine can cause dizziness, true vertigo is a less common side effect, though it has been reported.

If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down immediately to prevent fainting. When you feel better, sit for a few moments before standing up slowly. Staying hydrated can also help manage the symptom.

No, you should not stop taking amlodipine suddenly without first consulting your doctor. Abruptly discontinuing the medication can cause your blood pressure to rise dangerously. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.

Yes, large amounts of grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the amount of amlodipine in your body, potentially making side effects like dizziness worse.

Yes, many blood pressure medications, including ACE inhibitors and diuretics, can cause dizziness or lightheadedness as a common side effect due to their blood-pressure-lowering effects.