Reader: In your column in the Sept./Oct. SEP about a person controlling their systolic BP, it mentioned the person taking quinine for cramps from the diuretic. One of the drugs mentioned was Norvasc. A few years ago I was taking Norvasc and experiencing very severe leg cramps. Whenever my doctor switched me to another drug in its place, the cramps stopped. Perhaps Norvasc is the cause of this person's cramps, as it was in my case.

We have gotten many helpful tips and information from your column and look forward to future issues of SEP.

Dr. Zipes: You raise an important point about drugs causing side effects. Norvasc (amlodipine is the generic name) is a long-acting calcium channel blocker. That means it inhibits the movement of calcium into the cells of blood vessels and the heart. The result, greater in the blood vessels than the heart, is for the blood vessel to dilate and the blood pressure to fall. Side effects can be dizziness, flushing, palpitations, headaches, nausea, and others. Leg cramps are not generally seen. However, and that is a BIG however, any drug can cause unique side effects in a particular patient and should always be considered as a potential cause. As happened to you, stopping the drug is the way to find out. Another big however is that suddenly stopping some drugs can precipitate other medical problems and should not be done without first checking with your doctor.