AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 4th Edition published in November 2003 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith Date: 5/4/2008 Subject: Norvasc and dehydration when running
Question Dr. Galbraith:
I am a 53 year old male. I run for exercise and run one marathon per year in addition to other shorter races. In January, my dr. put me on Norvasc for hypertension. My BP has dropped to acceptable levels since then. Today I ran a marathon and suffered severe cramping at mile 18, something that has never happened to me before. I have noticed that although I am training harder this year than ever before, my times are significantly slower since I have been on the drug. It is the only one I have ever taken beyond antibiotics for colds, etc.
Could the dehydration be related to the drug? I drank my usual amounts before and during the race, and as I have said I never experienced this cramping before. The weather was cool and did not seem to be a contributing factor.
Thank you-
Art Zulick
Answer Dear Art
I cannot find any reference that points to Norvasc being implicated in muscle pain or cramps. Fatigue and muscle weakness are reported with Norvasc but rarely. Likewise dehydration is not reported. I am not saying that Norvasc is not the cause but appears to be very unlikely. In view of your age it may be coincidental that the you think the Norvasc responsible and maybe it is your body telling you it is time to slow down. Exercise is good for your cardiovascular health but only in moderation and marathon running is hardly moderation. You have two options in my opinion – ask for a change in medication – there are plenty different classes of antihypertensives or slow down your exercise regime.
