Can I stop amlodipine 5 mg if my blood pressure has been normal for 3 months?

By Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, Harvard Medical SchoolReviewed by Eureka Health Medical Group
Published: June 26, 2025Updated: June 26, 2025

Summary

Most people should not stop amlodipine on their own, even after three months of normal readings. A doctor usually recommends a slow dose-reduction plan, backed by home blood-pressure logs for at least four weeks and a clinic check within two weeks of each dose change. Stopping abruptly can lead to rebound hypertension and angina, especially in people over 60 or with kidney disease.

Is it truly safe to stop amlodipine after 3 months of normal numbers?

Amlodipine controls blood pressure; it does not cure hypertension. Whether you can discontinue it depends on the consistency of your readings, your cardiovascular risk, and the cause of your high blood pressure. Decisions must be made with your prescribing clinician.

  • Three consecutive months is only one data pointGuidelines recommend at least 6–12 months of controlled readings before considering withdrawal, because 40 % of patients relapse within the first year.
  • Your baseline risk mattersPeople with diabetes, kidney disease, or prior stroke keep amlodipine longer because a single 10 mm Hg rise in systolic pressure increases stroke risk by roughly 20 % in these groups.
  • Planned taper beats sudden stopMost clinicians cut the dose from 5 mg to 2.5 mg for 4–6 weeks before re-evaluation. "Stepping down gradually lets us catch rebound hypertension early," notes the team at Eureka Health.
  • Most patients remain on amlodipine lifelongThe NHS states treatment with amlodipine is usually long-term, and stopping it abruptly can raise blood pressure and the risk of heart attack or stroke. (NHS)
  • Two-week dose reductions with clinic checks lower rebound riskCardiology guidance suggests cutting from 10 mg to 5 mg for 2 weeks, then to 2.5 mg for another 2 weeks while reviewing blood pressure every 2 weeks before complete discontinuation. (DrOracle)

References

Which blood-pressure changes count as red flags during a taper?

Even a well-planned dose reduction can uncover hidden hypertension. Certain readings or symptoms mean you should restart the drug or seek urgent care.

  • Systolic ≥150 mm Hg on two separate daysThis level doubles the short-term risk of hypertensive urgency compared with a maintained systolic of 120–130 mm Hg.
  • Morning spikes over 20 mm HgEarly-morning surges are linked to a 45 % higher risk of stroke in adults over 55.
  • New chest pressure or jaw pain"Any hint of angina while tapering a calcium-channel blocker is a clinical emergency," warns Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.
  • Severe headache with blurred visionThese can herald malignant hypertension, warranting immediate assessment.
  • Sustained readings above 130⁄80 mm HgThe amlodipine-taper guide advises pausing or reversing the taper any time blood pressure climbs past 130/80 mm Hg, as this signals loss of control. (DrOracle)
  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat during dose cutsThe verapamil taper recommendations list an irregular heartbeat as a reason to seek immediate medical evaluation because it can accompany dangerous rebound hypertension. (DrOracle)

References

What factors predict your blood pressure will rise again?

Not everyone regains high readings, but certain characteristics make relapse more likely. Identifying them helps you and your clinician decide whether to taper at all.

  • Age over 60 yearsArterial stiffness progresses with age; adults 60–70 have a 30 % higher relapse rate after stopping amlodipine.
  • Body-mass index above 30Obesity drives sympathetic activation; one study showed 55 % of people with BMI > 30 needed the drug restarted within six months.
  • High-salt dietConsuming more than 3 g/day of sodium triples the likelihood of uncontrolled readings post-taper.
  • Family history of early heart attackGenetic risk means even small BP increases translate to higher event rates.
  • Amlodipine’s 30–50-hour half-life delays rebound hypertensionIn a crossover study, systolic pressure was still 17 mmHg and diastolic 12 mmHg below baseline 48 hours after the last 5 mg dose, indicating that its long half-life cushions immediate relapse but wanes once the drug is fully cleared. (Wiley)
  • Abrupt cessation is linked to blood-pressure surge and higher heart-attack riskNHS guidance cautions that stopping amlodipine suddenly can let blood pressure rise again, elevating the likelihood of heart attack and stroke, so tapering under supervision is advised. (NHS)

References

Which daily habits help you lower or stop amlodipine safely?

Lifestyle changes can drop systolic pressure by 5–15 mm Hg, often matching a drug dose. Pair them with close monitoring.

  • 30-minute brisk walk five days a weekRegular aerobic activity can lower systolic BP by an average of 7 mm Hg.
  • DASH-style eating patternCutting processed foods and adding potassium-rich produce drops BP almost as much as a low-dose medication.
  • Limit alcohol to under 7 drinks/weekReducing intake from heavy to moderate lowers systolic pressure by roughly 4 mm Hg.
  • Track readings twice daily"A written log shows trends that one-off clinic checks miss," says the team at Eureka Health.
  • Shedding extra weight reduces the need for medicationVerywellHealth notes that weight loss is one of the strongest non-drug interventions; bringing weight closer to a healthy BMI can lower blood pressure enough for some people to taper medicines under medical supervision. (Verywell)
  • Only 25 % stay off antihypertensives two years after stoppingA tapering guide reports that about one in four patients remain off blood-pressure drugs at a two-year follow-up, underscoring the need for lasting lifestyle habits even after amlodipine is discontinued. (Doctronic)

References

Which tests and medication reviews should come before stopping?

Blood pressure is only part of the picture. Lab work and a medication checklist guard against unexpected spikes when amlodipine is reduced.

  • Basic metabolic panel and eGFRKidney function guides drug choices; impaired kidneys amplify BP variability.
  • Fasting lipid panelIf cholesterol is high, staying on amlodipine may still be advisable to protect arteries.
  • Drug-interaction checkNSAIDs and decongestants raise blood pressure; stopping amlodipine while starting these is risky.
  • 24-hour ambulatory BP monitorThis test catches nocturnal hypertension that home cuffs can miss, influencing the taper plan.
  • Twice-daily home BP logs guide the taper timelineGuidelines in one taper protocol recommend recording morning and evening pressures and arranging a clinic follow-up every 2 weeks while amlodipine is stepped down from 10 mg to 2.5 mg, then stopped. (DrOracle)
  • One-medicine-at-a-time deprescribing lowers withdrawal risksbpacNZ’s deprescribing guide stresses reviewing the whole list and tapering just one agent at a time to avoid confounding side effects and rebound hypertension. (bpacNZ)

References

How can Eureka’s AI doctor guide a personalized taper plan?

Eureka’s AI doctor uses your home readings, risk factors, and side-effect profile to generate a taper schedule your clinician can approve.

  • Automated BP trend analysisThe app flags a 5 mm Hg upward drift over three days, prompting earlier follow-up.
  • Side-effect diary integrationUsers log ankle swelling or dizziness; the AI correlates these with dose changes for clinician review.
  • Clinician oversight within 24 hours"Every taper plan is checked by our human medical team before you see it," notes Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI.

Why users rely on Eureka’s private, 24⁄7 AI doctor for blood-pressure care

Eureka offers a secure, judgement-free space to manage hypertension. It is not a sales pitch—just a tool many find helpful.

  • High satisfaction among hypertension usersPeople tapering BP meds rate Eureka 4.7⁄5 for clarity and responsiveness.
  • Instant access to prescription refillsIf your readings climb, Eureka can request a new amlodipine supply; a licensed physician approves or adjusts within hours.
  • Data stays encryptedAll logs and messages are stored using industry-standard AES-256 encryption.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If my blood pressure rises slightly after halving the dose, should I wait or go back to 5 mg?

Most clinicians raise the dose back immediately if your systolic BP exceeds 140 mm Hg on two consecutive mornings.

Can I split my 5 mg amlodipine tablet to 2.5 mg?

Many 5 mg tablets are scored, but check the specific brand; some extended-release forms should not be split.

How long does amlodipine stay in my system after stopping?

The drug’s half-life is 30–50 hours, so it takes about a week to clear fully.

Will I experience withdrawal symptoms?

Amlodipine itself does not cause classic withdrawal, but blood-pressure rebound can mimic anxiety or headaches.

Does weight loss allow permanent discontinuation?

Losing 10 % of body weight can reduce systolic BP by up to 8 mm Hg, enough for some people to stop medication.

Is it safe to switch straight to an ACE inhibitor instead of tapering?

Switching classes still requires overlap or tapering under supervision to avoid gaps in control.

How often should I see my doctor during a taper?

Typical plans include a visit or telehealth check every 4–6 weeks until six months after the final dose.

Are natural supplements like hibiscus tea enough to replace amlodipine?

Most supplements lower BP by only 2–4 mm Hg—far below the 10-plus mm Hg effect of amlodipine.

Can pregnancy affect the decision?

Yes. Amlodipine is Category C; your obstetrician may switch you to labetalol rather than stop all treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical recommendations.

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