re: Amlodipine. Frick I am old. Any input from prescribers or folks taking it?

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He's not going to hold my pud for an hour and break down stats and research papers with me.

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Is this what you actually want? If so, check out the JNC 8 guidelines on hypertension. amlodipine (Norvasc) is a calcium channel blocker. It block dihydropyridine calcium channels. To Better understand how it works, read about DHP calcium channels and how they work. Realize that this drug STOPS them from doing what they do (vasoconstriction or "clamping" down of the vessels). It's main action is to dilate coronary arteries + peripheral arterioles, it has little/no effect on the veins. Thus, if you'll go ahead and familiarize yourself with the "starling forces" on capillaries, an increase in arteriolar flow without an increase in venous dilation/flow, you increase the arteriolar hydrostatic pressure only, resulting in extravasation of some of the fluid, otherwise known as "edema" or "swelling" which is probably the most common side effect I've seen from it.

It's studied. It's safe. If I were to require a single pill for treatment of HTN, I would like a CCB (such as Norvasc) or an ACE/ARB first. Relatively benign drug, cheap, works great, minimal side effects that aren't all that life altering.