Amlodipine and olmesartan were originally approved for use in the treatment of hypertension, and may also be recommended for patients with anxiety. Most patients use this medication to control high blood pressure in both short and long term contexts. Some cases of anxiety may benefit from amlodipine and olmesartan, depending on how it presents and how well the patient responds to the therapy. Before recommending the drugs, a doctor may want to conduct a careful evaluation to determine if the patient is at risk of dangerous side effects.
These two drugs act on different parts of the cardiovascular system and can work together to reduce the workload on the heart. In addition to lowering high blood pressure to a safer level, amlodipine and olmesartan can also protect the heart. Patients with high blood pressure are at increased risk of potentially serious cardiovascular complications in the long term, including kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke. Aggressive management of hypertension may be necessary to protect patients.
Olmesartan acts as an antagonist against angiotensin II receptors, forcing blood vessels to relax and remain open. This lowers blood pressure and can allow more blood to reach the heart and extremities. The amlodipine blocks calcium channels in the heart to slow the heart rate. When the heart doesn’t beat as quickly, blood pressure drops, and the heart doesn’t have to work so hard, which can reduce the risk of damage to the muscle.
Patients with high blood pressure may take this combination of medications if they do not respond to more conservative treatments. In some cases, the amlodipine and olmesartan may be used for just a short period of time, to bring the blood pressure down and stabilize it. Other patients take the drugs for long term use. They may take additional blood pressure control medications and can also modify their diets and lifestyles to address the problem. Regular checkups may be necessary to monitor blood pressure and check for signs of complications.
In off-label use for anxiety, a doctor may determine that a patient could benefit from amlodipine and olmesartan in high stress situations. The drugs can regulate a patient’s heart rate and blood pressure before activities like giving presentations. This can help the patient stay calm and focused, without experiencing some of the unpleasant effects of anxiety like a racing heart, clamminess, and dizziness. Other medications are also available to manage anxiety symptoms if these are not effective for a patient or could pose a health risk.
