I was told at the Mayo Clinic that a beta blocker, specifically Carvedilol, is just as effective and works just as well (apparently, for most people as well as for me) as a calcium channel blocker, specifically Amlodipine, at lowering blood pressure. They prescribe either or, or both. My brother, who is seven years older, has used both for quite a while. Switching was a no-brainer for me. I was having swelling and skin discoloration problems in my ankles, and sometimes feet and calves, while taking Amlodipine. In addition to Losartan, so far it has been more effective than Amlodipine, keeping my blood pressure below 130/80 most of the time, with sometimes as low as 110/60 and sometimes a few brief peaks to the 135/80 area. Very importantly, unlike Amlodipine, I've noticed no side effects from Carvedilol 6.25 mg twice a day. The praluent has also significantly diminished myalgia from the days of taking statin drugs as well, so now I'm back to feeling my younger self again. Of course, only time will tell how effective this will be. Hopefully, for years. I'm walking three to five days a week and hoping to lose about ten pounds to help keep metabolic and cholesterol conditions in check. It's my belief that the more natural health and fitness solutions I can find, the better it has been than taking more medications each with it's potential side effects and drug interactions. I think it's too easy for the average doctor or cardiologist to prescribe standard therapies when patients are disinclined or unable to change eating and exercise habits which would actually provide better life quality and a longer healthspan for most people.