Hi @unmanageable, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You have been trying to manage your high blood pressure for quite some time, and have found a good place to share with others.

Like you, I take amlodipine. My blood pressure is controlled, though and at least for the past couple of months have not had much ankle swelling. I am not sure I completely understand but my doctors seem to. I have focused on what they tell me is in my control to help, and when I do this my medication seems to work better.

I doubt I am telling you anything here, but I found a couple resources that are good summaries about high blood pressure. You may find something in them valuable.
- Hypertension Overview ( I want to draw your attention to the “Self Care” section of the Diagnosis & Treatment tab where there are specific results listed for each item we can do)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410
- More Than Stress: What You Eat Affects Your Blood Pressure:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/blood-pressure
What does your prescribing doctor(s) say about your swelling and head pain? Is it your upper or lower number (or both) that is concerning? Does your doctor think it would make a difference what schedule you follow to take your medication?

@unmanageable Continue working with your doctor. Do you see a cardiologist? There are reasons BP can be hard to control. Also some people, like me, have to take several different classes of medication and split between am and pm dosing. I and being evaluated for some rather rare conditions like a neuroendocrine tumor and FMD. Those can be treated with minor surgeries. It would be great not to require so much medication but I do tolerate propanol, olmesarten and hydralazine well.