problems with amlodipine

I have very high blood pressure and have been taking lisinopril (40mg) and amlodipine. It is still high but good enough for my practitioner to not increase my meds. He knows I don't like taking meds unless I absolutely need them. BUT -- my ankles really swell up with amlodipine. I spoke to him about it but all he said was that it was edema. He did not change it for another med. I have read that amlodipine is restricted in Holland and several other countries. I wonder what meds might be used instead of amlodipine, also I wonder why it is so prescribed here.