Medication. Swollen ankles may occur as a side effect from certain drugs. For instance, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, verapamil, and Isoptin SR are used to control blood pressure. Equally, they may cause ankle swelling. Other medications that may cause the ankles to swell include corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like the ibuprofen and naproxen. Also, certain antidepressants such as desipramine may cause the ankles to swell. Your doctor may prescribe another alternative to the medication causing the swelling.
