Headaches with Diltiazem/Tildiem

[Pikaia]

Hi all,

I have paroxysmal AF and I've been on 60mg diltiazem twice a day since the new year. I've being having more headaches as a result, but I've noticed recently that they are becoming more severe and lasting longer. The headache I have now has been present since Sunday. It's mainly in the left hemisphere and moves from front to back. Paracetamol dulls it slightly, but it never goes completely. Is this something other people have experienced with diltiazem, or should I pop to my GP? Thanks in advance for your advice!

[BobD Volunteer]

Have a look at the slip with the tablets to see if this is a common side effect. I would speak to my doctor if I were you in any case . When side effects are worse than what one is trying to stop then change the drug.

Bob

[Pikaia in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, looking at the slip, headaches are a side effect, but these should have worn off by now. I hope to see my GP tomorrow. It would be good to know if others have experienced the same headaches with diltiazem so I have more (or less) evidence that it is the culprit.

[Walker1234 in reply to Pikaia]

Hi I'm on Slozem...calcium channel blocker.. and I get headaches only been on Slozem since 16th February...I was hoping the headaches would go away with time ? I only have headaches nothing else.

[jennydog]

Tildiem didn't suit me at all. If I remember correctly it's a calcium channel blocker. It gave me swollen ankles ( never had them before ) and chronic constipation. I'd certainly take Bob's advice and speak to your doctor. There are so many alternatives available.

[Pikaia in reply to jennydog]

Yes, it's a calcium channel blocker. It hasn't affected my ankles or indeed anywhere else, but now I have these headaches so I'm wondering whether they are AF, the pills, or something else.

[Buffafly in reply to Pikaia]

I didn't have that problem, definitely speak to your GP about it, also note any other symptoms that go with it.

[pogven]

I certainly had headaches and dizziness with this drug. I was put onto losartan potassium instead, which has been fine.

[Winifredc]

Diltiazem does cause headaches... i could tolerate 90mgs once a day but anything above that killed me.. i came of them eventually. this was many years ago. I was taking them for angina which was treated with stents!..

[Jomama]

I have been on 240 mg diltiazem for years. Not one headache!