New meds. Ugh

[flowerlad1]

My dr raised my ditalizem to 360mg. Took first one yesterday and I swear it was like I did not take anything. Afib and ASD Think I’ll go back to 300 today. Also bp was up. But I never check it Always upsets me when I do ... so annoyed

[Buffafly]

I think it takes several days for effect to build up? Maybe ask a pharmacist?

[flowerlad1 in reply to Buffafly]

yes I thought about that too... but i was so miserable yesterday.... i don't think i want to chance it again... i took my 300mg this morning and i am already feeling better.... but still not perfect yet.....

[Gowers]

My cardiologist advised that if I got on ok with the 180mg dose then i could have it increased to 240mg (which I did) but after just 3days on 240mg I had af attack that - as usual came on very unexpected after a lovely day out at garden centre! I phoned gp next day and he agreed to me going back on 180mg.

But, when I saw cardiologist week later he said the the increased dose would not have caused the af. However, I am still on the 180mg and getting on ok.

It is so difficult getting med's and their doseage right as can be seen on the various posts on this site.

It was disappointing to have the af on the higher dose as I have certainly felt better on this medication compared to Bisoporol 2.5 which although a low dose gave me ectopics that last a day and horrible heavy pressure feeling in the chest & the usual tiredness.

Did you start on a low dose?

[flowerlad1 in reply to Gowers]

I did start on a low dose.... but moved to 240mg pretty quickly... it was okay... but when i go to the dr my bp spikes and so they changed it to 300mg that day..... i'm doing good today with the 300mg.... so thinking this should be okay.... sometimes mfg of the meds mess with me as well... so i'm not sure what is going to happen.....

it is not fun when you have a great day and end up dealing with af...... depresses me so

[Gowers in reply to flowerlad1]

I know what you mean!

On Bisoporol my heart rate & bp were low but now feel heart rate is faster and bp higher though cardiologist not unduly concerned. May give 240mg another go.

Your right - it is important to stick to same manufacturer - but not easy! i had gp make a note of it on my repeat prescriptions mine has to be ordered in but only takes day or two.

[cuore in reply to Gowers]

I would challenge your cardiologist's conclusion, Gowers. First, how can he be absolutely sure and second medicines can cause AF. It is not surprising that he would say that as he/she prescribed it to you. What was the purpose of the higher dose as you were fine with the lower?

[Madscientist16]

I was moved from 120 mg to 180 mg diltiazem because of runs of ectopics. The 180 mg made them WORSE. My EP didn't believe me until he checked the EKG. I was put back on 120 mg and still get small runs of ectopics, but nothing like when I was on the 180 mg.

[flowerlad1 in reply to Madscientist16]

exactly.... well i went back to 300mg and feel much better...like my old self