Is it possible to change from Bisoprolol to diltiazem

[Seena2019]

I am tapering Bisoprolol and am eager to know if I can switch over to Diltiazem immediately?

[mjames1]

Hi Seena,

It's difficult to answer to question because it is not very specific.

But in general, each drug is in a different class. Bisopolol a beta blocker and Diltiazem a calcium channel blocker. However, they are often used for the same conditions, so yes, many people do switch from one to another for various reasons. In my case I switched from a beta blocker to Diltiazem because I don't tolerate beta blockers very well.

Beta blockers like Bisopolol may require a weaning period depending on dosage and durationm, while calcium channel blockers generally do not. Both of these drugs come in various dosages and in both instant release forms and time release forms.

So whether or not to switch immediately from Bisopolol to a calcium channel blocker is really a question for your doctor who knows your complete medical history.

You can give us more specifics about your situation if you like, but the final decision again should be left to your doctor.

Jim

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[Seena2019 in reply to mjames1]

Hi i am on Biso from last 5 months , i had bypass surgery in Jan this year, but since I am asthmatic, my doctor has suggested me to taper the drug and stop it. I have been tapering the medicine from last two months and in another month will stop it completely. But I did not know that switching can be done even without tapering as it has happened in few cases.

[mjames1 in reply to Seena2019]

I would follow your doctor's taper schedule. Did he also suggest Diltiazem at the end of the taper?

Yes, some here, including myself, have been told they can stop beta blockers without tapering. However, I was on an extremely low dose and only for a week or so. A tapering schedule would depend on multiple factors including what dose you were on, how long you were on it and your doctor's judgement.

Jim

[etheral]

No reason not to start Diltiazam after Bisoprolol taper if necessary.

[Nannysue1]

I couldnt tolerate bisoprolol and the fatigue it caused. I switched to Diltiazem without any break inbetween and had no ill effects.

[Seena2019 in reply to Nannysue1]

thanks Nan, but how long were you on Biso?

[beach_bum in reply to Nannysue1]

Ditto.

[Nannysue1]

I think I tried it for about 6 months.

[marvaldebaran]

My cardiologist did switch me from a long standing, low dose of bisoprolol, 2.5 mg daily, onto Diltiazem the next day without any tapering or fuss. Then, I similarly switched back after the side effects from Diltiazem were worse than those from bisoprolol. My problem with both is tissue swelling. My only notable cardiac condition is brief paroxysmal AF once or twice a year, after I acquired sepsis at a dentist.

[Seena2019 in reply to marvaldebaran]

How long were you on Biso?

[marvaldebaran in reply to Seena2019]

Almost 5 years.

[beach_bum]

Exactly what James said.

[bantam12]

I switched straight over with no problems but after a month I went back to taking Bisoprolol because Diltiazem didn’t work for me.

[ETHEL103]

I switched from Biso to verapimil straight away ,no probs but your gp will advise.Good luck.

[Seena2019 in reply to ETHEL103]

thanks, how long you were on Biso?

[ETHEL103 in reply to Seena2019]

About 2 months.I couldn't even walk around the house without puffing.No probs on Verapimil.

[SuziElley]

This is something you should discuss with your doctor.

[Puzzled8]

I’ve just been switched by gp. She advised me to have stopped Bisoprolol for full 24 hours before starting Diltiazem. Had been on Bisoprolol for just under 2 years- wasn’t working and couldn’t tolerate higher doze. As others have said, check with gp or chemist.