Update - Bisoprolol to Diltiazem

[tealdozer]

Just to update from my previous post where I mentioned changing from Bisoprolol to Diltiazem. I had been on 1.25 mg Bisoprolol for about 5 months but hated the awful side effects (tiredness and shortness of breath) and found I was in AF most days, even tried Flecainide twice daily but that did nothing for me. Anyway GP changed me to 120mg XL Diltiazem about 5 weeks ago, first week felt much better but at the end of that week had a really bad AF episode and I ended up going to A&E just to be safe (I thought that was the quickest way to get it resolved, bearing in mind the nightmare it is even trying to get a telephone appt with a GP).

A&E decided my AF was uncontrolled and upped my Diltiazem to 180mg. This did the trick ! (Don't know whether I was on too low a dose of Diltiazem or whether coming off the Bisoprolol caused this incident). I have been on this dosage now for 4 weeks and I have never felt better, got loads of energy (for a 72 year old !) and had no AF symptoms for a couple of weeks. I felt it was a gradual improvement over the 4 weeks rather than an instant improvement, but am now very happy on this medication - I have no noticeable side effects.

If anyone is struggling with Bisoprolol I do recommend considering asking your GP about Diltiazem, it may not work for everyone but it is definitely working for me.

[bantam12]

No it didn’t work for me, Diltiazem made my heart race all the time so I went back to Bisoprolol.

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to bantam12]

Hi

Sounds like something performed that. With Diltiazem 180mg my H/R dropped 105bpm within 2 hours!

Changed to 120mg AM and still needed control BP so 2.5mg PM.

Balanced 124/69. 60s H/R PM. and controlled cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)

[BobD Volunteer]

Many people (like me) can't take calcium channel blockers due to causing oedema .

[Threecats]

Hi Tealdozer

Good to hear your positive post. I’m glad the Diltiazem has worked out so well for you. I also requested a switch from Bisoprolol to Diltiazem, as I was finding the side-effects of the beta-blocker on my asthma was becoming troublesome. Diltiazem didn’t suit me, unfortunately and so I thought that was it with CCBs but then my EP suggested I tried Verapamil and that has been fine. Like you, I feel so much better since switching. Long may that continue for both of us!

All the best, TC

[tealdozer in reply to Threecats]

Thank you.

[Stentrunner]

I got Diltiazem instead of Bisoprolol at my GP’s insistence (v slow HR). I’m 73, and was put on 2x60mg which has worked out fine. I think younger folks get 3x60mg, so maybe your body thinks it’s still much younger!

Hope it keeps going well. J

[Ppiman]

That was good to read!

Steve

[smn100]

Glad it's working for you. I take Bisoprolol and Diltizem....lucky me lol

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to smn100]

Hi

So do I.

Do you separate the two?

Because they can contra.

Cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)

[smn100 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

No take all my tablets together can't be messing around with different times I've got a life lol

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to smn100]

Hi

Talk to your H/Specialist or Google online.

It's all there.. plus Nurse at NZ Heart Foundation directed me.

You could lower your dosage if you followed instructions.

Just as well you haven't had Ca Thyroidectomy. Have pills thyroxin at early morning, wait 1 hour before other pills or breakfast. To live!

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Hardjuice]

I’ve been on Diltiazem for a few year side effects Edema ( terrible)

Went pace and ablate two week ago today Off channel blockers which was the sole purpose of pace and ablate

Legs not as bad but still swollen but mayb early days

I’ll be disappointed if they don’t come down

Glad your feeling well long May it continue

[Cookie24]

Diltiazem was prescribed when first diagnosed. Still taking after almost 7 years. No problems with it.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I take both.

Diltiazem 120mg AM for rate control now in 60s Day 47 always avge at night.

Bisoprolol 2.5 PM for BP controlled

=. 110-128. /. 69. 60s Day 47 Night

I'm happy and it feels good.

Yes I do exert myself in moderation. We tried various ways leaving out Diltiazem NO and then leaving off Bisoprolol NO then reducing it NO.

It was good to get over the trials.

A BB and CCB need to be separated.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)