Diltiazem

[Wellperson]

Had an ablation for atrial flutter last year bur still suffering from shortage of breath and episodes of AF which usually last for a couple of hours. Taking Dabigatran and Flecainide but have now been prescribed diltiazem 60mg twice a day. Has anybody had experience of diltiazem?

[mjames1]

Diltiazem is often prescribed with flecainide for safety reasons. Most seem to tolerate Diltiazem better than beta blockers, for example. I've taken the same dose Diltiazem as you are. Not too bad, but you will notice that your exercise heart rate will decrease some. Also, some people get swelling in the ankles but not everyone.

Jim

[Cat04]

I became intolerant of beta blockers and was changed to Tildiem 300 (diltiazem) the only side effects I suffer are constipation & sometimes insomnia.

[KMRobbo]

I took diltiazem for 10 months before and after my AFib cryoablation ( along with flecainide). I found it very hard work as the 200mg restricted my HR to 137 bpm which made running hard work. I also had sone breathlessness on walking ug up hills and stairs and suffered from brain fog/ forgetfulness a lot.

However I deveoped Atrial Flutter ( right atria) 9 days after my succesful AFib ablation and the diltiazem controlled my HR at a very steady 140bpm whilst I was waiting for an ablation for that. So it did its job as rate control.

I felt the dose was too high for me at 200mg.

We are all different with drugs side effects so would recommend you try it.

I could not tolerate the beta blockers i tried so there was not much alternative.

[Qualipop]

I was given it for arrhythmia. I took just one tablet and came up in a rash everywhere. I have a history of stupid reactions to meds.

[John67]

Good morning, I have taken diltiazem for the past three years,180mg once a day. No problems at all with it. Regards

John

[AustinElliot]

Also on 180mg once a day, currently feel good on it. I might have had some on-boarding issues. Felt like it was creating anxiety (even though its suppose to help with that)(but that could have been just general anxiety from the AF diagnosis)

I think maybe it has prevented several AF episodes. I.e. I feel like my HR is up for no reason for a bit (not in AF) but sort of that pre-AF feeling. Anyway overall, no problems.

[Cookie24]

No problems with Diltiazem

[djmnet]

I've been on 180mg extended release for several years and have no issues at all with it -- much better than beta blockers that made me exhausted all the time.

[BaileyC57 in reply to djmnet]

I agree I like this drug better too because Metropolo made me dizzy and tired!

[dwright12]

I was instructed to take it when I'm in afib.

[BaileyC57]

I am on DILTIAZEM 120 mg once a day and went to my heart doctor this morning and said I was doing good! He took me off the metropolo with diltiazem because it made me dizzy with both drugs! Now I just take Diltiazem for a month now!

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I have taken Diltiazem CCB since December 2021.

A Godsend.

It takes my Heart Rate down to 60s day and doesn't interfere with my 47 avg rate at night. It was rapid AF since Sept 2019 at stroke admittance.

No swelling. Take separately AM or PM away from beta blocker.

Leave 1/2 hour before food my Dr says. On Diltiazem AM and low dose Bisoprolol PM.

Cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)