Has anyone had problems with Diltiazem

[BaileyC57]

I fell shaky and my head in like in a different place, dizzy and cannot think strait! My head feels terrible and could not drive if I wanted too! I have been on it for 40days but feels worst today! I am on 120 mg once a day!

[mjames1]

Diltiazem 120 slow release made me feel off and shaky for 3-4 hours a day. I switched to the fast acting 30mg tabs (4x/day) which is the equivalent dose and felt better. Something to discuss with your doctor. Feel better!

Jim

[BaileyC57 in reply to mjames1]

I fell shaky when I get up in the morning! I am a little shaky now!

[Buffafly]

Do you know what your HR and BP are? Diltiazem could be taking both too low. I felt like you when I was taking a BP med as well although my BP had returned to its normal low level.

[BaileyC57 in reply to Buffafly]

My heart rate is in the 90's and my BP IS about 107 to 124.

[Buffafly in reply to BaileyC57]

If that’s your systolic pressure it’s low but not too low. My problem was my diastolic pressure being too low.

[BaileyC57 in reply to Buffafly]

My bottom number is in the 60's and 78.

[BobD Volunteer]

We are all different and some of us just can't take calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem. I thought I was dying (and wanted to ) after just two pills.

[BaileyC57 in reply to BobD]

How did you feel , thought you going to die!

[mav7]

BaileyC57 Good advice by BobD above, check with your doctor about a change in dosage or medication.

That said, side effects sometimes lessen as your system adjusts, though 40 days is considerable time.

[Cat04]

I changed to Tildiem 300 once daily because I became intolerant to beta blockers. The only side effects I have are insomnia and constipation but as Bob says everyone needs to find what suits them- a discussion with your GP is needed.

[bassets]

I was very tired when I was diagnosed and began taking Dilitiazem which was what a nice registrar told me. He also said he'd had to take it as part of his medical training and was amazed that it stopped him exercising at the time. I have been taking it for six years now and haven't had any real problems with it. You may need to change this.

[AustinElliot]

I don't believe mine was severe like yours. On the first 60-90 days, I felt that the Diltiazem 180 was increasing my anxiety (when its suppose to do the opposite)

I was able to keep on it, and 9 months into it feel pretty good on it. Hope you feel better

[BaileyC57 in reply to AustinElliot]

Are you still on it? Or why did you get off and what are you on meds now?

[AustinElliot in reply to BaileyC57]

Hi Bailey,

Still on it, my Cardiologist said "hopefully it will help you avoid an AF episode" I am feeling good on it so I am not rocking that boat. Thanks

[Sweetmelody]

After 24 hours on diltiazem, I stood up from watching Masterpiece Theater on my iPad in bed, blacked out, fell, and broke my arm. That was in 2021 when I was first diagnosed with afib at the ER.

My normal BP is on the low side. Nobody thought to ask me about that or to tell me syncope (fainting) is listed as one of the not uncommon side effects of diltiazem, especially in people prone to low BP.

Pre-warned, my doc and I later tried diltiazem again when metoprolol and amiodarone in particular were busts. No go.

Diltiazem, metoprolol, amiodarone: all have side effects that make me feel worse than the afib-tachycardia and none of them have controlled either rate or rhythm. I’m glad heart meds work for some, but I’m not one of them.

Had I it to do over again, I’d go straight for an ablation as the first line of treatment and skip fooling around with drugs, which only make me feel worse, not better, and don’t do what they are heralded to do. But that’s me, not everyone.

Good luck negotiating your way through the heart drug maze. Talk to your doc about an ablation, which gets to the substrate, the underlying causes of one’s arrhythmias, and corrects their source—gets to the heart of the matter, so to speak.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I was lightheaded on 180mg 1/2 dose of Diltiazem. I was reduced to 120mg. AM.

Do separate Beta Blockers with CCBs.

2.5mg and reduced to Bisoprolol at night. BP rises with most folks early AM.

Sounds too large a dose for you. Or take it at night instead of AM. Swap timing.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[BaileyC57 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

I am on 120 too, but still feel not right, But metropolo made me feel like that too , so maybe it is just my head!

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to BaileyC57]

Hi

Remember that CCBs and BBs should not be taken TOGETHER or close together so I have CCB AM and BB PM.

I had lots of trouble with breathlessness and energy. Pauses showed up in 24-hr heart monitor. I was lethargic.

CCB for me H/Rate

BB for me BP.

try something different. Bisoprolol is better for AFers.

cheri JOY