diltiazem and Parkinsonism

[Cabot]

Has anyone heard of calcium channel blockers like diltiazem causing Parkinson’s symptoms? I was just told by a very reputable foot doctor that it is common, can cause rigidity etc. He said most cardiologist’s weren’t aware of this significant side effect.

[Jalia]

I certainly wasn't aware of this and will look further into it. My husband is the PWP and has been on Diltiazem for many years..before his diagnosis. Thank you.

[Cabot in reply to Jalia]

Dear Jalia,

I am sorry to hear of your husband's diagnosis. I don't want to raise false hope but if diltiazem can induce Parkinsonism symptoms perhaps he doesn't have Parkinson's. The story seems complicated--from the little I have seen it can take 2 years, perhaps more, for the symptoms to fade after discontinuation. And in some cases they don't fade as they have unmasked Parkinson's that was on the way. To make things even more murky, diltiazem may have a protective effect on the development of Parkinson's itself.

This area is a place where angels fear to tread because Parkinson's is such a significant diagnosis.

Best wishes to you and your husband.

[Jalia in reply to Cabot]

Oh he's got Parkinson's alright! I will look into this as it may be affecting the way his Levodopa works. All very interesting anyhow.

[LowT]

From AI:

Diltiazem is not commonly associated with causing Parkinson's disease or Parkinsonism, but individual responses to medications can vary, and other factors might contribute to the development of Parkinsonian symptoms

You said he’s a foot doctor?

[Cabot in reply to LowT]

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, a foot doctor, the best of whom recognize the impact of systemic factors on the feet. I am not aware of a large scale study showing the magnitude of the effect, but apparently it is well known as a causative agent of Drug Induced Parkinsonism. We can all hope the rate is small.

[Buffafly in reply to Cabot]

Parkinsonism is not the same as Parkinson’s as it is a side effect, not a disease. That’s how I see it.

[Cabot in reply to LowT]

Your reply raises an important question about who knows what in this area! Sometimes the signal may be stronger for foot doctors...such humility does the practice of medicine require! And certainly, as you say, individual responses vary.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to LowT]

My dentist could tell by looking at my tongue that I lacked a B vitamin. So I take a B-Complex tablet now. It's quite amazing what other specialists other than GP's can tell us.

[Cabot in reply to jeanjeannie50]

What a great story! So true.

[FraserB]

As LowT posted individual responses to medications can vary. Some can take CCB for decades without problems. Others may be different.

Diltiazem reduces calcium channel ions activity and release levels based on the dosage and individual physiology and makeup. One of the benefits of reducing calcium channel ions in the heart is that it assists in rate control of AF and AFl as well as aiding other heart conditions such as angina.

Dopamine neurons also rely on calcium channels hence the theory that Diltiazem may cause Parkinsonism especially if the calcium channels are reduced.

Ironically CCB may also be protective and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. As to why, still not enough research/studies.

There are numerous interactions in the body that influence whether someone will present with any disease or syndrome. To make a blanket statement that one factor predominates overall is difficult. My mother developed Parkinsonism due to small vascular strokes (resistance high blood pressure) and she was on beta blockers and diuretics.

[Cabot in reply to FraserB]

Thank you so much for your reply, FraserB, it is very helpful indeed.

[Cabot in reply to FraserB]

Best wishes to your mother. I am sorry for what she went through and appreciate your sharing so that we come to better understand what can happen.

[Cookie24 in reply to FraserB]

Interesting post. have taken Diltiazem for 7 years. Will you send a link to the source of this information?

[Cabot in reply to Cookie24]

My original source was a physician, followed by some internet searching to see what was out there. I'll send some links that might be of interest.

[Spiritji]

I have been taking it for over 10 years and not having that going on

[Spiritji]

Also curious what are the symptoms your foot doctor see's besides some kind of rigidity and what kind of rigidity.........

[Cabot in reply to Spiritji]

So glad you haven't had issues with it.

Good question about what the doctor saw, I am actually not clear on it.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I was reading about CCBs today when we had ACCORD here to replace shortage but back here.

Not listed on side effects. It relaxes heart muscles does Diltiazem.

Parkinsons is an autoimmune disease. A chap got it here through working in an office with bags of agricultural stuff around him. Probably fertilizer.

Its difficult to diagnose. You need an neuro specialist. Some tremor and you can't walk in a straight line.

When I was tested for Essential Tremor I had to walk one foot in front of the other to rule out Parkinsons. No I didnt have it.

cherio jOY. 75. (NZ)

It can cause fluid build up so raise your legs at bedtime.

My dose is low @ 120mg Diltiazem. It bought down my heart rate from Bisoprolol @ 156.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Thinking about it in one of my Neurology Magazines research found that it started in the stomach.

cherio JOY

[Cabot in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thank you! Yes I have also heard of the work on the gut and Parkinson's. Important work!

[Ducky2003]

I am a foot health practitioner and have never heard of that. I've also been on Diltiazem for 8 years, with no apparent issues in that department.Perhaps its more a case of the condition being exacerbated by the medication rather than being caused by it.

I will look into it and consult with colleagues.

[Swimsyroke in reply to Ducky2003]

Thank you. Please let us know the outcome as I'm thinking of going on dilatazem. Also does anyone know another recommended CCB

[Cabot in reply to Swimsyroke]

From what I have seen diltiazem may not be the worst offender. And apparently many do well on it. Best wishes to you in finding the right medication for you!

[Cabot in reply to Ducky2003]

I am so glad it has been a boon to you. I would be interested in hearing the results of your consultations!

[BaileyC57]

Does anyone know if other beta blockers cause Parkinsonism symptom? I am shaky and been on Metroprolol for 4 yrs and now on Nebivolol and went off Metroprolol!

[Cabot in reply to BaileyC57]

I am sorry to hear of the shakiness and hope something may be done about it.