Ranolazine side effects (Ranexa) - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,704 members34,238 posts

Ranolazine side effects (Ranexa)

Rob6868 profile image
12 Replies

Hi everyone

I'm having some very odd and at times worrying effects and think it's my new medication Ranolazine.

I've noticed about an hour or so after taking my morning tablet I very suddenly come over very nauseous and very weak in my limbs and head feels like it's spinning and my heart is pumping harder I feel.

I feel literally spaced out and sick.

Can't focus properly either.

I cannot think of anything else it could be?I don't always get chest pain when this happens so I'm not thinking it's angina.Very overwhelming feeling of going to be sick and weak.

This is very very similar to how it started when I had to call the ambulance last week. Same feeling.

I take my asprin and my dilitazem and Ranolazine all at same time around 8.30am

But I was never getting this feeling before I started this particular med.

Does anyone know if these Meds do this?I don't want to keep calling the poor ambulance staff everytime I have this feeling. My head is literally spinning as I write this.And face feels very flush straight away?

Written by
Rob6868 profile image
Rob6868
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
12 Replies
Pommel profile image
Pommel

Hi Rob, it does sound a bit like it could be an allergy, but if you have any swelling or tightness in the throat best get help. I don't know the tablet, sounds like ranitidine... But don't worry about calling for help if you feel so awful! Take care xx

HectorsDad profile image
HectorsDad

Also on Ranolozine. Haven’t had any side effects that I’m aware of, and I seem to be sensitive to everything else- and it helps the angina, although not a complete answer. My understanding is that the potential for liver problems is the biggest issue-I’m on three weekly tests ( and there is something up).

I do get foggy/dizzy spells with angina, like a rising mist, but it happened before the Ranolozine.

Defiantly go back to doctor and/or cardiology. An allergy seems possible.

Rob6868 profile image
Rob6868

I'm now on two tablets a day mate.I really don't think this is angina.I think it's the bloody Ranolazine.

I'm sitting here wacked out.Not getting headaches as of yet

But seriously about an hour or so after taking them I feel bloody awful

and the only thing that has been changed is the medication.

Milkfairy never got on with it and I will be straight down docs to tell I'm not taking them again if it carries on.The ironic thing is that Prof Collins put me on these bloody things and took my other medication (namely the dilitazem I was on away) And it was the Diltiazem my local cardiologist gave me that seems to have worked better.

JonathanH profile image
JonathanH

Rob, ranolazine disagreed with me and I stopped after 2 doses. Diltiazem on the other hand works for me. After my 2nd dose of ranolazine I woke in the night feeling worse than ever: I felt indescribably weird and suffered hot flushes.

We all react differently to drugs. Stop taking it and see what happens. Do you have a stash of diltiazem?

Lots of sympathy from me.

Jonathan

Healthyheart1 profile image
Healthyheart1

Hi Rob6868 , I have the same symptoms since I started Ranalozine. I started on 375mg and then I was moved up to 500mg. 3 months after, been on the 500mg for nearly 3 months. The symptoms are not as bad as they first were. I'm trying to cope and fed up when it comes to a work day, I feel tired as well. Hope this helps, I am going back to the consultant 7th Oct. Good luck with everything x Sheena

Rob,

Do you have a BP machine? Some of these symptoms could possibly be low BP. I have had to stop taking my betablocker and am only on Nicorandil as my BP has been so low. It’s making me very tired, dizzy and a feeling that I am going to pass out. It was only when I took my BP after an episode that I realised the connection.

Rob6868 profile image
Rob6868 in reply to

I didn't think about that Tynemouth

Mind you when the ambulance crew.Will took my BP are work they said it was a little low but nothing to worry about especially as I'm on drugs to lower it.

in reply toRob6868

It’s the trend that’s important and how you react to low BP. Had a quick look at Ranalazine side effects and all your symptoms are there! I have really struggled to get a medication that is effectively very and doesn’t give me worse symptoms than the disease itself. 😔

Rob6868 profile image
Rob6868 in reply to

I know

It's just bloody ridiculous isn't it

As if we don't have enough to worry about with getting the medication correct

Scho1 profile image
Scho1

I had the same medications you refer to along with 40mg atorvastatin and had the same side effects as well as actually vomiting. I also had terrible muscular pains. Thankfully they were stopped in March of this year, and I have since been diagnosed With Barrett’s oesophagus. A gastroscope prior to starting the drugs showed nothing so I don’t know if this is a coincidence or not.

I would speak to your medical team as there are alternative drugs they can try if your current medication does not suit you.

Hope you feel better soon.

Charlietiger profile image
Charlietiger

Hi Rob6868,

I also take Ranolazine but I'm fine with this medication. I am aware of others who have had very similar side affects as you. I would suggest giving your cardiologist a call and switching to a medication that suits you. There are lots of different medications available.

As my cardiologist said: "the idea is to improve your symptoms and not give you more". This after I had bad side affects to a new medication. Good luck. xx

Fossicking profile image
Fossicking

Rob, Just looking back at posts after my heart valve in op in 2019 and came across your comments regarding Ranozaline. I have recently been prescribed this drug due breathlessnes symptoms having had an issue with my LAD artery (supplying left ventricle). I have yet to take it and was wondering what your final outcome was (are you still taking it or have you stopped)? Were you 350 or 500mg tablets?Mike

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Ramipril side effects

Hi all I'm new and at age 50 been diagnosed with high blood pressure and been prescribed ramipril...

Ranexa 375 mg prolonged-release Tablets \ Ranolazine 375 mg. Has anybody had any adverse effect from this medication.

My angina has recently become unstable. I did encourage my to GP to increase my dose of Ranolazine...
Leszo profile image

Ranolazine

Good afternoon, I have posted a few times before and would like to hear any views on another...
Mirador19 profile image

Ranolazine adverse reaction to other meds

Can someone please help I have been on Ranolazine for 2 and half weeks I was very concerned by the...
Misslowd profile image

What does unstable angina feel like?

I am very confused about the sensations of what exactly unstable angina is. My GP said it will be...
Leszo profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.