Ranolazine side effects (Ranexa)

[Rob6868]

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?

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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.

[Hidden in reply to Rob6868]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[Schora1]

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]

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]

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