medication anxiety

[24623057]

Had anyone taken Diltiazem slow release for pvc’s and has it helped? Many thanks

[Tos92]

Hi 24623057

Diltiazem belongs to a group of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. It can be used to treat blood pressure, angina, and a high heart rate.

I take Diltiazem for a different issue which are coronary artery spasms.

It is a safe drug and with low side effects. Be rest assured that your doctor or cardiologist would not have prescribed this without taking your condition into consideration fully.

There is also another calcium channel blocker called Verapamil and is also used to treat a high heart rate. So it is not uncommon to see calcium channel blockers being prescribed to treat certain arrhythmias.

I would give it a go and see if you notice a difference in the occurrence of your PVCs. Any side effects which worry you should be discussed with your GP/cardiologist.

All the best.

Tos

[24623057 in reply to Tos92]

Thank you for ur reply, it’s much appreciated and I will start my first dose tonite. Fingers crossed I have minimal side effects.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I have been taking slow release Diltiazem for 11 years.I take a very high dose of Diltiazem Retard, 240mgs twice a day.

It helps to prevent my coronary vasospasms and reduce my slightly high heart rate.

The main side effects are swollen ankles and constipation. Lots of water and soft prunes helps me.

Fortunately I don't experience swollen ankles.

Talk to a Pharmacist for further advice.

I suggest you keep a diary as you start your medication and see how you get on.

There are alternative medications that can be offered by your GP or Cardiologist if necessary.

[24623057 in reply to Milkfairy]

Thank you for ur reply. It’s reassuring to hear uve had minimal side effects and excellent advice re keeping a diary of any future possible issues. I shall def do that 😊

[Spring2023]

Hi, I have been taking Diltiazem for just over 1 week following an EPS study on June 8th. I too have PACs and Atrial Tachycardia, specifically multiple 'irritable focus' so couldn't be ablated. I was on beta blockers, bisoprolol, before and from what I can tell so far the calcium channel blocker has less side effects and I am able to exercise ( walking) without the negative impact the bb was having. I am making sure I drink plenty of fluids as I already have a fairly low BP. I have felt a bit dizzy now and again but I'm hoping it will pass. I've read that it can take 2-4 weeks for your body to get used to it. Best of luck 24623057 with trying this medication. I hope it helps you

[Lizzy_73]

Hiya I have started Verapamil 120 mg slow release for my SVT the Saturday just gone and haveing no issues at all no symptoms as in side effects .

Hope this helps .

Liz

[MustyK]

Sorry for replying so late. I have been away.

Some excellent replies already. So just for the purpose for sharing my experience, I have been on Diltiazem 60mg for close to 8 years. Initially I started on 60mg once day following an initial diagnosis of left bundle branch block. The diagnosis was extended to Microvascular angina and the dosage was increased to twice a day, plus other meds were added

I have had no side effects with diltiazem.

Take care