Diltiazem

[Qualipop]

Is anyone taking it and how do you get on with it. I'm on the lowest dose. The diagnosis ended up as extrasystolic arrhythmia and unstable angina. I will query the angina diagnosis as I have never ever had any signs of angina. My breathlessness has, after many tests been blamed on my spinal problems.

I'm concerned it has a warning about causing constipation and not to be taken if you h ave a condition causing slow transit. After more than 20 years on opiates my digestive system has slowed right down. I have laxatives daily and still can't "go". A huge amount of my chronic pain is from bowel adhesions . The pain gets far worse when I can't go properly. Over the time in hospital and getting home I couldn't go for 5 days.

[Yumz199725]

Woah that's rough do they know about your bowel problems and they still prescribed this medication maybe speak to gp bout getting it switched to something that doesn't cause constipation I think most of them do though I'm on verapamil and that's a side effect 💔

[Qualipop in reply to Yumz199725]

No,the hospital didn't know ( except my repeat prescription did say daily laxido)and the c ardiologist never mentioned side effects so I had no reason to tell them. He would have stuck me on beta blockers if I hadn't asked just what he was giving me. They don't tell you ; they just say I'm giving you tablets that will slow your heart down but never think to say what. Thankfully I did ask about that. Even then when I said I couldn't tolerate beta blockers he sad " Do you have medical training to know about these things?" Well no but it is my body so I have a right to know what I'm taking, why I'm taking them and what they will do.

[Qualipop]

I've been on daily laxido for years; the only thing that doesn't cause griping pains. I Used to have IBS years ago so you have my sympathy. I spent whole days not daring to leave the bathroom and rolling around in agony. I don't dare take antibiotics unless there's no other way.

[Qualipop]

I really do feel for you with IBS; whichever kind. It really does affect your life besides the pain. YOu can't plan anything in case your can't leave the house; eve n hospital appointments.

[Stentrunner]

I have AF and like you I’m on the lowest dose (I think: 60mg x2). This helps me avoid beta blockers as I have a very low resting heart rate. I had a bowel obstruction and emergency surgery two years ago - was advised to keep laxatives as a last resort (Lactulose because it’s non-irritant), but to resort to a fluid diet if I got repeat problems with blockage. I very rarely do, but I’m often struggling to keep things moving. Exercise and lots of fluids is my usual answer, but it doesn’t always work. I have found my GP very supportive in managing my medications; even to the point of challenging the cardiologist - perhaps yours might be too.

But we’re all different, and I guess you have to find your own particular way of coping. I hope you do!

[Qualipop in reply to Stentrunner]

Unfortunately exercise or lack of it is my biggest problem. I have 5 different spinal problems; one of which is bowel adhesions attached to my spine and a partial blockage where the adhesions have wrapped round my colon.This causes more pain than anything else, particularly when standing because it all rips on my spine and has caused part of my spine to be pulled out of line (Spondilo lysthesis). I have to use a wheelchair/scooter because I can't stand more than 3 minutes or so or the pain gets unbearable. Constipation, even a little gas, tears on my spine , bowel and bladder. I've also been on opiates for over 20 years which causes very slow transit. I take laxido every day and it often doesn't work. My pelvic muscles are very weak. Since before going into hospital last Friday I couldn't go for 5 days and came home in agony. I'm really scared of anything making it worse. My named GP used to be wonderful at sorting out problems but I haven't been able to get an appointment with him in 2 years. It's someone different every time who just don't understand the problem and think it's just a bit of tummy ache. I fully understand your problems. You're lucky to be able to see a doctor who understands it and you sound to be doing really well in coping. Although I'm sorry for your problems it's wonderful to find someone who understands how bad it can be. Thank you. I wish you well.

[Stentrunner in reply to Qualipop]

ouch! My heart goes out to you. I hope and pray you find some resolution. J

[Qualipop in reply to Stentrunner]

Thank you.

[Smitty1956 in reply to Qualipop]

Hi, Qualipop,

I am so very sorry that you are having these health challenges. It sounds like you deal daily with tremendous stress, diet, mobility, and other health issues. That is so much to try to balance on a daily basis—my heart goes out to you.

Bowel and constipation concerns are terrible! They certainly can erode quality of life. Several years ago, I also took opioids, and I understand the side effects of those.

I had a silly thought that you might find totally bonkers, but please do not be angry for my suggestion. In April, I had a colonoscopy, and I had to drink a gallon jug of the stuff that you have to drink in order to cleanse the colon. I think that I remember reading that this medication can also be prescribed as a laxative. Personally, it was difficult to drink a whole gallon (you likely would not have to have this much), but I don’t recall having a lot of stomach cramping or pain associated with this medication. Plus, before taking it, I was on a liquid diet for two days. I can look up the exact medication that I drank if you are interested. It might be worth checking with your doctor to see whether this medication might be safe for you to take. It seems to chop/grind everything up so that it is easy to pass.

I surely hope that you can get your medication sorted, and that you can begin to enjoy some good quality of life again. Best wishes to you!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

I am sorry you have been in hospital recently.

I have been on Diltiazem for over 10 years. I started on a low dose but now take 240mgs twice a day.

Common side effects are Swollen ankles and constipation.

It sounds as though you are between a rock and a hard place.

Would your Pharmacist be able to advise you?

[Qualipop in reply to Milkfairy]

Maybe but think I@ll have to ask a GP. I've only had two so far and I Itch everywhere; worst is my wrists and arms but also back, head chest and neck. NO visible rash. No other meds have changed. Of course having been given clopidogrel for two days, everywhere I've scratched is now a bruise. I've had Clopi before with no problems except the obvious bruising. Diltiazem also warns about kidney problems which I've just had flagged up and I was on a diuretic for 10 years because of swollen ankles. I don't make it easy do I? Oh and I've also developed little sore patches all over my mouth.

[Chief_68]

I have Diltizem 120mg retard twice a day for hypertension and angina. I actually feel great on it and have no problems with my bowls or angina at all. I feel that this to be the best medicine for me. Good luck.

[Cat04]

I am now on Tildiem 200 L.A, (previously Tildiem 300LA) and yes it contributes greatly to constipation. I take Senna and Lactulose daily. Also a glass of orange juice, fruit and veg and soft drinks with sweeteners all help but it still causes real pain and difficulty. At times I also need suppositories.

[Qualipop in reply to Cat04]

I already have severe pain from adhesions; can't take anything li ke senna because of the bloating. I'm on lactulose every day plus prunes , lots to drink and increased fibre.

[Ruthmurphy52]

Hi, I’m on Diltiazem , I have “ Coronary Heart Spasm” I’m on at the moment 300 mg but in the winter months it goes up to 400mg ( the max doze is 500mg) so it’s a high doze I’m on, I’m prescribed cosmocol, to help with constipation, I find it works really well, I really do feel for you, maybe ask your Dr to prescribe Cosmocol to see if it helps

[Qualipop in reply to Ruthmurphy52]

Does cosmocol cause any bloating|? Never heard of it.

[lizzieloo2]

I have been on Diltiazem for about 15 or 16 years. I was first put on 240mg for blood pressure as my Perindopril was causing a cough. I haven't found any problems with constipation and in my younger days, chronic constipation was a major problem. In about 2014 I was diagnosed with AF and my dose was increased to 300mg daily. Again, I haven't noticed any difference and certainly don't suffer with constipation unless I'm on strong painkillers

[Qualipop in reply to lizzieloo2]

That's good to know. I'll see how it goes although will have to speak to doctor about itching all over.

[Simcoxh]

I have AF and since my medication has been changed including a small disease of diltaazam my breathlessness has been worse and fatigue is a big issue for me

[jerry12953]

Also on the max dose (300 mg) for angina; I *think* it makes a difference and I've had no side effects that I'm aware of.