Disopyramide v Diltiazem

[Nanaelaine]

Although I have a short supply left of Disopyramide to treat SVT cardiologist has suggested that if I run out they will try me on Diltiazem. Has anyone else been diverted to this medication for same problem? Having looked into it I have concerns. I have an appointment coming up to see them. Any feed back would be much appreciated. Availability is now saying end of October which I can manage if it actually materialises.

[Crystal614]

Hi, My cardiologist put me on Diltiazem some years ago as I was having episodes of a fast heart rate I didn't know it at the time but these episodes turned out to be SVT. The medication didn't do anything to help with my problem despite increasing the dose to 300mg. The medication was stopped prior to needing a pacemaker for a separate issue. Eventually I had a loop recorder implant that was when I was diagnosed with SVT. An attempt at ablation was made in 2021 but it was unsuccessful so I started taking Flecainide which I have been on for almost 2 years I have no side effects and the SVT is well controlled.

[Puzzled8]

Hi Nanaelaine, I don’t have any experience of Disopyramide but I am on Diltiazem for SVT. I was switched to that from Bisoprolol, which I couldn’t tolerate. I take 120mg slow release Diltiazem morning and night. I haven’t experienced any particular problems with it. It has reduced my resting heart rate from between 100 - 130 to 80 - 100. Can I ask what concerns you have ? I know it can be worrying having to change medications and we all react differently to each one. Is there a reason why they are changing you from Disopyramide ? Hopefully your appointment will go ahead and you can discuss your concerns.

[Nanaelaine in reply to Puzzled8]

Thank you for reply. Disopyramide is getting harder and harder to get. Availability keeps dropping off. I have been on this drug for 40 years for svt so I suppose I’m worried about change and looking at the side effects worried me. I haven’t seen a cardiologist for about 20 years as I have been under the care of GP who have now requested I see one due to availability problems. . I feel better having read your reply. Is your SVT under control with Diltiazem?

[Puzzled8 in reply to Nanaelaine]

Yes, seems to be. GP quite happy doze hasn’t had to be increased, which was an option.

[WardijaWardija]

Hi. I recently posted on this very subject and got no replies, which I thought was very odd, as there must be heaps of patients on Disopyramide and given there is a global supply issue. I've done a lot of research on the matter and know there's no exact replacement for the Disopyramide.I'm guessing that Diltiaezam must be a drug that has a similar chemical compound.

I'm on Disopyramide 500mgs a day.

I'd been without any for the past couple of months - and its loss was physically noticeable. I went into AF and strong palpitations and couldn't breathe on the most minor exertions.

I called my Cardiologist and got an appointment nearly straight away.

It's one of the UK's major Heart hospitals.

It was a long day at the hospital, but they ran all my usual scans, tests, blood, etc

They found my primary condition of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy had slightly worsened - the thickness of my heart wall had increased, thus a bigger obstruction to overcome. That and not having the Disopyramide apparently accounted for my diminishing health . .

I was extremely lucky as from the hospital pharmacy, I was supplied with a 6 week supply (from old back-stock supplies).

I was told the remaining medication could, strictly, only be given to hospital in-patients. So not sure how my Doc. got round that, but so glad they did, I feel heaps better heart-wise.

I have to go back in 7 weeks.

I was never even offered the Diltiaezam as an option. Maybe they will next time, as hospital stocks won't last forever.

What are your experiences?

🌻🌻🌻

[Nanaelaine in reply to WardijaWardija]

Hello. I should take 600mg a day (200 - 3 times a day.) I am trying to manage on 400/500 mg a day at the moment to eak them out - Not ideal - A pharmacist recommended a few years that I try and store a few if that was possible as he forecast this problem along with other drugs. At the time he managed to get me some from Spain until the stock was replenished- what I don’t understand is that there is not a good alternative to Disopyramide. Some one has just recommended Flecainide as an alternative. I am just hoping that by the end of October availability will be back. Otherwise I have no idea what choice I’ll have to make.

[WardijaWardija in reply to Nanaelaine]

Exactly . . . It's a real pain !Take care and keep as well as possible.

🙏🙏🙏

[Nanaelaine in reply to WardijaWardija]

you too. Only found this site by chance - talking to others in same situation and advice helps.