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Should I Stop Diltiazem Inspite Of Its Side Effects?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014
Question: My Dr. Says that I can stop the calcium channel blocker (Diltiazem 180) that I have been taking for elevated bp due to nasty side effects,. Is tapering off required?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
need detailed information

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs XXXXXX,

For answering to your question I need more detailed information;
1. what side effects have you experienced
2. for how long have you been taking Dilthiazem 180mg
3. what were you BP and heart rate values before taking medication and after
4. do you take any other medication
5. do you have comorbidities

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (22 minutes later)
Dry mouth and eyes
Leg cramps
Tinnitus
Syncope during sleep
Shakiness prior to waking
Ice cold hands and feet
Light headedness
Insomnia

BP on Diltiazem varied. Sometimes 110/78, much higher when I was at my DOs officice due to being nervous.
Been taking Dilriazem for 10 months.
I was on Kepra for 2 months, off for 5 and went back on it after a very mild episode in May.
Each time I experienced an episode I had ingested a glass of wine the evening before.
The last episode occurred after taking a Tums 1000 due to a sour stomach.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Need to change the medication, not interrupt

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mrs XXXXXX,

In case of side effects, the medication should be stopped.
But in your case if you take Dilthiazem 180mg, the abrupt interruption can cause serious problems. Usually we change the medication and not interrupting in case of medication lowering BP and heart rate.
So my advice to you will be to visit your doctor to change the medication.

I hope I could help you.

Regards,
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1536 Questions

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Should I Stop Diltiazem Inspite Of Its Side Effects?

Brief Answer: need detailed information Detailed Answer: Dear Mrs XXXXXX, For answering to your question I need more detailed information; 1. what side effects have you experienced 2. for how long have you been taking Dilthiazem 180mg 3. what were you BP and heart rate values before taking medication and after 4. do you take any other medication 5. do you have comorbidities regards,