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Can Diltiazem Be Taken For Hypertension?
Question: I had tachycardia in December 2015. Since then I have been assessed with HBP and have been on metoprolol, then Diltiazem and then Lisinoprol. I had a rough time on the metoprolol and I'm allergic to Lisinoprol. Right now I'm on Diltiazem 240 24 hour time release; I've been exercising and working out to reduce my BP. I eat healthy and have added beets to my diet and beet juice. My biggest issue is that I am that guy who has the reactions to Meds, I've never been on any Meds till now and I get the side affects. Diltiazem keeps my resting hear rate at 42-58 bedtime, and around 60-74 during the day. Walking 6-10 miles a day, broken down into .75 to one mile segments to maintain a constant flow and stay moving. I have occasionally had dizziness from the Diltiazem, chest tightness, and now palpitations. This is on top of the foggyness and zombie like state it puts me in an hour after talking it. I've been to 6 Army doctors, and now I'm at Johns XXXXXXX and trying them out. The Army doctors just say PTSD and its stress, I have had anxiety attacks since the tachycardia. All of the GP doctors have said I sound good heart wise, no fluid retention, no weird sounds, etc.. My visit with Dr. Madder at Johns XXXXXXX went went, my BP was 123/80 and he said my heart sounded fine. He lowered my Diltiazem from 300 to 240 24hrtr and I felt better but these palpitations and chest tightness drive me crazy. I felt better with HBP before being on Meds and am considering weaning myself off under my doctors care. I am happy about the recent BP reading of 123/80 but I had beet root juice that day and it helps the Meds do its job. The beet roots really drop the BP to better levels, I've had 139/90- 128-88 using a wrist BP cuff (they suck) I know. Is there anything out there that doesn't have these side effects?
Brief Answer:
Anxiolytic medications can be tried for 3 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir
I can certainly understand your concern.
I have worked through your query in detail.
Diltiazem is a relatively safer drug and has been effective in your case.
Before thinking of an alternative, I would like to prescribe a short course of anxiolytic medications to reduce your symptoms.
I generally prescribe oral pills of Tab Clonazepam 0.5 mg one pill at bedtime daily for 3 weeks.
Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these pills to you.
In case if symptoms doesn't improve on 3 weeks , we shall think of an alternative medication to Diltiazem.
Diltiazem can be maintained at 240 mg currently.
Keep me updated with your symptomatic profile.
Post your further questions if any.
Thank you.
Anxiolytic medications can be tried for 3 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir
I can certainly understand your concern.
I have worked through your query in detail.
Diltiazem is a relatively safer drug and has been effective in your case.
Before thinking of an alternative, I would like to prescribe a short course of anxiolytic medications to reduce your symptoms.
I generally prescribe oral pills of Tab Clonazepam 0.5 mg one pill at bedtime daily for 3 weeks.
Please check with your physician if he shares my view and if can prescribe these pills to you.
In case if symptoms doesn't improve on 3 weeks , we shall think of an alternative medication to Diltiazem.
Diltiazem can be maintained at 240 mg currently.
Keep me updated with your symptomatic profile.
Post your further questions if any.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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