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Taken Lisinopril And Diltiazem. Low Pressure, Weakness, Increased Heart Rate, Muscle Cramps. Want To Safely Stop Diltiazem

Posted on Tue, 10 Jul 2012

Question: I was taking 120 mg diltiazem and 20/25 lisinopril my pressure went too low, felt weak, and heart rate went up 30 points and got muscle cramps doctor wants diltiazem to stay and changed lisinopril to 10 mg non fluid pill cramps occasional, weakness still there and heart rate still 20 points high 2 weeks later. I want to safely stop diltiazem blood pressure was 121/57 today heart rate 100

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (35 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Both Lisinopril and Dilitiazem have a similar adverse reaction profile, taken in combination can add up to each others side effects.

The weakness , muscle cramps and the fall in BP are known and common side effects seen due to both drugs.

It would be wise to substitute lisinopril with other anti hypertensive drug or stop it completely if the BP is near control.

I would consider stopping lisinopril a better option (If BP is under control) over stopping the Dilitiazem.As side effects due to lisinoprl are much commoner though its benefits are more than dilitiazem.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (18 hours later)

I took the lisinoprl a year longer than the diltiazem without much problem unless I was in the sun a lot, then pressure went too low. I am very concerned with the fast heartbeat as it makes me too weary to go up stairs. I was off the lisinopril 1 week and taking the diltiazem only and pressure went up to 175/100 with heart rate 107. recently, 3 days ago, I started taking balance 3, an ajurvedic medication, that I took successfully for 5 years and it and the lisinopril seem to be lowering the pressure. I think the diltiazem is the problem . Is there an alternative to it?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

I agree with for Lisinopril being a potent antihypertensive drug.I recommended its change only with concern on the side effects you are having.

If you wan to change the dilitiazem , then a better substitute for such an exchange would be Amlodepin or any member of diuretic class.

Wish you good health.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar