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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Diltiazem?

I changed cardiologist recently and told him I wanted off Diltriazem (for one incidence rapid heart rate diagnosed as AFIB. Taken to the ER). I am experiencing side effects that are getting worse. At my last visit he said he did not know how to get me off it, but that it is a drug that you can just stop taking. I don t believe it, it can cause my BP to rise. I already have high blood pressure, 130 s, 140 s, 150 s. This drug has actually raised my BP probably because of the anxiety taking it causes. I have undergone tests including an echo card. and there is nothing wrong with me. I am a healthy 85-year-old and don t look my age. The ER doctor told me he wanted my blood. How do I get off this drug? I will start taking it every other day for starters, but I want completely off it.
Mon, 4 May 2015
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Diltiazem is a drug which effect consists both in controlling heart rate as well as lowering blood pressure. So it's not that Diltiazem is causing your blood pressure to rise, you are someone who has high blood pressure, removing the drug which controlled it will naturally result in higher pressure, but that means that you should take something else to control blood pressure not that you should blame Diltiazem.
I believe it is ok to interrupt Diltiazem but considering you have Afib and high blood pressure another drug should be instituted for those. A valid option is a beta-blocker class drug (bisoproplol, metoprolol), which also control heart rate and blood pressure. That is a switch to be done under the supervision of a physician though not by yourself.

I hope to have been of help.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Diltiazem?

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Diltiazem is a drug which effect consists both in controlling heart rate as well as lowering blood pressure. So it s not that Diltiazem is causing your blood pressure to rise, you are someone who has high blood pressure, removing the drug which controlled it will naturally result in higher pressure, but that means that you should take something else to control blood pressure not that you should blame Diltiazem. I believe it is ok to interrupt Diltiazem but considering you have Afib and high blood pressure another drug should be instituted for those. A valid option is a beta-blocker class drug (bisoproplol, metoprolol), which also control heart rate and blood pressure. That is a switch to be done under the supervision of a physician though not by yourself. I hope to have been of help.