[cyclelops]

I was put on Diltiazem (Cardizem) for atrial tach. I looked it up and it says it is a benzoTHIazepine...so, I am wondering how this differs from a benzoDIazepine in terms of effects. I am assuming they are vastly different even tho they sound like they could be the same root category due to the chemical name? Please tell me they are completely unrelated in the effects because I do not want to ever go on or off a benzo again. BEEEYUK.

They suggested this Diltiazem a few years ago to help my esophageal spasms but back then my BP was too low.....now it is higher, sometimes too high, and then I got this atrial tach thing going....so, I agreed to try it and it works pretty well.

[mrsD]

I take diltiazem for blood pressure. The 120 CD. I don't take it every day, because I get really really tired on it. I alter my lisinopril accordingly with it, and balance the two.

I get peripheral swelling in one foot when I take diltiazem every day. Also I find aerobic movement difficult. I use it mostly in winter to improve my circulation when it is really cold. And I drop my lisinopril by 1/2 when I take the diltiazem every day for an extended period.

I find it can cause severe leg cramps if you don't take some calcium now and then. I use Maalox quick dissolve once or twice a week when I take the diltiazem. All of the calicum channel blockers are implicated in congestive heart failure. So if you get alot of dependent edema on it, or winded report that to the doctor. It varies from person to person. Norvasc which is related was horrible for me, both of my legs swelled terribly and I couldn't tolerate it. I only get a little swelling on the diltiazem.

[cyclelops]

Thanks. Lots of good info.

They originally put me on Toprol which I tolerated just fine in the past, when I first got sick. They used it to try to crank down my nervous system.

This time tho, I got severe calf pain from the Toprol, so they tried the Diltiazem. I think that may have been related to some fluid accumulation, I don't really know. I am only on 90mg total, 30mg TID, and my pulse is running quite low.

Thanks for the info. I guess I better eat even MORE calcium!

[mrsD]

You can't take too much calcium on the Calcium blockers...
too much negates the actions, some. I take only enough to stop the cramping.

[mrsD]

I forgot to mention, that dilitiazem is mildly constipating...

I'm sure you won't like THAT! (your dose however is not high, so maybe it won't be a factor for you).

[cyclelops]

Aha....that is the problem! Eat more fiber....hmmm! Okey dokey.