Diltiazem and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• Mag...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2018

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been taking Cardizem since August for an episode of A-fib, heart rate of 190. Received heavy dosages of Cardizem by IV in hospital finally controlled. Since coming home the side effects are becoming unbearable. I have severe headaches, body aches, and stiffness so bad I feel like I’m walking through water. Shortness of breath now so bad I can hardly catch my breath after walking out to get the mail. Brain fog, horrendous weight gain, depression, and really depressive thoughts. Complaints to my Dr. are ignored. I am stopping this medication today. Hope I can return to normal living."

• Fin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2020

For Atrial Flutter "I had my heart go out of rhythm, wound up in the hospital overnight. So, my heart doctor increased my diltiazem to 180 mg. I had unusual tiredness, joint pain, labored breathing, felt depressed, and couldn't function until 3 pm. I went back to the doctor, and he insisted on me having a PET scan. I did, but I told him it was the medicine. I went back to 120 mg myself and am doing well. People know their own body. Doctors should believe patients. My son is a pharmacist, and he said I was right."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2012

Cardizem CD (diltiazem) for Supraventricular Tachycardia "I am on 240 mg once a day. Been taking meds since Feb 2011. Works GREAT for treating the heart problem, only I have side effects. A week after starting the medication at the lowest dosage, I developed sinus congestion. Increased my medication after six months, and the congestion continued and now developed sinus drainage down my throat that caused a cough. Medicine was increased again and now the congestion, cough, and wheezing are getting unbearable. I took myself off the medicines, and within 4 days all my symptoms were GONE!"

• FJG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

For Atrial Fibrillation "I am a 69-year-old male, 6'4", currently about 210 lbs. About six months ago, I experienced afib. When first diagnosed, I was given Metoprolol, and within a few days, I was extremely weak and could hardly breathe. My cardiologist changed to diltiazem, and it was like night and day. I had plenty of energy, and the breathing issues ended. Since being diagnosed with afib, I have stopped drinking alcohol and began a low-carb diet that includes lots of vegetables, protein, and omega-3s. All in all, a pretty healthy diet. I also have lost about 30 lbs in that time period. At my 6-month doctor's check-up prior to meeting with my cardiologist, I commented about discomfort in my breasts and was diagnosed with gynecomastia. Fasting blood sugar 104 to 132. Concerned."

• RSo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2018

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I've been taking this medication for 3 days now. It does lower my blood pressure, but when I first take it, my blood pressure goes up about 30 points. Gives me terrible anxiety, and I break out into supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The first day I took it, I had a massive headache. I have terrible constipation as well. Short of breath, and my bones ache, which has never been the case before, ever. I'm afraid to drive because I feel very light-headed and dizzy. I wish there was a better medication for this condition because this does not feel good."

• Sus...
• April 24, 2017

For Atrial Flutter "After my heart began racing several times with a pulse of 180, my doctor put me on diltiazem (135). However, after a couple of months, my heart began racing again, so the doctor upped the diltiazem to 180. I had been experiencing breathing problems and thought it was related to my asthma flaring and a wet winter. Now, with the increased diltiazem, I am having even greater difficulty breathing with pretty severe shortness of breath. I think it is most likely related to the drug. Now seeking medical follow-up."

• Sus...
• April 24, 2017

For Atrial Flutter "After my heart began racing several times with a pulse of 180, my doctor put me on diltiazem (135). However, after a couple of months, my heart began racing again, so the doctor upped the diltiazem to 180. I had been experiencing breathing problems and thought it was related to my asthma flaring and a wet winter. Now, with the increased diltiazem, I am having even greater difficulty breathing with pretty severe shortness of breath. I think it is most likely related to the drug. Now seeking medical follow-up."

• Snu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2018

For Atrial Fibrillation "Diltiazem 300 mg increased to 360 mg. Extreme breathlessness when doing anything physical. Two cardioversions for Afib. Didn't work. BP lower. Oxygen levels around 90 to 92. Why am I so breathless? Have only taken for 4 days."

• MsX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2017

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Was on Atenolol 25 mg, once a day, had bad leg cramping, some dizziness, it wasn't helping my palpitations, then the cardiologist switched me to Bystolic 5 mg. I had, again, dizziness, vivid dreams, and feeling fuzzy. Started Diltiazem 30 mg, 3 times a day as needed, and I started with one a day, and palpitations and accelerated heart are controlled. I only experienced fatigue, shortness of breath, and sometimes nightmares, but it has helped me feel better, though..."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2022

Diltiazem Hydrochloride CD (diltiazem) for High Blood Pressure "This has been a terrible drug. So many side effects. The room was spinning round, my eyes have been damaged. My eyesight has been affected. So much dizziness and dreadful breathing problems. I was diagnosed with bronchospasm. It's like asthma. Heart rate all over the place. Cardiologists should be made to try this med before inflicting it on their patients."

• Mee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2022

For Raynaud's Syndrome "Disastrous. Two hours after the first dose, BP bottomed out, and heart rate soared at times to over 150; was used to replace metoprolol. Extremely dizzy and slightly short of breath. Never again. Felt totally awful."

• bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "A horrible drug. I was prescribed the generic Adizem-XL 120 mg, and what a bad experience it turned out to be! After a week or two, I had huge pressure on the right side of my chest, which felt almost like my right lung was blocking up, as I could hardly breathe with exertion. Another side effect I encountered was frequent sharp stabbing pains when used with Losartan, again down the right side of my chest, which led me to A&E, only for them to say everything's fine. After a lot of hassle, my GP finally agreed to change my medication, although the problems didn't stop there!"

• Sto...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 8, 2022

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have permanent AFib, with no episodes of extremely high pulse rates. I have taken Diltiazem for years and now take 120 nightly. Doctors have approved dosage declines in the past to counteract a too-low pulse rate (40 bpm). My pulse rate is now 50-70 bpm. What's troubling is that I will come back from a walk, breathless, and my pulse will be in the usual range."

• CRL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2022

For Atrial Fibrillation "I have been taking 180 mg of Diltiazem XR for about a week, and the side effects are awful (flushing, rapid heartbeat, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath) for about 5-6 hours after taking it and have continued to be in Afib on it. Have been in the ER twice this week with HR 175+. Will see the cardiologist this week to get another, more effective, fewer side effects medication that works for my body."

• Mhm...
• March 3, 2016

Cardizem (diltiazem) for Atrial Fibrillation "Side effects: hoarseness, no appetite, fatigue, stomach upset. Have been on metoprolol, which caused shortness of breath. Still trying to find something without so many side effects."