Diltiazem and Weakness: What Users Say

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I first started this diltiazem CD 180mg once a day because I had high blood pressure and skipped heartbeats. When I first took the medication, I only had a few side effects which were constipation, weakness, tiredness. But as the months went by, my condition started to worsen. I was not myself, feeling depressed, tired all the time, having a pounding heartbeat with minimal activity. My nails started to look dead, like they were dehydrated and sunken in. I slept all the time, didn’t have an appetite so I lost weight, had bad anxiety, fainted once right before my med was switched, and had ongoing heart palpitations. I do not recommend this medication. It may be different for some, but it was a nightmare for me literally. I have been switched to another medication, and I am doing great and feel great. Please be careful with this medication, watch for side effects that can sneak up and cause problems."

• Lak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2020

Cartia XT (diltiazem) for High Blood Pressure "What a nightmare! Ended up in ER with heavy PACs. Cardiologist put me on Cartia XT 120 MG. WHOA! I was living life as a race car. Now, I feel like I am still trying to run the race but in a 4-cylinder car rather than a race car. Exhausted. When I stand, I have to take a minute to allow my head to stop spinning, and if I get up from squatting to garden or such, it feels like the lights are going to go out! Feel pressure in my chest and just plain weak. Seeing my PCP next week. I am coming off this. No way I am living life feeling like this!"

• Anonymous
• February 15, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Cardiologist suggested switching now to Diltiazem for fewer side effects, and Diltiazem would be better suited for my cardio profile. Started Diltiazem 240 mg once daily five days ago. Day one and two felt like I was tipsy with a headache that would come and go. Experienced red facial flushing. I made sure to drink a lot of water and stayed well-hydrated, avoiding all caffeine. Stopped all vitamin supplements before starting so I could have only the one variable starting the diltiazem. Felt I could not safely drive/focus due to the tipsy feeling and strange headaches. Day three brought dizziness, noticeable swelling in calves/ankles, and sinus stuffiness. Day four brought bouts of spontaneous rapid heartbeat, high pulse rate coming on like bursts of adrenaline out of the blue to the point where my hands would start to tremble and my legs felt weak just before the episode of rapid heartbeat. At this point, my legs are getting rather puffy. I am stopping the pill completely."

• 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."

• skb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "Breakthrough Afib events. At first, had few side effects; after taking med for 3 mo, physical side effects are occurring. E.g., physical feeling of weakness, shaky feeling in arms, a little more clumsy and less strong legs; tire more easily with increased cognitive changes, e.g., difficulty retrieving information, names, etc."

• skb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "Breakthrough Afib events. At first, had few side effects; after taking med for 3 mo, physical side effects are occurring. E.g., physical feeling of weakness, shaky feeling in arms, a little more clumsy and less strong legs; tire more easily with increased cognitive changes, e.g., difficulty retrieving information, names, etc."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2024

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been taking this since March when I was first diagnosed with A-fib. Took a good 4 days to get my heart rate under 100 bpm. This medication slowed my heart rate down too much at 180 mg (slowed to 37 bpm), so my doctor lowered it to 120 mg, and (at the time) I was almost 300 pounds. I have been able to lose some weight and just recently had them stop this medicine, providing my resting HR doesn’t go over 100 bpm again. This medicine sucked the life out of me, making my legs feel weak and needing way more sleep than normal. I couldn’t walk very fast or for very long. Now, without being on it, I am feeling much better. I guess it did its job, but it’s not fun being on it."

• Anonymous
• September 4, 2009

Cardizem CD (diltiazem) for Atrial Fibrillation "I have been on this medicine for two months. I have had one attack since I started. I do feel a little tired and weak, but no other side effects."

• Mis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 20, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Tired and weak, hair loss, itching that's driving me crazy. I'm sick and tired of the side effects that my doctors didn't tell me about."