Yes, diltiazem is considered to be a long-term medication. It is typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, angina, and other conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It works by blocking certain channels in the heart, resulting in the widening of blood vessels, decreased heart rate and lower blood pressure.
It is prescribed to people with chronic conditions and can be taken for an extended period of time. It is important to note that this medication may cause side effects and it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure safe use.
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Do you have to wean off of diltiazem?
Yes, if you have been taking diltiazem for an extended period of time and need to stop taking it, you should wean off of it. This can be done by gradually decreasing your dose with your doctor’s guidance.
It is important to take the time to slowly decrease your dose so that you do not experience any side effects from suddenly stopping. Side effects from suddenly stopping diltiazem can include an increase in chest pain, high blood pressure, headaches, irregular heart beat, and sudden swelling in the legs or feet.
If you are taking diltiazem for chest pain and plan to wean off the drug, you should be closely monitored or wean off with the help of a doctor.
What are the long term side effects of Cardizem?
Cardizem (diltiazem) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension, and certain types of chest pain, or angina. It belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
Although Cardizem is generally considered safe, it can cause a number of potential side effects. Most of these occur during the short-term and tend to be mild or manageable. However, there can be long-term side effects if Cardizem is taken in higher-than-recommended doses or over an extended period of time.
The most common long-term side effect of Cardizem is a decrease in red blood cells, also known as anemia. This can result in a condition known as reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy, which can lead to congestive heart failure in some patients.
Other long-term side effects include anemia, worsens edema, liver damage, irregular heartbeat and even a decrease in kidney function.
Cardizem is usually safe when taken in the recommended doses and under the supervision of a doctor. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience, as some of them may be more serious than others.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend alternative medications or treatments if any of the long-term side effects become severe or long-lasting.
Is diltiazem good for the heart?
Yes, diltiazem is good for the heart. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that works by blocking calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This helps relax the vessels and lowers the force of the heart’s contractions, which then reduces the heart’s workload and helps lower blood pressure.
Diltiazem also suppresses abnormal heart rhythms, making it a useful drug for treating arrhythmias. Additionally, it helps keep cholesterol levels in check, which improves overall heart health. Diltiazem is usually prescribed for the management of hypertension and coronary artery disease, but has also been used to treat angina and peripheral vascular disease.
It can be taken as a pill, liquid, or intravenously, depending on the condition and severity of the individual case.
What can I take instead of diltiazem?
If you are taking diltiazem for hypertension, an angina prophylaxis, or an episodic disorder such as atrial fibrillation, some alternatives include amlodipine, verapamil, and nifedipine. Other possible options include beta blockers such as propranolol or carvedilol, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, or angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan.
You should always consult with your healthcare provider before changing or discontinuing any current medications, as all medications have potential risks and side effects, as well as interactions with other drugs or supplements you may be taking.
Your doctor can help you decide the best option for you based on your health needs and medical history.
How long should you be on diltiazem?
The length of time that you will need to be on diltiazem will depend on the underlying condition for which it is being used to treat. In general, diltiazem may be prescribed for a short period of time, such as a few weeks or months, or it may be used long term.
For some conditions, such as angina, high blood pressure, or supraventricular tachycardia, people may need to be on diltiazem for the long term. In other cases, diltiazem can be used for short-term periods for particular events, such as to improve short-term heart rate control during a heart procedure.
When it’s used long-term, your doctor will evaluate the effectiveness of diltiazem over time and may adjust the dosage as appropriate. Speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using diltiazem and how long you should be taking it.
When should I stop taking diltiazem?
You should stop taking diltiazem (also known as Cardizem or Dilacor XR) when you and your doctor have decided that it is no longer necessary for your health or when the potential side effects outweigh the benefits for your particular condition.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are having any difficulty with taking diltiazem, or if your condition does not seem to be improving with the treatment. They will be able to advise you on whether it is still necessary and safe to continue taking it.
Be sure to follow the exact instructions given to you by your healthcare provider when it comes to taking diltiazem, and if you have any concerns or questions, contact your healthcare provider before discontinuing the use of the medication.
What is a natural alternative to calcium channel blockers?
A natural alternative to calcium channel blockers is to take supplements of certain herbal medicines and dietary changes. Herbal medicines such as stinging nettle, white willow bark, and hawthorn have been found to have calcium channel blocking properties.
In addition, some dietary changes that can help can include increasing your intake of magnesium and vitamin C to help relax your blood vessels, as well as increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation.
Other natural remedies such as acupuncture, massage, and deep breathing can also help reduce the need for calcium channel blockers and can help provide a more natural approach to managing high blood pressure.
What is the first drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?
The first choice for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) is typically a type of medications called antiarrhythmics, which help restore a normal heart rhythm. The specific antiarrhythmic chosen depends on the type of AFib, how symptomatic the patient is, and other factors.
Commonly prescribed antiarrhythmics for AFib include amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide, dofetilide, propafenone, and disopyramide. These drugs act to reduce the number of faulty electrical discharges that the chaotic rhythm of AFib produces in order to maintain a normal sinus rhythm.
AFib is also often subject to specific management strategies in order to reduce the risk of stroke and other complications. Therefore, anticoagulants may be prescribed to patients who are at an elevated risk of stroke.
Some anticoagulants are specifically indicated in combination with antiarrhythmic therapy and have been shown to reduce aggregate mortality. The most widely prescribed anticoagulants for AFib include warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban.
Ultimately, the selection of the first drug of choice for AFib depends on the patient’s clinical presentation and personal risk factors. It is important to discuss all options with the patient’s doctor, as well as any potential side effects and drug-drug interactions.
What time of day should diltiazem be taken?
When taking diltiazem, it is important to take it at the same time every day. It is recommended to take diltiazem 30 minutes before a meal or several hours after a meal. It is also important to take it with a full glass of water.
This is because taking it with food can lower the absorption of the medicine. It is typically taken twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. It is important not to take it too close to bedtime as it can cause sleep disturbances and reduce its effectiveness.
It is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best time to take your medication.
Can I take diltiazem before bed?
Yes, you can take diltiazem before bed. It is generally recommended to take the medication around the same time each day. If you take it at the same time each day, the full effects of the drug could be more consistent and it could help to prevent side effects.
Generally, it is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to not exceed the recommended dose. Some potential side effects of taking diltiazem include constipation, lethargy, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any potential side effects and contact your doctor if you have any concerns. Additionally, it is important to make sure to not take other medications that could interact with diltiazem, such as birth control pills, steroids, or certain antibiotics.
What is the peak time for diltiazem?
Peak time for diltiazem is approximately 2 to 3 hours following an oral dose. However, its peak effect can depend on multiple factors, such as the strength or form of the dose taken, which can cause the peak time to vary.
Diltiazem is mainly processed by the liver, so there may be differences for those with liver problems, who may experience a more gradual absorption rate, and therefore a more gradual peak time. Additionally, concomitant use of medications such as antacids or antibiotics can affect diltiazem’s peak time and plasma concentration.
In these cases, it is important to speak with a doctor or pharmacist to investigate how to best take the medication.
Does diltiazem make you sleepy?
No, diltiazem does not typically make you sleepy. In fact, diltiazem is a type of medication used to treat various heart and circulation conditions, such as high blood pressure, chest pain, and atrial fibrillation.
Common side effects of diltiazem can include swelling in the feet and ankles, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headache. Although fatigue is a rare side effect, it’s not typically reported as a common symptom of diltiazem.
If you feel tired or drowsy while taking diltiazem, be sure to consult with your health care provider so they can review any other potential causes or possible interactions.
What foods to avoid with diltiazem?
It is best to avoid foods with high potassium, such as bananas, avocados, dates, plantains, and prunes. Additionally, foods high in fiber, including oat bran, dried fruits, and wheat bran, should be avoided.
It is also important to avoid certain dairy products, such as full-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. It is generally advised to limit your intake of certain meats, such as beef, organ meats, and sardines, as well as processed meats.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking diltiazem, as it can increase the drug’s side effects. In general, it is best to consult your physician to find out which foods are safe to eat while taking diltiazem.
Other foods to avoid with diltiazem include large amounts of foods high in cholesterol, such as red meats, deep-fried foods, and some nuts, as well as spicy or peppery foods, which can cause an upset stomach.
What are some signs that the patient might be getting too much diltiazem?
Some signs that the patient might be getting too much diltiazem include feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint; nausea or vomiting; slow or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst; fatigue; shortness of breath; and swelling of the feet and/or ankles.
Other more serious signs of overdosing on diltiazem include seizures, confusion, tachycardia, coma, and cardiac arrest. If any of these signs are present, it is important to contact your doctor or seek urgent medical attention.
