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Cartia XT User Reviews & Ratings

Cartia XT has an average rating of 5.5 out of 10 from a total of 14 reviews on Drugs.com. 56% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Cartia XT

  • Rosine
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 4, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have an irregular heart beat so my dr put me on Cartia XT240 MG (diltiazem). I started having a racing heart, uncontrollable shakes, heated face, felt like my face was going to burn off, couldn't get out of bed and went to the ER 3 times in a week. My kids finally looked up side effects to this drug and I had them all. It was awful. I finally got off of it onto the plain Diltiazem. It works a 100 times better without crazy side effects. I suggest u look up side effects b4 taking anything new. I know I will. I felt like I was dying."

1 / 10
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137 Report
  • Nickie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 3, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Started Cartia 120 mg xt (9th med for BP) racing heart felt like medium (lexiscan) used for Nuclear Stress test. Severe Headache, increased BP 191/123 feel like garbage, called Cardiologist wants me to continue on it! Ringing in ears won't stop. Heat pounding so hard chest hurts and severe headache. I am stopping it might as well be dead!"

1 / 10
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145 Report
  • Lakeguy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 4, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "What a nightmare! Ended up in ER with heavy PACs. Cardiologist put me on CartiaXT 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!"

1 / 10
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102 Report
  • SJS
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 21, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking Cartia XT 180 (diltiazem) every other day for several years. It controls my BP and prevents SVT. There is a shortage (Aug 2019) so the pharmacy substituted Cardizem CD. Since then I have experienced episodes of rapid heart rate, increase in pitch and intensity of tinnitus and hot flashes. I just had my Thyroid levels tested today to see if my dose of synthroid is too high. (After EKG was normal). If it isn’t the Synthroid then it must be the Cardizem. Very frustrating - I don’t feel myself at all."

10 / 10
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95 Report
  • Cassy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Taking 120 mg of cartia XT for weaning off of a beta blocker for blood pressure. Sent me into tachycardia which woke me up to going 165 beats per minute. Never in my life have I had a heart issue. As I'm taking this medicine it gives me skipped beats which are definitely uncomfortable and I have this sinus congestion that has lead to a annoying cough. I'm hoping I can wean off this medicine and not have to deal with a racing heart. Also experiencing heightened anxiety with this medicine."

4 / 10
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94 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • chris...
  • June 11, 2008

For Atrial Fibrillation "I am taking Cartia XT 240 MG for atrial fibrillation. It works and I have not noticed any other side effects other than being sleepy all of the morning. I take it at 6:30 am and usually could fall asleep without much prompting. However I'm not groggy and can concentrate fine. The heart is in rhythm and thats what counts."

10 / 10
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175 Report
  • Bulld...
  • March 24, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Taking the slow release, 120 mg version. I take it at night about 30 minutes before bedtime. Averts any dizziness since I am going to bed to sleep. BP has been good 125/80 generally. resting pulse of about 60. Thankfully I am optimal weight and I exercise 4 to 5 times weekly, mostly a 2 mile walk each time and about 50 situps. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. mild constipation so I eat a cup of yogurt at least every other day."

9 / 10
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104 Report
  • JJano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 9, 2019

"My husband suffered with SVT for a few years before correctly diagnosed, before that they told him it is your stomach that is causing the problems. This year 5 episodes of SVT and finally taking Cartia XT 120mg at night. Two months no episodes and thank goodness no side effects, it's scary what I read here. I my opinion, Doctors just try what will work and patients are like lab rabbits or the smaller kind..."

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • Jo Jose
  • October 4, 2016

For Atrial Flutter "I had a terrible reaction to Cartia XT's formulation of Cardizem, when my usual manufacturer, PAR who also makes Cardizem capsules, was not in stock at my pharmacy. So they substituted Cartia XT's formulation of Cardizem; I began having extreme racing, more than usual AF, and it continued to recur within about an hour after taking it each day. It was very alarming, because PAR manufacturer of Cardizem never gave me a bad reaction and I had been taking it for years. Pharmacists who try to tell you that all generics are the same but that is misleading. the main ingredient prescription drug must be the same as the brand; but the manufacturer can vary the remaining ingredients; and it is very difficult to find out what they are."

1 / 10
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98 Report
  • ladyj...
  • November 3, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I've been on Cardia XT for 1 year... Yes, pass the side affects please... Occasional dizziness, light headiness, some minor weight gain, but watching what I eat -- getting into the gym... GIVE UP THE SALT --- Processed foods are also sodium filled....The fatigue is awful on most days - I just have to get that nap in -- but preferably not in Atlanta traffic... but overall -- it definitely does it's job! blood pressure is excellent most days --- My blood pressure was 200/120 triggering A-FIB landed me in ER/Intensive Care last November for 4 days... YIKES!!!! This morning's pressure was 112/80... AMAZING!!!"

10 / 10
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84 Report
  • Rdeni...
  • January 14, 2012

For Atrial Fibrillation "I really like this medicine. Take 180mg in the morning and one in evening. Really it is the right medicine for me. I am not tired at all, but make sure you take it everyday. I stopped for 2 days..felt really bad. I highly recommend this ...do not take any generics..pay the money for the real deal."

10 / 10
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119 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 23, 2009

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have been taking Cartia XT for supraventricular tachycardia for about 5 years. This medication has completely controlled the racing heart that I used to get from time to time. I've had no side effects. A big bonus is that eating ice cream used to trigger the racing heart beat. Now I can eat ice cream."

10 / 10
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101 Report
  • Jackeh
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 29, 2016

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Took this medication to help my SVT. Made my heart skip beats and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. Worst experience of my life. Never helped lower my heart rate. Lopressor never worked for me either."

2 / 10
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49 Report
  • Anonymous
  • July 7, 2009

For Atrial Fibrillation "I use Cartia XT for A-fibrillation. The only problem I ran into was using generics. CVS switched their provider and it did not work as well. 2 days of A-fibrillation and I went on the real deal. What a difference, everything is back to normal."

10 / 10
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78 Report
  • arito
  • December 7, 2013

For High Blood Pressure "Had high blood pressure episode of 200/120. A combination of acute stress, not enough exercise, pre-diabetic, dehydration, and not watching sodium intake. Moderately fit and no overweight. ER gave me metoprolol 100mg a day and developed an antagonistic/allergic reaction sending me back to the ER. Started on losartan 25mg for two days and BP didn't go down as expected. Stress test show normal everything except for borderline BP and rapid heart rate 112. Cardiologist put me in 120mg Cartia XT. Took a first dose last night, BP dropped 80/60 77 no symptoms, had water and feet up. Woke up with 100/70 82 laying down an 110/70 86 standing up. So far ringing of the ears, I hear my heart sounds and dry mouth. It's working so far. I will take it in the morning instead."

10 / 10
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60 Report
  • cflea
  • April 23, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "Be prepared for a "mental health day". My first 240mg dose wiped me out for a full 24 hours. I was dizzy and just plain off. Sitting to standing was a crash and burn experiment. It passed quickly and since 2nd day was okay."

6 / 10
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70 Report
  • photo...
  • August 10, 2009

For Atrial Fibrillation "I was on Cartia XT when they discontinued it. It is the ONLY drug that works for me. There was no warning from CVS either. I went into fibrillation. The doctor put me on four different drugs after that of which none worked. One was too hard and large to swallow, one had food dye and I am allergic, and one made my head ring terribly. Another one is on the way but it is twice a day. Since I also have fibromyalgia, I have to be extra careful. "

10 / 10
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64 Report
  • Dante
  • September 20, 2015

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I am currently taking Cartia XT 120mg once a day, and it is a mixed bag for me. I am still experiencing an elevated HR multiple times per day, and very light headed all day long. I do not feel right at all. I have also tried metropolol and lisinipril, having the best results from the latter, but it did not address my HR."

3 / 10
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41 Report
  • Tasha
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 25, 2012

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I took Cartia XT 120 mg once a day for thousands of PACs and PSVT. Cartia is mild, with few side effects, but good results. I took (Teva brand) Diltiazem EX 120 mg and had problems. I found out when I took leftover Cartia's that the problem is the Teva brand doesn't work as well for me."

9 / 10
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49 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 29, 2009

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I have had SVTs for about 18 years and was switched from Calan SR to this drug. I had no issues for about 4 years until recently when I was told that Cartia had been discontinued. Now I am on Diltiazem for 3 months and have already had 2 episodes in a month. I am going to try my hardest to get back on Cartia"

10 / 10
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46 Report
  • Buffa...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 7, 2022

For High Blood Pressure "Been on Cartia XT for a year, lowered my heart rate but not my blood pressure. Started getting heart palpitations so cardiologist put me on a halter monitor for five days. Took me off Cartia and put me on Amlodopine. Heart rate back in normal range, no more palpitations and better than normal BP."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Nancy
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 8, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I could smell a strong odor when I opened the container. It is very off putting. I have taken it awhile and my stomach is always upset. I think it does not agree with me."

5 / 10
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40 Report
  • Cassy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 16, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Not really sure if this drug is for me. My blood pressure is still not normal and neither is my heart rate. It more likely raises it. Also occasional skipped beat feeling."

3 / 10
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45 Report
  • Bob
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 2, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Take 180 once in morning and same at night - works for BP and heart beat . It’s a two and one drug for me ."

8 / 10
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28 Report
  • oldie...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 15, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "occasional dizziness but drug works"

8 / 10
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33 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.