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Diltiazem User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Cardizem, Cartia XT, Cardizem CD, Diltiazem Hydrochloride CD, Tiadylt ER, Dilt-XR, Diltiazem Hydrochloride XR, Tiazac, Matzim LA, Diltiazem Hydrochloride SR, Cardizem LA, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Taztia XT Diltzac …show all brand names

Diltiazem has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 177 reviews on Drugs.com. 45% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 32% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Diltiazem

  • Shannon
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 19, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I first started this dilitazem 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 was constipation, weakness, tiredness but as the months went by my condition started to worsen and I was not myself, feeling depressed, tired all the time, pounding heartbeat if I do minimal activity, my nails started to look dead like they were dehydrated sunken in, I slept all the time, I didn’t have a appetite so I lost weight, bad anxiety, I fainted once right before my med was switched, and my heart palpitations was still ongoing. 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 I feel great. Please be careful of this medication watch for side effects that can sneak up and cause problems."

1 / 10
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167 Report
  • Rosine
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 4, 2019

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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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143 Report
  • Phuphu
  • November 13, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "At first my Diltiazem dose was 30mg 4 times daily. Then Diltiazem XR 120mg once a day. Once in ER, Dr. gave me another Dilt 120 and it took care of the problem. My cardio Dr got the results of the ER he upped my Diltiazem to 180mg. Every time I take is for at least 3 days I awaken in the morning with heart palpitations. I went back to taking the 120mg. No heart palpitations in the morning. My PCP said talk to Cardio Dr before a lesser dosage. Took the 180 again. A week later the palpitations in the a.m. started again. I am very sensitive to lots of meds and had to stop Flecainide and Multaq for that very reason. Just on Diltiazem XR 120 now. Will see if the morning arising palpitations stop. I feel they do not know my body like I do. "

7 / 10
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120 Report
  • Lakeguy
  • 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 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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101 Report

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  • Magzmom
  • 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."

2 / 10
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121 Report
  • CanCan
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 27, 2021

For Atrial Fibrillation "I took diltiazem from Aug 2020-Jan 25th, 2021. It caused vitreous detachment in one of my eyes (luckily so far the retina hasn't detached) and Vasculitis in my legs. When I stopped it the burning and itching in my legs subsided (2 days later). Five days later it has stopped altogether. I was taking it for atrial fibrillation. I'm staying on blood thinner & will keep some of these with me in case I go into an abnormal heart rhythm. Taking it every day is a recipe for health disaster in my opinion."

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

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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
  • Finney
  • 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, depressed and couldn't function until 3 pm. 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 myself to the 120mg. and am doing well. People know their own body. Doctors should believe patients. My son is a pharmacist and he said I was right."

7 / 10
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85 Report
  • Cassy...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 10, 2018

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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
  • Sweaty...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 4, 2016

Dilt-XR (diltiazem) for Atrial Fibrillation "I was diagnosed with Sinus Tachycardia a few years ago. My resting heart rate was usually 130-140. Resting heart rate!! I was put on a medication that made me so tired I could barely function. After a month on that I insisted on switching and they gave me Dilt XR 120mg. I noticed some slowing of my heart rate and absolutely NO side effects. Still my heart rate was running around 100 and would get like hot flashes if I did much moving around, which made work miserable. I have increased my dosage to 360mg and I feel so much better. Pulse is running in the 70s and the hot flashes and sweating have almost gone away."

10 / 10
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109 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 15, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Cardiologist suggested switching now to Diltiazem for less side effects and Diltiazem would be better suited for my cardio profile. Started Diltiazem 240 mg's once daily five days ago. Day one and two felt like I was tipsy with a headache that would come and go. Red facial flushing. I made sure to drink a lot of water and stayed well hydrated, avoiding all caffeine. I stopped all vitamin supplements before starting so I could have only the one variable starting the diltiazem. I felt I could not safely drive/focus for the tipsy feeling and with the strange headaches. Day three, dizziness and noticeable swelling in calves/ankles and sinus stuffiness. Day four, bouts of spontaneous rapid heart beat, 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 heart beat and at this point, my legs are getting rather puffy. I am stopping the pill completely."

3 / 10
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87 Report
  • chris...
  • June 11, 2008

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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
  • Shmo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 28, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I started this medication, Dilatiziem HCL, on a nightly dose to see if it might help alleviate some other symptoms. I began to notice I could constantly hear my pulse in my right ear, and confirmed the rhythm was in perfect sync with the pulse at my right temple. Asked my Dr if I should be concerned about the sound, and they said no and that it was safe to continue the medication. The pulsatile tinnitus got annoying to me after a while, so I discontinued the medication. The tinnitus stopped just over 24 hours after my last dose."

5 / 10
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66 Report
  • JJano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 9, 2019

Cartia XT (diltiazem) "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
  • Bulld...
  • March 24, 2016

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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
  • Jo Jose
  • October 4, 2016

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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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97 Report
  • maylaw
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 20, 2019

Cardizem (diltiazem) for Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis "The first three days on this med 120 mg, I was fine the fourth day started shaking out of control, blood pressure dipped to 92 over 63 and pulse increased to 120 beats, Stopped taking this med today. I also had terrible pain in my back and abdomen. I still feel very shaky I'm wondering how long it takes to rid my system....Awful drug for me anyway."

1 / 10
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65 Report
  • Qussay
  • March 27, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I'm taking diltiazem SR 90 mg twice for hypertension , I have CKD stage 4 , it controls the blood pressure well , but with many intolerable adverse effects. I started to have flushing redness and hotness on my feet once I stand for long time , my heart racing with minimal activity or even stand from bed , and I have severe fatigue.."

5 / 10
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58 Report
  • Betty...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 8, 2024

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Diltiazem has been a godsend for me. I have had SVT for 70 years and had always been told there was no remedy for it. Three years ago, my GP prescribed Metoprolol to be used after an attack which worked fairly well for quite a while, but my attacks became more and more frequent and eventually Metoprolol did not help much. Another doctor prescribed Diltiazem, 240 mg, which I started taking on Nov 2, 2023, and which I take every night. I have had only three attacks, which lasted only a couple of minutes. What a change from the hours I used to suffer through on almost a daily basis. I love this drug. I am on a waitlist for Ablation, but if things continue as they are now, I will not have it done. It works perfectly for me and I hope it works as well for others."

10 / 10
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6 Report
  • ladyj...
  • November 3, 2016

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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

Cartia XT (diltiazem) 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
  • canuck
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 16, 2016

Tiazac (diltiazem) for Atrial Fibrillation "Hi, I've been taking 240 mg of tiazac every evening for the past 11 years after a trip to the ER at 37 years old. I waited about 2 hours to call the paramedics, but after being unable to climb the stairs I decided to call them. My heartbeat was still well over 200 when I got to the ER. I was lucky to be in good shape because it is well possible my heart would not have held on at that rate for that long. Tiazac works great for me. At first I tried 2 pills per day, but did not work very well. After a few weeks my doctor switched me to long release 240 mg. I'm still with it 11 years later and training for a triathlon in the fall and 25 k next spring. If your conditions allows it, exercise ! and drink decaf. ! (for me at least)"

10 / 10
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87 Report
  • Nanny...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 13, 2014

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking Diltiazem 360 mg once a day for about 10 years along with 20 mg per day of Lisinopril for high blood pressure. I am 58 years old. This combination has kept me at normal BP numbers all these years. The Diltiazem capsules are 180 mg each so obviously I have to take 2 capsules (at the same time). I have noticed in the last few months my BP gets pretty low...about 90/60 and even lower. Every time I bend over I get real lightheaded not to mention feeling tired all the time so I decided to take just one capsule per day of the diltiazem along with the Lisinopril and in the last 3 days of doing so I feel 100% better! I think the 360mg is too much for me now maybe because I am getting older. My BP now stays about 117/73."

8 / 10
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103 Report
  • Meme
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 3, 2020

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Started 120 mg time released once a day of Diltiazem for mild tachycardia and Raynaud's. 20 mins after first pill I had extreme migraine for 48 hours. Sinuses extremely dry. Felt, lightheaded and agitated. No energy. I had an episode after taking it so that I ended up in emergency room for high blood pressure. This medication has increased my blood pressure instead of lowering it. Went off of it and ended back 4 days later with a high blood pressure and 116 heart rate and shaking. Took a pill and my pressure and heart rate went down. Be careful trying to go off after 2 weeks on it. Waiting to see my doctor for a new medication. Not happy with this medication."

3 / 10
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50 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.