Cartia XT for High Blood Pressure User Reviews

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

"I have an irregular heartbeat, so my doctor put me on Cartia XT 240 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 100 times better without crazy side effects. I suggest you look up side effects before taking anything new. I know I will. I felt like I was dying."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2018

"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. Heart pounding so hard chest hurts and severe headache. I am stopping it, might as well be dead!"

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

"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!"

• SJS...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 21, 2019

"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."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2018

"Taking 120 mg of Cartia XT for weaning off of a beta-blocker for blood pressure. It sent me into tachycardia, which woke me up with a heart rate of 165 beats per minute. Never in my life have I had a heart issue. While taking this medicine, I experience skipped beats, which are definitely uncomfortable, and I have sinus congestion that has led to an annoying cough. I hope I can wean off this medicine and not have to deal with a racing heart. I'm also experiencing heightened anxiety with this medicine."

• Bul...
• March 24, 2016

"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 at optimal weight and I exercise 4 to 5 times weekly, mostly a 2-mile walk each time and about 50 sit-ups. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. Mild constipation so I eat a cup of yogurt at least every other day."

• lad...
• November 3, 2016

"I've been on Cartia XT for 1 year. Yes, past the side effects, please. Occasional dizziness, lightheadedness, some minor weight gain, but watching what I eat. Getting into the gym. Giving 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 its job! Blood pressure is excellent most days. My blood pressure was 200/120, triggering A-Fib, which landed me in the ER/Intensive Care last November for 4 days. YIKES!!! This morning's pressure was 112/80. AMAZING!"

• ari...
• December 7, 2013

"Had a 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 not overweight. ER gave me metoprolol 100 mg a day and developed an antagonistic/allergic reaction, sending me back to the ER. Started on losartan 25 mg for two days and BP didn't go down as expected. Stress test showed normal everything except for borderline BP and rapid heart rate of 112. Cardiologist put me on 120 mg Cartia XT. Took the first dose last night, BP dropped to 80/60, 77 no symptoms, had water and feet up. Woke up with 100/70, 82 laying down and 110/70, 86 standing up. So far, ringing in the ears, I hear my heart sounds, and dry mouth. It's working so far. I will take it in the morning instead."

• cfl...
• April 23, 2009

"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."

• Buf...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2022

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

• Nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2019

"I could smell a strong odor when I opened the container. It is very off-putting. I have taken it a while, and my stomach is always upset. I think it does not agree with me."

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

"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."

• Bob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 2, 2019

"Take 180 once in the morning and the same at night - works for BP and heartbeat. It’s a two-and-one drug for me."

• old...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2015

"Occasional dizziness, but drug works."