Diltiazem and Dizziness: What Users Say

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

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."

• lad...
• November 3, 2016

Diltiazem for High Blood Pressure "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!"

• npa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 9, 2015

For Atrial Fibrillation "For years (More like forever) I kept getting diagnosed with panic attacks since by the time I would get to the ER the 'episode' had stopped. Last year I had the worst and longest episode I'd ever experienced. By the time I got to the ER my heart rate was still in the 190s. At 41 years old, I finally found out it had been A-Fib the last 20 years. I was prescribed Diltiazem (Cardizem) 60 mg every 6 hrs and I love it! A little bumpy in the beginning. Sensitivity to sunlight and tiredness/dizzy but not bothersome to the point I wanted to stop. After about a week the mild side effects had passed and well, it's just awesome. I highly recommend to help control A-Fib symptoms."

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2018

Diltiazem for High Blood Pressure "I developed white spots and sores in my mouth just a few days after starting this medication. I thought it was my partial plate doing it, made five trips to the dentist for adjustments, nothing worked, it just got worse. On an impulse, I researched the side effects of this med, and there you go - white spots and sores in the mouth. The dentist started treating me for thrush, so now I am on steroids and a mouthwash for that. Needless to say, I am no longer taking the med. I was also experiencing fatigue and dizziness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on Cardizem LA for a little over a month. After a couple of weeks, I began having waves of depression, pounding heart, dizziness, and all of these symptoms worsened. The last week I was on this med, I noticed a white blister in my mouth, which spread and became very sore. Along with that, I had blisters show up on my fingers with peeling skin. I researched other reviews here and figured it had to be the Cardizem. I have stopped taking it and have already noticed a big difference."

• afa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I had been using losartan 75 mg and was getting heart palpitations and feeling lousy. I switched to a different cardiologist, and they recommended diltiazem with a dosage twice a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. My blood pressure had been as high as 170/108 at the doctor's office, but was on average 125/90 at home. I was worried about the side effects but switched and have seen no side effects. In fact, my heart palpitations stopped, and my blood pressure is becoming more regulated. I'm now seeing average readings in the evening of as low as 100/70, with an average now of 120/85. I exercise 30-45 minutes a day and also stopped adding salt to my diet. I also eat less meat and intermittent fast - only eating in a 6-hour time period. I also have no side effects such as swelling, dizziness, or fatigue. I strongly recommend this."

• RSo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2018

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I've been taking this medication for 3 days now. It does lower my blood pressure, but when I first take it, my blood pressure goes up about 30 points. Gives me terrible anxiety, and I break out into supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The first day I took it, I had a massive headache. I have terrible constipation as well. Short of breath, and my bones ache, which has never been the case before, ever. I'm afraid to drive because I feel very light-headed and dizzy. I wish there was a better medication for this condition because this does not feel good."

• cfl...
• April 23, 2009

Diltiazem 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."

• Hde...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2016

For Atrial Fibrillation "Have been on generic Cardizem since first bout with afib a month ago. Many side effects like ankle swelling and at waistline, sharp pain stabs in the head, dizziness, blurred vision. Just switched away from generic form and will see if the real deal makes a difference. Taking 120 extended dose one daily. Being hopeful because no sign of afib since that one time!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was given Metoprolol Succinate, Eliquis, and Atorvastatin after being admitted to the hospital with a-fib. I am a healthy 42-year-old, non-smoker male. The metoprolol is the worst medicine I have ever taken. I suffered for about two months with horrible side effects. Went back to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack about a week after starting meds. Stomach pain, dizziness, depression, anxiety, increased BP, shakes, bloated feeling, tiredness, and sharp pains in my chest. After about two months, another cardiologist told me to stop taking the metoprolol and switch to diltiazem ER 120 mg once a day. It took about a week, but all the side effects stopped. I started feeling like a human being again. I had muscle twitches for a week as my body flushed the metoprolol. Diltiazem has been a godsend for me, but obviously not for others. Just listen to your body and tell your doctor if a medicine isn't working."

• Dil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "I had an attack of tachycardia that was caused by eating apricot seeds. Taken to the hospital and treated for 125-135 heart and feeling like I was shaking and panicking. They prescribed Metoprolol and sent me home after treatment. I felt fine the next day and then had a rapid heart rate again and had a flash of anxiety. I took the Metoprolol and tried to get in to see my Army doctors. After a 10-day wait and being extremely anxious and a nervous wreck, I got to see my doctor. He took me off Metoprolol and gave me Diltiazem, no blood tests, no other testing. The Diltiazem makes me feel foggy, dizzy, and at first chest tightness and palpitations. I'm desperately working out to lose weight and get off this drug."

• Els...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "I was on Adizem-XL 200 mg but didn't control blood pressure, also on perindopril erbumine and flecainide but didn't have problems apart from blood pressure going up. Put on Adizem-XL 240 mg and now have gingivitis, it's horrible, and the BP consultant recognized it but said Adizem-XL didn't cause it. That is the only thing that changed, and the dentist has x-rayed my teeth and I always have regular checks, no sign of problems. Just very sore, inflamed gums that bleed when I brush my teeth, and very tired, enlarged neck glands, and dizzy. I'm very fed up with the lack of concern, I have no confidence."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2018

"I started diltiazem 180 mg a day a couple of weeks ago to treat inappropriate sinus tachycardia. On the first few days, I noticed that when I stopped walking (even across the house), I would feel extremely dizzy. I also developed a weird numb, tingly feeling in my extremities. Although these particular side effects have worn off within a few days, I continue to have other quite concerning side effects. I have noticed that I'm having significant difficulty getting to sleep as well as really strange, extremely vivid dreams when I do sleep. I have also become a ranting, raging mess. I also seem to be having very extreme mood swings, which are far more noticeable than my normal mood changes. These particular side effects are indeed becoming progressively worse as the days go by, and although my heart rate has stabilized, I'm pretty certain that the benefits in this case aren't outweighing the risks."

• MsX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2017

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "Was on Atenolol 25 mg, once a day, had bad leg cramping, some dizziness, it wasn't helping my palpitations, then the cardiologist switched me to Bystolic 5 mg. I had, again, dizziness, vivid dreams, and feeling fuzzy. Started Diltiazem 30 mg, 3 times a day as needed, and I started with one a day, and palpitations and accelerated heart are controlled. I only experienced fatigue, shortness of breath, and sometimes nightmares, but it has helped me feel better, though..."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2022

Diltiazem for High Blood Pressure "This has been a terrible drug. So many side effects. The room was spinning round, my eyes have been damaged. My eyesight has been affected. So much dizziness and dreadful breathing problems. I was diagnosed with bronchospasm. It's like asthma. Heart rate all over the place. Cardiologists should be made to try this med before inflicting it on their patients."

• Mee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2022

For Raynaud's Syndrome "Disastrous. Two hours after the first dose, BP bottomed out, and heart rate soared at times to over 150; was used to replace metoprolol. Extremely dizzy and slightly short of breath. Never again. Felt totally awful."

• Jad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2015

For Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis "I'm 31 years old and have started having high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide didn't work. After seeing the cardiologist, I started diltiazem 24 hr ER 120 mg cap for high blood pressure and angina. I feel like it worked instantly. On my third dose, I checked my blood pressure and it was lower. It was still at risk, but it was much lower, and my pulse was normal. I do feel slightly dizzy for a split second. I don't feel tired, and I drive all day with it. I have had a loss of appetite, but I think that's a good thing so I can get this weight off. I'm using this medicine along with diet and slow-paced exercise. This is day four, and I still have a slight chest pain for a second once or twice a day, but I know it's working because I feel better."

• FTC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2015

For Atrial Fibrillation "Atrial fibrillation due to chemotherapy. After lisinopril, metoprolol, and losartan, I started on this - and I loved it - dizzy at first, but it worked itself out after a few days - heart rate was way too low at first, but resolved itself - just as it all worked out and I went for my first bike ride, I developed a rash - stomach - back - neck - legs, then buttocks. So on day 4, I'm stopping. Bummer."

• bei...
• April 6, 2009

For Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis "I have taken diltiazem for the past week for blood pressure and angina issues (pain in my chest). It has worked wonders; however, it does make you rather dizzy at times. I take this with Plavix as my cardiologist recommended."

• LbJ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2021

For Supraventricular Tachycardia "I started this medication a few days ago for SVT. I haven’t had an “episode,” but it doesn’t seem to keep my heart rate down. Still in the 90-100s even at rest. I take 120 mg every 24 hr. No concerning side effects that I’ve noticed yet, maybe increased urination? Could be unrelated, though. Very, very mild dizziness. I’ve noticed dryness in my nose, but I’m also getting over COVID. I'm not sure if this is the right med for me. If it can’t keep my HR down, I don’t see the point in taking it."

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

Diltiazem for High Blood Pressure "Occasional dizziness, but drug works."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2019

For Atrial Fibrillation "After 5 days of 120 mg of Diltiazem, I have bouts of vertigo, which is awful. Stopped the drug three times and restarted, and vertigo returned after 5 days. That's it for me, threw them away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2022

For Atrial Fibrillation "Very effective for my a-fib along with Rhythmol and anti-rhythmic. It does make me dizzy for a few hours."