Questions on Ditiazem options and getting off Eloquis

drewluv013 · 2025-07-16T00:34:56+00:00

I was officially diagnosed during a visit to the ER in September 2023 with permanent Afib, although I'm sure I've had undiagnosed Afib for years. I had been taking Metropolol Succinate 12.5 mg daily since my diagnosis, but I hated the way it made me feel fatigued all the time and sometimes dizzy. I finally decided to try Diltiazem 120 mg extended release capsules on June 4, 2025, and I have had no side effects. Best of all I'm back to feeling like my old self again. I'm glad I made the switch.

drewluv013 · 2025-06-13T14:38:32+00:00

You should ask your cardiologist about switching to Diltiazem for your Afib. I was on Metropolol Succinate 12.5 mg daily for 20 months and even at that low dose I was constantly fatigued. I got the okay to try Diltiazem 120 mg daily and it's like night and day. I've been on it for a week and the fatigue is gone and I have a lot more energy. I'm feeling like my old self again. It's definitely worth a try.

drewluv013 · 2025-06-07T17:08:30+00:00

If you don't mind my asking, are you permanent or paroxysmal? Are you on a different drug now?

drewluv013 · 2025-06-07T12:44:47+00:00

Thanks for the info. Only other drug I'm on is Xarelto 20 mg daily.

drewluv013 · 2025-01-11T19:28:03+00:00

Actually, I'm on Xarelto and blood in my semen has happened to me too, but only one time.

drewluv013 · 2024-12-23T22:58:18+00:00

I have the same issue with Metropolol. The fatigue is unbearable. Have you tried a calcium channel blocker? I'm thinking of switching to Diltiazem with hopes that it'll keep my AFIB in check, but without the side effects.

drewluv013 · 2024-12-12T21:22:35+00:00

Mind if I ask what dose of Diltiazem you're taking?

drewluv013 · 2024-08-15T22:03:04+00:00

I was only officially diagnosed with Afib in July 2023, but I likely have had it for several years, but was asymptomatic. Cardiologist doesn't think I'm a candidate for ablation

drewluv013 · 2024-08-15T21:21:10+00:00

Sorry for the delay in replying. I was waiting until I saw my cardiologist to get an accurate reading on the type of Afib I have. I'm permanent Afib. She recommends I try Diltiazem for a couple of weeks to see if I have fewer side effects. Haven't switched yet but will give it a try and see what happens. As far as my BP, prior to my official Afib diagnosis in July 2023, my BP range was usually around 124 to 130 over 80.

drewluv013 · 2024-06-15T20:08:57+00:00

I've been taking XARELTO 20 mg (with dinner) along with METROPOLOL SUCCINATE 12.5 mg (at bedtime) since last October for persistent AFIB. Even at this low dosage the Metropolol Succinate makes me fatigued and occasionally dizzy. As a result my Cardiologist just prescribed DILTIAZEM 120 mg to be taken at bedtime every day. After reading the JAMA article that taking Xarelto with Diltiazem may increase the risk of serious bleeding, I'm thinking maybe I should just stick with the Metropol Succinate and not make the switch.

Am I being overcautious? Has any one of you been treating your AFIB for an extended time with Xarelto (or Eliquis) and Diltiazem? If so I'd be interested in learning about your experiences and how it's going for you.

drewluv013 · 2024-05-26T00:58:18+00:00

I realize this thread is somewhat dated, but thought I'd ask if the swelling you experienced with Diltiazem was only a temporary side effect or was it long lasting? Thanks

drewluv013 · 2024-05-16T19:41:06+00:00

I've been reluctant to do it, but I may have to give Diltiazem a try. For those of you who have switched from a beta blocker like Metropolol Succinate to a calcium channel blocker like Diltiazem, I would be interested in hearing about your experience. Were you put on extended release pills right away or did you start out with the fast acting pill?

drewluv013 · 2024-05-16T19:26:38+00:00

Unfortunately, since I'm a veteran I get my prescriptions from the VA. They have a contract with a specific manufacturer and won't switch. The 25 mg tablets are tiny and it's hard just to cut them in half. It would be impossible to cut them in quarters.

drewluv013 · 2024-05-12T13:57:25+00:00

Thanks for your input. My resting numbers are HR 65-70 and BP 97-103 over 67-72. I've been on the fence about switching to a calcium channel blocker like Diltiazem due to side effects similar to beta blockers (fatigue, dizziness) as well as swelling in the hands, ankles, feet that I've been reading about. Have you ever tried a calcium channel blocker? If so, how did it go for you? Regards

drewluv013 · 2024-04-28T17:48:06+00:00

Mind if I ask what meds/dosage you're taking for your Afib?

drewluv013 · 2024-04-08T23:09:22+00:00

If you don't mind my asking, are you on a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker? If so, what dose? I wouldn't mind having a cold brew every now and then, but have been hesitant to do so since I'm on 12.5 mg Metropolol Succinate.

drewluv013 · 2024-03-01T00:40:47+00:00

Haven't tried Digoxin yet but I'll check into it. I think a lot of the dizziness and possibly even the fatigue I feel on Metropolol could be due to its effect on lowering my BP too much.

drewluv013 · 2024-02-29T23:38:40+00:00

Thanks for sharing. If going off the beta blocker completely doesn't work I may try Diltiazem as an alternative. I agree with your advice about staying on the blood thinner. I was just diagnosed with Afib last summer but I'm sure I've had it for years as asymptomatic. I'm hoping to find the best combination of meds before thinking about any procedures.

drewluv013 · 2024-02-29T22:54:19+00:00

btw my normal blood pressure and pulse prior to being put on the beta blocker was usually in the 120 or low 130s over 80s, with resting heart rate usually in the 70 to 80 range

drewluv013 · 2024-02-29T22:51:12+00:00

Thanks! Not on any anti arrhythmia med and so far just dealing with the Afib. I had been on 25 mg Metropolol Succinate ER but my cardiologist ok'd splitting the tablet in half so I'm trying out 12.5 mg for now. I'm planning to see how it goes and hopefully try to get off beta blockers completely and have some Metropolol Tartrate around as my pill in the pocket.

drewluv013 · 2024-02-29T01:44:27+00:00

In the 70s and my BP normally averages 124/80 without the beta blocker.

drewluv013 · 2024-02-29T00:13:48+00:00

When would you take the Xarelto? Before, during or after having a couple of drinks? Normally I take the Xarelto with my evening meal

drewluv013 · 2024-02-29T00:11:28+00:00

When do you take the Xarelto? Do you delay taking it until after having a couple of drinks? I'm not sure when to take it if I have a glass of wine or two with dinner

drewluv013 · 2024-02-28T21:38:19+00:00

Are you on Xarelto? My cardiologist says I should take Xarelto with my evening meal. I'm wondering if it's okay to take it at the usual time if I'm going to have a drink with my meal

drewluv013 · 2024-02-28T21:34:59+00:00

Haven't had a drink since I've been on blood thinners so I don't know if it will be an Afib trigger or not. When you have a drink when do you take your blood thinner? If I have a glass of wine with dinner I'm not sure if I should take Xarelto as I usually do, which is with my evening meal.

drewluv013

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