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672586 tn?1280933658

Withdrawal from metoprolol if switching to diltiazem?

At my request, my family physician has agreed to change my medication from daily metoprolol extended release 100 mg to daily diltiazem 120 mg. Can I simply switch without fear of withdrawal symptoms from the metoprolol? His instructions were to stop taking the metoprolol when I start the new diltiazem. I was not aware that I might face withdrawal from metoprolol.
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Avatar universal
well I ran out of Lopressor so I have Cardizem I have a rapid heart rate so need something and high blood pressure and didn't get to the pharmacy in time just hope I will be ok.
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Avatar universal
One of my front teeth (second from front) just crumbled too night before last. Been on Metoprolol since heart surgery last year. Do you know any more about causative relationship? Is anyone still here?
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672586 tn?1280933658
Oh no, dental problems!! I am now scheduling dental visits quarterly so I'll alert them to the change to the ccb. Rats. I hope I can avoid that side effect.  
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672586 tn?1280933658
The main reason I wanted to change meds was that my triglycerides have been particularly high since I started metoprolol, and I strongly suspect I'm insulin resistant, or on my way to that. My insurance "health coach" pointed out that metoprolol may increase triglycerides and suggested I might want to look into alternatives. I will take my first pill tonight; my last metoprolol was yesterday morning. I hope it will just make me tired and not cause problems.
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the input! I'll let you know how it goes.
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976897 tn?1379167602
I think the switch is probably a good call by your Doctor because it will help eliminate problems associated with spasms. Calcium channel blockers actually act similar to a beta blocker in preventing soft muscle from working so hard, which includes the heart. To be honest, I noticed no difference between a beta blocker and the calcium channel blockers apart from one side effect which caused me to give them up and return to the beta blockers. Keep a close eye on your teeth and gums. Make sure you see a dentist at least twice a year and make it known you are on ccb. Side effects can occur in some people where gums are affected, but in my case two of my molars crumbled.
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1 Comments

Same thing happened to me after taking Diltiazem for 3 years. Developed Gingival Hyperplasia, lost two molars and now have to have expensive implants. Periodontist recommended talking to cardiologist about replacing Diltiazem, he has seen dramatic swelling of gums go down. Started Metoprolol Succiante by request of cardiologist, now it is just fine tuning dosage and a talk re ablation.
237039 tn?1264258057
You were posting while I was typing. LOL  Now I understand why the switch.  In my case, though, I take both a beta blocker (Lopressor) and a calcium channel blocker (Norvasc). I wasn't able to take the Diltiazem.  Gave me awful chest pains. Take care, Ally
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3 Comments
Good Day, I would like to ask how long have u taken both the Metoprolol & Norvasc? I was prescribed by my Internist recently Norvasc 2.5 mg with Metoprolol 25 mg. I used to take Metoprolol with Diltiazem CD 120mg 2X /day for almost 2 months but noticed a "burning chest pain" with Diltiazem that's why I stopped using it. But now I'm afraid to take Norvasc, too.
What i will say is never.. Neverrrr stop taking cardiac drugs without doctors approval.

If you have concerns about side effects you need to express that and get confirmation before you discontinue.

The risks are very serious if you fail to do so and can literally cost you your life.
Please remember also every case and medication is different.. I can easily come on here and say "yeah you should be good.."

Youll also find patients that successfully self terminate a regiment of cardiac medication and are just fine.

On the other hand you have the unlucky few that experience rebound hypertension resulting in hemmorhagic stroke (not even the best neurosurgeon is likely able,to reverse this).. Or lethal arrhythmias at home. These are the patients that arent with us today to warn to to the contrary, so i feel obligated to speak on their behalf.

All it takes is a phone call to be safe.
237039 tn?1264258057
My friend Flycaster is right.  Why the switch at all? The Metoprolol is a beta bocker and the Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker, so I would have to wonder why the switch. The beta blocker would improve blood flow, while the calcium channel blocker helps the heart ryhthm and/or heart rate.
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672586 tn?1280933658
I did ask the doctor last night and he thought it would be okay. I did not contact a cardiologist as I don't really have one, but I can investigate further. I have occasional SVT and take these medications only to regulate my heart rate.
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63984 tn?1385437939
You are changing from one class of heart medicine to another.  I would question the abrupt withdrawal directly with your doctor, and perhaps I'd ask your pharmacist about the possible problems.  Also, a Cardiologist might have important imput in this decision.  

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