Calcium Channel Blockers make you tired? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

Mastiff4mee · 05-06-2009, 02:10 PM

Oh my, I've just been switched to a CCB Ditiazem 120mg from Toprol XL 50mg and I am so wiped out tired. It's just day 2 so I'm praying that it goes away. Anyone else experience this? I'm thinking about taking them before bed and maybe that will help. Any recommendations?

Also, on a side note, do you have to wean off CCB like you do Beta's?

Machaon · 05-06-2009, 03:09 PM

I had the opposite effect from taking another CCB, Verapamil. It made me feel better and more energetic.

When I switched over to Coreg, I very slowly weaned myself off Verapamil. If I went too fast, I suffered from heart rhythm and breathing problems.

Coreg makes me more tired than Verapamil, but does a much better job with my health problems. Coreg has made a HUGE difference in my life. I cannot believe it's healing and beneficial powers. I wish I had been on it 20 years ago! Wow, what great stuff!

flowergirl2day · 05-06-2009, 10:59 PM

Hi Mastiff,

Quote:

I've just been switched to a CCB Ditiazem 120mg from Toprol XL 50mg and I am so wiped out tired. It's just day 2 so I'm praying that it goes away. Anyone else experience this? I'm thinking about taking them before bed and maybe that will help. Any recommendations?

I have been taking a CCB for some time now. I think one gets used to feeling tired after a while. When compared to some other side effects, fatigue is not really that bad. Many drugs will leave a person feeling tired and achy, while also reducing the energy levels. I don't think CCBs are any worse in that respect than the beta blockers.

Quote:

Also, on a side note, do you have to wean off CCB like you do Beta's?

I guess it depends on your health situation. Everyone is different. One should always be cautious when stopping medication.
I had a terrible time stopping a high dose of an alpha/beta blocker. Even so, it was nothing compared to my (unsuccessful) attempts to discontinue the calcium channel blocker. I found I could not tolerate even the smallest dose reduction, due to problems similar to Machaon's.
The side effects of CCBs are dose-dependent, so it is a good idea to keep the dose on the lower side, whenever possible.

The CCBs do not prevent beta blocker withdrawal symptoms. What you have been experiencing during these last few days could be related to your Toprol XL withdrawal. Good luck with the CCB.

flowergirl

Mastiff4mee · 05-07-2009, 03:02 PM

Thank you all for the replies. I never even considered the fact that the tiredness may be coming from the discontinuing of the Toprol. It's day 3 now and I'm actually a bit more energetic so that may be the answer right there.

The CCB seems to be doing a good job at controlling my BP and pulse so I think I may be able to stay on the low dose of it. I've already lost 2 pounds (which obviously was water retention) in 3 days from coming off the Beta. Love it since my Doctor swore that the 6 pounds I gained couldn't have to do with the BB. Whatever!

Everyone has been so helpful! It's much appreciated!

flowergirl2day · 05-07-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

The CCB seems to be doing a good job at controlling my BP and pulse so I think I may be able to stay on the low dose of it. I've already lost 2 pounds (which obviously was water retention) in 3 days from coming off the Beta. Love it since my Doctor swore that the 6 pounds I gained couldn't have to do with the BB. Whatever!

I am glad the CCB seems to be working and that you are feeling better!

As for the weight gain from a beta blocker---

You always have to take what the doctors say with a grain of salt. They'll say anything that will serve their interests and help ensure compliance. Doctors are very reluctant to acknowledge any adverse effects of medication, even when faced with an unmistakable evidence. When you think about it, they use mainly prescription drugs to do their job. I think that is also why they become so defensive when a patient complains about their side effects.

Many prescription drugs, including beta blockers, cause weight gain.
One way to counter the extra weight resulting from drug-induced alterations to metabolism is to increase one's activity level. This can be difficult to do for people on this medication, because many beta blockers decrease exercise tolerance.

FG