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Is It Safe To Withdraw From Diltiazem While Suffering From Atrial Fibrillation?

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Posted on Tue, 2 Jun 2015
Question: dear doctor: 5-12-2015
i have been without diltiazem 240 mg for 3 days, because the pharmacist said that they
have to contact the insurance (humana) co before they can give me more diltiazem.
I feel fine and for three days the blood pressure has been normal. I am trying to convince the doctor that I do not need them. I developed atrial fibrillation after the 2nd rt. hip surgery (due to metal poisoning).
Please inform me... Thank You. XXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I advice you to better follow your doctor's recommendations.

Detailed Answer:


Hello XXXX!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that, as you are on chronic therapy, it is very important to review your whole medical status, before taking any steps toward any possible changes.

The good thing when dealing with diltiazem withdrawal, is that this drug doesn't exert any rebound phenomena, as it occurs with beta-blockers.

But, as you are having a chronic thyroid therapy and anticoagulation, you may be at increased risk for recurrent atrial fibrillation and potential complications (an actual thyroid hormone balance and a review of you cardiac tests should be performed before thinking for a chronic treatment modulation).

I highly recommend to not undertake any individual actions, and to discuss with your attending doctor about these issues, as he knows better your medical history and could properly judge about your future risk profile.

A thorough frequent check up of your vital parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, etc), coupled with the above lab tests, are necessary for medical decision making.

Hope to have been helpful to you.

Feel free to ask me whenever you need. Greetings! Dr. Iliri

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9544 Questions

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Is It Safe To Withdraw From Diltiazem While Suffering From Atrial Fibrillation?

Brief Answer: I advice you to better follow your doctor's recommendations. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that, as you are on chronic therapy, it is very important to review your whole medical status, before taking any steps toward any possible changes. The good thing when dealing with diltiazem withdrawal, is that this drug doesn't exert any rebound phenomena, as it occurs with beta-blockers. But, as you are having a chronic thyroid therapy and anticoagulation, you may be at increased risk for recurrent atrial fibrillation and potential complications (an actual thyroid hormone balance and a review of you cardiac tests should be performed before thinking for a chronic treatment modulation). I highly recommend to not undertake any individual actions, and to discuss with your attending doctor about these issues, as he knows better your medical history and could properly judge about your future risk profile. A thorough frequent check up of your vital parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, etc), coupled with the above lab tests, are necessary for medical decision making. Hope to have been helpful to you. Feel free to ask me whenever you need. Greetings! Dr. Iliri