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What Causes Depression And Fatigue After Having Cardizem?
Question: Hi, I am taking a calcium channel blocker (Cardizem) and experience mild to moderate depression with this drug, in addition to severe fatigue almost daily. I had suicidal ideation with a beta blocker prescribed initially after stent placement 2011, to lower heart rate and manage hypertension. Is there a drug for tx of CAD w/o these serious side effects that I can ask my cardiologist about next week at my annual exam?? I have struggled successfully (conscious/positive willful choices, mind over matter, prayer and meditation) for 3 years with these side effects and am discouraged. I am unwilling to start another drug to combat the depression ! Would appreciate your insight.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
try ACE-inhibitor or ARB
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for your question.
I am sorry that you are having so many side effects. Drugs that have less side effects include diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers. These medications lower blood pressure but may not lower your heart rate. You could certainly let your cardiologist know about your side effects and ask them if you could be managed with these other classes of medications.
The treatments that work for depression include medications, counseling and exercise. The more of these you do the better your chances to have no symptoms.
I understand your reluctance to go on a medicine for the depression but sometimes a medication can alleviate the suffering that comes with depression.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
try ACE-inhibitor or ARB
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for your question.
I am sorry that you are having so many side effects. Drugs that have less side effects include diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers. These medications lower blood pressure but may not lower your heart rate. You could certainly let your cardiologist know about your side effects and ask them if you could be managed with these other classes of medications.
The treatments that work for depression include medications, counseling and exercise. The more of these you do the better your chances to have no symptoms.
I understand your reluctance to go on a medicine for the depression but sometimes a medication can alleviate the suffering that comes with depression.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
Thx for your input. have been on ACE inhibitor BID (Quinapril) since onset HTN 1989 as well as vaso- dilator (Hydralazine) TID . Hx with diuretics poor- seriously affected dry eye syndrome. Newer drugs i cited were added 2011 post/stent. What are the names of some of the ARB drugs I can ask my Dr. about?
At one time he suggested Koreg? Corig? Uncertain of that class of drug. I am a professional counselor myself -my plan includes exercise as well, and it has been helpful. Just always a daily battle.
In appreciation, XXXXXXX
Thx for your input. have been on ACE inhibitor BID (Quinapril) since onset HTN 1989 as well as vaso- dilator (Hydralazine) TID . Hx with diuretics poor- seriously affected dry eye syndrome. Newer drugs i cited were added 2011 post/stent. What are the names of some of the ARB drugs I can ask my Dr. about?
At one time he suggested Koreg? Corig? Uncertain of that class of drug. I am a professional counselor myself -my plan includes exercise as well, and it has been helpful. Just always a daily battle.
In appreciation, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
losartan, candesartan
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thank you for your follow up.
Typical ARBs are candesartan and losartan but you can not take both an ACE-I and an ARB. Coreg (carvedilol) and bisoprolol are beta blockers but they are less likely to have side effects than the older beta blockers. However with your history of suicidal ideation on beta blockers, I would be hesitant to try that with you. An option may be to increase the doses of your quinapril and hydralazine if they are not already at the maximum dose.
Another idea is that you may be able to change from the Cardizem to amlodipine, a different class of calcium channel blocker with less side effects.
Good luck to you and let me know if you have further questions.
Kathy Robinson, MD
losartan, candesartan
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and thank you for your follow up.
Typical ARBs are candesartan and losartan but you can not take both an ACE-I and an ARB. Coreg (carvedilol) and bisoprolol are beta blockers but they are less likely to have side effects than the older beta blockers. However with your history of suicidal ideation on beta blockers, I would be hesitant to try that with you. An option may be to increase the doses of your quinapril and hydralazine if they are not already at the maximum dose.
Another idea is that you may be able to change from the Cardizem to amlodipine, a different class of calcium channel blocker with less side effects.
Good luck to you and let me know if you have further questions.
Kathy Robinson, MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you so much. Will discuss options w/ Cardiologist March 19. I appreciate both your knowledge and compassion in your helpful responses. Not many Docs i have worked with professionally, usually address with the patient the concept of personal SUFFERING with depression. We all talk about improved functioning and cognitive restructuring, restoring chemical balances. Your patients are fortunate. You read between the lines and HEARD me. Bless you.You touched my heart as well as my "head".
Gratefully, XXXXXXX
Thank you so much. Will discuss options w/ Cardiologist March 19. I appreciate both your knowledge and compassion in your helpful responses. Not many Docs i have worked with professionally, usually address with the patient the concept of personal SUFFERING with depression. We all talk about improved functioning and cognitive restructuring, restoring chemical balances. Your patients are fortunate. You read between the lines and HEARD me. Bless you.You touched my heart as well as my "head".
Gratefully, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
many blessings to you
Detailed Answer:
I really wish you the best and hope you get relief and less side effects soon
Dr. Robinson
many blessings to you
Detailed Answer:
I really wish you the best and hope you get relief and less side effects soon
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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