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HBP, Diabetes, Been On Medications. Advised To Decrease Amaryl, Increase Metropol, Quit Diltiazem. Advise?
I am on 4 or 5 medications for HBP and have diabetes that seems to be pretty well controlled with diet and medication (A1C last week was 6). I don't have insurance for meds. Most all of mine are on the $4 list, except diltiazem, which is fairly expensive. I asked my doctor last week if there is a less expensive substitute. He decided I should decrease my amaryl dose by 50% (from 2mg daily to 1mg), increase metoprolol from 50 mg to 75 mg (twice a day), and quit the diltiazem. Only I forgot to ask him how to quit taking it. Can I just stop? I've read some things suggesting that could be a Bad Idea.
Thu, 2 May 2013
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
You are Diabetic and Hypertensive, and taking treatment, I am glad to know your blood sugar is well controlled and even HbA1c is 6 .
Ideally we should take all medicines which are necessary and cost should be secondary but usually doctors do take care of pocket of patients.
Your dose of Metoprolol which is Beta blocker is increased and diltiazem is stopped so it can be stopped. Suddenly stopping diltiazem can cause fast heart rate.
In your case it is unlikely.
Please do not worry as dose of Metoprolol is increased so it will be smooth transition.
Please take care
Good Luck.
Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D
Welcome to HCM,
You are Diabetic and Hypertensive, and taking treatment, I am glad to know your blood sugar is well controlled and even HbA1c is 6 .
Ideally we should take all medicines which are necessary and cost should be secondary but usually doctors do take care of pocket of patients.
Your dose of Metoprolol which is Beta blocker is increased and diltiazem is stopped so it can be stopped. Suddenly stopping diltiazem can cause fast heart rate.
In your case it is unlikely.
Please do not worry as dose of Metoprolol is increased so it will be smooth transition.
Please take care
Good Luck.
Dr.Akhilesh Dubey M.D
I find this answer helpful
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In some cases, if the dose is small for example less than 120mg , the medication can be stopped abruptly but if you are on a large dose it may need to be tapered.
You may want to speak to your doctor to determined which is the best option based on the dose you were taking.
I hope this helps
In some cases, if the dose is small for example less than 120mg , the medication can be stopped abruptly but if you are on a large dose it may need to be tapered.
You may want to speak to your doctor to determined which is the best option based on the dose you were taking.
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
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