I recently had an AF with cardioversion and was put on cardizem. It has been two weeks now and I am just now starting to get used to it. In talking with my Doctor, he said that I could also switch to a beta blocker. Just wondered if anyone has taken both and if one seems better than the other in any way? Does anyone know the long term effect, if any, of these meds?:dizzy:

Alice,
I have been on 4 beta blockers and switched to CCP Cardizem a month ago. It took me 2 weeks to get through the adjustment period. I hade a horrible feeling of anxiety in my chest. That has subsided somewhat but I still have a higher pulse than on BB which give me that anxiety feeling. In general, I felt better on BB, but after a few months I kept having breathing problems. I took another stress test and it came out great so my Dr. put me on this CCB. On a positive note, I can breathe better when exercising. I do not find CCB to keep my pulse rate and pressure as low as BB. Either when resting or exercising. I've also had pins and needle in my right arm. So, i'm still not sure
if I will stay on Cardizem or go back to atenalol. If I do I will have to live with the breathing problems which are a short sudden feeling of losing my breath. It comes out of nowhere and last only a couple seconds but every BB i've been on has done this. I would like to hear more about how you are feeling on cardizem.
Regards,
Miranda

Thanks Sunny and Miranda for your replies.
I seemed to be getting used to the cardizem, except for occasional dizziness(which I hope, will also go away). It was a hard couple of weeks but things do seem to be settling down. I just need help with the panic attacks and anxiety. I did make an appointment to see someone to help me deal with this too.(That was not easy either). But I can not seem to get out of the "fog" on my own! I sometimes feel like my life will never be the same. :(
But..I AM hanging on.
Alice

Alice,
I just want to say, that i have a constant feeling of anxiety on this Med. Did you have it before you started cardizem? I'm thinking of going back to a BB.
I know what you mean about life not being the same after heart problems. I was in a fog for a good 4 months when i found out that I had a serious heart defect. Please keep me posted on how you are doing with cardizem if you don't mind.
Miranda