The patient taking calcium channel blockers should keep taking the medicine, to give it time to work. Once it begins to work and symptoms improve, it should continue to be taken as prescribed.
No
This medicine should not be discontinued without checking with the prescribing physician. Some conditions may worsen when patients stop taking calcium channel blockers abruptly.
Anyone taking calcium channel blockers should therefore consult with the prescribing physician concerning how much exercise and activity may be considered safe.
People who normally have chest pain when they exercise or exert themselves may not have the pain when they are taking calcium channel blockers. This could lead them to be more active than they should be.
Calcium channel blockers may interact with a number of other medications. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may increase.
Anyone taking calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure should not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medication without first checking with the prescribing physician, as some of these drugs may increase blood pressure.
Women who need to take this medicine and want to breastfeed their babies should check with their physicians.
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should check with their physicians before using these drugs.
Anyone who has had a previous unusual reaction to any calcium channel blocker should let his or her physician know before taking the drugs again.
The physician should also be notified about any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances.
Anyone who takes these drugs should not drive, use machines, or do anything else that might be dangerous until they have found out how the drugs affect them.
To help prevent the problem, care should be taken when brushing and flossing the teeth. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also recommended.