A relative, who has newly diagnosed type�2 diabetes, was prescribed Isoptin, and I have read that there is a possibility of added fatigue. I am worried because he is a lorry driver, and I would like to know if it may affect his job by not being safe to drive. It is a worry to me. Could you advise the possible effects of long term use of Isoptin?

Loperamide (Isoptin) belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers which are widely used in the prevention and treatment of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes. Undue fatigue is reported as a complication in less than 2% of patients but clearly could be a problem for someone who is a long distance lorry driver.

Your friend should discuss this issue with his doctor because there are two other groups of drugs that can substitute. These are angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (Lisinopril) which may also cause fatigue but not neccesarily in the same people and the newer angiotensin II receptor blockers.

DOB