Is ankle swelling a symptom of tildiem diltiazem? and if so, how can you get rid of it? does it last a long time?

Can be: The diltiazem portion of your med can cause swelling when used at high doses - generally >240 mg a day. If you get swelling from it, you must reduce the dose as a diuretic won't help it.

Diltiazem edema: Cardizem (C) related edema (E) is caused by preferential arteriolar or precapillary dilation without commensurate dilation in the venous or postcapillary circulation. This is the origin of peripheral edema with C therapy. Using a drug such as valosartan in combination dilates venous capacitance vessels with consequent normalization of intracapillary pressure eliminating the E.