Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> How much Verap
        
(Message started by: Shaz on May 15^th, 2007, 10:58am)

Title: How much Verap
Post by Shaz on May 15^th, 2007, 10:58am

Well, after 18 lovely painfree months, the beast has decided to come back for a chat....... Have had about a week of shadowing, then got two hits last night. Was groping about for my injections at three this morning, trying to remember which end to use....

In a way I am glad its earlier this time as I am getting married again in Sept so hopefully it will be over by then.

My GP prescribed me Verapamil at the end of the last cycle and has started me off on it again. Its only 50 mg twice a day and from what I have read on here, you seem to have much much higher doses. Is this just going to be a waste of time??

Be grateful for any feedback.

Shaz [smiley=huh.gif] [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by Brewcrew on May 15^th, 2007, 11:08am

on 05/15/07 at 10:58:36, Shaz wrote:

Its only 50 mg twice a day and from what I have read on here, you seem to have much much higher doses. Is this just going to be a waste of time??

Probably, but you should follow your doctor's advice for now. Most people around here find theraputic value around 480mg per day, some higher. A few are good to go with 360mg per day. I found, when my doc took me up to 720mg per day, that I was starting to get light-headed and dizzy. 480 is what works best for me, and I weigh 200 lbs.

Talk to your doc about increasing the dosage - don't just do it on your own.

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by Gator on May 15^th, 2007, 12:22pm

100mg per day does sound very low, but like Bill said, don't self medicate - talk with the doc about upping the dose.

You might also talk to your doctor about starting a Pred Taper to keep the hits at bay while you ramp up on the verap.

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by Jonny on May 15^th, 2007, 2:19pm

Sounds like your doc is starting you off low so its not a shock to your system.

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by Shaz on May 17^th, 2007, 4:28am

Thanks for your replies guys. Going to see him again tomorrow so will see what he has to say. I have quite low blood pressure normally so maybe that might be a reason as well...

Shaz :-*

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by barry_sword on May 17^th, 2007, 6:39am

Hi Shaz. I'm going into my 7th month of this cycle :P and was on 360mg of Verap. but it was not working, the hits kept coming. I have recently received my o2 :) and now am taking 480mg. of Verap. and the hits have stopped. This is my 5th day in a row PF.
I am 160lbs and 5 foot 10 with very good blood pressure, but let the doc decide on your dose. Hope this helps you.

Barry

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by burnt-toast on May 17^th, 2007, 8:52am

It seems that a common method for establishing effective levels of Verapamil in treating CH is to start low and increase levels until an effective level is reached.

Establishing and maintaining blood serum levels is important - it doesn't work instantly (i.e., typically taking 240mg yesterday and 480mg today isn't going to provide better results today). It can take a few days to a week to establish stable levels and see consistent results.

Working with the doc. and keeping accurate records is important to work out dosages that help or determine that Verapamil isn't going to work.

Don't get discouraged, it can take some work and time to get cosistent relief.

The following links will provide some good information on Verapamil side effects, drug interactions and common uses/dosages.

http://www.drugs.com

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

Best Wishes,

Tom

Title: Re: How much Verap
Post by MR_FLOOR on May 17^th, 2007, 10:04pm

I take 360mg a day

Dave