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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Dealing...
        
(Message started by: GuitarBill on Nov 7^th, 2006, 2:53am)

Title: Dealing...
Post by GuitarBill on Nov 7^th, 2006, 2:53am

For years I have been on Verapamil however "generically" named Verelan PM, which is an extended release capsule that lasts 24 hours. I don't know if anyone here has taken this, but the side effects have become extreme. I have excessive sensitivity to flourescent light (in other words, fainting in grocery stores) and occasional vertigo. I'm wondering if anyone else takes Verelan and how to deal with it as best you can? Verelan has been the only effective med I've ever taken....

Title: Re: Dealing...
Post by chopmyheadoff on Nov 7^th, 2006, 3:51am

what doses are you on bro ??

im on sustained release 240mg in morning and same at night.

no side effects for me. [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Dealing...
Post by Charlotte on Nov 7^th, 2006, 8:36am

This morphs. And some non-med things can cause light sensititivity and vertigo, like ear infection or migraine.

Like for chop, maybe a divided dose would work. You shouldn't cut a time release med, though, so you would need to get a new prescription if you and your doc think divided dose.

Good luck, Bill.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Dealing...
Post by kissmyglass on Nov 7^th, 2006, 8:51am

Tell us your dose...maybe blood pressure is too low?

Title: Re: Dealing...
Post by RichardN on Nov 7^th, 2006, 1:29pm

When I came here (2/02) . . . and started using Verapamil . . . .(had 1st PF day after 2-3 wks when got to 240 mg . . . never got over 360 mg), was using the Verapamil CR (blue tabs) . . . which did produce what was called then the Verapamil "buzz" which would normally disipate in about 45 min.

About six months into my Verapamil usage, they came out with the Veralan . . .supposed to be better . . . was some discussion on the board that it was just another marketing gimmic (change the packaging, "new,improved"), and raise the price. I had no insurance covering drugs at the time and I believe it was five times the cost of my regular Verap CR.

I did take it for one month . . . and though I can't recall the particular additional discomforts (some of which may have been those you mentioned), I definitely did not feel that they were controlling my attacks as well as the Verap CR . . . .it wasn't only the money . . . . I didn't like the effects of Veralan.

Hope some more people check in on this, especially those that might have been arround for that discussion. I am really lousy at the "search" process . . .or for some reason my puter' will never finish the search . . . .kinda' like my own memory. lol.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: Dealing...
Post by BB on Nov 7^th, 2006, 8:15pm

So you have been on the same med for years and only started to experience this now ?

Has there been any recent dose change? Have you checked your blood pressure lying and standing ? Have you had a recent ECG and blood tests?

Low blood pressure, anaemia and others can cause the symptoms you described. Like Charlotte said, it may not be the medication at all.

If the symptoms are bad enough that you actually faint you need to have it checked properly by your doctor.

Best of luck and PFDAN to you.

Annette

Title: Re: Dealing...
Post by GuitarBill on Nov 8^th, 2006, 1:14am

Thank you guys for the info. I actually not have had my BP checked in a while...my dose has been changed from 300 then to 200 mgs, and that's when I am in constant agony. I only take 100 mg now, but it's really strange. As you said it may not be the meds at all because I have been on it for awhile. And I havent had a blood test in years probably good idea.
Thanks for the advice ...to the doc's office I go!