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        New Message Board Archives >> Oct-Dec 2003 >> Side effects of Verapamil?
        
(Message started by: 9erfan on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:34am)

Title: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by 9erfan on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:34am

This may be a strange question but has anyone experienced swelling of the ankles from taking Verapamil?

Thanks,
V.

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by vig on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:43am

I was just searching for info on Verapamil side effects and I've found all of these which include Swelling of the ankles.

· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· an unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
· shortness of breath (heart failure);
· fainting;
· abnormal behavior or psychosis;
· jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
· swelling of the legs or ankles.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take verapamil and talk to your doctor if you experience
· unusual headache, fatigue, or tiredness;
· insomnia or trouble sleeping;
· vivid dreams;
· hair loss;
· nausea or diarrhea; or
· increased urination.

Hope this helps, Virginia.

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by 9erfan on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:50am

Thanks Vig.

It's weird, I thought it would have the opposite effect. High blood pressure can sometimes cause ankle swelling so you would figure if Verap is dropping blood pressure, it would reduce swelling. Guess I was wrong. My feet were killing me yesterday from the swelling.

Oh well, if it's not one thing it's another. :-/

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by Miklos on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:50am

GP has me watch for (but, I have never experienced) swelling of the ankles. I stay on a 240 mg dose per day of Verapamil in anticipation of an episode. I also take Mycartis for Isolated Systolic Hypertension.

Some folks on the board have bitterly complained about constipation while taking the Verapamil, but again, I have never had a problem with that.

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by Jackie on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:53am

Yep....We took Blake up to 960mg for a short time and he had terrible swelling. He still gets some swelling of the feet and ankles at 720 but it's not nearly as severe.

Hugs,
Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by ave on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:55am

Yes, 0ne of the drawbacks of Vera, my big elephant ankles.

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by KimM on Oct 29^th, 2003, 11:58am

Hi, yep Verap. makes ya retain. Mikey takes 720mg daily of Verap. and his whole feet and part ways up his leg stay VERY swollen. He's supposed to take 80 mg a day of Lasix but he's not very good at taking it like he's suppposed to. Just had a small blowout over this very thing last night. The Verap. can make you swell from fluid in other parts of your body too, not just your ankles...face, stomach, hands, etc.

Have a great day, :)

Kim

Title: Yes, it does make yoRe: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by envirodefender on Oct 29^th, 2003, 3:25pm

Yes, it does make you swell. And it can give you cramps, abdominal bloating, consitpation, weight gain. So does indocin. Sorry.
Beth

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by LasVegas on Oct 29^th, 2003, 4:18pm

On only 240mg of Verap (take all 3 eighty mg tablets at once in the evening) and I get occasional swelling of the feet.
Gregg in Las Vegas

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by cootie on Oct 29^th, 2003, 4:31pm

hmmmmmmmm........I thought high blood pressure meds thin blood and would if anything cause ya to NOT retain water......maybe even spend alot of time in the bathroom like beer does. Brad didnt' seem ta have much with side effects 'that I know of' with verapimil when in cycle...he's out of cycle now and only took it for about 6 to 10 weeks when in cycle once he got on it. But now he may have ta start on high blood pressure meds daily cuz his pressure is readin borderline. (everything else checked out fine includeing weight and cholestrol) He's been keepin a chart havein it taken regulary for the doc when he goes in next week and all readings have been borderline and one time recently was nly one number from bein HIGH...or whatever the worst readin area is. He's concern'd about takein meds for it daily.......doesn't want side effects ta slow him down or mess him up. Have heard some meds make ya tired.....he's tired enuff as it is. Anyone know what the best med for the hypertension deal is ? He's got an apt Monday next week.......alswyas nice to have some insight on meds beforehand esp with side effects. Thanks.........Pam that's showin concern

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by LasVegas on Oct 29^th, 2003, 4:35pm

Good point Cootie about the thinning of the blood. Maybe another med is causing the swelling. Would Prednisone do it?
Gregg in Las Vegas

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by cootie on Oct 29^th, 2003, 5:58pm

Prednisone definelty causes bad swelling or at least in most people. If I remember correctly it's also one of the major ingredients in the med for anti rejection drugs for transplants ect....do I have that rite ? My step dad was on it big time and I'd imagine still is of course for his kidney transplant. For quite sum time he was big as a puffer fish......he was huge.......so maybe as time goes on you get used to it or it hasn't got that effect as much as time goes on. Cuz he looks good now and kidney and step dad are doin fine !!! Now what about water pills.....are they similar to high blood pressure meds also ? I thought I knew about most of that stuff but since verapimil is causein people to swell...I dunno unless that is a just plain allergic reaction with those people with swelling ?? I 'try' ta keep up on those things. Pam that is now a bit confused more then usual and NOT a doctor

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by 9erfan on Oct 29^th, 2003, 6:33pm

Yeah Coots, I'm confused about the Verap causing swelling too.

And yes, in most cases the high blood pressure meds are also referred to as water pills...thus the confusion surrounding Verap.

Weird, that's all I have to say.

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by jonny on Oct 29^th, 2003, 9:23pm

480 everyday for more than 13 years and never one sideffect.....go figure ;;D

................................jonny

Title: Re: Side effects of Verapamil?
Post by violet on Oct 30^th, 2003, 9:51am

I've been taking Verapamil for a year and a half now, and I swell up from it. Recently, when my dose went up to 600, my ankles disappeared, and my legs overflowed over the tops of my shoes. I looked like an old lady. It was hideous. When I reduced the drug, the swelling disappeared.
Vi