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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2004 >> Question about Verapamil
        
(Message started by: helpless23 on Mar 6^th, 2004, 11:53am)

Title: Question about Verapamil
Post by helpless23 on Mar 6^th, 2004, 11:53am

Hi guys!

I have a question about Verapamil. Ken started taking it Wednesday 80mg X3 - then today went to 160mg AM/80mg NOON - 160mg PM. He took the dose of 160MG this morning and got tingling in his fingers on his right hand.

Now I read the insert that came with the meds and that wasn't listed as a side effect.

Anyone know anything about this effect? I know it drops your BP - but so far, he's been fine.

And special hugz to 357Mag for helping me out with this this morning! :-)

Much Love,
Toni

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 6^th, 2004, 12:06pm

Toni,

I've nothing like that happen.

The way my doctor ramped me up to 360mg was, 120mg for one week, 240mg the second week and then 360mg the third week. That's all I can say that I know.

Kevin M

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by t_h_b on Mar 6^th, 2004, 12:10pm

Calcium channel blockers in general (one of which is verapamil) can definitely cause peripheral paresthesia including tingling sensations. It is a very rare side effect--is he on other medications? Too much potassium can also cause this problem. I don't know the mechanism; it may have to do with the effect on neuroelectrical impulses. You should mention it to his MD.

Also warn your husband that verapamil may make him more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. He can decide whether this is a good or bad side effect....

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by BobG on Mar 6^th, 2004, 2:14pm

Hmmm.......Could there be something Ken is eating or drinking along with the verapamil?

Just wondering. I just remembered a post from long ago about verapamil and grapefruit juice.

Here's a couple of posts from the archives on verapamil.
Click these.

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=medsarchive;action=display;num=1017668184;start=10
Ueli, 4-10-02….Grapefruit juice & verapamil warning

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/wwwboard/messages2/116309.html
Ueli’s post on Verapamil, 10-29-01, very good

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by jonny on Mar 6^th, 2004, 2:20pm

Ive been taking Verap everyday for well over a decade but never had that happen......T-H-B and Bob are giving good advice.

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

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 6^th, 2004, 4:16pm

on 03/06/04 at 12:06:11, Kevin_M wrote:

Toni,
The way my doctor ramped me up to 360mg was,
Kevin M

The gist of what I was hinting at was, I got up to 360mg after three weeks. Ken was up to 400mg in three days. Just questioning, is this normal, I am new to verapamil.

Kevin M

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by t_h_b on Mar 6^th, 2004, 4:23pm

Oh, good catch, Kevin, I think you're right. I had chest pain on hard exertion when I went from 180 a day to 360 a day.

Helpless, maybe Ken should call his MD about slowing down on going up to the full dose.

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by krock23 on Mar 6^th, 2004, 5:03pm

HI everyone!

Thank you all very much for all your input and support. Especially my sweetheart Helpless23 (I love you Hon.)

I'm feeling fine now. No more tingling. It's probably just from increasing the dosage. My wife keeps a close eye on me though ;;D

I've not had an attack in over a week which is so encouraging. Since I've only had one cycle prior to this one (and that one lasted 18 years) I don't know how long I'll be on this medicine but hopefully my cycle will change and I'll be able to get off it after a while and just jump back on if the cylce comes back.

Thanks again everyone. You're great. I hope my positive turn of events will be of some help to other suffers, especially new members, who like me, never thought there was anything that would help. Some stuff does work.

Keep the Faith.

Ken (krock23)

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by BobG on Mar 6^th, 2004, 5:19pm

It's great to hear a success story. Way ta go Toni and Ken. ;;D

Title: Re: Question about Verapamil
Post by helpless23 on Mar 6^th, 2004, 7:17pm

I love you too sweetheart!

So much encouragement comes from this board alone! Heck! I wouldn't know what to watch out for or ANYTHING for that matter if it weren't for you guys on this board... ;;D

You all my get sick of it, but I will keep thanking you until my dying day! It's been such a blessing to us, and I've met some FABULOUS people already in the short time that I've been here.

It's been a real lifesaver.

I'll be sure to post if I have anymore questions!

PFDAN's to you all!

Much Love,
Toni