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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Stopping Verapamil
        
(Message started by: findjoshua on Mar 27^th, 2006, 5:57pm)

Title: Stopping Verapamil
Post by findjoshua on Mar 27^th, 2006, 5:57pm

Hi. I was prescribed Verapamil last year during one of my cycles. I waited a long time until I went to see a doctor and getting the verapamil, so I'm not 100% sure the verapamil worked or the cycle was over. I do know that shortly after starting it, I was cluster free. Anyway, I am still cluster free and don't really like being on meds if I don't have to be. Has anyone taken verapamil until a cycle ended or seemed to end and then stopped and started again several months later when another cycle began? I understand the necessity of using verapamil to prevent a cycle in the first place, but if it works pretty quickly, why be on it in between cycles? I hope this makes sense.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Joshua

Title: Re: Stopping Verapamil
Post by Jonny on Mar 27^th, 2006, 6:09pm

You dont have to be on it between cycles, call your doc and ask him how you should taper off it.

You NEED to taper off and your doc is the only one to trust on how to.

Good luck and im happy your PF, Bro [smiley=bigguns.gif]

Title: Re: Stopping Verapamil
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 27^th, 2006, 6:12pm

on 03/27/06 at 17:57:36, findjoshua wrote:

I understand the necessity of using verapamil to prevent a cycle in the first place,...

It's a preventative medication but I've never read of it preventing a cycle, just the hits during the cycle.

Title: Re: Stopping Verapamil
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Mar 27^th, 2006, 8:17pm

Why take meds between cycles if you don't need them. Take it from an experienced Verap user who stayed needlessly on it between cycles - I only needed higher doses when the next cycle came around. "Preventative" doesn't mean it prevents a cycle.

Wean off gradually between cycles, then ramp it up again when the next cycle starts.

PF Wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Stopping Verapamil
Post by burnt-toast on Mar 28^th, 2006, 8:24am

Depending of the length of your remissions it is a good idea to reduce/eliminate medications when possible. No need to continue taking something to prevent attacks that aren't happening - particularly when most meds. we take are dangerous.

It's best to work this out with your doc. - tapering off/ramping up should be done under a doctors care.

Good luck

Tom

Title: Re: Stopping Verapamil
Post by sandie99 on Mar 28^th, 2006, 11:42am

I stopped taking verapamil after I had been PF for a month (600mg helped me to send chronic ch into remission). I lowered the dose slowly and with time like my neuro adviced me to do.

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: Stopping Verapamil
Post by Mikey99 on Apr 3^rd, 2006, 5:50pm

If you know the month that your cycle begins, you can begin to take the verapamil around that time.

For instance, if you cycle every 2 years starting in may (and have done so consistently), you can begin to take the verapamil at that time or a couple of weeks before.

I have never taken meds between cycles even when I was cycling every 3 months.

I like to feel normal when out of cycle.