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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Upping Verapamil?
        
(Message started by: Mattrf on Apr 28^th, 2006, 3:03pm)

Title: Upping Verapamil?
Post by Mattrf on Apr 28^th, 2006, 3:03pm

My doctor upped me to 360 of Verapamil per day, my question is should I take it all at once or take it 120 at a time three times a day?
The nurse told me to split it up but I remember the doc saying it didn’t matter.

Title: Re: Upping Verapamil?
Post by Gator on Apr 28^th, 2006, 4:36pm

Are you taking the regular release or sustained release? The current theory is that the regular release works better.

I can't say what is the best for you. Since your doctor was ambivalent about it, ask your pharmacist.

Title: Re: Upping Verapamil?
Post by Bob P on Apr 28^th, 2006, 5:29pm

Verapamil:

Perhaps the most effective calcium channel blocker for prophylaxis of CH.

The recommended dose is 80-120 mg (immediate release), 3-4 times a day.

Side effects include constipation and water retention.

Patients intolerant to verapamil should be tried on nimodipine, diltiazem or nifedipine.

I space mine out throughout the day. It doesn't even start to have an effect on frequency/intensity until 480mg / day for me.

Title: Re: Upping Verapamil?
Post by brewcrew on Apr 29^th, 2006, 11:11am

I'm on 480 mg/day, and I divvy it up 240 twice a day.

Title: Re: Upping Verapamil?
Post by mynm156 on Apr 30^th, 2006, 12:06am

I take 240mgs twice a day. Ask yourself this. What time of the day do you get hit more than others. If you get hit at night more take the larger dose at night if it is in the day time take it in the daytime.

I hope this helps.

Good Vibes

MYNM156

Title: Re: Upping Verapamil?
Post by Jonny on Apr 30^th, 2006, 3:55am

Its a prevenative....just split it!

Title: Re: Upping Verapamil?
Post by brewcrew on Apr 30^th, 2006, 8:13am

I've always believed that verapamil maintains a pretty even level in the bloodstream regardless of how you space it out over the course of the day. That's why it takes a week or so to start working once you start taking it. Whenever I go back on it after a headache-free period, I often have to take a prednisone taper until it ramps up in my system and starts becoming effective. Same with lithium. FWIW.