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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
        
(Message started by: JohnWF on Dec 29^th, 2006, 7:56pm)

Title: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by JohnWF on Dec 29^th, 2006, 7:56pm

Hello--

I took 20 mg. of Prednisone twice each day for 3 to 4 months. At the sametime, I took 240 mg. of Verapamil twice each day (Verapamil is a Calcium Channel Blocker, right). I'm 50.

In the middle of November, I fell and broke my shoulder/Humerous. I'm off Prednisone now because my cycle is now at a weak point, although it has not ended. I still take Verapamil and Melatonin!

I realize Prednisone is not great for bone density, but over a 3 to 4 month period could it have that much impact on my bones. Hoe does Verapamil work? Does Verapamil (Calcium Channel Blocker) have anything to do with Calcium for the bones?

Sorry for my ignorance! Maybe, I just broke my shoulder because I fell on it wrong. Right?

Thanks for the help that all of you provide.

John

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by E-Double on Dec 29^th, 2006, 9:39pm

I am not sure about verapamil's effect on actual calcium in bones.
Prednisone however, can cause avascular necrosis (bone death) and has to quite a few here.
It should not be used other than short term and in a taper.
Hope you heal quickly and hope it was "just" a break

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by UN solved on Dec 30^th, 2006, 1:40am

40mg of Prednisone everyday for 3 - 4 months is quite a hefty dose. Taking steroids in such a manner could cause your bones to become very brittle.

I wouldn't do that again. It's not too big of a dose ... it's just that you were on it for too long.

Goodluck

UNsolved

PS. Maybe your doc should order a bone density test for you ( A dexa scan )

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by Bob_Johnson on Dec 30^th, 2006, 12:39pm

Agree; long term use of Pred is not good even as we find it effective to abort a cluster cycle when used for a few days.

Verap dose too low. See,

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S. (2002)

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by Pinkfloyd on Dec 30^th, 2006, 3:09pm

on 12/29/06 at 19:56:42, JohnWF wrote:

I took 20 mg. of Prednisone twice each day for 3 to 4 months.

In the middle of November, I fell and broke my shoulder/Humerous.

I'm off Prednisone now because my cycle is now at a weak point, although it has not ended.

As someone that will surely need a hip replacement some day, all I can say is ...wow, that's a lot of prednisone.

Did you taper off the prednisone?
It's not just your bones you need to think about.

Any tests run to make sure your adrenal and pituitary glands are still functioning properly? That much prednisone over that long a period can have the effect of shutting down some of the natural functions of these glands.

I wouldn't be panicking but I'd be asking my doc some questions.

Good luck..hope the cycle ends soon,
Bobw

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by JohnWF on Dec 30^th, 2006, 5:03pm

I appreciate your responses, thank you! I won't do the Prednisone thing again without doing a taper! I think the prednisone contributed to the break! I am healing (growing new bone); however, have no understanding as to why Physical Therapy is called therapy. It could just as easily be named "pain and torture."

I still wonder how Verapamil works, specifically.

Since I take Verapamil, do I have low amounts of Calcium in my system? Do you know of a place I can look for a specific answer as to what Verapamil does?

Again, thanks for your input and help!

John

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by Pinkfloyd on Dec 30^th, 2006, 6:43pm

on 12/30/06 at 17:03:21, JohnWF wrote:

I Do you know of a place I can look for a specific answer as to what Verapamil does?

John

Start here:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/verapsr.htm

Bobw

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by Dayne on Jan 2^nd, 2007, 3:20am

Verapamil is a miracle drug that has literally saved my life by taking away the beasts' mechanics & means of delivery. The way it works is facinating. This link provides a comprehensive medical explanation:

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-i03.html

Check with ya doctor/specialist, but I understand the reference to calcium in the generic name 'calcium channel/entry blocker' is more in reference to the chemistry of blood, vessels & arteries. ie nothing to do with ya bones.

I could write pages on my experience with CH & how this drug is so extraordinary. Wished I was born with high-blood pressure!

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by brewcrew on Jan 2^nd, 2007, 7:42am

on 01/02/07 at 03:20:29, Dayne wrote:

Wished I was born with high-blood pressure!

Careful what you wish for. . . .

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by Dayne on Jan 2^nd, 2007, 6:25pm

Absolutely! Although...dreams r what reality is made of!!

Title: Re: Verapamil/Prednisone - Calcium/Bone Density
Post by burnt-toast on Jan 3^rd, 2007, 7:46am

on 12/29/06 at 19:56:42, JohnWF wrote:

Although I don't believe you have as much to worry about with Verapamil, be aware of the side effects of all medications, including Verapamil. It's still a dangerous drug with potential side effects.

Higher dosages/long term use of Prednisone is usually reserved for treating life threatening/progressively debilitating disorders. Treatment of CH is typically limited to tapering dosages over a 1 to 2 week period. Using Prednisone daily for 3 to 4 months to treat CH is possibly of little value. My understanding is that Prednisone is better known for breaking cycles and/or minimizing symptoms experienced during a cycle. It is not known as a preventative and long-term useage in treating CH exposes the sufferer to the potential for singificant health risks.

CH is a nasty disorder but when treatment has more potential to cause lon-term health issues than the disorder, consider another treatment.

Here is a link that will help when researching prescription meds.

http://www.drugs.com

Best Wishes,

Tom