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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil Dosage
        
(Message started by: midwestbeth on Jan 10^th, 2007, 5:01pm)

Title: Verapamil Dosage
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 10^th, 2007, 5:01pm

What is a good starting dosage for verapamil? The meds the Dr has me on are not helping and from what I've been reading, many of you are taking verap, but the dosages are all over the place. I'm going through a really bad cycle (4-6 hits daily lasting 10-45min & 7-9 on kip scale) and I can barely function. Going to call the Dr. tomorrow and discuss verap, just wanted some input first. Thanks, Beth

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by UN solved on Jan 10^th, 2007, 5:06pm

Please don't increase your dosage of any meds unless you're told to do so by your doctor !

Verapamil can be effective at a dose ranging anywhere from 240mg/day to 960mg/day.

WARNING: Some people can't handle high doses of Verapamil (like me). It can dangerously lower your blood pressure and heart rate. (400mg/day just about stopped my clock :-/ )

Goodluck & PF Wishes

UNsolved

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 10^th, 2007, 5:13pm

I'm not taking verapamil and I wouldn't mess with any meds without talking to the Dr. 1st, I just want to talk to the Dr about verapamil and wondered what dosage most people start at

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by pubgirl on Jan 10^th, 2007, 6:18pm

Dear Beth

Unsolved is right. Verapamil can actually be a killer with other drugs or with someone with a heart defect so you must be checked out via an ECG before taking it with your GP's blessing.

The usual dosage regime recommended below is from one of the most eminent CH experts in the world. It is followed until prevention is achieved and the two week interval is because it takes time to work.
It is recommended that it should be BP not SR (not slow or sustained relief) and also that you may prefer to take a larger dose before bedtime if you are mainly a nocturnal sufferer.

Also: Not trying to put you off if you really need it but there is increasing evidence that prevents may worsen the condition in the longer term.

Morning Midday Evening

For 2 weeks take: 80mgs 80mgs 80mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 80mgs 80mgs 160mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 80mgs 160mgs 160mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 160mgs 160mgs 160mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 160mgs 160mgs 240mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 160mgs 240mgs 240mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 240mgs 240mgs 240mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 240mgs 240mgs 320mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:
For 2 weeks take: 240mgs 320mgs 320mgs

Arrange to have an ECG performed ? if the ECG is normal then:

For 2 weeks take: 320mgs 320mgs 320mgs

Hope this helps

Wendy

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by Jonny on Jan 10^th, 2007, 7:13pm

You ROCK, UNsolved!! ;)

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by JeffB on Jan 10^th, 2007, 7:25pm

What meds have they given you so far?

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 10^th, 2007, 7:45pm

Thanks for the info about verapamil. If the Dr gives me a perscription, I'll definately be watching out for any side effects.
I'm taking 50 mg of Atenolol daily and 2.5 mg Frova as abortive. Since the Dr increased the Atenolol from 25 mg to 50 mg the clusters have been worse in frequency and intensity.
I have had a CAT scan and have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow am. Dr appt scheduled for next week.

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by Ferrit on Jan 11^th, 2007, 1:17pm

Started my verapimil at 180 with no real effect cept i was tired.
Then boosted to 240 and found the intensity is considerably less for the severity of the attacks.
Am now up to 360 and i get 2 to 3 days with no attacks and then when i do get them they are severely limited in intensity.
A real blessing I can tell you cause O2 kills even the smalls ones dead
One thing does anyone get severe lower back pain on verapimil?

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by birdman on Jan 11^th, 2007, 2:47pm

All great info provided. I currently take 720 mgs per day and all at once in the AM. Looking at Pubgirl post makes me wonder if I should spread it out through the day? Also, anyone know what the SA in Verapamil SA stands for? Is it the right one?

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by pubgirl on Jan 12^th, 2007, 3:13am

on 01/11/07 at 14:47:31, birdman wrote:

If you are taking the dose once a day it will be the sustained release version you are taking (it is called SR here but may be SA over there)

This works OK for some people, but it doesn't give you the option of varying your dose, and in fact will be weakest at night when you may need it most.

Porf Goadsby actually feels quite strongly that the sustained release version should not be used at all and always advocates multiple smaller doses of the BP to keep the levels high enough in the body.

Wendy

Title: Re: Verapamil Dosage
Post by karma on Jan 12^th, 2007, 10:04am

Quote:

One thing does anyone get severe lower back pain on verapimil?

Ferrit,
This could be due to constipation that affect many on Verap.