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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> verapamil and memory
        
(Message started by: sgarner on Jan 24^th, 2007, 2:46am)

Title: verapamil and memory
Post by sgarner on Jan 24^th, 2007, 2:46am

does 720 mg of verapamil cause anyone memory problems?

My short term memory seems to be shot and has worsened over the last 3 years.

Title: Re: verapamil and memory
Post by Kevin_M on Jan 24^th, 2007, 8:51am

Even working up to that level gradually can have changes that need time to get adjusted to; it can affect people in different ways if there is a lowered b/p and could be concentration as the world keeps moving at the same clip or seeming faster from one thing to the next while at that level.
Short-term has never been real good for me but at 720 it hasn't seemed any different, however, interest level and motivation was affected for awhile after getting there but I've not been at 720 before this time or for more than a few months yet.

Title: Re: verapamil and memory
Post by birdman on Jan 24^th, 2007, 1:27pm

720 mg is my standard level and I have not had memory or concentration problems. But I think we need to remember that everyone is different. It could be causing concentration problems for you and not for me. Definetely ask you neuro, especially if you are on other med's.
As an aside, I think a little less concentration or some memory loss might be just what I need. Just a little humor!

Title: Re: verapamil and memory
Post by paul2006 on Jan 29^th, 2007, 4:42pm

Yes... my memory is shot too! And not just coz I'm getting older. I get really frustrated at times when some people think its 'just an excuse'.

Sometimes I think it isn't my memory thats shot, but that the verap makes the passing of time seem VERY different, so the TIME I was going to do something passes unnoticed.

The rest of the world does seem to live life at a very different pace to me!!8)

I'm on 720/960 verap a day... I taper up and down myself rather than get stuck at the higher doses.

There was something else... now what was it...

Title: Re: verapamil and memory
Post by burnt-toast on Jan 30^th, 2007, 6:55am

Discuss this issue in detail with your doctor(s). They may be able to offer some insite into your memory issues and any medication(s) you are taking.

You may also find that like me, your memory issues are more CH/sleep deprivation relatated. I've taken 720mg Verapamil every daily for over 8 years. I have not experienced memory issues that I can associate with this drug.

I do experience memory issues during peak periods of attacks. Sleep deprivation will quiclky sap physical and mental abilities. I also find that during periods of low CH activity that my memory returns to normal.

I take 9mg Melatonin about 45min before bed and it has helped me sleep better during periods of peak CH activity. In addition I try to hold to a fairly stable sleep schedule so that I can obtain as much contigious sleep as possible. I've also cut out all daytime naps - even the quick 5 - 10 minute ones that I once believed to be helpful in getting through the day. 1 - they triggered far to many daylight CH attacks and 2 - I find that getting to sleep more consistently at night is easier without them.

Night attacks still disrupt me but I've found over the years that getting the most sleep possible between them decreases some of the memory issues even if I still feel physically tired due to the constant sleep dissruption.

Best wishes,

Tom