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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil getting less effective
        
(Message started by: Marijke on Jul 23^rd, 2007, 2:05pm)

Title: Verapamil getting less effective
Post by Marijke on Jul 23^rd, 2007, 2:05pm

Dear fellow clusterheads,

I am on verapamil for some time now. I usually take 480mg a day, which used to work fine.

I take it each day, every day, only tapering down to 240 for 2 weeks per half year or so.

However, more and more shadows and milder attacks (kip 6 max, incidental 7) are coming through. I tried to up the dose, but my bp is really low (like 90/60), so when I tried 600mg, that was not a great succes.

My GP won't prescribe lithium (bastard!).

So, basic questions:
- anyone else experienced the effect of Verap. getting less overtime when taken all year round?
- Did it become effective again after a longer (let's say couple of months) time?
The last question is, because I am thinking of switching back to methysergide for a couple of month. I started taking that when I was just diagnosed with clusters 6 yrs ago. It worked OK, but I switched to verapamil because it had fewer side effects.

Thx for your advise!
Marijke

Title: Re: Verapamil getting less effective
Post by birdman on Jul 23^rd, 2007, 2:10pm

I have been using verapamil for about six years. Not constant use, I taper off when cycle appears over. What I have noticed is that my cycles are now longer then they were. Is it due to the verapamil? I am not sure but I believe so. It is still effective though. I take between 480mg and 960mg when in cycle. It's tough at the higher doses but it works for me.