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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil - Question
        
(Message started by: SmoothSippin on Jul 26^th, 2007, 11:55am)

Title: Verapamil - Question
Post by SmoothSippin on Jul 26^th, 2007, 11:55am

All, I am going to ask my doc about Verapamil today. However, I am already on high blood pressure medication (zestril). It is not a channel blocker. Does anyone also have this issue? Also, for those of you that do use this preventative what is you take on it? dosage, etc. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Verapamil - Question
Post by MR_FLOOR on Jul 26^th, 2007, 12:40pm

It's works great for me.I take 360 mg per day.It cut my CH down to about 4 or 5 a week instead of 3 or 4 a day.I don't notice any side effects,although some do.

Dave

Title: Re: Verapamil - Question
Post by HeadhurtinMama on Jul 26^th, 2007, 9:04pm

I'm not on any other BP meds, but my verapamil dose is 720 mgs a day, immediate release, split into three doses. I have found better results with fewer side effects with the immediate release over the extended release. Hope that helps!

Bridget

Title: Re: Verapamil - Question
Post by Wayne on Jul 27^th, 2007, 4:49am

Hi

I am also on 720mg/day, slow release in 3 equal doses. Its blocked my Ch completely, i get occasional shadows (maybe once a week) and thats all. No negative side effects at all apart from sleeping a little more.

Gut feel is that you may have to adjust the dose of your other BP meds and definitely check on the compatibility of the two.

Title: Re: Verapamil - Question
Post by barry_sword on Jul 27^th, 2007, 6:41am

I was first put on 360mg of Verapamil daily but found it was not enough so when I got my o2 script my Neuro increased my dose to 480mg daily and have found this is my dosage for this cycle.

I find my short term memory is effected by this med but a small price to pay to be PF. Also I am very active with my job and mountain biking and I have noticed the energy level is also effected but anything is better than getting hits.

I HAVE MY LIFE BACK! ;;D

Barry

Title: Re: Verapamil - Question
Post by Wayne on Jul 31^st, 2007, 1:19am

Hey Barry

Great news!

I agree with you a small energy loss and maybe having to make a few notes as memory joggers is a very small price to pay for being able to climb into bed and sleep all night, then wake up and function all day with no visits from the beast. I can even drink now.

Small word of warning I occasionally feel so good that I forget to take the stuff and then the beast comes to visit rather quickly.

Cheers and may the PF days and nights continue.

Wayne

Title: Re: Verapamil - Question
Post by birdman on Jul 31^st, 2007, 8:05am

I also am on 720mg a day as of today but I take mine all at once. It usually eliminates most of my headaches except when I am at peak cycle. The biggest side effect I get is dizziness and low heart rate. You must be careful with your heart rate, especially if you have to increase the dosage. I have actually gone as high as 1200mg per day. Felt like a truck was parked on my chest. Also, I have to taper very slowly.
Good luck!
Tim