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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Problem
        
(Message started by: Maffumatt on Aug 13^th, 2007, 6:47pm)

Title: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Problem
Post by Maffumatt on Aug 13^th, 2007, 6:47pm

Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Problems

Science Daily — A drug increasingly used to prevent cluster headaches can cause heart problems, according to a study published in the August 14, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Those taking the drug verapamil for cluster headaches should be closely monitored with frequent electrocardiograms (EKGs) for potential development of irregular heartbeats.

Cluster headache is a rare, severe form of headache that is more common in men. The attacks usually occur in cyclical patterns, with frequent attacks over weeks or months generally followed by a period of remission when the headaches stop.

"The benefit of taking verapamil to alleviate the devastating pain of cluster headaches has to be balanced against the risk of causing a heart abnormality that could progress into a more serious problem," said study author Peter Goadsby, MD, PhD, DSc, of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London, UK, and the University of California, San Francisco and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The study involved 108 people with an average age of 44. The participants started taking verapamil and then had an EKG and an increase in the dosage of the drug every two weeks until the headaches were stopped or they started having side effects.

A total of 21 patients, or 19 percent, had problems with the electrical activity of the heart, or irregular heartbeats, while taking the drug. Most of the cases were not considered serious; however, one person required a permanent pacemaker due to the problem. A total of 37 percent of the participants had slower than normal heart rates while on the drug, but the condition was severe enough to warrant stopping the use of the drug in only four cases.

Goadsby noted that 217 people taking the drug were initially supposed to take part in the study, but 42 percent of them did not have the EKGs done to monitor their heart activity. "Many of them said either they or their local services were reluctant to undertake such frequent tests, or they were not aware of the need for the heart monitoring," he said. "Since this drug is relatively new for use in cluster headaches, it's possible that some health care providers are not aware of the problems that can come with its use."

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by American Academy of Neurology.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070813162527.htm

I have this problem at higher doses so I am limited to 480 mg, it doesn't stop the cycle but it does lessen the number of hits. Just thought I'd share........

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Racer1_NC on Aug 13^th, 2007, 6:51pm

Thanks Matt.........good catch.

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by cynjeep89 on Aug 13^th, 2007, 7:45pm

There was a short blurb about this on the 6:00 CBS Philadelphia news channel tonight. Tried to find info on their website but no luck.

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Rosybabe on Aug 13^th, 2007, 9:21pm

Good info Matt! I already have irregular heartbeat :D I guess I am screw! that would leave verap out of my meds list..

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Jonny on Aug 13^th, 2007, 9:28pm

Why do they say Verap is relativly new for CH, ive been taking it for 15 years.....LOL ;;D

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Maffumatt on Aug 13^th, 2007, 9:46pm

Beats me, I found out two years ago that it was bad for me to take high doses, I'm glad my doc keeps up on these things.........

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by AussieBrian on Aug 14^th, 2007, 12:20am

Good onya, Maff. This sort of information is important to allow people to make a considered decision as to whether risk out-weighs result.

Also nice to know Prof Godsby is still working for us 'cos it means there's hope yet!

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by fiftyamp on Aug 14^th, 2007, 2:56am

on 08/13/07 at 19:45:02, cynjeep89 wrote:

There was a short blurb about this on the 6:00 CBS Philadelphia news channel tonight. Tried to find info on their website but no luck.

I'm in Philly too. Have you been to the Jefferson HA Center?

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by cynjeep89 on Aug 14^th, 2007, 9:33am

I don't live in Philly but yes, I went to Jefferson.

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by fiftyamp on Aug 14^th, 2007, 1:36pm

What were your thought on JEff HA center? I'm scheduled to go at the end of the month. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Phil L on Aug 14^th, 2007, 5:29pm

Thanks Matt, I appreciate the information and will discuss this with my neurologist. Phil

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by buhrly on Aug 14^th, 2007, 6:52pm

what would be considered a high dose?

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Maffumatt on Aug 14^th, 2007, 7:06pm

I think anything over 480 mg is supposed to have an EKG done, and then another EKG anytime the dose is increased after that.

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by UN solved on Aug 14^th, 2007, 8:07pm

I tried Verapamil years ago without luck. At a dose of only 400mg/day ... it slowed my heart rate down (29bpm) and dropped my BP. I had to stop taking it immediately.

Verapamil is a drug that is often asked about around here ... and too many times I see that some ppl tell them that there dose maybe too small and that others take it as high as 960mg/day. It's dangerous and careless to advise anyone to increase the dose without them consulting their doc about it. I suppose it could even be deadly.

UNsolved

on 08/14/07 at 18:52:10, buhrly wrote:

what would be considered a high dose?

You see ... what may be a 'normal' dose for some, may be a deadly dose to others. Again --> Ask your doctor !

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Redd on Aug 14^th, 2007, 8:28pm

For some of us with low BP to start with, even 200mg. is too much. Can we say white-outs?

Not fun.

Title: Re: Drug For Cluster Headaches May Cause Heart Pro
Post by Karla on Aug 15^th, 2007, 7:43am

I was taking verapamil and the dr upped me to 960mg. It was at this dosage that I developed an irregular heart beat. He stopped my meds immediatly. The problem went away.