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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
        
(Message started by: Rumeke on Mar 27^th, 2008, 10:19am)

Title: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by Rumeke on Mar 27^th, 2008, 10:19am

It's been awhile since I posted here. My family Dr. put me on Verapamil for my nightime clusters plus my blood pressure. It has worked beautifully and I have been cluster free since January. Started with just 240 mg HCL and recently increased to 480 for my BP.

I am just wondering if anyone has found a solution for the constipation that can come with the Verapamil? I guess I should get back with my Dr on this but thought I would check here with the 'experts'!

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by Qazpur on Mar 27^th, 2008, 12:16pm

Vitamin C and loads of fibre do the trick for me, together with magnesium citrate tabs when needed.
as far as i know magnesium in large doses can interfere with absorption of certain meds in which case it may be adviseable to clear with the doc just to be sure.

qaz

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by DennisM1045 on Mar 27^th, 2008, 1:08pm

Your instincts are right on. You should talke it over with your Dr.

Over the counter fiber supplements are a good idea. There are plenty of them and they shouldn't do you any harm.

There is some good reference material here: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/otc-medicines/861.html

Hope everything comes out ok ( Sorry, I couldn't resist ;) )

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 27^th, 2008, 2:25pm

My goodness!, with laxatives being second to pizza in the American food palate......

My weakness is dried fruit--use it as a nibble food. But with some experience you can find a daily quantity which is both good to the taste and effective for your problem.

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by brewcrew on Mar 27^th, 2008, 3:47pm

The way it was explained to me, if you have a good amount of fiber in your diet before you start taking verapamil, the constipation that comes afterward is not due to a lack of fiber. It is a chemically induced constipation, so extra fiber isn't a great solution. I was told to take a natural vegetable laxative like Senecot.

I also found that the whole constipation thing kind of evened itself out after a few weeks, like my body figured out how to deal with it. But you're right, it can be a literal pain in the ass.

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by Rumeke on Mar 27^th, 2008, 8:28pm

Thanks oh wise ones! I'll check in with the Doc and see what he says. I'm trying to keep my fluids up and fruit does seem to help...also yogurt with live cultures for some reason.

I'm trying not to look a gift horse in the mouth since the CH are absent but you are right...a pain in the arse! ;;D

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by jon019 on Mar 27^th, 2008, 9:04pm

I'm taking 480-720 mg/day of Verapamil. Once every couple of months I find that "things" come to a complete stop. Usually the result of neglecting one or more of the following:

Drinking LOTS of water, eating LOTS of fruit, and taking 1000 mg/day of magnesium. Keeps me going, and going and going...

As others have said, consult with your doc first!

Regards,

Jon

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by John Michael Smith on Mar 28^th, 2008, 8:55am

Magnesium can help with that.

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by EDHASFORDS on Mar 28^th, 2008, 1:34pm

I was put on Miralax (powder form). It works like a charm. You can get it over the counter.
I have been on 720mg. Verapamil the past week!
First relief in several months. I started with a Pred taper and then the Verapamil.
Good luck! 8)

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by E-Double on Mar 28^th, 2008, 1:50pm

on 03/28/08 at 08:55:20, John Michael Smith wrote:

Magnesium can help with that.

sure did :o

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by MinxKittten on Apr 9^th, 2008, 11:57pm

my hubby's on verpimil too, and it major constipates him and he eats tons of fruits and fiber, so that doesn't help.

we were just at the neuro doc this week and asked about it and said
MIRALAX like someone else here said.

i've used that before and it works good. thy that at nite so you can go in the morning. :P

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by Karla on Apr 10^th, 2008, 9:55am

I had to use mirlax because the over the counter products such as laxatives and fiber and other things just didn't cut it. I started using mirlax when a script was needed for it. I no longer use verapamil. Nice to hear you don't need a script for mirlax any more. It sure worked miricles for me.

Title: Re: Verapamil and Constipation! Grr!
Post by Backstage_Pro on Apr 28^th, 2008, 5:18pm

Definitely use a stool softener. CVS Generic.....