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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Could I be having a reaction to verapamil??
        
(Message started by: amber on Feb 20^th, 2003, 7:44pm)

Title: Could I be having a reaction to verapamil??
Post by amber on Feb 20^th, 2003, 7:44pm

Hey y'all,

Since I started Verapamil on tuesday, my cluster has been a none stop ride of yay. I mean a 24 hour headache. I'm not sure if I'm "coming down" from imitrex, although those of you on the boards who have done your research have found that there is no link to imitrex and rebound.
Has anyone had a headache from verapamil??

Title: Re: Could I be having a reaction to verapamil??
Post by JDH on Feb 20^th, 2003, 11:01pm

Amber
Sorry to hear about your bad times :-[
Hopin' you get some relief SOON!
I started using Verapamil for the first time 7 weeks ago. The first 4 weeks was 240mg then my Dr upped it to 480mg because I was still getting rocked pretty good. I'm not sure if it's because I'm nearing the end of this cycle or because of the higher dosage of Verapamil but things are getting better. I'm still getting the wake up calls several times a week but it's way more tolerable than it was.
Don't know what your dosage is but maybe you need to raise it. Also, it can take up to week get into your system so maybe you haven't been on it long enough for it to be effective.
Have you tried oxygen as an alternative to Imitrex?
3 months ago I was using 2 to 4 injections a day and I was becoming concerned about the amount I was using. After many recomendations from this web site I asked if my Dr if I could try o2 and he agreed.
It has made a HUGE difference in my life. If I feel the beast coming I hit the o2 for about 5 mins. (and I know it's not the case for everyone, what is?) but so far it has worked everytime! It's cheaper, cleaner and no side effects.
PFDAN''s to you!
Jim

Title: Re: Could I be having a reaction to verapamil??
Post by Lori on Feb 27^th, 2003, 10:02pm

I just came across your post - thought I'd see how you are doing now on the verapamil. I also experienced additional headaches when starting verapamil..after about 4 days I think the headaches subsided and even the clusters went away, for a short time. Then my doc had me increase my verapamil dose and I had the constant headaches again for a few more days. I really believe it was the verapamil causing these ha's but my neuro insists it wasn't the verapamil. Funny though how these additional ha's happened when I started the verapamil and again when increasing the dose. I will say that I did stay on it though because I've heard how it has helped so many, so I wasn't willing to give up that easily. It did eventually help with additional meds(Topomax). I will tell you though what seemed to get rid of my verapamil induced headaches immediately..getting in the shower and running hot water over my head for about 10 minutes. (Don't burn yourself) Just hot enough. This hot shower would also sometimes help a CH headache, not always though. Hot shower did always get rid of the verapamil HA though. So try that if you are still experiencing the headaches from verapamil. Worth a shot! I sure hope you are getting relief now.

Title: Re: Could I be having a reaction to verapamil??
Post by Prense on Mar 3^rd, 2003, 4:26am

According to the "fact" sheet I received with my verapamil prescription, one of the possible side effects is headaches--go figure. I can tell the difference between what I consider a "normal" headache and a "shadow" or an attack. There is a definate difference in the pain location and type of pain. I would have to say that verapamil has not created any headaches for me. The side effects I am having (started taking it last wednesday) are anxiety, occasional increase in pulse (normally doesn't last long) and dizzyness (VERY BOTHERSOME). The anxiety feelings I would have to describe as...when you drink WAY too much coffee in a day and have not eaten anything at all. Another rather annoying effect that I cannot seem to do anything about except for ride it out. I am certain everyone will react to these meds differently, but that is what I see and this is the third time I have been on verapamil. If the dizzyness will go away, and I find a beast killer, I'll be ecstatic.

Christopher

Title: Re: Could I be having a reaction to verapamil??
Post by amber on Mar 3^rd, 2003, 10:25am

well thanks for the responses...

the headache was a full blown cluster type headache that just didn't quit..for like days. It was awful. The doc took me off the verap. and I'm on sansert now although I'm not sure I can stay on that either because I have a bladder disorder and the pill is affecting that *yar*....

thanks for your info!
amber