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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> ATTENOLOL VS. VERAPAMIL????
        
(Message started by: Carolann on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 11:45pm)

Title: ATTENOLOL VS. VERAPAMIL????
Post by Carolann on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 11:45pm

Help!!!

I have been taking Attenolol for years. It was originally for migraines not high blood pressure.

I now have a rx for verapamil from my neuro.

The pharmacy spit out a MAJOR contraindication regarding taking both meds.

Both docs said "no problem".

Well, I took ONE verapamil and within one hour I went limp. I couldn't make a fist. I was in bed most of the day because I was so weak.

My primary care doc. said to wean off the Attenolol by taking half a pill (25mg) for three days and then start the verapamil.

My pharmacist said a three day taper doesn't sound right and I should take my blood pressure often. She also said maybe I can't take verapamil.

This is my fourth month of daily Ch and I'm starting to freak out!

Can anybody help?
Carolann

Title: Re: ATTENOLOL VS. VERAPAMIL????
Post by SteveY on Jun 23^rd, 2004, 6:02pm

Atenolol is a beta blocker.

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker, not the same thing.

Beta blockers do nothing for CH, verapamil does.

You should not take the two together, go re visit your doc.

Good luck.

Steve

Title: Re: ATTENOLOL VS. VERAPAMIL????
Post by bluesunshine on Jun 24^th, 2004, 4:13am

Hi Carolann,

You could get second opinion from another pharmacist to confirm the first one. Keep in mind that the medication specialist is the pharmacist, not the docs.