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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Verapamil Questions
        
(Message started by: ansonee on Aug 18^th, 2004, 3:26pm)

Title: Verapamil Questions
Post by ansonee on Aug 18^th, 2004, 3:26pm

First of all, really glad CH.com exists! I've been a sufferer for years (probably 10 or so). I remember when I first went to see a doctor about them, they thought I was a nut. They gave me some Motrin and then out the door. Just glad that finally they're being recognized as a true medical affliction.

My question is about preventive medicines. For a time, my neurologist had me on neurontin. I later read that there was a study done that showed that users of neurontin had a higher incidence of suicidal tendencies and suicide....anyone else read this??

Secondly, I've recently started a treatment of Verapamil, a beta blocker.

Has anyone here used it and what kind of success have you seen?

Thanks in advance!!

Anthony

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by Prense on Aug 18^th, 2004, 3:45pm

on 08/18/04 at 15:26:26, ansonee wrote:

Secondly, I've recently started a treatment of Verapamil, a beta blocker.

Has anyone here used it and what kind of success have you seen?

Verapamil is not a beta blocker. It is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It is considered the "preventative of choice" for CH. The dosage needed varies and many times that med is combined with something else to get the job done (Topamax, Lithium, etc.).

Chris

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by ansonee on Aug 18^th, 2004, 3:53pm

The only other things I'm on this time around is oxygen and the Imitrex nasal spray...

My dosage for the Verapamil is I believe is 210 mg.

Like I mentioned before, I've had CH for years and have used different regimens. From what I"ve read, my Verapamil dosage might be kind of low....

Any comments?

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by Prense on Aug 18^th, 2004, 5:04pm

on 08/18/04 at 15:53:22, ansonee wrote:

Any comments?

That's true, you are on a low dosage as far as CH is concerned. You want to be on the smallest dose effective though. Hopefully, your doc will increase your dosage once a week or so until you get results.

Chris

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Aug 18^th, 2004, 8:49pm

Prense is right - Verapamil is a Calcium Channel Blocker - a successful preventative for many CH sufferers.

I've never found relief below 480mg/day, but everyone is different and many people go much higher on dosage.

Be sure to eat plenty of fiber, fruits, and veggies since Verapamil is notorious for causing SEVERE constipation. (The occasional laxative might help too.)

I've heard mixed results about Neurontin. It seems to be the latest "designer drug of choice." It only gave me the "runs."

Hopefully you're also on a good abortive. I'd be a goner without Imitrex injects, and most here swear by 02.

Keep us informed!

Kris

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by karma on Aug 19^th, 2004, 7:11am

How long before the Verap begins to help significantly?
I've been at 360 mg. per day since Monday. I still get hit three times a day. If I get the Zomig in time its ok but that doesn't happen very often.
Got a major last nite that realy kicked my ass. I can deal with the pain its just frustrating. I'm ready to give up the meds. altogether. Prevents that don't prevent and aborts that don't abort.
Whats the fucking point.
BTW I think I mentioned two week cycles before. Well I can now kiss that goodbye. Three weeks and counting. At least their now down to some sort of rythm.

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by don on Aug 19^th, 2004, 7:32am

Verapamil?

When in cycle I dont leave home without it.

480mg P/D until 3 weeks after cycle.

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by Prense on Aug 19^th, 2004, 9:11am

on 08/19/04 at 07:11:27, karma wrote:

How long before the Verap begins to help significantly?

If it isn't working after 10 or so days at that dosage, it probably will not work at that dosage. The doc will need to bump your dosage if you can tolerate it. Also, many folks here have had sucess with verapamil taken along with lithium or topamax.

Chris

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by karma on Aug 19^th, 2004, 9:15am

Don,
How do you dose it.
Twice daily 2 x 240 slow release, 6 x 80 regular?
How long before it begins to work?

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by Prense on Aug 19^th, 2004, 9:23am

<snipped>

Chris

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by karma on Aug 19^th, 2004, 9:48am

Sorry dude
we were posting at the same time
Thanks for the help

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by don on Aug 19^th, 2004, 10:04am

Quote:

Don,
How do you dose it.

2x daily at 240mg sustained release.

Best I can tell is I reach theraputic levels at around 10 days.

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by karma on Aug 19^th, 2004, 10:14am

Thanks
I really appreciate it

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by don on Aug 19^th, 2004, 11:16am

After 10-14 days on the verapamil I ussually will do a prednisone taper.

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by karma on Aug 19^th, 2004, 11:32am

Now you got me confused. Lets see if I've got this right
The verapamil is used as a prevent but may not stop the hits roght away. After 10 days or so at the right dosage I should have been able to have eliminated the hits. I should keep taking the Verapamil until I'm well clear of the cycle.
The pred. sounds like some scary shit. What benefit will it have if the Verapamil is working?
I'm new to all this medication I used to just work through the pain.

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by don on Aug 19^th, 2004, 11:36am

Quote:

After 10 days or so at the right dosage I should have been able to have eliminated the hits

Nope. Just decrease the frequency.

The prednisone will more than likely stop the cycle entirely. The verapamil then keeps it away.

Title: Re: Verapamil Questions
Post by Bob P on Aug 19^th, 2004, 2:46pm

Of verap, the great Goadsby says:

verapamil

Verapamil is the preventative drug of choice in both episodic and chronic CH. Clinical experience has demonstrated that higher doses than those used in cardiological indications are needed, so outpatient assessment and follow-up is appropriate. The dose is increased until the cluster attacks are suppressed, side-effects intervene or the maximum dose of 960mg daily is achieved.