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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> combo verapamil and lithium question
        
(Message started by: becky8 on Nov 28^th, 2004, 2:35pm)

Title: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by becky8 on Nov 28^th, 2004, 2:35pm

I am on 320 verapamil and 300 lithium. Been on the lithium for a little over 2 weeks now. I am seeing a difference but I know I sound greedy but I want more PF time, still not enough here. So when I talk to my Doctor after he gets back my blood test this week, is better to ask to go alittle higher with the verapamil or the lithium. My doctor won't know probably cause I have been educating him on CH. At least he has been open and trying. I know this isn't an easy question,but how do the doctors decide which to dose up????

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by eddie on Nov 28^th, 2004, 2:49pm

how are you sweetie,
verapamil decreases the amount of lithium in your body
hope you get your answer, but it seems we never get
the exact meds that work perfect. hope you had a good
holiday. big hugs and PFDAN to ya

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by becky8 on Nov 28^th, 2004, 3:02pm

Hi Eddie,
Hope you had a really great Thanksgiving with your family visiting!! I thought Verapamil INCREASES the lithium when taking it together?

best wishes
to you and your family!! :-* :-*

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by eddie on Nov 28^th, 2004, 3:45pm

yes it does when taking it together

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by BillyJ. on Nov 28^th, 2004, 4:08pm

The dosage limits should be determined by:
Verapamil-Blood presure and other side effects
Lithium-By serum lithium levels and other side effects

Not everyone responds to or tolerates these medications
in the same way.Therefore dosage limits are going to be
differant for each individual.If your blood presure is not
too low and there aren't any other intolerable side effects
at your current dosages I would request to increase
both medications.

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by don on Nov 28^th, 2004, 5:26pm

How long have you been taking the verapamil?

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by becky8 on Nov 28^th, 2004, 5:37pm

2 months and no problems, except the one about going poop which isn't an issue anymore!! The combo is working but not enough yet! No problems with the lithium at all that I can see either (at 300mg) Verapamil 320. Was 360 but he wanted me at 320mg with the Lithium added?? He doesn't really know, I know more about CH meds than him.

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by don on Nov 28^th, 2004, 7:32pm

Quote:

verapamil decreases the amount of lithium in your body

Quote:

I thought Verapamil INCREASES the lithium when taking it together?

Quote:

yes it does when taking it together

Look guys. Sometimes I dont wear matching socks. So which is it? Decrease or increase?

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by BillyJ. on Nov 28^th, 2004, 8:16pm

"Concurrent use of calcium channel blocking agents with lithium may increase the risk of neurotoxicity in the form of ataxia, tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or tinnitus. Caution is recommended."
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lithium_ad.htm

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by eddie on Nov 29^th, 2004, 11:02am

Lithium:
Oral verapamil therapy may result in a lowering of serum lithium levels in patients receiving chronic, oral lithium therapy. A dose adjustment of the lithium may be necessary.

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-i03.html

Title: Re: combo verapamil and lithium question
Post by eddie on Nov 30^th, 2004, 6:37pm

bump for info