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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> next step?  type and dose of V? Lithium?
        
(Message started by: heprat on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 9:17am)

Title: next step? type and dose of V? Lithium?
Post by heprat on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 9:17am

My doctors (neuro and pain management clinic) decided after 4 weeks the topomax probably wasn't working and switched to Verapamil...bingo...first night one K3...then PF. Had to be end of cycle and not the Verapamil. Anyway...after 3 PF nights...bang another full night of attacks. I am totally off the topomax (stopped on Sunday - 2 nights ago) and am only on 120mg of Verapamil. I have also tappered down to 6mg of melatonin at night...not sure if that has helped me at all.

The verapamil seems like very low dosage compared to what others on here are taking. Increase that first?

Go back on the topomax? and stay on the Verap?

I understand there are different types of Verap...tablets and capsules...extended release...what is most commonly used? I have the normal release I guess tablets because that is all the pharmacy had in stock.

What about Lithium? It seems a lot of folks are using it as well. Seems like the down side is it can be toxic and needs blood work to confirm correct levels. What are the other negative side effects? Any positive SE?

Fortunately or not...my neuro sort of lets me steer the ship when it comes to meds. She is real open to discussion and recommendations. I just wish she could write a script for shrooms.

Title: Re: next step? type and dose of V? Lithium?
Post by nani on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 9:26am

Verap and lithium is often a good combo. Lithium levels should be checked regularly with blood tests. I take 360 mgs verap and 150 mgs lithium. I also take Neurontin (which is an anti-convulsant like Topamax). My hits are not as strong with this combo and I could probably go higher with the lith. I'm chronic, so I can only tell you what makes my life a little more livable. Good luck!

Title: Re: next step? type and dose of V? Lithium?
Post by becky8 on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 10:22am

I am also on the verapamil/lithium combo, I take 360mg verapamil and 600mg lithium. I am doing real good so far. Nani and I are both chronics though. Your verapamil is way too low for it to really help most people, maybe you should ask to up the verapamil first and remember it takes several weeks for it to work, I don't have alot of side effects with either drug but everyones different. Good Luck!!

Title: Re: next step? type and dose of V? Lithium?
Post by becky8 on Dec 22^nd, 2004, 10:24am

I take normal release but then you have to remember to take it all day long, alot of people take the extended release, it just depends on you. All the Verapamil is the same (generic or otherwise that I know)