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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Conflicting info from Docs
        
(Message started by: BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jun 28^th, 2005, 11:30pm)

Title: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jun 28^th, 2005, 11:30pm

I currently take Propranolol for an overactive thyroid and i would like to start taking verapimil again. One doc told me to do a taper off the propranolol for 10 days and then taper into the verapimil in about 5 days. He said its definately not good to either stop propranolol cold turkey, or to take both at the same time for fear that the double blood pressure medication would make my pulse too slow.
I talked to my endocrinologist today and he said its perfectly fine to quit propranolol cold turkey and start up the verapimil immediately. and he said its totally ok to take both as long as i can monitor my pulse and make sure it stays over 60. He didnt say what would happen if my pulse suddenly dropped while i was driving up the highway and i passed out, but i didnt ask.
I take 40mg propranolol 2x daily. want to get on 180mg verapimil 2x daily. anyone know what is the best way to do this?
Thanks
BMonee

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by nani on Jun 29^th, 2005, 10:18am

I would err on the side of caution, if I were you. Rather than both at once, I'd drop one and start the other. JMHO

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by Margi on Jun 29^th, 2005, 10:47am

Bmonee, sounds scary to me, too. Here's a drug interaction database that might help you. You do need to specify what kind of verapamil you're taking - extended or immediate release.

http://www.drugdigest.com/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs

I sure wouldn't stop either drug cold turkey either, if I were you.

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jun 29^th, 2005, 1:09pm

Why would you ask people you don't know, who are not qualified, to make such an important decision for you?

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by vig on Jun 29^th, 2005, 1:16pm

on 06/29/05 at 13:09:54, Bob_Johnson wrote:

Why would you ask people you don't know, who are not qualified, to make such an important decision for you?

"anyone know what is the best way to do this? "
I think they're just soliciting information...
I don't think they're asking us to make the decision FOR them...
my $.02

We're all here to share advice, experiences, and opinions.

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jun 29^th, 2005, 2:49pm

People here have given me 1000% more info than all doctors i have ever met.
hell, I even know more about clusters than any doc i have ever met. I figured rather than ask yet another doc and get a third piece of conflicting info, I'll just ask people who are users of the drugs, and know exactly what i am going through with the clusters.

(Deleted)

PF wishes
BMonee

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by E-Double on Jun 29^th, 2005, 10:08pm

Bob is one of the truly learned people here dude.

If it were just CH meds you might have gotten a different response but you are dealing with other health issues that many will be even less qualified to advise you on.

My 2 beans.

Like with everyting else......RESEARCH!!!!!!

Good luck brother!

E

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by Gator on Jun 30^th, 2005, 9:51am

A lot of doctors don't really understand all the drug interactions or their effects on the body of the meds they prescribe - at least not as well as they think they do. Try talking to your pharmacist and doing some research on your own as well. The link Margi gave you is a good start. Google is an excellent search engine for digging up info as well.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by Ming on Jul 11^th, 2005, 12:03pm

There are also different schools of thought. One doctor I had in Boston tapered me up on verapamil 10mg a day to 180 2x a day. My current doctor put me directly onto 180mg a day and took me off it instantly when the cycle was done. Not that this info helps at all, just figured I would share my sympathy for different opinions from different doctors.

Title: Re: Conflicting info from Docs
Post by burnt-toast on Jul 11^th, 2005, 2:25pm

Use the prescription drug references and then talk with your doctor(s). Propranolol seems to indicate that gradual reduction may be necessary

Talking with a Pharmacist may be a more more effective way to determine if both can be taken together. I often find that because Pharmacists do this for a living they end up being the most informed specialists to go to with drug questions.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
http://www.rxmed.com

Good luck.

Tom