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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Verapamil Taper Question
        
(Message started by: wip5150 on Jul 27^th, 2005, 10:15am)

Title: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by wip5150 on Jul 27^th, 2005, 10:15am

Hello friends.

I've been taking 360 mg a day (120 mg pills X3) of verapamil for about two and a half weeks. The good news is that I've had about a week or so pain free. This cycle has been much longer than my previous cycles (usully 4--6 weeks, this one is on week 17) so I'm not sure if the Beast has just run it's course or if it's the drugs. I still get occasional shadows but I get that when my cycle is on the downwind as well.

So, I'm thinking of tapering the verapamil - any suggestions how I might go about it? I got the perscription from my GP and told me to take the script until the pills run out (about ten days from now). I don't think I want to go cold turkey from what I've read so I could use a little advice from the "not so ready for prime time medical community" here.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by Bob P on Jul 27^th, 2005, 11:22am

My doc tells me to drop 120 mg every 2 or 3 days, so go to 240mg for 2-3 days then 120 for a couple of days, then nada.

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by burnt-toast on Jul 27^th, 2005, 2:23pm

Just my thoughts

Give the Doc. a quick call for her/his advise. May want you to follow through a little longer before tapering off and possibly agrivating the nightmare.

Tom

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by Cooked Brain on Jul 29^th, 2005, 5:26am

Great advice toast! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by wip5150 on Jul 29^th, 2005, 2:03pm

Thanks for the advice - it's much appreciated. I called my doc and he suggested to give it another 5-7 days then taper 120mg every three days and see how I react.

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by Topical on Jul 30^th, 2005, 7:58am

Hi Wip,

What I usually do is wait until I have two solid weeks without any headaches and then will start reducing. That may be why the doc said to wait another week. I get hit about 1-2 times a week while using Verapmil. (Far better than the usual 8-10 times.)

I hope you will stay PF.

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by Kiwiinoz58 on Jul 31^st, 2005, 8:08pm

It's great to hear that Verap works for you Wip and wish I could say the same. I'm chronic and have been taking it for 18 months but still getting attacked. I'm thinking of stopping it as seems a waste of time and money to keep up with something that isn't working.
Hope the good news for you continues,
Cheers,
Jacqs

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by E-Double on Jul 31^st, 2005, 8:18pm

on 07/31/05 at 20:08:09, Kiwiinoz58 wrote:

I'm in the same boat........
What kind of verapamil are ya taking though??
I have noticed a substantial difference since changing from extended release to the regular.
I still get hit but I think the frequency is down ......
Still thinking of detoxing though, just need the balls

Title: Re: Verapamil Taper Question
Post by Kiwiinoz58 on Jul 31^st, 2005, 8:23pm

Hi E,
I take 2 SR 240mg and 1 SR 160mg every morning. That is how my nuero insists I take it as I get hit mostly in the day. But why should we continue taking a drug that is dangerous for our hearts if it's not working? I like you though, am scared to just stop them. Let me know if you find some balls then lend them to me ;;D
Cheers,
Jacqs