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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> verapamil, is it making me bummed out http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1245807370 Message started by jberzins on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 9:36pm

Title: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by jberzins on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 9:36pm

hello, i have been cluster free for a while now, almost a year, but i am taking 360 m of verapamil a day. i have found that i am becoming more and more blah. i have gained a decent amount of weight as well. just wondering if anyone else feels sad most of the time because of verapamil. perhaps i am just trying to find an excuse, just wanted some other input. thanks.

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Iddy on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 10:49pm

I just switched from 100mg of Topamax which I took for the last three years to 240mg of Verapamil.

Lots of things bum me out but for me it is too soon to decide if it is the verapamil.

Let's keep in touch......hope things peerk up.

Iddy :)

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Batch on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 11:11pm

If you're CH free now for almost a year... Why are you still taking an invasive medication? See your doctor about a taper...360 mg of verapamil can blah your heart as well... Ask for an EKG when you call.

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by DennisM1045 on Jun 24^th, 2009 at 6:31am

Batch wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 11:11pm:

That's some good advice Pete.

Most of us try to get off the perscription meds between cycles. There is no need to polute your system when out of cycle.

Good luck...

-Dennis-

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Callico on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 2:59am

Yes. That is my humble opinion based on my own experience. That was not the primary reason I got off of it though. I didn't like the other side effects I got after a long period of time on it, esp when I added Lithium.

I'm with Batch. It may be helpful while you are in cycle, but now that you are out get off of it ASAP. (Consult with your Dr though! Don't just quit!)

Jerry

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Ernie Moss aka Wishbone on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 8:59am

Another side affect is it increases body heat and you can be less tolerate of the Sun which is a real bummer if you enjoy outdoor activities in this summer heat.

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Jimi on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 9:44am

And of course..........don't forget the constipation. ;)

Hi Ernie :)

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Guiseppi on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 10:16am

And of course..........don't forget the constipation.

And we won't even BEGIN to talk about it's effect on our "little Elvis! ;)"

When I'm attack free for a month I begin weaning off my prevent, always keeping the 02 at the ready. Definitely time to start chatting with the doc about getting off the meds!

Joe

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Brew on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 11:45am

Guiseppi wrote on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 10:16am:

What's this "our little Elvis" you speak of?

I'll speak for my own little Elvis, thank you very much. ;)

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by slhaas on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 7:26pm

I never knew about the increased body temperature. That makes sense though as I seem to start sweating a lot more and quicker on Verapamil. It also makes me feel blah, and especially after a while of being on it. I've read about the heart issues, which scare me. I've gained weight on it for sure, and I just dont feel right, but it's better than the headaches. The constipation goes after a while and the "little elvis" seems to have his own opinions on Verapamil... thought they change a lot.

Title: Re: verapamil, is it making me bummed out
Post by Marc on Jun 25^th, 2009 at 8:49pm

Batch wrote on Jun 23^rd, 2009 at 11:11pm:

Just a thought:

Some of us are chronic and our friend Vera is one of the things that really, really helps many of us. Over 10 years for me, with occasional breaks to help it keep working. About 5 years ago, I switched from sustained release to regular and saw a MASSIVE improvement.

I modulate between 240mg and 720mg as required. When it starts to lose effectiveness, I quit for a month or so and never get more than 15 feet from my O2.

BTW: I quit cold turkey all of the time with approval of my Neuro & Cardio guy. They tell me that stopping suddenly can cause hypertensive crisis for people with high BP, not generally for folks with normal BP.

Disclaimer: Your mileage may vary - ALWAYS ask the Doc before changing any medication