Hi all, got some (maybe) weird question.

Im on 480mg Verapamil a day. And i take my 2 tablets every day at 12:00 sharp.

I have noticed my attacks around 12:00 (lets say between 11 and 13) being way more severe then when i get it later or sooner.

So i have 2 questions.

1 Are the attacks around 12:00 more severe because i take my Verapamil then? (i mean, it works for 24hours. But maybe its almost done around 12, so thats why im getting a more severe attack?)

2 Would it be any problem to take 1 tablet (240mg) around 12:00 and the second 12 hours later around 24:00 ? That way i do get my 480mg a day. But not sure if anyone ever tried this?

Tweeg wrote on Feb 19^th, 2010 at 6:21am:

... and the second 12 hours later ...

Verap SR is about a 12 hour thing, that's what I do, works fine.

Kevin_M wrote on Feb 19^th, 2010 at 6:32am:

Tweeg wrote on Feb 19th, 2010 at 6:21am: ... and the second 12 hours later ... Verap SR is about a 12 hour thing, that's what I do, works fine.

Verap SR? What u mean?

On your script bottle, after the word verapamil, there are a pair of capital letters.  SR and ER I guess mean sustained or extended release, about 12 hours.  A shorter acting version has different letters. 

Yeah, i have Verapamil with extended release. But it says the release is 24 hours.

My instructions that came with the script from the pharmacy say, Verapamil ER

down further, under HOW TO USE:  Take this medication by mouth with food, usually once in the morning or every 12 hours as directed by your doctor.

At 240mg a tablet I'd assume "once in the morning" means one tablet, if taking 480mg, I use the "every 12 hours" scheme, works ok.

Took my pillbox. It doesent have any instructions since im taking these for some time now.

The exact name is: Verapamil Rertard.

On instructions found on internet i cant seem to find out if the extended release is supposed to be 12 or 24 hours.

Quote:

i cant seem to find out if the extended release is supposed to be 12 or 24 hours.

Yeah, doesn't mention on instructions either.  While it may well sustain for 24 hours, that period of hits just before taking it may be avoided by dividing the dose, check with your doctor.  Its preventive effect may wane as it tapers to its final length of coverage.  Maybe even a day's activity level might use it up in less time than the intended 24 hours.  I simply don't take that chance.

Dont think ill be able to contact my docter before the weekend.

I guess it wont hurt taking them seperate, 1 at 12:00 and 1 at 24:00. Or is there any risk?

Tweeg wrote on Feb 19^th, 2010 at 7:48am:

I guess it wont hurt taking them seperate, Or is there any risk?

Of course no doctor here.  My script is for 720mg and says take 1 tablet 3 times a day.  Only of my opinion but, I'd sense more risk if I were to take all three at once.

Give a call to your doc when you can to discuss, changing dosage gradually can be important.

Ill call my pharmacy right away. Well, in fact what i would o is not change dose.

I mean, if i take 480 mg at 12 every day.

or 240 at 12 and again at 24:00. Its still 480mg a day.

They told me its better to take them spread over the day to guarantee it keeps wrking for the full 24 hours.

Hope this helps a bit.

I just got my first prescription for verpamil SA 240 mg and mine says to take 1 tablet twice a day

So does mine now :)

First it said 2 tablets once a day.