I was a sufferer for 30 years until i was diagnosed with cluster headache. I was prescribed Verapamil and have not had 1 headache in 4 years. I have now got my life back thanks to this.

Congratulations, and welcome. We recognize verapamil as a frontline preventative for CHs. As does the medical community. I have been taking verapamil since 1987, starting at 240mg/day with good effect, and after all these years now have to take 640mg/day. Some go as high as 960. Anyway, glad you're doing well. blessings. lance

Great to hear!  :) I had to back off due to heavy side effects, but it did work pretty well while I was on it.

I successfully used verapamil for years, but Little Elvis didn't play well together with ol' Mr. V.

I can't imagine going 30 years before getting a diagnosis. I bet you were over the moon to get an accurate diagnosis at last.

Verapamil is pretty good, I know it works well for me, although I'm sure there is concrete dust in the tablet from it's effect on the digestive system.

Hope you continue to be pain free with it.

As a newcomer to the forum I'm finding this interesting.   What are the downsides to it, besides not being able to eat grapefruit and having to go sparingly on the Red Bull?

Other than the persistent constipation, if my previous reply isn't a "down" side, I don't know what is....

Brew wrote on Sep 6^th, 2012 at 1:55pm:

Other than the persistent constipation, if my previous reply isn't a "down" side, I don't know what is....

Oh I get it now.   :-[

I was in my early 20's when i tried it and man it put "little elvis" into hibernation! :'( The constipation and the ED are the most commonly complained about side effects that are discussed here. Low blood pressure and swollen joints get mentioned less often.

Joe

I can tolerate it without side effects up to 360mg and below.  At times more is needed, but I quickly lower it to 240 when able and that helps my CH activity to behave most of the year, with strong coffee and also oxygen at times.  In the last few years there have been stretches when I can completely discontinue it, but not now.

The only side effect that i have with it is the big "C"...anytime that i go above 480,i get very light headed...other than that,all is good...Lenny

Hi,
Verpamil...i am on it 4 x 80. It works (my pred taper from 80 is now 10 and only 1-2 ch per 2 days, kip5, so it works.) Problem: doc wants me on depakote since i have bipo and i have used it successfully for migraine prevention (they dont seem to get that ch is no migraine).  This could though be solved by going to another doc. But another bigger problem:

I have started to have chest pain in mornings on left side. Have anyone had this with verpamil? I quess its not prednison.. I have been taking verpamil for 5 weeks, started same time with prednison. i posted earlier under my "getting to know ya" thread that i would like to continue verpamil but starting to worry about side effects. Anyway i am curious to know if anyone has been forced to stop verpamil because of chest pains?   

PF wishes :)

A list of side effects is not a statement that 100% of users will have that experience. The listing is required by law and gives experience data ranging from 0.5% and upward.

Wisdom says: use this information to give guidance; look for any changes in you body and consult your doc.

Not wise to exclude using the med based on a possibility which may not affect you.

Chest pains are nothing to mess around with, particularly with verapamil. Call your doc right away. They can do an EKG strip and perhaps even run a blood test to make sure things are OK. Call today, OK? blessings. lance

Thanks Lance, doc called! Said that have to taper off.