Posted by DocGreg on May 18, 1999 at 00:15:56:
In Reply to: New to BB - but not new to CH posted by Arlene on May 17, 1999 at 20:16:52:
OK, here are a number of possibilities:
1) Continue the verapamil: Constipation is THE major side effect. You could take something at the same time to loosen your stools. There have been a lot of studies about magnesium and the treatment of headaches...and guess what, it gives you loose stools. Used in combination, it might just be the right trick for you. MagCitrate is over the counter, and would definitely loosen you up. Taking magnesium pills would also work, and would be more gentle.
2) Change to another calcium channel blocker: Verapamil is the most constipating of the bunch. Cardizem is also a Ca channel blocker, that also seems to work with clusters (though not as well documented). The incidences of constipation are less.
3) Switch to something else: There have been some benefit shown from beta-blockers (though not as much as in the treatment of migraines). There is no associated constipation with beta-blockers. You could also try lithium, which also does not cause constipation.
4) Maximize your acute treatment: A lot of people take pills containing narcotics for pain relief (Tylenol #3, vicoden, darvocet, percocet, etc) which, without a doubt, constipate the heck out of you. If you are able to treat your headaches with non-narcotics, this may also help your constipation. Depending if you have any heart disease, the triptans (Imitrex, zomig, etc) are VERY effective in aborting headaches. Talk with your doctor.
Hope this helps. Please feel free to write with any questions.
Greg