Posted by Bob P (129.65.46.87) on November 01, 1999 at 12:00:58:
In Reply to: Verapamil posted by Laurie on November 01, 1999 at 11:41:06:
To answer your questions:
1.) Verapamil 240mg/day is at the low end of the dosage but that doesn't mean it won't work. Most start at the dosage you mention and then work up to 360 or 480. You're going to have to experiment to find out what level, if any, is effective for you.
2.) Drinking again is your call. I persoanally wouldn't touch alcohol during a cluster. If you're willing to take the chance, that's up to you. It is unwise to consume alcohol while taking any kind of medication though.
3.) Verapamil is pretty safe. There's no harm in staying on it for extended periods of time. I stay with it until I think my cluster is over. I then slowly wean off of the medication. If I feel the shadow starting to grow, I go back up in dosage for another week and then try weaning off again.
All of these things should probably be discussed with your doctor. All I'm doing is relating my personal experiences.
Hope this helps.
Bob P