Posted by Chonas (32.97.136.236) on February 20, 2000 at 20:33:07:
In Reply to: My turn in the barrel? posted by Todd on February 20, 2000 at 20:19:42:
What should I avoid while taking verapamil?
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with verapamil. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking verapamil.
• Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.
What are the possible side effects of verapamil?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking verapamil and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· an unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
· shortness of breath (heart failure);
· fainting;
· abnormal behavior or psychosis;
· jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
· swelling of your legs or ankles.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take verapamil and talk to your doctor if you experience
· unusual headache, fatigue, or tiredness;
· insomnia or trouble sleeping;
· vivid dreams;
· hair loss;
· nausea or diarrhea; or
· increased urination.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect verapamil?
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
· cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
· cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
· carbamazepine (Tegretol);
· lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
· theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron, Theolair, Theobid, Elixophyllin, Slo-Phyllin, others);
· rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane);
· phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or
· another heart medication such as propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), atenolol (Tenormin), digoxin (Lanoxin), quinidine (Quinora, Quinidex, Quinaglute), flecainide (Tambocor), disopyramide (Norpace), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), and others.
• You may not be able to take verapamil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with verapamil or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.