Posted by (Mr.) Andrea on January 30, 1999 at 13:03:11:
In Reply to: ANY BAD STORIES FROM USING VERAPAMIL? posted by Rich on January 28, 1999 at 01:00:05:
Verapamil
Verapamil. Usual dose is 120 to 240mg, SR, once per day. SR means sustained release. This drug is an dihydropyridine
L-channel calcium channel blocker, similar to other dihydropyridine drugs like nifedipine, nimodipine and diltiazem. Verapamil is
an extremely effective for migraine but it takes about 2 weeks to work. This drug also may be helpful in Menieres disease,
although this has not yet been documented by a controlled study. Nimodipine has been reported to be helpful.
Side effects
About 50% of users develop mild constipation. Sometimes lowers blood pressure but this is generally not a big problem if it is
started gradually. About 1% of users develop palpitations (fluttering feeling in chest). Stop taking this drug if you develop
palpitations. A few individuals develop swelling of the ankles. Verapamil is safe in patients with asthma, and especially good in
patients who also have high blood pressure. Should start with dose mg. roughly = weight of patient.
Precautions and Concerns
If possible, stop verapamil before major surgery as there is some evidence of increased bleeding tendencies. Whether or not
verapamil, like aspirin, prevents stroke is presently unclear. Stop taking verapamil if significant palpitations develop.
There are several concerns about verapamil that should limit its use to situations where its advantages outweigh the risks.
Because of studies suggesting increased mortality from heart disease, verapamil and related drugs in the calcium channel
blocker family are not favored in individuals aged 55 and older. One study suggested an increased risk of cancer (about 2 fold)
in persons taking calcium channel blockers.