Posted by Anne (143.52.39.178) on January 04, 2001 at 07:25:03:
I have seen quite a few postings about the effectiveness of this combination for chronic CH sufferers. After 4 years being chronic with very little relief, my husband now has a full remission (for several months so far and still going) which has coincided with taking both lithium and verapamil together at fairly low doses. Previously when he took verapamil on its own it didn't work at all and when he took lithium on its own it stopped working after a few weeks. I have some questions for anyone who has used this combination successfully and would be grateful to get some idea of what to expect. 1) Has the combination been effective for a long time? 2) Has it been completely effective or partially effective? 3) What dosages have been effective and has it been necessary to increase them as time goes on? 4) Has anyone lowered or stopped the medication to see if the condition has improved since starting on it? If so, what happened? If the CH returned, did the medication work again when restarted? I would be grateful for any advice - this blessed relief may not last indefinitely and I'd like to be prepared with help and reassurance! Thanks!