Posted by Victor (24.240.212.38) on December 12, 2001 at 23:39:58:
In Reply to: For Those Who Have Never Tried Verapamil posted by Jack on December 12, 2001 at 20:05:43:
had to be taken to ER via ambulance, that neuro started me off on 480 mg per day, dropped my blood pressure so low, I can't recall if I passed out or not, but was very weak with skipping heart beats.
Verapamil also dried out my mucus memebranes that exacerbated my then chronic CH condition. I feel that my particular brand of CH falls more toward the histaminic rather than the migraine type vascular side.
Prednisone,O2, and very light does of cycobenzaprine, about 5 mg twice a week have been my answers.
Going through shadows now, so far 30 mg of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride that I purchase directly from my pharmacy for $5.95 for a bottle of 100 scored 60 mg pills is working to keep my membranes flowing. Augmented with periodic coatings of Ora Jel for about six bucks a tube. I only had to use my O2 for about five minutes on one occasion several days ago as I felt that bastard coming on again.
I believe wholeheartedly in alternate therapy with prednisone and only take very small doses, now with this shadow, about 5 mg three times per week. With CH's for over 25 years, think I can tell when they are coming on. With a cold or flu, I do not recommend taking any prednisone period.
I absolutely refuse to take any pyscotropic drugs, can't live with the memory loss nor the lack of motor skills, it did cost me a job once.
No need to mention that with the numerous amount of drugs used to treat or attempt to treat CH's, any person can go through a living hell finding not only the drugs that attempt to work, but also in the proper dosage. Just too many different drugs made me chronic without me knowing about it.
I tend to keep my old prescriptions as reminders of what didn't work. I still have a ten year old prescription of verapamil, it's a little wormy now, but if anyone wants it, they can have it.