does anyone take verapamil?

Posted by bbuck @bbuck, Jun 17 10:39am

Just wondering about the medicine verapamil? I was put on this along with metropolol and couldn't handle it! Called the dr. and they suggested to go off the metropolol and stay on the verapamil. I have no angina on the verapamil, but have times throughout the day that I'm lagging. It feels like I have my foot on the accelerator and the brake is also on;0 Thanks for any input.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Support Group.

Jody aka mojo244 | @mojo244 | Aug 16 11:19am

In reply to @2penelope "My neurologist has just prescribed Verapamil for my chronic migraines. I’ve tried all the preventatives including..." + (show)

Yes I take 180’s twice daily and my wife takes 120 twice daily.
My wife gets approximately 15-20 migraines per month and me, well not so good. I’m migraine 24/7 and also get Botox every 3 months.
My wife also takes Sumatriptan because she is under 60 years old but I’m closing on 63 so I can’t take any type of Triptans because they are known to cause stroke in 60 and older.
I think the verapamil is for blood pressure but it helps reduce the migraine?
I’m approximately a 10 pain for majority of the month and a 7 for the remainder.
Jody

2penelope | @2penelope | Aug 16 8:00pm

In reply to @2penelope "My neurologist has just prescribed Verapamil for my chronic migraines. I’ve tried all the preventatives including..." + (show)

thanks for your comments.

docb99 | @docb99 | Aug 17 5:01am

In reply to @2penelope "My neurologist has just prescribed Verapamil for my chronic migraines. I’ve tried all the preventatives including..." + (show)

Yes. I’ve been using Verapamil ER tablets at night to prevent migraines. I recently went from 180 to 240 tabs.

2penelope | @2penelope | Aug 17 1:46pm

In reply to @docb99 "Yes. I’ve been using Verapamil ER tablets at night to prevent migraines. I recently went from..." + (show)

I hope it’s working for you. I’m on day two. Starting at 40 twice a day. A little nervous until I know what side effect, if any, I’ll get.

docb99 | @docb99 | Aug 17 3:29pm

In reply to @2penelope "My neurologist has just prescribed Verapamil for my chronic migraines. I’ve tried all the preventatives including..." + (show)

Side effects can be light headedness or a little dizziness. Ive used it for decades but as I’m aging and more unsteady on my feet, I’m eager to find an alternative.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 17 3:31pm

In reply to @2penelope "My neurologist has just prescribed Verapamil for my chronic migraines. I’ve tried all the preventatives including..." + (show)

Hello @2penelope

I see that @docb99 and @mojo244 have already responded to your post. I can understand your anxiety about starting a new medication, but it sounds like you are looking for relief and I hope that this med work
I found some information on Cleveland Clinic's website about Verapamil. Here is the link to that information,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20999-verapamil-tablets
From this article, it appears that it widens blood vessels.

What other medications have you tried for your chronic headaches?

2penelope | @2penelope | Aug 17 4:59pm

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @2penelope I see that @docb99 and @mojo244 have already responded to your post. I can..." + (show)

Thanks for that link. I’ve tried all the preventatives, oral and injections, plus the Cefaly device, Botox and trigger point injections. . Most recent was Vyepti infusions for three years. It reduced severity but not frequency. I still get 15-20 headaches a month. So, Triptans have been the one savior. But of course, that comes with rebounds.

I have systemic lupus and remain convinced the migraines are linked. The doctors can’t tell for sure but the timing makes them believe it’s a probable connection.

Oh well in the scheme of life, this could be a lot worse and I’m grateful that I’m able to have a full active life.

Thanks again for your response.

2penelope | @2penelope | Aug 17 5:02pm

In reply to @docb99 "Side effects can be light headedness or a little dizziness. Ive used it for decades but..." + (show)

I’m 77 and a competitive ballroom dancer, so I’m going to monitor this closely. Thanks for your comments.

docb99 | @docb99 | Aug 17 6:10pm

In reply to @2penelope "My neurologist has just prescribed Verapamil for my chronic migraines. I’ve tried all the preventatives including..." + (show)

I’ll add that only the extended release (ER) and only tablets (not capsules) have worked for me. I know that makes no sense, but migraines aren’t sensible.
I had to find this out by trial and error and I use only verapamil ER in tabs. You may be different but I thought it would be helpful to know there are different forms.