does anyone take verapamil?

Posted by bbuck @bbuck, 7 hours ago

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.

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boatsforlife | @boatsforlife | 6 hours ago

Hi @bbuck . I can't speak specifically to verapamil but I see that it is a calcium channel blocker. I've posted this elsewhere but .... Pre-oHCM-diagnosis I was put on metoprolol (a beta-blocker) and instantly could not stay awake. Loved your car analogy but in my case one foot was on the accelerator, the other was on the brake, it was in Park, and the parking brake was engaged! After being awake for about 6 hours, I would literally fall asleep at my desk, in the car, or wherever. I was taken off the metoprolol and put on the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (tiazac, cardizem, and other trade names). The problem disappeared as the metoprolol was flushed out of my system. Have been on the calcium channel blocker diltiazem for years now, including taking it alongside Camzyos for the last couple years, with no problems whatsoever. I'm not nearly clever enough to know why one and not the other, but it might be worth asking your Dr about trying a different calcium channel blocker? Ha! - according to https://www.drugs.com/compare/diltiazem-vs-verapamil diltiazem is actually WORSE for causing fatigue than verapramil. It's also more expensive and has more reports of negative side effects. Yep, check with your doctor, not me. And good luck with it. It was no fun being that tired all the time!

bbuck | @bbuck | 4 hours ago

Thanks for your personal testimony. I'm waiting for my next ECHO to see of any changes. Drugs are confusing, since I understand the beta blocker is supposed to lessen the load on your heart, but for whatever reason, it feels like it's having to work harder to keep me going!?

joyrcc | @joyrcc | 1 hour ago

Yes, I've been on Verapamil 120 CR (2x) a day for about 20 years. I didn't tolerate beta blockers, including metoprolol, even once a day. I felt like I was slogging through thick mud with my BP too low. Ask your doctor if you can take the continuous release as I had to do that to reduce the side effects.
I was just put on Metoprolol 12mg, twice a day in April after my septal myectomy, while still taking the verapamil as before. I was told I might have elevated pressure after the surgery. I've been doing well with my regimen but I may go off it if my pressure stays down.
Just my experience.