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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> verapamil
        
(Message started by: TeeJay on May 20^th, 2008, 7:21am)

Title: verapamil
Post by TeeJay on May 20^th, 2008, 7:21am

I have just started taking verapamil very low dose because I have such low bp to begin with. Here is my question. I feel as if I have spent the day in a pool. The burning eyes and thoart. Now I have awoke with a very stuffy nose and sore thoart. I dont feel sick wondering if could be a side effect. Anyone else had this happen.

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by tnpruby on May 20^th, 2008, 8:52am

:)

Hi there and welcome...

I personally have never had this happen while on verap, It sounds to me like allergies, I dont have a MD LICENSE BUT just my opinion. If anything I feel alot better, Verap opens up vessels in the brain. I am on it 3x day. Def. inform your dr, I found a log helpful on CH during series, see what triggers and such. Try it out, there is alot of trial and error to see what works for you personally during this relentless turmoil. God luck and we're here.... this site rocks [smiley=headbanger.gif]

Sincerely,
Ruby

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by RichardN on May 20^th, 2008, 10:06am

Hi TeeJay & Welcome to Clusterville

No doctor here either, but did use Verap effectively for two years after coming here (2/02). The symptoms you describe aren't usually associated with Verapamil . . . I agree with Ruby . . . see your doc for other causes re those symptoms.

Most reported side-effects of Verapamil are the Verapamil "buzz", usually gone within 45 min or so . . . and some folks (including me) have problems with constipation . . . easily controlled by diet or stool softeners.

Re your low BP. We usually caution people to make sure they monitor BP & HR, especially when upping the dosage. Verapamil (just as a "rule-of-thumb") is usually reported as not having much benefit until you reach 180-240 mg per day. That's how it worked for me . . . when I got to 240 mg, had my first PF day in over a year (had 3 attacks that night, but had 02 to kill them . . . it was a WONDERFUL day). Got as high as 480 mg, then settled on maintenance dose of 360 mg. Stopped altogether 4/04 when my BP & HR got uncomfortably low.

Do you have 02? Miracle abortive for most of us.

Don't discount the water treatment (see "water X 3" . . . link on left). I'm convinced this helps me reduce the frequency/intensity of attacks. It is NOT easy to do . . . but it can work.

Keep reading . . . keep asking.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard