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Topic: verapamil (Read 4814 times) |
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wanna_swap_brains
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hi,been on the prolonged release and got up to 960 mg a day,(attacks less frequent and severe)but gotta dose down coz of side effects,do you need such high doses of normal release to start getting the same kind of results?? thanks stuart
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DennisM1045
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Re: verapamil
« Reply #1 on: May 18th, 2008, 8:45am » |
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I was only able to get up to 240mg of the sustained release formulation. When I switched to the immediate release I was able to get up to 400mg witch worked really well for this cycle.
-Dennis-
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Bob_Johnson
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Re: verapamil
« Reply #2 on: May 18th, 2008, 10:31am » |
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SLOW-RELEASE VERAPAMIL
Dr. Sheftell applauded the protocol for verapamil used by Dr. Goadsby and colleagues, which entailed use of short-acting verapamil in increments of 80 mg. “This method was suggested by Lee Kudrow, MD, 20 years ago as an alternative to slow-release verapamil,” Dr. Sheftell noted.
“I would agree with using short-acting verapamil, rather than the sustained-release formulation, in cluster headache,” he said. “I prefer the short-acting formulation with regard to ability to titrate more accurately and safely. My clinical experience anecdotally demonstrates improved responses when patients are switched from sustained-release verapamil to short-acting verapamil.”
Dr. Goadsby agreed that his clinical experience was similar. “There are no well-controlled, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging studies to direct treatment. This is one of those areas where clinicians who treat cluster headache have to combine what modicum of evidence is available with their own clinical experience,” Dr. Sheftell commented.
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Believe it would be wise to start with a lower dose because the short-acting form will give a harder hit (full dose vs. being spread over time). Your doc should advise.......
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jon019
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Re: verapamil
« Reply #3 on: May 18th, 2008, 11:04am » |
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My experience, back in the day when doc's with no clue except a quick run back to a "book", is that sustained release didna work...
Immediate release (480-960 mg/day depending on cycle) was, and is, life changing...
Regards,
Jon
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LeLimey
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Re: verapamil
« Reply #4 on: May 18th, 2008, 11:59am » |
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As with everything, sustained release works better for some and not for others. You might want to consider either switching formulations or trying a combination of verap and lithium which has been very successful for alot of people too.
Obviously we don't know your medical history but it's something to discuss with your doctor for sure! I hope in the meantime, our experiences help with knowledge so you can have some participation in the decision making process.
Helen
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wanna_swap_brains
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Re: verapamil
« Reply #5 on: May 19th, 2008, 8:50am » |
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thanks for all replies,so i guess its a switch to the normal release then,who sorts that out ?gp or neuro? stuart
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barry_sword
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Re: verapamil
« Reply #6 on: May 19th, 2008, 9:56am » |
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I have both scripts sitting at my Pharmacists, one is the normal 80 mg tablets x 6 daily and the other is the sustained-release that my neuro said I could try as it is easier on my body and only have to take one pill a day.
I think I will stay with the normal Verapamil as it worked for me very well with my last cycle. I am at this point nor ready to change something that works. 
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