Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> verapamil
        
(Message started by: wanna_swap_brains on May 17^th, 2008, 4:09pm)

Title: verapamil
Post by wanna_swap_brains on May 17^th, 2008, 4:09pm

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

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by DennisM1045 on May 18^th, 2008, 8:45am

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-

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by Bob_Johnson on May 18^th, 2008, 10:31am

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.
==============

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.......

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by jon019 on May 18^th, 2008, 11:04am

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

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by LeLimey on May 18^th, 2008, 11:59am

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

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by wanna_swap_brains on May 19^th, 2008, 8:50am

thanks for all replies,so i guess its a switch to the normal release then,who sorts that out ?gp or neuro? stuart

Title: Re: verapamil
Post by barry_sword on May 19^th, 2008, 9:56am

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. ;)