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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Re: Question on Verap.
        
(Message started by: Karla on Mar 18^th, 2002, 8:28am)

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by Karla on Mar 18^th, 2002, 8:28am

I do know it was in the 400's I started to experience every side effect known and gave up on the medicine because it was doing nothing for me at the lower dose.

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by Marc on Mar 18^th, 2002, 10:00am

Hi Charles,

My Neuro didn't want me above 425-450 mg, but it wasn't working so I raised it up to 540 mg on my own. Keep in mind I was going in for regular visits so they were watching my BP and heart rate.

Once it kicked in, I tapered it back down to 450 mg for a month, then down to 360 mg where I've been for 1-1/2 years. Every so often, I try to taper down more but I quickly get reminded that I'm still chronic :-/

You will find others on this board who have taken over 900 mg per day, but that will require very close monitoring by your doctor.

We are all different, but I suspect that somewhere around 450 mg Verap along with the Lithium may work wonders for you!

Good luck!

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by nancyc on Mar 18^th, 2002, 6:00pm

Hey, son, where you been???? Missed you..btw, you got mail....about the verap, the first time I took it, I was on 480mg...was pf for about nine months...then the doc took me off of it because I was swelling...ankles and feet and hands...the next time I went back on it, 480mg did nothing for me...so it was upped to 720mg slowly...it did not help...I then lowered it and it helped me some...but not alot...Good to see you back..hope this helps some.. :D ps..i never would have known this post was yours if you had not told me LOL

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by SusanM on Mar 18^th, 2002, 7:18pm

The max dose per day for verapamil is 480mg. However,
at this dose, the side effects occur. I'm experiencing this personally...with the swelling and all. But my attacks are just about gone and it's more like shadows.
Much much much much more liveable than before, but I don't know how long I can tolerate the swelling.
Today, my doc has prescribed Lasix, a diuretic, for the swelling...so I'll try that and see what happens. I am not sure I want to go off of the verapamil until I'm confident this cycle is over.

Sometimes I feel like there is no easy answer...it's a matter of what you can live with.

Hope this helps.

SusanM

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by Mikey on Mar 18^th, 2002, 7:52pm

Hi Charles, I'm am currently on 480 mg of Verapamil along with Depakote,prozac and Lithium 900mg a day.
I have seen minor emprovement but still having 4-5 attacks per day. I've only been on the Lithium for 2 weeks now so maybe it will change soon. My Doc is not wanting to go up on the Verap. because of the swelling I'm already having. Hope this helps some.

Mikey, ;D

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by Ueli on Mar 18^th, 2002, 7:55pm

Charles,

What are the reasons your neuro wont up the Verapamil? Does he not believe what our Pope says, LOL.

Here a quote from Correct management of cluster headaches by Prof Peter Goadsby and Dr Manjit Matharu (http://www.hospital-doctor.co.uk/hd_news/hd_news_article.asp?ID=2498&Section=Feature):

Verapamil is the preventative drug of choice in both episodic and chronic CH. Clinical experience has demonstrated that higher doses than those used in cardiological indications are needed, so outpatient assessment and follow-up is appropriate. The dose is increased until the cluster attacks are suppressed, side-effects intervene or the maximum dose of 960mg daily is achieved.

Maybe you print out above article, mark the quoted passage and show it to your neuro. At least I would be reluctant to take 1350mg of Lithium while still at a very low dose of Verapamil.

PFNAD's,
Ueli

Title: Re: Question on Verap.
Post by RichardN on Mar 19^th, 2002, 11:50am

Hi Charles - - - Doc just put me on Verap (120mg) a month ago. Have an appointment in two hours - - - - will be requesting increas in dosage (180-240). Since on Verapamil, my CHs have reduced from 3-5-7 per day to 2-3 per day. Intensity of most dropped also (Tho' he kicked my butt last night). Alchohol was trigger for me - - -stopped cold 5-6 weeks ago - - - - - water, water,water - - - - - and total change in diet - - - - have cut way back on cigs and know I must quit. I'm chronic (1yr+), but at least have a little hope now. Expect to get some med ox today. Be well and PFDAN to ya' Richard