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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Low dose of Verapamil http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1357937253 Message started by CrankieFrankie on Jan 11^th, 2013 at 3:47pm

Title: Low dose of Verapamil
Post by CrankieFrankie on Jan 11^th, 2013 at 3:47pm

I'm currently on a really low dose of Verapamil, only 80mg (40 in the morning and 40 at night). My neuro didn't want to start me on a high dose because my blood pressure is normally good or even low. My CHs have been greatly reduced to a mild one in the morning and some shadows during the day. However, the dose I'm currently on is already making me super exhausted and I get lightheaded if I stand too quickly. So my question would be if it would even be worth it to increase my dose and risk lowering my bp even more? I can usually handle the morning CH with tylenol but I'm getting worried about taking it every day. I'm going to give my neuro a call on Monday about this, I just wanted to get some opinions on here until i get to talk to him.

Title: Re: Low dose of Verapamil
Post by Bob Johnson on Jan 11^th, 2013 at 4:37pm

You make a good case for not increasing the Verap dose and, I'd add, a better case for stopping any OTC pain med. Regular use can increase the frequency of headaches.

Print the PDF file, below, and use it to discuss alternative preventives with the doc.

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=downloadfile;file=THERAPIES-_Headache_2011.pdf (96 KB | 16 )

Title: Re: Low dose of Verapamil
Post by neuropath on Jan 14^th, 2013 at 5:14am

I agree with Bob. If 80mg achieve a sufficient reduction in your CH intensity there is in my view no need to increase the dosage.

Many people here operate on 480mg or so per day (others need even more) to achieve complete suppression.

It is a sensitive discussion here and elsewhere whether or not Verapamil has the potential to negatively alter the longterm course of CH and though no scientific evidence exists for either argument my personal view is to keep the dosage as low as possible and to taper back off as quickly as is appropriate and feasible.

Good luck

Title: Re: Low dose of Verapamil
Post by CrankieFrankie on Jan 14^th, 2013 at 11:59am

Thanks for your replies. I think I am just going to stick with the dosage I'm on now for a bit and try quitting the Tylenol all together to see if those shadows and pressure I'm experiencing are just rebounds from the OTC medication.

Title: Re: Low dose of Verapamil
Post by GrandPotentate on Jan 20^th, 2013 at 9:50pm

I dreaded going down the path of prevent meds (due to a previous bad course), but it turns out a little Verapamil did wonders for my CH. It sounds like you also were lucky enough to respond favorably. Discuss it with your doc. I hope you can find the balance with neither the CH nor the drugs affecting the quality of life.

I wish you many PF days...