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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> ?'s on switching to Verapamil Immediate Release http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1410383731 Message started by koctail on Sep 10^th, 2014 at 5:15pm

Title: ?'s on switching to Verapamil Immediate Release
Post by koctail on Sep 10^th, 2014 at 5:15pm

I have taken Verapamil extended release for years at 480 mg. I upped to 600 mg about a month ago to treat my current cycle.

I have been having a bad cycle lasting 2 months with nightlly/morning ch attacks 2-4x per day. i abort with O2. i have done and still do the d3 anti-inflamm regimen with no results.

I remembered reading that the immediate release verapamil works better in CH patients. I called my dr and he wrote me a Rx for immediate release Verapamil 120mg tablets (ACTAVIS PH) 5 per day 1 in morning 2 in afternoon and 2 at night before bed for a total of 600mg.

what should i expect when switching. should i expect more side effects, swollen ankles...possible dizzyness....blood pressure drop when working out? i experienced some of these a bit on Verapamil extended release, but really I tolerate it pretty well. Curious to know from others that take the immediate release or have switched like i am doing...

thanks,

--mike--

Title: Re: ?'s on switching to Verapamil Immediate Release
Post by Bob Johnson on Sep 10^th, 2014 at 10:30pm

1. I've never read anything which says this will create problems.

2. Stop EXPECING! This easily leads to what mental health types call "anticipatory anxiety", i.e, you can create what you are looking for, anxiety.

If something happens, tell your doc; otherwise, just be cool.

Title: Re: ?'s on switching to Verapamil Immediate Release
Post by Mike NZ on Sep 10^th, 2014 at 11:46pm

I've done the switch the other way around going to the sustained release.

Side effects from the change none, other than enjoying life more as it was more effective for me.

Title: Re: ?'s on switching to Verapamil Immediate Release
Post by koctail on Sep 11^th, 2014 at 12:23pm

Thanks for the advice. I really hope it works. I was out of cycle for a couple years and this bout is kicking my butt. 2 months of daily headaches.

I run twice a week and for the past couple weeks after I run I get an attack. Last nite after I ran I had an attack and must have had 5 more headaches after that and last night. I have had this happen before and know its common after exercise.

Title: Re: ?'s on switching to Verapamil Immediate Release
Post by Bob Johnson on Sep 13^th, 2014 at 10:05am

Heat is one of those little jokes Cluster plays with us! For some, heat (e.g., hair dryer aimed at a hot spot) will reduce an attack.

For others, heat will trigger attacks (as exercise or just being outside on a very hot day). All you can do is learn from what your body tells you.