Hi Everyone! Unfortunately I am back after only a 2 month hiatus. This is not normal for me, usually I get a 1 - 2 year break. I don't know what's going on. I started getting shadows a couple of weeks ago and called my neuro for a verapamil script. I have taken verapamil for years with no problem. I didn't take it the last cycle because the cycle before it didn't work, I took Topamax last cycle and it didn't work either. Anyway, I decided to try verap again thinking if I started it early enough it might take effect and knock it out before this cycle really got going. Last night I noticed a rash on my throat and the side of my face, similar to the rash I got when I found out I was allergic to penicillin.

Anyone allergic to Verapamil or could this be from something else? I feel like it is working and I really don't want to stop taking it, but I also don't want to take it if I am allergic and make things worse. Why is the beast always f'ing with me?

My last neuro visit they suggested we try Depakote next but I thought it would be at least a year from now. Anyone have success with it?

Oh, and I have been taking D3 like crazy since Sept, I seem to be the only unfortunate one it doesn't work for.

Valerie

When you are using a number of drugs and in combinations, it's impossilble to tell what is the source of the reaction.

Obviously, working with your doc to sort out thei issues is a must.

Re. Dep: reaction around here has been fairly strong rejection because of the menal confusion/buzzy head which is common.

Print ou the PDF file, below and us to discuss options with your doc.

Does  your doc know that you are on the D3 routine? He must know because, when using different programs for the same issue, you can't tell which is effective. And there are many more drug interactions wich may be associated with the rash.

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Thanks Bob!

update: I couldn't get in to see my neuro so I went to see my family doctor last week. As suspected, I have developed a sensitivity to verapamil and was advised to stop taking it immediately.

The good news is she said I had an ear and sinus infection. The reason it's good news is that is what was causing my "shadows", I was not having any congestion so I didn't know, it was all only on one side, the same side as my normal clusters and felt very similar to the early days of ch. I thought the verapamil was keeping the ch in check. I think I dodged a bullet and am not in cycle. And even better is that I still have hope that the D3 will work as a preventative. After 3 days on an antibiotic, I feel like a new woman. I was in extreme paranonia the last 2 weeks thinking the beast was back so soon. Whew.

So no more Verapamil in my future.

Hey Valerie,

Thanks for the update... Now that you've got the ear and sinus infection under control, there's a few next steps...

Nearly all broad spectrum antibiotics will do their thing in halting bacterial infections, but in the process, they also wipe out most of the beneficial bacterial colonies living in the GI tract. 

These colonies are essential for a healthy immune system and proper digestion so will need to be replaced... or recolonized... Pick up a couple different probiotics and start taking them... Naturally fermented active Greek yogurt and fermented veggies like sauerkraut and fresh kimchi are great ways of starting friendly colonies of GI tract bacteria.

Starting an alkaline forming diet is also a great idea...  Max raw veggies and fruit, nuts, and good cheeses... Blackberries and blueberries are always good for you.  Avoid sugars and processed starches, i.e. bread & pasta.  Cut back of red meat. Fresh fish pork turkey and chicken are always good in moderation.

Regarding the anti-inflammatory regimen, make sure you're taking all the vitamin D3 cofactors with at least 400 to 500 mg/day magnesium.  In addition, don't forget the 3-month course of vitamin B 50.  It can make a difference...  It's also prudent to see your PCP to get a lab test of your serum 25(OH)D, calcium and PTH when you get the opportunity.

Not being able to take verapamil may be a blessing and shouldn't pose a problem...  Calcium channel blockers are not a normal part of human physiology... and only address symptoms, not causes...

Take care and please keep us posted.

V/R, Batch

If you've been on a high dose of verapamil and you've stopped without tapering it down then I'd keep an eye on your blood pressure as it could be affected by the rapid stop. If in doubt, consult your doctor.