As with most things, there are huge personal variations but...... If I had to pick an average for the response time to Verapamil, something in the 7-14 day range would likely be typical.

Best to have O2 and another abortive while ramping up on Verapamil.

I personally wouldn't be so concerned about figuring out which treatment (Verapamil or D3) is most effective, as much as I would be concerned with doing everything and anything possible to reduce the frequency of attacks and the intensity level of each attack and ultimately ending your cycle.

Relying solely on the anti-inflammatory regimen AKA D3 regimen is a real gamble.  It may or may not work for you.

Verapamil, while being the #1 prescribed preventative for CH's, has some known side effects which may or may not be of interest to you.  Do your homework and talk with your doctor to decide what preventative treatment is best for your body and your lifestyle.

Definitely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate when on Verapamil.  Also keep in mind that Verap takes a couple weeks to titrate blood levels and is often prescribed for CH's at much high dosages than normally prescribed for other medical reasons.  Dosages higher than 480mg daily, for example, often requires EKG's to make sure your heart is healthy enough.

Transitional meds such as Prednisone are often prescribed in conjunction when starting a preventative med such as Verapamil.  This transition med will give usually provide the patient with a pain free break for a week or more while the Verap is in the slow process of hopefully working.  Do keep in mind that Prednisone has many adverse side effects, so once again; do your homework and speak with your doctor.

The anti-inflammatory regimen has no adverse side effects providing you take enough Calcium to go with it, preferably Citrate form.  Since you mentioned you have a Potassium issue, you should probably ask your doctor how the Vitamins and related dosages recommended within the anti-inflammatory regimen may/not impact you.  If you try it, do make sure to follow the regimen protocol diligently and get your blood tests to compare where you are on Batch's zone charts.

Once your cycle ends, you can always start/stay on the D3 regimen year round and when your next cycle is due and it doesn't arrive, you will know the D3 worked.

PF Wishes 

-Gregg in Las Vegas