Posted by Carl T. (205.179.128.42) on July 27, 1999 at 11:41:10:
In Reply to: Verapamil SR posted by David Chalfant on July 26, 1999 at 09:44:46:
Two cycles ago a neurologist put me on 180 mg verapamil (calan), and it seemed to work within 4 days. Could have been that I was close to the end of the cycle anyway. Didn't have another cycle for two years. Due to messups between my GP and my neurologist (referrals and insurance, grrr) it was almost a month before I got a prescription filled. Once again the headaches were gone within days.
My current cycle started ten weeks ago (two and a half years in between), and I made sure I got the Verapamil as soon as possible. The intensity of the headaches was much less on the drug (about 4-5 on my personal scale) and only once or twice a night...sometimes completely headache-free.
But...last week the headaches started coming with more frequency and more intensity. Also there is the question of whether medications make the cycle last longer (see my posting July 21: Verapamil and the length of cycles, for some good feedback I got from others).
I don't want to dissuade you from Verapamil, because I have found it to provide blessed relief, but I am also finding, personally, that the longer I am on it (and others have found the same thing with other drugs), the less effective it becomes.
Good luck and prayers.