Posted by Sue Keller on May 19, 1998 at 21:18:17:
In Reply to: Re: Verapamil & Prednisone posted by Ray on May 18, 1998 at 22:32:59:
Ken,
I have been on verapamil now for close to five years on a daily
basis, 240 morning, 120 evenings, increasing to 240 evenings when the CH starts. When I was being treated on an
eposodic basis I stopped in between attacks, for the last 3 or 4 years I've been being teated as chronic and as it
was explained to me the verapamil is used to keep the blood vessels on a even keel on a regular basis to try to prevent
attacks. You asked about Prednisone, I also find that to be the only thing that stops these horrible things almost instantly
even though there may be long term side effects, I cannot put my life on hold for 6 to 8 wks at a time when these things start.
I take it for about one month and that's it. Both the verapamil and the prednisone are known for water retention but for me right now
that's the lessor of the evils. Also, untill a week or so ago I was headache free for 2 years, the first time in the last 15. In addition to the
verapamil I take lithium on a daily basis. These things literally put me on hold for the duration of the attacks and I have lost 2 jobs
because of them. For me, if it stops the attacks them I'm using it, I guess if there are to be long term side effects I'll have to deal with
those when and if they happen.
Good Luck!!