Posted by Doug (no initial) (24.201.185.194) on December 20, 2001 at 08:55:10:
In Reply to: Oh! and by the by what is a calcium blocker? (nt) posted by Fenton on December 19, 2001 at 19:43:03:
Calcium Channel Blockers
How calcium channel blockers work to prevent headache pain is not clearly understood, but researchers feel that these medicines interact with serotonin (5-HT1) receptors. The most prescribed drug in this class for headache prevention is verapamil. Other examples include diltiazem and nifedipine. Sometimes it can take weeks or months for benefits to be seen.
Side effects of calcium channel blockers include low blood pressure, headache, constipation, swelling, nausea, and congestive heart failure. People with certain heart or blood vessel disorders, kidney or liver disease, and other chronic health problems may not be able to take these medicines. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.